Polaris Can Am Side By Side - Your Definitive Buyer'S & Care Guide

Step into any off-road park, and you’ll hear the same debate echoing from tailgates to campfires: Polaris or Can-Am? It’s the biggest rivalry in the dirt, the heavyweight championship of the UTV world. You’ve probably found yourself caught in the middle, trying to sift through brand loyalty and marketing hype to find real answers.

We get it. Choosing between these two giants—or figuring out how to properly care for the one you own—can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re cutting through the noise.

This is your ultimate polaris can am side by side guide. We promise to give you the straight scoop from a technician’s perspective. We’ll break down the core differences between the brands, compare their flagship models head-to-head, walk you through critical maintenance, and highlight common problems to watch for. Let’s get you dialed in.

The Great Debate: Understanding the Polaris vs. Can-Am Philosophy

Before we dive into specific models, you need to understand what makes each brand tick. They both build incredible machines, but they come at it from slightly different angles. Think of it as the difference between a master craftsman and a performance engineer.

Polaris: The Rider-First Innovator

Polaris has built its empire on being the everyman’s brand. They are masters of creating machines that are intuitive, comfortable, and exceptionally capable on the trail. Their motto is “Rider-First Innovation,” and it shows.

You’ll often find Polaris leading the pack in comfort and suspension technology that focuses on soaking up trail chatter. They built their reputation with the RZR lineup, which arguably created the sport UTV market. Their Ranger series is also the gold standard in the utility segment for a reason—it just works.

Can-Am (BRP): The Performance-Driven Powerhouse

Can-Am, part of Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), lives and breathes performance. Their approach is often more aggressive, pushing the boundaries of horsepower, speed, and suspension travel. They aren’t afraid to be bold and in-your-face with their styling and engineering.

The Can-Am Maverick X3 completely upended the sport market with its supercar-like cockpit and massive suspension travel. They often prioritize raw power and a high-octane driving experience. If you’re the kind of driver who wants to feel every bit of a machine’s power, Can-Am is speaking your language.

Head-to-Head: Comparing Flagship Models

Talk is cheap. Let’s put some of the most popular models from each brand in the ring to see how they stack up. This is where the real polaris can am side by side comparison happens.

The Wide-Open Warriors: Polaris RZR Pro R vs. Can-Am Maverick R

This is the battle of the baddest machines on the planet. These are 77-inch wide, mega-travel monsters built for desert racing and dune shredding.

Polaris RZR Pro R: Its claim to fame is a massive 2.0-liter, naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine. This gives it incredible throttle response and a sound unlike any other UTV. The MaxLink trailing arms and Walker Evans shocks provide a famously plush ride over brutal terrain.
Can-Am Maverick R: Can-Am answered with a 240-horsepower turbocharged Rotax engine mated to a seven-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT). There’s no CVT belt here. The tall-knuckle suspension design is a radical departure, promising superior handling and stability.

The Verdict: The Pro R is for the driver who loves motor-feel and a buttery-smooth ride. The Maverick R is for the tech-savvy speed demon who wants lightning-fast shifts and cutting-edge chassis dynamics.

The All-Around Trail Kings: Polaris RZR XP vs. Can-Am Maverick X3

This is where most trail riders live. These 64-inch wide machines are the perfect balance of power, agility, and trail-legal width.

Polaris RZR XP: The all-new RZR XP platform focuses on durability and comfort. It features a stronger chassis, improved cooling, and a more comfortable cab. It’s a refined machine built to take a beating on tight, wooded trails all day long.
Can-Am Maverick X3: The X3 has been the king of this class for years. Its low-slung seating position, impressive suspension travel, and potent turbo engine make it an absolute riot to drive. It feels aggressive and connected to the trail.

The Verdict: The RZR XP is the reliable, comfortable workhorse that will get you anywhere. The Maverick X3 is the high-energy sports car that begs to be pushed harder.

A Polaris Can Am Side by Side Guide to Pre-Ride Checks

No matter which color you bleed, a reliable machine is a well-inspected machine. Doing a 5-minute walk-around before every ride is one of the most important polaris can am side by side best practices. It can save you from a long walk back to the truck.

Tires & Wheels: Check your tire pressure—it’s critical for handling and preventing flats. Grab each wheel and check for any play or looseness, which could indicate a bad wheel bearing or ball joint. Glance at your lug nuts to ensure they’re all there and look tight.
Fluids: This is non-negotiable. Pull the dipstick and check your engine oil level. Then, check your coolant level in the overflow reservoir. A quick glance at the brake fluid reservoir is also a good idea.
Chassis & Suspension: Do a quick visual scan of your A-arms, trailing arms, and radius rods. Look for any bent, cracked, or damaged components. Check a few key suspension bolts to make sure they are tight.
Controls & Drivetrain: Make sure your shifter moves smoothly through all gears. Take a peek at your CVT belt housing (if visible) for any signs of damage. Most importantly, check your air filter. A dirty air filter can destroy an engine in dusty conditions.
Safety Gear: Check your lights, horn, and brakes before you get going. And always, always make sure your harnesses or seatbelts are in good working order.

Common Problems with Polaris Can Am Side by Side Machines

Every machine has its quirks. Being aware of them is part of smart ownership. Here are some of the most talked-about issues for both brands. This isn’t to scare you, but to empower you with knowledge.

Polaris Pain Points

Polaris machines are generally robust, but there are a few things to keep an eye on. This knowledge is key to a good polaris can am side by side care guide.

Carrier Bearing: The driveshaft carrier bearing is a known wear item, especially on longer, four-seat models. You’ll know it’s going bad when you hear a rattling or vibration from the center console area. Aftermarket options like a P-Drive or Sandcraft bearing are popular upgrades.
Voltage Regulator: On some models, the voltage regulator can be prone to failure, leading to charging issues. If your battery keeps dying, this is a prime suspect.
Bushings: A-arm and suspension bushings are a normal wear item on any UTV. Polaris OEM bushings can wear out relatively quickly with hard use. Upgrading to aftermarket Delrin or UHMW bushings is a common and worthwhile modification.

Can-Am Caveats

Can-Am’s focus on high performance can sometimes lead to different kinds of issues under extreme stress.

Drivetrain Stress: The sheer power of modern Can-Ams puts immense stress on differentials and axles. While strong, aggressive driving can find the weak points. Smart throttle control is key.
Cab Heat: Due to engine and exhaust placement, some Can-Am models, particularly the X3, can generate a significant amount of heat in the cabin. Aftermarket heat shields and insulation kits are a popular fix.
Complex Electronics: Features like Smart-Lok differentials and advanced digital dashes are amazing, but they can sometimes lead to electrical gremlins that are harder to diagnose than a simple mechanical issue. Keeping connections clean and dry is crucial.

Benefits of a Well-Maintained Polaris Can Am Side by Side

Following a solid maintenance routine isn’t just about preventing breakdowns; it’s about enhancing your entire off-road experience. Understanding the benefits of polaris can am side by side care is what separates a good owner from a great one.

Reliability and Peace of Mind

This is the big one. There is no worse feeling than being stranded miles from the trailhead with a broken machine. Regular maintenance—changing fluids, inspecting your clutches, checking bolts—is your best insurance policy against a ruined weekend.

Performance and Longevity

A clean air filter allows your engine to breathe. Fresh oil protects vital internal components. A healthy CVT belt transfers all that power to the wheels efficiently. Proper care ensures your machine performs at its peak, not just today, but for hundreds of hours to come.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Off-Roading

Part of being a responsible rider is protecting the trails we love. A well-maintained machine is a sustainable polaris can am side by side. It doesn’t leak oil or coolant onto the ground. Properly inflated tires minimize trail impact. This is how we ensure these riding areas stay open for future generations. It’s the core of being an eco-friendly polaris can am side by side owner.

Frequently Asked Questions About Polaris Can Am Side by Side

Which brand is better for a beginner?

Generally, Polaris is often recommended for beginners. Machines like the RZR Trail or Ranger series tend to have more predictable handling and a smoother power delivery, which can be less intimidating for a new rider.

How often should I change the oil in my side-by-side?

Follow your owner’s manual, but a good rule of thumb is every 50 hours or 6 months for the average trail rider. If you ride in extremely dusty, wet, or high-load conditions, you should change it more frequently. The first break-in oil change around 25 hours is the most important one—do not skip it.

Are aftermarket parts better than OEM for Polaris and Can-Am?

It depends on the part. For some items, like suspension bushings, carrier bearings, and radius rods, the aftermarket often offers a more durable solution. For critical engine components or sensors, sticking with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts is often the safest bet.

What’s the single most important maintenance tip for a UTV?

Keep your air filter clean. We can’t stress this enough. A UTV engine ingests a massive amount of air, and in dusty off-road environments, the filter is the only thing protecting it from dirt. A compromised filter can lead to catastrophic engine failure in a single ride.

Ultimately, the choice between Polaris and Can-Am comes down to you: your riding style, your priorities, and what you want from a machine. Both brands build world-class side-by-sides that will deliver incredible adventures. The best machine is the one that’s well-maintained and ready for the trail.

So do your research, take a test drive if you can, and make an informed choice. Then, use this guide to care for it like a pro. Get out there, get dirty, and ride safe. We’ll see you on the trails.

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Thomas Corle

Founder & Automobile expert at FatBoysOffroad

Automobile expert and off-road enthusiast, sharing in-depth knowledge of vehicles, gear, and adventures. Helping readers make smart decisions and enjoy the thrill of off-roading safely and confidently.