Can-Am Defender vs Polaris Ranger: Which is Better?

Can-Am Defender & Polaris Ranger are without doubt the two most popular machines that are available today. Both of these manufacturers have made some changes.

Let's see if what they got is the right machine for you or whatever you need it for for the farm, for the yard for trail riding, whatever you want. 

Can-Am Defender Overview
Polaris Ranger Overview
Final Thought
FAQ

 

Can-Am Defender Overview

Can-Am Defender is a newcomer to the UTV arena. However, undoubtedly Can-Am has done a great job of letting everyone get what they want. Up to 18 choices here. The Defender is a practical design for farmers, ranchers, and hunters. t is a versatile workhorse. Its chassis and powertrain are rugged enough to handle a variety of conditions.

Power

Industry-leading torque, quieter ROTAX engine. Break-in periods, early maintenance, and frequent valve adjustments are a thing of the past. Power unit design provides a better riding experience with less noise and vibration. It has a horsepower of over 52.  While our riding on the X3 was primarily off-road, the vehicle performed well on other terrains as well.

Comfort

Although comfort might not be the first choice element when picking up a UTV. But you can rest assured that the Can-Am Defender offers plenty of room in the cab for everyone. The intuitive cockpit features optimized visibility, additional lateral support, and reinforced seat skins for easy entry and exit. Bottom hooks, flip-up seats, and an adjustable driver's seat? You have those, too.

Utility

With a more rugged construction that allows you to go beyond your daily tasks, the Defender is the most capable Can-Am Side-by-Side job. It gets the job done right in the workplace, on hunting trips, in agribusiness, and wherever you need it.  Can-Am is known for its ability to generate numerous jobs from a single endeavor.

The defender's parts can all perform multiple functions. It's one of the most significant aspects of almost this UTV and progression and flexibility at their best.

Towing capacity

The engine, chassis, driver assistance, work modes, and suspension work harder than any other side-by-side. The Defender can tow up to 2,500 pounds (1,134 kg), while the Defender 6x6 has an industry-leading 3,000 pounds (1,360 kg) towing capacity. Nothing is out of your reach. With an extended wheelbase and excellent foothold, you can transport anything from here to there.

Multiple appearance options

There are 18 different settings to choose from, including other seating options, with different recommendations for different uses. Can-Am has not removed any details. The consideration of details has been well thought out. Conveys all the work-ability you want and the outstanding entertainment highlights you need. The execution here exceeds your expectations.

 

Polaris Ranger Overview

Polaris Ranger has a more extended history than Can-Am Defender. In fact, the original Rangers came out over twenty years ago. They are the actual worker, which is incredible for forests and farms. Anyone who might need a rugged machine with traction, towing power, and a strong backbone will choose the Polaris Ranger.

Power

Polaris Ranger is a groundbreaking lineup for the hunter, farmer, landowner, and trail rider. It is built for those who seek adventure at every turn or are driven to get more done in a day. Polaris Ranger has power steering for the smoothest, most powerful electronic power steering system available for Polaris Ranger. Variable assist steers more easily at lower speeds and provides greater responsiveness at higher speeds. Keeps you riding all day with less fatigue.

Appearance

If you compare it to other UTVs, you might find that the nearly Polaris Ranger has a more streamlined body style. It has a strong and capable appearance while still flowing gracefully across all surfaces. If you are considering a full cab, the Polaris cab is ten times better than the can-am.

Utility

While the Ranger Mid-Size, Ranger Full-Size, and Ranger Crew versions are designed for utility applications, where there's work to be done, there has to be an option for play - and the Ranger is no exception. While you won't achieve the same pulse-pounding speeds as behind the wheel of the RZR, the Ranger is built with the necessary features to both provide an afternoon of fun for the rider and a 40-hour work week on the farm.

Comfort

The Ranger's comfortable shape and spacious cab have always been the best inside the UTV. The improved Pro Shield cab seal ensures better weather protection and less dust intrusion, so you can enjoy all-day comfort in rain, snow, sleet, and dusty riding conditions. 

This is an area where the Ranger excels. Your dealer can help you with that - Ranger has hundreds of available accessories, including fully enclosed cab kits!

Cargo

The interior features a reversible seat to uncover the large-capacity cans. There's too much capacity under the dashboard. With 6 container racks, you'll never run out of places to put things. It has plenty of leg room, and the finished floor will grip your boots nicely. 

The vehicle's cargo space can be expanded with the help of a cargo bed extender, and additional towing capacity can be provided by installing a hitch receiver and a trailer hitch in the vehicle's rear. These vehicles can carry either two or four people, making them ideal for transporting a hunting party to a lease, an igloo to a fishing hotspot, or a family of four to a campground for the weekend.

Final Thought

So now you've seen the lineup. With so many choices, choosing your next UTV is never easy.  That‘s why we offer you the two types of the machine's overview for you.

For years, Polaris Ranger has been an industry leader. It takes something special to knock it off its perch. Perhaps the Can-Am Defender has everything it needs. It matches the Ranger in terms of performance and maximizes storage capacity with creative solutions in the cab. You also get more flexibility with the Defender. 

Both have their benefits; you can use them all week at the job site or around the farm and still enjoy them on weekend trail rides. Hunters like how quiet they are and how much cargo they have. Both will get the job done on any given day and keep you entertained all weekend; however, it's not hard to see how the Can-Am Defender would do better in this competition.

FAQ

Is Can-Am better than Polaris?

Overall, Can-Am is more adaptable to a higher speed. It performs better within the two types of machines. If you're the speed-chasing type, you can find lots of fun driving Can-Am. However, what Polaris specializes in is making an all-terrain vehicle. So, it is a better choice if you need a real UTV for farm work or construction.

How long do Polaris Rangers last?

If you can take good of them, they can last to around 5000 miles. Like other machines, if you don't use your Polaris Ranger with abusive or let it work unrestricted. It will last a long time. Polaris is made for the outdoors. That's why they can endure the massive impact on the road. 

How do you make a Can-Am defender go faster?

One of the simplest ways to increase the top speed of a Can-Am Defender – whether an XMR, an HD8, an HD10, or anything in between – is to reflash the Electronic Control Module (AKA the Electronic Control Unit, ECM, or ECU).

What are the different Can-Am Driving Modes?

ECO mode (if equipped) provides the most refined throttle response and the greatest fuel economy. All of the available power will be unlocked with additional throttle travel.

WORK mode (if equipped) provides maximum power and a more refined throttle response for navigating the workplace.

Normal mode: More exciting than ECO, it's the best mode for the most off-road conditions.

SPORT MODE (if equipped): The most engaging throttle response and performance - please be advised that ear-to-ear grins may result.