Surprise! Can AM introduces an all-new line of mid-displacement quads that will replace the aging Outlanders 450 and 570. Finally, 7 years isn’t that extravagant, but it seems dealers and consumers alike were asking to renew the little Outlander. Obviously, we couldn’t ride the quad, but the technical presentation was extensive enough to get a good idea.
The market according to Can Am
Before getting to the drawing board, the manufacturer analyzed the market for which the new Outlander will be destined. According to the BRP study, there are three main criteria for buying a mid-displacement quad. They are, in order: brand reputation, four-wheel-drive system efficiency, and reliability. The use of the 2022 Outlander 450/570 sold was recreational 52% of the time and utilitarian 48% of the time. Already, knowing these data, we can see a general portrait of the needs taking shape.
It is easy to see that a recreational user will seek different functions than a utilitarian user. For example, the recreational user will be sensitive to the comfort offered, the inspired design or the power of the vehicle. For his part, the utility user will look at the utility capacities, the capacities of the suspension and the protection of the vehicle.
Mechanical design
Can Am introduced in its new Outlanders a single-cylinder engine that we have already seen in UTVs. These are the HD5 and HD7 engines which, oddly, both have a displacement of 650cc. The HD5 develops 40 horsepower and 37 lb-ft of torque. For its part, the HD7 has a power of 50 hp and a torque of 41 lb-ft. The difference in performance in favor of the HD7 is explained by a more aggressive camshaft and electronic management calibrated for power. The twin-cylinder engine is stepping down and, in our opinion, that’s a sad move. The 570cc V2 was unique in the mid-displacement category and gave Can Am a market advantage. However, the HD7 still places the Outlander 700 as the most powerful of the mid-displacement quads.
The belt drive also received attention from the engineering department. The clutch pulleys have been revised for better durability and quicker throttle response. Also, the manufacturer claims to have worked to reduce transmission noise and vibration. The management of the fresh air intake has been optimized to control the temperature in the transmission. As a result, the longevity of the belt is increased. The transmission and engine air intakes are located at the highest point just below the instrumentation. It is a wise technical choice that will allow you to venture deep into the water without worry.
Chassis and drive train
Four-wheel drive cog is standard on almost all models (the entry-level Outlander 500 is 2WD). For the others, the front differential will be either a Visco-Lok, a Visco-Lok QE or a Visco-4Lok depending on the model you choose.
The powertrain is housed in an all-new chassis that offers good rigidity thanks to a high-quality steel alloy. Can Am has provided a 5.5mm thick plastic skid plate under the vehicle to protect the mechanics. Openings are made in strategic places to avoid having to remove it during oil changes. Cam Am had heat management in mind in its design. The engine was placed in the frame with the piston facing the rear. Also, panels completely close the engine opening on each side to prevent the heat from roasting the driver’s calf.
Suspensions and wheels
The suspension is now independent with double wishbones on all four wheels to ensure comfort and good control of the vehicle. In order to limit vibrations, rubber bushings have been added to the attachment points. Travel is 9.75 inches up front and 10.25 inches in the rear. Ground clearance is now a remarkable 12.0 inches. Finally, in an effort to improve cornering stability, the vehicle track has been widened by 2 inches to 47.6 inches.
On the tire side, the vehicle comes with entry-level 12-inch steel wheels. The tires will be 25 inches or the more robust 26 inches with 6 ply for the Outlander Pro. If we opt for aluminum rims, these will have a diameter of 14 inches with 26-inch tires for the XT and 28 inches for the XM R.
Bodywork and finish
The new body design introduced is sober and consensual. The line is a mix of the big Outlander with accents from the Suzuki King Quad. Compared to the version it replaces, it looks bulkier according to the photos. We notice that Can Am has worked to give its Outlander 500/700 more amenities to its owner. Indeed, two watertight compartments are arranged. The first is located under the front rack and has a capacity of 30 liters. The second is located in front of the driver in the false tank. In the more upscale versions, you will have a console above the indicator dial which is used to support a cellular device. This accessory comes with a USB charger in the glove compartment.
The black grille is not too massive and fits well into the overall design of the front of the vehicle. Can Am equips the Outlander 500/700 and Pro with LED lighting throughout. We find the four square LED headlights at the front and the position lights at the rear. We also focused on reducing the width of the tank between the legs of the driver, who will be freer in his movements.
Abundant supply of accessories
Can Am fully plays the vehicle customization card according to your needs. No less than 75 accessories compatible with the Linq system are offered, for all imaginable uses. We can think of the front and rear storage boxes, the chainsaw support, the gas tank which is installed in the space of the trunk in front, the windshield, the hand guards, etc. The owner will be able to choose equipment that is perfectly suited to his vehicle.
Difference between an Outlander 500/700 and Pro
First of all, what is the difference between an Outlander 500/700 and an Outlander Pro? We understand that we are talking about trail riding versus work, but how does that materialize on the vehicle?
The Outlander 500/700 is designed for the best performance in trail riding. Engine and transmission calibration is done to optimize acceleration. Also, the transmission ratios will allow a higher top speed. Among the specific option packages is the front bumper which has a sportier appearance.
As for the Outlander Pro, the engine/transmission combo calibration is optimized for the working activities. The suspensions are designed for carrying heavy loads and towing while maintaining the handling of the ATV.
The front and rear bumpers are more robust and wraparound while the 6-ply tires are more resistant to punctures. Equipment groups specific to the PRO are: a speed limiter to help maintain a constant speed, engine mode adjustments (work, standard, sport) and electronic engine braking IBS which has three levels of braking. adjustment.
One player on all bases with the new Outlanders
With its new Outlanders 500/700 and Pro, Can Am covers all the uses that you can envisage with a quad.
Can AM offers the single-seater Outlander 500/700 in four equipment levels, the differences of which are briefly listed in the table below:
| Outlander 500 2WD | Outlander 500/700 | Outlander DPS 500/700 | Outlander 500/700 XT |
| • 2 wheel drive system | • 500 and 700 enginess available • 4 wheel drive system • Visco-Lok self-locking differential | Outlander 500 Features plus: • Tri-Mode Power Steering • Visco-Lok QE self-locking differential • Premium glove compartment, with holder and cell phone charger | Features of DPS plus: • Front and rear bumpers • 3500 lb winch • 14 inch aluminum wheels • 26-inch XPS Trail Force tires |
The Outlander 500/700 Max and X MR 700:
Can Am still offers a two-passenger Max version of its new Outlander as well as a dedicated X Mr version for deep mud. Here is in the table below a summary of the equipment of each version:
| Outlander MAX DPS 500 et 700 | Outlander MAX XT 500 et 700 | Outlander X Mr 700 |
| • 500 and 700 enginess available • 4 wheel drive system Visco-Lok QE Limited Slip Differential • Tri-Mode Power Steering • Premium glove box, with holder and cell phone charger | Features of DPS plus: • Front and rear bumpers • 3500 lb winch • 14 inch aluminum wheels 26-inch XPS Trail Force tires | • 14-inch aluminum wheels and 28-inch XPS Swamp King tires • Relocated radiator • Snorkel for engine and transmission pDrive transmission • 3500 lb Warn winch • Visco Lok front differential lockable with button, • Premium glove compartment, with holder and cell phone charger |
The Outlander Pro
The Outlander Pro designed for work are offered in three levels of equipment including one dedicated to hunting. The features are briefly listed in the table below:
| Outlander PRO | Outlander PRO XU | Outlander PRO Hunting Edition |
| • Rotax ACE 500 and 700 engines available • 4 wheel drive system With Visco-Lok QE Limited Slip Differential • 12-inch steel wheel with 26-inch 6-ply tires • Suspension calibrated for work • Premium front and rear bumpers • Transmission with extra low speed. | PRO features plus: • Speed limiter • IEB intelligent braking system • Visco-4lok front differential • 12 inch aluminum wheels 26-inch XPS Trail King 6-ply tires | Features of the Pro XU plus: • 3500 lb Warn winch • Complete protection plates under the vehicle including under the footrests • Aluminum skid plates under suspension arms |
In summary
The new Outlander 500, 700 and PRO are ATVs whose design has been well studied by the engineers of the project. Whether we are talking about perceived quality, noise and vibration control, general comfort, engine performance, everything seems promising. We look forward to being able to put it to the test in the field to confirm everything and see if the HD7 engine will make us forget the 570.
