Choosing your kid’s first ATV is a huge deal. You’re not just buying a machine; you’re buying their first taste of off-road freedom. Get it right, and you spark a lifelong passion. Get it wrong, and you could be dealing with frustration, or worse, a safety issue. It’s a decision that carries a lot of weight for any parent.
We get it. In our shop, we see parents wrestling with this exact choice all the time. The can am renegade 70 vs polaris outlaw 70 debate is one of the most common for young riders, and for good reason—they are two of the best options on the market.
In this complete guide, we promise to cut through the marketing noise. We’ll break down the real-world differences in performance, safety, handling, and long-term ownership. By the end, you’ll have the confidence and clarity to pick the perfect youth ATV for your family’s next adventure.
At a Glance: Quick Spec Showdown
Before we dive deep, let’s put the key specs side-by-side. Sometimes the numbers tell a big part of the story right away. This is your quick-reference cheat sheet.
Can-Am Renegade 70 EFI
- Engine: 70cc 4-stroke, Air Cooled, Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
- Transmission: CVT, F/N/R
- Front Suspension: Single A-Arm with 4.5 in. travel
- Rear Suspension: Swingarm with 6 in. travel
- Ground Clearance: 8.3 in. (under frame)
- Tires: 17-inch Duro Thrasher
- Safety: Built-in throttle limiter, safety tether cord, neutral/reverse lights
Polaris Outlaw 70 EFI
- Engine: 70cc 4-stroke, Air Cooled, Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
- Transmission: CVT, F/N
- Front Suspension: Single A-Arm with 4 in. travel
- Rear Suspension: Monoshock Swingarm with 4 in. travel
- Ground Clearance: 4 in.
- Tires: 18-inch Wanda
- Safety: Adjustable speed limiter, safety tether, safety flag, DOT-approved youth helmet, training DVD
Engine & Performance: The Heart of the Machine
At first glance, the engines look identical. Both are 70cc, four-stroke, air-cooled power plants. The real game-changer on both models compared to older youth ATVs is the Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI).
No more fiddling with a choke on cold mornings or dealing with a gummed-up carburetor. EFI means reliable starting, smoother throttle response, and better performance in changing elevations. This is a massive benefit for both parents and kids, reducing frustration and keeping the fun going.
Throttle Response and Power Delivery
While both engines are similar, the power delivery feels slightly different. The Can-Am Renegade 70 has a very smooth, linear throttle that’s predictable and easy for a beginner to manage. It builds power gently, which is fantastic for instilling confidence.
The Polaris Outlaw 70 feels a touch more “peppy” right off the line. It’s not aggressive, but the engagement feels a little quicker. This can be exciting for a kid with a bit of experience, but might require a little more initial caution for a true first-timer.
A key difference is the transmission. The Renegade 70 includes a reverse gear, while the Outlaw 70 is forward and neutral only. For tight trails or getting out of a jam in the backyard, having reverse is a significant advantage and teaches young riders better machine control.
Eco-Friendly Off-Roading?
While no gas engine is truly “green,” one of the benefits of modern EFI systems is improved efficiency and cleaner emissions compared to old carbureted models. This is a step towards more sustainable can am renegade 70 vs polaris outlaw 70 trail riding, ensuring better fuel economy and a slightly smaller environmental footprint for the next generation of riders.
Safety First: A Parent’s Top Priority
This is the most important section of our can am renegade 70 vs polaris outlaw 70 guide. Both Can-Am and Polaris have clearly put a lot of thought into safety, which is exactly what you want to see. Here are the best practices for youth ATV safety that these machines incorporate.
Adjustable Speed Limiters
Both models feature an adjustable throttle or speed limiter. This is your number one tool as a parent. You can set the maximum speed to a walking pace (around 10 mph) for a complete beginner. As their skills and confidence grow, you can gradually increase the top speed up to a maximum of 15 mph.
Pro Tip: Set the speed lower than you think they need for their first few rides. Let them master turning and braking before you introduce more speed. It’s much easier to add speed later than to rebuild confidence after a scare.
Safety Tethers and Kill Switches
A safety tether (or lanyard) is a cord that clips to the rider’s wrist or jacket and to a kill switch on the ATV. If the rider falls off, the cord pulls out, and the engine immediately shuts down. This is a critical safety feature, and both machines have it. Never let your child ride without it properly attached.
Included Safety Gear
Polaris gets a huge thumbs-up here. The Outlaw 70 comes with a high-visibility safety flag, a DOT-approved youth helmet, and a training DVD right in the box. This removes some of the guesswork and extra cost for parents, ensuring your kid has the basic safety essentials from day one.
Can-Am doesn’t include these extras, so you’ll need to purchase a quality helmet and a safety flag separately. While this adds to the initial cost, it also allows you to pick a helmet that you know fits your child’s head perfectly, which is arguably the most important piece of safety gear.
Suspension & Handling: Taming the Trail
How an ATV handles bumps and turns directly impacts both the fun and safety of the ride. Here, the Renegade and Outlaw take slightly different approaches.
Front Suspension Breakdown
Both use a single A-Arm front suspension design. It’s a simple, reliable setup for this size of machine. The Renegade 70, however, boasts slightly more suspension travel (4.5 inches vs. the Outlaw’s 4.0 inches). That extra half-inch might not sound like much, but it helps the Can-Am soak up bumps a little more smoothly, providing a plusher ride.
Rear Suspension and Ground Clearance
In the rear, both use a traditional swingarm with a monoshock. Again, the Renegade 70 offers significantly more travel (6 inches vs. 4 inches). This, combined with its much higher ground clearance (8.3 inches vs. 4 inches), makes the Renegade far more capable on uneven terrain. It’s less likely to get hung up on rocks, roots, or trail obstacles.
The Outlaw’s lower stance gives it a very stable, planted feel on flat ground or smooth trails, which can be great for beginners. However, the Renegade’s superior clearance and suspension travel make it a more versatile machine that a child can grow with as they start tackling more challenging trails.
Long-Term Ownership: A Care Guide for Your Youth ATV
Thinking about life after the purchase is smart. Here’s what to expect regarding maintenance and potential issues. This is where we discuss the common problems with can am renegade 70 vs polaris outlaw 70 and how to care for your investment.
DIY Maintenance: What You Can Handle
Both machines are designed for easy basic maintenance. As a DIYer, you can easily handle:
- Oil Changes: Both have easily accessible drain plugs and fill ports. Check your owner’s manual for the correct oil type and interval.
- Air Filter Cleaning: The airbox is easy to get to. Keeping the air filter clean is the single best thing you can do for engine longevity.
- Chain Tension and Lube: A loose, dry chain will wear out quickly. Show your young rider how to check the tension and help you lube it after every wash.
This is a fantastic way to teach kids the basics of mechanical responsibility.
Reliability and Common Problems
Honestly, both of these ATVs are incredibly reliable thanks to their simple air-cooled engines and robust EFI systems. The most common issues we see in the shop are almost always related to neglect, not design flaws.
Things like dead batteries from sitting too long, clogged fuel injectors from old gas, or worn-out chains are the usual culprits. Following a basic can am renegade 70 vs polaris outlaw 70 care guide—using a battery tender, adding fuel stabilizer for storage, and keeping up with chain maintenance—will prevent 99% of problems.
The Final Verdict: A Can Am Renegade 70 vs Polaris Outlaw 70 Guide
So, after all that, which one should you buy? There’s no single right answer, but we can give you a clear recommendation based on your specific needs and priorities.
Choose the Polaris Outlaw 70 if:
- You’re on a tighter budget. The Outlaw’s lower MSRP and included helmet/flag package offer incredible value.
- Your child is a true first-timer. Its lower stance and slightly less suspension travel create a very stable, non-intimidating platform for learning the basics on flat ground.
- Simplicity is key. The lack of a reverse gear means one less thing for a young mind to process while they’re learning to steer and use the throttle.
Choose the Can-Am Renegade 70 if:
- You plan to ride on varied, bumpy trails. Its superior suspension travel and massive ground clearance advantage make it a far more capable and comfortable machine on actual trails.
- You want a machine they can grow into. The added capability and the inclusion of a reverse gear mean the Renegade will continue to challenge and serve your rider as their skills progress.
- You value convenience. That reverse gear is a lifesaver for getting out of tight spots without you having to get off your own machine to pull them out.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Can Am Renegade 70 vs Polaris Outlaw 70
What is the recommended age for these ATVs?
Both the Renegade 70 and Outlaw 70 are designed for riders aged 6 and up, with adult supervision. However, a child’s size, strength, and maturity level are more important than their age. Always ensure they can comfortably reach and operate all controls before letting them ride.
Can I make these ATVs faster?
These models are electronically limited to a top speed of 15 mph for safety. While aftermarket modifications exist, we at FatBoysOffroad strongly advise against defeating these safety features. The chassis, brakes, and suspension are not designed for higher speeds, and doing so creates a significant safety risk for a young rider.
Which ATV is more reliable?
Both models are built by top-tier manufacturers and are exceptionally reliable when properly maintained. Neither has a significant advantage over the other in terms of engine or chassis durability. Reliability will come down to following the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual.
Ultimately, the choice between the can am renegade 70 vs polaris outlaw 70 comes down to a few key differences. Both are fantastic machines that will safely introduce your child to the world of off-roading. Take a look at your budget, where you’ll be riding, and your child’s personality, and you’ll make the right call.
Happy trails, and ride safe!
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