Stepping into a Can-Am dealership can feel like walking into a candy store for adrenaline junkies. The floor is packed with incredible machines, but the names can sound like a secret code: X3 X rs Turbo RR, Maverick R, Sport X rc 1000R. You know you want one, but the sheer number of options is overwhelming. We hear you. It’s a common hurdle for anyone ready to hit the trails.
At FatBoysOffroad, we promise to be your expert translator. We’re here to cut through the noise and give you a clear, no-nonsense breakdown of the entire Maverick lineup. This isn’t just a list; it’s a roadmap to finding the perfect side-by-side for your budget, your terrain, and your thirst for adventure.
In this complete what are the can am maverick models guide, we’ll explore the four main families—the Trail, Sport, X3, and the new R. We’ll decipher the trim packages, highlight key differences, and give you the practical knowledge you need to choose with confidence. Let’s get you dialed in.
The Core Maverick Families: Finding Your Starting Point
Before we dive into the alphabet soup of trim packages, you need to understand the four fundamental pillars of the Maverick lineup. Think of these as the starting point for your decision. Each family is purpose-built for a different type of terrain and rider.
Your first question shouldn’t be about horsepower, but about where you’ll be riding. Answering that will immediately narrow your choices.
- Maverick Trail: The nimble explorer, built for tight, wooded trails where 50-inch width restrictions are common.
- Maverick Sport: The versatile all-rounder, balancing agility with power for a huge range of conditions.
- Maverick X3: The legendary desert slayer, designed for high-speed runs in wide-open spaces like dunes and deserts.
- Maverick R: The undisputed apex predator, offering cutting-edge technology and horsepower for those who demand the absolute pinnacle of performance.
The Apex Predator: The Can-Am Maverick R
Let’s start with the king of the hill. The Maverick R is Can-Am’s latest and greatest, a ground-up redesign that pushes the boundaries of what a sport side-by-side can do. It’s an absolute monster, and it’s not for the faint of heart.
Who is the Maverick R For?
This machine is for the hardcore enthusiast who wants the best of the best and is willing to pay for it. Think desert racers, serious dune shredders, and riders who need to have the most technologically advanced rig on the trail. If your motto is “go big or go home,” the R is your machine.
Key Specs & Features
The spec sheet reads like a gearhead’s dream. The headline feature is the 240-horsepower Rotax 999T engine. But the real game-changer is the seven-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT). No more CVT belts—just lightning-fast, paddle-shifted gear changes. Combine that with a revolutionary tall-knuckle suspension design, and you have a machine that stays incredibly stable and planted over brutal terrain.
Common Packages (R, R X, R X rs)
Even the “base” Maverick R is a top-tier machine. As you step up to the X and X rs packages, you’re primarily upgrading the suspension and tech. The top-dog Maverick R X rs with Smart-Shox features semi-active suspension that adjusts hundreds of times per second, providing an unmatched ride. It’s pure magic over whoops and rocks.
The Legend Continues: The Can-Am Maverick X3
Before the R came along, the Maverick X3 was the undisputed king of high-performance. It’s still an incredibly potent and relevant machine that dominates dunes and deserts across the country. For many riders, the X3 platform offers the perfect blend of power, travel, and value.
The X3’s Domain: Dunes, Deserts, and Wide-Open Spaces
The X3 was born for speed. With its long wheelbase, impressive suspension travel (up to 24 inches!), and powerful 200-horsepower Rotax ACE Turbo RR engine, it floats over rough terrain that would swallow other machines. Its low-slung, aggressive seating position makes you feel connected to the machine as you fly across the sand.
Understanding the X3 Trims (DS, X rs, X mr, X rc)
This is where the letters get confusing, but it’s simple once you crack the code. This is how to understand what are the can am maverick models within the X3 family:
- DS Turbo: The “Desert Storm” is your entry point to the 64-inch wide X3 world. Great performance for the price.
- X rs Turbo RR: This is the 72-inch wide “Race Special.” It’s the most popular model for desert and dune riders, offering maximum stability and top-tier FOX Podium shocks.
- X mr Turbo RR: The “Mud Racer.” This model comes factory-equipped with snorkels, a lower gear ratio, and mud-specific tires to conquer the deepest mud bogs.
- X rc Turbo RR: The “Rock Crawler.” It features a locking front differential, higher ground clearance, and a winch to tackle technical, rocky trails.
2-Seat vs. 4-Seat (MAX Models)
Nearly every X3 trim is available in a 4-seat “MAX” configuration. The longer wheelbase of the MAX models provides an even smoother ride in high-speed chop and, of course, lets you bring friends and family along for the ride.
The All-Rounder: The Can-Am Maverick Sport
What if you ride a little bit of everything? You need a machine that’s comfortable on fast fire roads but still nimble enough for wooded trails. That’s the Maverick Sport. It hits the sweet spot between the narrow Trail and the wide-open X3, making it a true do-it-all rig.
Why Choose a Maverick Sport?
The main benefit of the Maverick Sport is its versatility. At 60-64 inches wide, it’s stable at speed but not too wide for most trail systems. Its 100-horsepower Rotax 1000R V-Twin engine provides plenty of punch, and the ride quality from the FOX shocks is excellent for a day on the trails. It’s the jack-of-all-trades in the Maverick lineup.
Key Features & Packages (DPS, X xc, X mr, X rc)
The Sport lineup mirrors the X3’s specialty packages, just on a slightly smaller scale. The base DPS (Dynamic Power Steering) is a fantastic starting point. From there, you can specialize:
- X xc: The “Cross Country” model is built for aggressive trail riding with better shocks and beadlock wheels.
- X mr: A 64-inch wide mud machine with snorkels and mud-ready tires.
- X rc: A 64-inch wide rock crawler with a locking front diff and higher-clearance A-arms.
The Trail Tamer: The Can-Am Maverick Trail
For riders in the Northeast, Midwest, or any area with tight, tree-lined trails, width isn’t just a number—it’s a gatekeeper. The Maverick Trail is specifically designed to meet the common 50-inch width restrictions on many public trail systems, allowing you to go where wider machines simply can’t fit.
Built for the Woods: The 50-inch Advantage
This is the Maverick Trail’s superpower. Being able to legally access restricted trail networks opens up a whole new world of exploration. It’s incredibly agile, darting between trees with ease. If your riding world is defined by tight corridors, this is your machine.
Maverick Trail Models (Base, DPS)
The Trail lineup is much simpler. It’s built around a capable 700-class, 52-horsepower engine. The main choice is between the base model and the DPS package, which adds Dynamic Power Steering. We strongly recommend the DPS model; power steering is a must-have for navigating tight, technical terrain all day long.
What Are The Can-Am Maverick Models: A Practical Care Guide
Choosing your Maverick is just the beginning. Understanding how to care for it is key to years of fun. This is our essential what are the can am maverick models care guide, packed with best practices to keep your machine running strong.
Pre-Ride Inspection: The Most Important Habit
Before every single ride, take five minutes to do a walk-around. It’s the single best thing you can do to prevent a breakdown on the trail. Check your tire pressure, look for any fluid leaks, check your engine oil and coolant levels, and give key suspension bolts a quick visual check to ensure nothing has come loose.
Common Problems with Can-Am Maverick Models
Like any high-performance vehicle, Mavericks have a few things to keep an eye on. CVT belts are a wear item, especially on turbocharged models like the X3. Learn how to inspect your belt and carry a spare and the Can-Am CVT belt change tool. Suspension bushings and wheel bearings will also wear out over time, especially if you ride in mud and water. Listen for clunks or look for excessive play in your wheels.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Riding Practices
Being a responsible off-roader is part of the fun. Follow Tread Lightly! principles by staying on designated trails and crossing water at designated points. When performing maintenance, use a drain pan to catch all fluids and dispose of them properly at an auto parts store or local recycling center. Using eco-friendly what are the can am maverick models cleaning products can also help minimize your impact. It’s all about leaving the trails better than you found them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can-Am Maverick Models
What’s the difference between a Can-Am Maverick and a Defender?
The Maverick is a sport side-by-side built for performance and recreation. The Defender is a utility side-by-side built for work, with a large dumping cargo bed, more towing capacity, and a focus on torque over top speed.
How often should I service my Can-Am Maverick?
Always follow the owner’s manual. There’s a critical break-in service after the first 25 hours. After that, typical service intervals for oil changes are every 100 hours or once a year, but you should check your fluids before every ride.
Are Can-Am Mavericks reliable?
Yes, modern Can-Am Mavericks are very reliable machines when properly maintained. Like any high-output engine, they require you to stay on top of your service schedule. The vast majority of issues arise from neglect or improper modifications.
What does “X rs” or “X mr” mean in the model name?
It’s Can-Am’s code for the vehicle’s specialty. Generally, “rs” stands for Race Special (wide stance, big shocks), “mr” stands for Mud Racer (snorkels, mud tires), “rc” stands for Rock Crawler (locking diff, high clearance), and “xc” stands for Cross Country (trail-focused performance).
Choosing the right Can-Am Maverick comes down to being honest about where and how you ride. Don’t buy a 72-inch wide Maverick X3 if all your local trails are 50-inch restricted. By matching the machine to your environment, you’re setting yourself up for an incredible ownership experience.
Now you have the map to navigate the showroom floor. Go take a test ride, ask questions, and pick the rig that puts the biggest smile on your face. Get out there, stay safe, and have a blast on the trails!
- Can-Am Outlander Years To Avoid – A Mechanic’S Guide To Buying Smart - November 30, 2025
- Polaris Sportsman 570 Vs Can Am Outlander 700 – The Ultimate Off-Road - November 30, 2025
- Can Am Outlander Fuel Pump Problems – Your Complete DIY Diagnostic & - November 30, 2025