When Can-Am entered the SXS market, it presented the innovative Commander that succeeded in combining utility and recreational uses. Lately, it benefited from a general overhaul to effectively face the Polaris General and Yamaha Wolverine RMAX niche.
The Commander comes back with a new body that inspires strength and high off-road capacities. The large 28-inch tires that clear the fenders give this impression of power, just as the high headlights design, the hood air intake, and the side wedge line like the Kawasaki Teryx KRX. In short, the general presentation of the vehicle is a success.
The Commander has a spacious cabin with comfortable seats designed for long rides. Passengers will be well protected from the projections of the large tires thanks to the standard full doors. The instrument panel gives all the necessary information to the driver, and the controls are intuitive and easy to operate even with gloves on. There are several storage spaces onboard, including a closed glove box in front of the passenger, in the central console, in front of the driver, and on the side of the cargo bed (passenger side). Can-Am has also provided a prominent space in the dashboard’s center to install a tablet or a GPS.
The machine is powered by the Rotax 700, a 52 horsepower single cylinder liquid cooled engine, or by the Rotax 1000R, a V-twin that delivers 100 horsepower. All Commanders have all-wheel drive and the Smart-Lok front differential as standard. The tri-mode power steering is also standard. The innovative suspension is designed to limit the dive of the vehicle. It is a double A-arm at the front and Torsional Trailing Arm (TTA) with a sway bar at the rear. Well planted on its big wheels, the Commander has a ground clearance of 13 inches.
Knowing the recipe for specialized versions, Can-Am presents its Commander in a 2 or 4 passenger version and are available in four trim levels:
- The Commander DPS with standard power steering. The buyer can choose between the 700 cc or 1000 cc engine
- The XT version adds 14-inch aluminum rims with 28-inch XPS Trail tires, roof, front bumper, 4,500 lb winch, more extensive LED dashboard, and decorative LED accents. The 1000R engine is optional.
- The XT-P version designed for inspired driving comes with 15-inch aluminum wheels with 30-inch XPS Hammer Force tires, sport roof, bumper, 4,500 lb winch, Smart-Lok front differential, FOX 2.5 Podium QS3 Piggyback gas shocks, LED headlamps, a larger LCD instrument panel, decorative LED accents and the standard 1000R engine.
- The X MR version has 14-inch aluminum rims with 30 inch XPS Swamp Force tires, 3500 lb winch, reinforced bumper, engine air intake / CVT ventilation snorkel, LED headlight, Smart Lok front differential, a more extensive LCD dashboard, decorative LED accents and the 1000R engine.
WHAT’S NEW?
- New colors.
Pros:
- The redesign of the Commander results in a versatile vehicle that meets the needs of the vast majority of users. It takes its place in the CrossOver niche initiated by the Polaris General and recently joined by the Yamaha Wolverine RMAX.
- Competitive pricing.
Cons:
- Built strong but heavy: the Commander MAX XT net weight is 907 kg!
- The Rotax 700 engine struggles to move the vehicle quickly.
Skills:
