Mud-splashing, dust-kicking, dirt-ripping action ... why wouldn't you want to share that with three of your closest friends or family members? Can-Am gives you that very opportunity with the all-new Maverick X3 Max. The latest four-seater in Can-Am's lineup relies on a stretched wheelbase, trophy truck-inspired suspension and 154-hp turbocharged engine to get the heart thumping and skin goose-bumping as it devours terrain at speed.
Can-Am introduced the Maverick X3 performance flagship last year, and the all-new Max grows the family with a 2+2 option. While some other four-seat UTVs end up looking like all-terrain golf carts, the Max looks every bit a fast, angry buggy built for open dirt speed runs, explosive jumps and deft footwork across foreboding terrain.
Helping create its aggressive look and stance are the stretched 135-in (343-cm) wheelbase – that's a full 18 inches (46 cm) longer than the Polaris RZR XP4 that Can-Am has in its sights – a wedge-shaped steel tube frame, LED headlights and taillights, an available full roof and side 1/4 doors (available lower door panels create the fuller doors shown in some of the photos). An integrated front bumper and full skid plate provide rugged protection.
This book reads just like its cover, too, its performance-tuned mechanicals offering speed and handling on all types of off-road terrain. Like the two-seat Maverick X3, the Max is powered by a 154-hp turbocharged and intercooled Rotax ACE inline three-cylinder engine. The QRS-X continuously variable transmission (CVT) is tuned to cut turbo lag to near-zero and enhance throttle response, while the triple air intakes and high-flow exhaust provide exceptional airflow and a sand-shaking growl.
The Maverick X3 Max's Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tire-wrapped 14-in wheels eat up bumps and landings with a trophy truck-inspired four-link torsional trailing arm-X (TTX) rear suspension and Fox shocks delivering 20 to 22 in (51 to 56 cm) of travel, depending upon trim. The double A-arm suspension up front matches the 20/22-in of rear travel and aids in the 13 or 14 in (33 or 35.5 cm) of ground clearance. Dynamic power steering, selectable 2WD/4WD with auto-locking front differential and hydraulic disc brakes give the driver precise control.
Inside the rigid, fully welded dual-phase 980 steel frame, the Max keeps occupants both comfortable and fully engaged with the terrain below. All four occupants sit at the same low level, enjoying a visceral ride experience while keeping center of gravity down low. Four-way-adjustable Ergoprint seats improve comfort, and grab handles and footrests help passengers brace for speedy straight lines and bumpy traverses. The wraparound Ergo-Lok cockpit with its seat-splitting center console looks like it was plucked out of the performance sports car design book, while the flat-bottomed steering wheel found its way over from racing.
Can-Am revealed the Maverick X3 Max in Reno last month and offers three different models. The US$29,099 Maverick X3 Max X rs serves as the flagship of the trio, offering a larger 165.5 x 72-in (420 x 183-cm, L x W) build, 22 in of front and rear suspension travel, fully adjustable Fox 3.0 Podium RC2 bypass shocks in back, a full roof up top and heavy-duty skid plate below, and 30-in tires on aluminum beadlock wheels. The base Maverick X3 Max starts at $24,999 and the mid-level X3 Max ds at $27,399. Can-Am and partner aftermarket companies offer a selection of hundreds of accessories to make the Max an even meaner beast.
Source: Can-Am
A very goofy looking rig, and at $25,000 I would be expecting a lot more. I get the appeal of the wicked-capable 2-seaters, but not this.