2020 has been a year where change and uncertainty have reigned supreme. With so many things changing this year, many UTV enthusiasts wondered how the pandemic would impact UTV sales and the release of 2021 models. From most indicators, it seems that UTV sales have remained fairly strong, as more people look for outdoor activities away from crowds. This is similar to the increase in sales seen by RV dealerships around the country. If people are looking to get outdoors and away from civilization, there are few, if any, options better or more fun than a UTV.
Fortunately for UTV owners and prospective buyers, the manufacturers have been rolling out their 2021 lineups as expected. Few UTV lineups have been as hot over the last few years as Can-Am and, in particular, the Maverick X3. Can-Am has built the Maverick X3 into one of the most comprehensive lineups in the industry and that trend continues for the 2021 model year. With 10 different X3 models and 7 X3 Max models, there is bound to be something here to suit your needs. Keep reading below for a full buyer’s guide to the 2021 Can-Am Maverick X3 lineup.
Maverick X3 DS Turbo
The Maverick X3 lineup starts with the DS Turbo for 2021 and packs a lot of features at a reasonable price point. You’ll recognize the aggressive X3 styling and that low-slung seating position immediately. That seating position will give you a bit more confidence to take advantage of the 120 HP provided by the turbocharged 900cc Rotax triple cylinder engine. It has Can-Am’s Intelligent Throttle Control with Sport and ECO settings and it paired to their heavy duty Quick Response System X (QRS-X) CVT transmission. This transmission is designed to work with the turbo and reduce lag, ensuring a smooth power delivery.
Speaking of smooth, the X3 DS Turbo comes standard with Fox Podium 2.5 QS3 shocks at all four corners. Up front you’ll find a dual A-arm setup, while the rear features Can-Am’s 4-link Torsional Trailing-arm X system. Suspension travel is a full 20 inches front and rear. The 64 inch width makes this a good trail machine, but the 102 inch wheelbase will still provide plenty of stability in open high speed areas, such as the desert. It has 28 inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires and 14 inch cast aluminum wheels. Ground clearance is a whopping 14 inches, but you have full skid plates should you manage to run out of clearance. Other features include LED headlights and tail lights, digital instrument cluster, and quarter doors. You also get Can-Am’s Tri-Mode Dynamic Power Steering, which is standard across the lineup, and their Visco-Lok 4wd system. You can get the DS Turbo in Can-Am Red, Octane Blue, or a Desert Tan/Carbon Black combo. With a starting MSRP of $18,999, you are getting a lot of bang for your buck.
Maverick X3 DS Turbo R
If you really like the features and price point of the X3 DS Turbo, but want a bit more power, Can-Am has you covered. The X3 DS Turbo R has all of the same standard features as the DS Turbo, but with their 172 HP Turbo R Rotax 900cc triple cylinder engine. It features the same QRS-X CVT transmission, Visco-Lok 4wd system, and Dynamic Power Steering as the DS Turbo. You also get the excellent Fox Podium 2.5 QS3 shocks with 20 inches of wheel travel, 28 inch Maxxis Bigorn 2.0 tires, and 14 inch aluminum wheels. It’s 64 inches wide with a 102 inch wheelbase and an impressive 14 inches of ground clearance. LED headlights and tail lights are standard, as are quarter doors, digital gauges, and 4 wheel disc brakes. It’s basically the same great machine as the DS Turbo, but faster. It’s available in Can-Am Red, Octane Blue, and Desert Tan/Carbon Black. MSRP for the DS Turbo R starts at $20,999.
Maverick X3 X DS Turbo RR
The Maverick X3 X DS Turbo RR takes things to another level in the X3 lineup. This model is for those that want to maintain the 64 inch width, but want max power and increased adjustability in the suspension department. The X DS Turbo RR features Can-Am’s industry leading 195 HP 900cc Turbo RR triple cylinder engine paired with their QRS-X CVT transmission. It also features their Smart-Lok 4wd system that can lock and unlock the front differential at various speeds, depending on the need. It tracks several inputs from engine torque to wheel speed and progressively locks the front differential to maximize traction, but maintain precise handling.
In addition, there are a few other features that set the X DS Turbo RR apart from the other 64 inch Maverick X3s. You get Fox Podium 2.5 RC2 shocks with dual speed compression and rebound adjustment, letting you dial in the suspension to your riding style the get the most out of the impressive 20 inches of wheel travel offered. It also has 14 inch aluminum bead lock wheels wrapped in 29 inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires. This model gets unique X-package graphics, a larger 7.6 inch digital instrument display, and Can-Am’s signature LED running lights. Other specs are unchanged, such as 14 inches of ground clearance, 102 inch wheelbase, LED headlights and tail lights, and quarter doors. The Maverick X3 X DS Turbo RR is available in Triple Black or a Desert Tan/Carbon Black/Can-Am Red color combo. MSRP starts at $25,099.
Maverick X3 RS Turbo R
Not everyone is going to need the more trail friendly 64 inch width of the previously discussed models. For some, stability cornering and at high speeds is far more important. Those that frequent the dunes or wide open desert trails are more likely to look at the 72 inch wide models and Can-Am has plenty to offer in that arena for 2021. The Maverick X3 RS Turbo R comes standard with the 172 HP Turbo R engine and QRS-X transmission. The 72 inch width and 102 inch wheelbase make this an exceptionally stable platform at high speed and a whopping 15.5 inches of ground clearance will keep you from getting stuck in the slower, more technical terrain.
The X3 RS Turbo R has a dual A-arm front suspension and Can-Am’s 4-link Torsional Trailing-arm setup in the rear. You get Fox Podium 2.5 QS3 shocks all around and a full 22 inches of wheel travel. 14 inch cast aluminum wheels are standard with 29 inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires. LED headlights and tail lights are also standard, as well as quarter doors. Inside the cockpit, you get 4 way adjustable seats and 4.5 inch digital display. This model is available in Octane Blue, Can-Am Red, and a Desert Tan/Carbon Black combo. MSRP starts at $22,499.
Maverick X3 X RS Turbo RR
For those that want to step it up a notch, they can opt for the 72 inch wide X3 X RS Turbo RR with a 195 HP turbocharged 900cc Rotax engine and QRS-X transmission. This model gets some other notable upgrades, including Can-Am’s Smart-Lok front differential with 4wd Trail Activ and 4wd Trail modes. You still have the long travel double A-arm front suspension and a 4-link torsional trailing-arm setup in the rear. Fox Podium 2.5 RC2 shocks are standard up front, but you get larger diameter Fox Podium 3.0 shocks in the rear. Suspension travel is 22 inches in the front and 24 inches out back.
You’ll find larger 30 inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires on 14 inch aluminum bead lock wheels on this unit. To add to the list of standard features for this model, you also get 4 point harnesses with shoulder pads, 7.6 inch digital display, roof, and LED running lights up front. That’s in addition to quarter doors, LED headlights and tail lights, and X-package graphics. These upgrades do come at an increased cost with MSRP starting at $27,599. The Maverick X3 X RS Turbo RR is available in Intense Blue, Carbon Black, or a Desert Tan/Carbon Black/Can-Am Red color combo.
Maverick X3 X RS Turbo RR with Smart-Shox
The X3 X RS Turbo RR with Smart-Shox is Can-Am’s top of the line UTV. You get a ton of features standard on this machine and a major suspension upgrade. You’ll have plenty of power on tap with the 195 HP at your disposal, thanks to the 900cc Turbo RR Rotax engine. It has the Smart-Lok front differential, 30 inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires and 14 inch aluminum bead lock wheels and a phenomenal 16 inches of ground clearance. Other standard features include 4 points harnesses, quarter doors, roof, 7.6 inch digital display, LED running lights and LED head lights and tail lights.
The big upgrade for this model is Can-Am’s Smart-Shox technology. This is similar to the Polaris Dynamix suspension and Honda’s Fox Live Valve setup. Smart-Shox utilizes Fox Podium 2.5 piggyback shocks with bypass and Dynamic Damping Adjustment, providing 22 inches of wheel travel. Out back, you’ll find Fox Podium 3.0 remote reservoir shocks with bypass and Dynamic Damping Adjustment. Rear wheel travel is 24 inches. Smart-Shox allows the suspension to make adjustments while your blazing down the trail or through the desert and Can-Am claims the fastest response time of any active suspension system with a full range adjustment in just 17 milliseconds. The driver does have some say in how the system operates, with three different drive modes: Comfort, Sport, and Sport +. Comfort prioritizes plushness while maintaining stability during cornering. Sport gives you added stability for higher speed straight lines runs, as well as better handling in corners. Sport+ is the stiffest setting and provides crisp handling, stability, and bottoming resistance for those really aggressive runs down trails or blasting through whoops. This model checks in with an MSRP starting at $29,299 and is available in Triple Black or a Desert Tan/Carbon Black/Can-Am Red color combo.
Maverick X3 X MR Turbo
Many people buy UTVs and add mud tires, snorkels, and all sorts of things to make them more capable in the mud. Others may be in the market for a dedicated mud machine straight from the factory. The Maverick X3 X MR Turbo was designed with that in mind. It comes with a 120 HP turbocharged 900cc Rotax engine and QRS-X transmission. It has Can-Am’s Smart-Lok front differential with 4wd Mud and 4wd Trail modes, to ensure the maximum amount of traction in all conditions. It has a dual A-arm front suspension and a 4-link trailing-arm setup in the rear. You get Fox Podium 2.5 QS3 shocks with 18 inches of wheel travel at all four corners. It maintains the 102 inch wheelbase and is 64 inches wide with 14 inches of ground clearance.
The X3 X MR Turbo sets itself apart with a host of unique features intended to make this UTV more capable in the mud. It has a snorkeled engine air intake, as well as the CVT intake. It comes standard with monster 30 inch ITP Cryptid mud tires on 14 inch aluminum wheels. The full-length HMWPE skid plate makes sure the undercarriage is well protected and the standard 4,500 lb winch will ensure that you can get out of the stickiest of situations. Other standard features include a front bumper, tow hook, LED running lights, LED headlights and tail lights, half doors, and 7.6 inch digital display. This model is available in an Iron Gray/Manta Green color combo and has a starting MSRP of $23,299.
Maverick X3 X MR Turbo RR
This model is similar to the X3 X MR Turbo, but has some upgrades for those that want the absolute maximum performance available. This unit gets Can-Am’s 195 HP Turbo RR engine so you never have to worry about having enough power to keep those mud tires churning in the nastiest mud holes. It features the QRS-X transmission and the Smart-Lok front differential with 4wd Mud and 4wd Trail modes. The X3 X MR Turbo RR is 72 inches wide and has a 102 inch wheelbase. You get the same great dual A-arm front suspension and Can-Am’s 4-link trailing-arm setup in the rear. You get increased suspension travel on this model, with 22 inches of travel, front and rear, provided by Fox Podium 2.5 QS3 shocks. Add to that, 30 inch ITP Cryptid mud tires on 14 inch aluminum bead lock wheels and you get a whopping 16 inches of ground clearance.
Additionally, you’ll find a 4,500 lb winch with synthetic rope, full-length HMWPE skid plate, half doors, front bumper, and tow hook. The engine intake and CVT intake are both snorkeled. Other features include LED running lights, LED headlights and tail lights, and 7.6 inch digital display. It’s available in an Iron Gray/Manta Green color combo and MSRP checks in at $26,599.
Maverick X3 X RC Turbo
If you prefer to spend your time rock crawling, don’t worry, Can-Am didn’t forget you. The Maverick X3 X RC Turbo was built to bash rocks and has plenty of features to prevent damage. It has full-length HMWPE skid plates, HMWPE A-arm guards, and HMWPE rock sliders standard. With this model, you also get a tow hook, 4,500 lb winch, and front bumper. The 30 inch Maxxis Liberty tires should be great in the rocky stuff. It has 14 inch aluminum wheels and 14 inches of ground clearance.
The X3 X RC Turbo has Can-Am’s 120 HP turbocharged 900cc Rotax engine and QRS-X transmission, as well as their Smart-Lok differential with 4wd Rock and 4wd Trail modes. This model is 64 inches wide and has a 102 inch wheelbase, so it’ll be equally at home on the trails. It has dual A-arm suspension up front with Fox Podium 2.5 QS3 shocks providing 18 inches of wheel travel. Out back, you get a 4-link trailing-arm setup with the same great QS3 shocks and 18 inches of wheel travel. Other standard features include LED running lights, LED headlights and tail lights, 7.6 inch digital display, X-package graphics, and quarter doors. The X3 X RC Turbo is available in a Chalk Gray/Magma Red color combo and has a starting MSRP of $24,099.
Maverick X3 X RC Turbo RR
The Maverick X3 X RC Turbo RR is Can-Am’s top of the line rock crawler. This unit is 72 inches wide and has the 195 HP Turbo RR engine and QRS-X transmission. It has the Smart-Lok front differential with 4wd Rock and 4wd Trail modes. Suspension components are also top notch, with dual A-arms and Fox Podium 2.5 RC2 adjustable shocks up front and a 4-link trailing arm setup with Fox Podium 3.0 RC2 adjustable shocks out back. Suspension travel is 22 inches front and 24 inches in the rear.
With this model catering to rocky terrain, it has great protection underneath. You get HMWPE skid plates, A-arm guards, and rock sliders. With 32 inch Maxxis Liberty tires on 15 inch aluminum beadlock wheels and 16 inches of ground clearance, it’ll take a lot to slow this machine down or get it stuck. But, there’s also a 4,500 lb winch included, just in case. Other standard features include a front bumper, tow hook, half doors, an intrusion bar, 7.6 inch digital display, and aluminum roof. Like all of Can-Am’s higher-end models, this unit gets LED running lights, LED headlights and tail lights, X-package graphics, and 4 point harnesses. MSRP for the X3 X RC Turbo RR starts at $29,799 and is available in a Chalk Gray/Magma Red color combo.
Maverick X3 Max DS Turbo
UTVs provide an opportunity to share the outdoor/off road experience with friends and family and manufacturers realize that families often consist of more than two people. There a lot of 4 seat UTVs available and Can-Am has one of the best selections of any manufacturer. The Maverick X3 Max lineup starts with the DS Turbo. This 4-seat model is 64 inches wide and has a 135 inch wheelbase. It comes standard with the 120 HP 900cc turbocharged Rotax engine and QRS-X transmission. The front differential is Can-Am’s trusty Visco-Lok auto-locking design and steering is made easy with their Dynamic Power Steering system, which is standard across the lineup.
The trails are smoothed out by a dual A-arm suspension up front and 4-link trailing-arm suspension in the rear. You get outstanding shocks in the form of Fox Podium 2.5 QS3s with 20 inches of travel, front and rear. 28 inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires and 14 inch aluminum wheels are standard. Ground clearance for this model is 13 inches. In the cabin, you get adjustable seats, front and rear, 4.5 inch digital display, and quarter doors. Also standard are LED headlights and tail lights. The Maverick X3 Max DS Turbo is available in Octane Blue, Can-Am Red, or a Desert Tan/Carbon Black color combo and MSRP starts at a reasonable $21,999.
Maverick X3 Max DS Turbo R
The X3 Max DS Turbo R comes standard with all of the great features of the Max DS Turbo, but you get the 172 HP 900cc Turbo R Rotax engine. You still get the QRS-X transmission, Visco-Lok front differential, and those Fox Podium 2.5 QS3 shocks. Suspension travel remains the same, at 20 inches, though ground clearance is slightly better at 14 inches. 28 inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires and 14 inch aluminum wheels are also standard features.
If you like features and the 64 inch width of the Max DS Turbo, but want more power, the Max DS Turbo R fits the bill. You’re not losing any features and you gain a more potent engine. The MSRP does increase a bit to $23,699. Available color options include Octane Blue, Can-Am Red, and a Desert Tan/Carbon Black combo.
Maverick X3 Max X DS Turbo RR
If you want a 4-seater with a 64-inch width and the most powerful engine that Can-Am offers, look no further than the X3 Max X DS Turbo RR. This model comes with the 195 HP 900cc Turbo RR Rotax engine for those adrenaline junkies out there. It has the QRS-X transmission and you get the Smart-Lok front differential with 4wd Trail and 4wd Trail Activ modes. You also get upgraded suspension, with Fox Podium 2.5 RC2 piggyback shocks. Suspension travel is 20 inches front and rear.
You also get a bit of an upgrade with larger tires and better wheels. The Max X DS Turbo RR gets 29 inch Maxxis Bighorn tires and 14 inch aluminum bead lock wheels. Ground clearance comes in at a respectable 13 inches. Lighting comes by way of LEDs front and rear, but you also get Can-Am’s signature LED running lights. Quarter doors and 7.6 inch digital display are also standard equipment. This model is available in Triple Black or a Desert Tan/Carbon Black/Can-Am Red combo. MSRP starts at $27,599.
Maverick X3 Max RS Turbo R
The Maverick X3 Max RS Turbo R gets things started in the 72 inch wide 4-seat category and has some great features. The 172 HP Turbo R engine and QRS-X transmission provides plenty of power and the Visco-Lok front differential ensures you get that power to the ground. Front suspension is provided by dual A-arms, while you have a 4-link trailing-arm setup in the rear. You get Fox Podium 2.5 QS3 shocks with a stellar 22 inches of wheel travel at all four corners.
The X3 Max RS Turbo R gets 29 inch Maxxis Bighorn tires and 14 inch aluminum wheels, helping provide a solid 15.5 inches of ground clearance. Other features include a 4.5 inch display, quarter doors, and LED lighting front and rear. This model is available in Can-Am Red, Octane Blue, or a Desert Tan/Carbon Black combo. MSRP starts at $25,199.
Maverick X3 Max X RS Turbo RR
For those that decide to move up to the 72 inch wide X3 Max X RS Turbo RR, you’ll get quite a few upgrades. First and foremost, you get the 195 HP Turbo RR engine with the QRS-X transmission. This model gets Can-Am’s Smart-Lok front differential with 4wd Trail and 4wd Trail Activ modes. Additionally, you get Fox Podium 2.5 RC2 shocks up front providing 22 inches of wheel travel. Out back, you get larger Fox Podium 3.0 RC2 shocks with 22 inches of wheel travel. The 14 aluminum bead lock wheels are wrapped in 30 inch Maxxis Bighorn tires, contributing to the machines 16 inches of ground clearance.
In the cabin, you get 4 point harnesses and 7.6 inch display. Quarter doors and a roof are also standard for this model. The X-package graphics, combined with LED running lights, give it an aggressive look. Additional features include a tow hook and full length HMWPE skid plate. All of these features come at a price, with MSRP starting at $30,399. It’s available in Intense Blue, Triple Black, and a Desert Tan/Carbon Black/Can-Am Red color combo.
Maverick X3 Max X RS Turbo RR with Smart-Shox
This model gives you all the features or the X3 Max X RS Turbo RR, but you also get Can-Am’s Smart-Shox suspension setup. It still uses the dual A-arm suspension in the front and the 4-link torsional trailing-arm suspension in the rear, but the shocks feature a big upgrade. You get Fox Podium 2.5 piggyback reservoir shocks up front and Fox Podium 3.0 remote reservoir shocks in the rear. Both feature Smart-Shox technology with Dynamic Damping Adjustment and provide 22 inches of wheels travel. The active suspension system provides excellent handling, comfort, and stability in all conditions.
Additionally, this 72 inch wide model comes standard with the 195 HP Turbo RR engine, QSR-X transmission, and Smart-Lok front differential. 30 inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires and 14 inch aluminum bead lock wheels are standard and help provide a whopping 16 inches of ground clearance. Should you run out of clearance, there’s a full HMWPE heavy duty skid plate to keep the underside protected. You also get a full roof, quarter doors, 4-point harnesses, LED running lights, LED headlights and tail lights, and a 7.6 inch digital display. This is a full-featured UTV and comes at a premium price. MSRP starts at $32,099 and it’s available in Triple Black or a Desert Tan/Carbon Black/Can-Am Red combo.
Maverick X3 Max X MR Turbo RR
Mud junkies with families need not worry, as Can-Am has a 4-seat model with your needs in mind. The X3 Max X MR Turbo RR is designed to conquer the nastiest mud holes and gives you the ability to bring along the whole family. It has Can-Am’s Turbo RR engine, producing 195 HP paired to the QSR-X transmission and the Smart-Lok front differential, with 4wd Trail and 4wd Mud settings. Suspension is provided by a dual A-arm setup up front and a 4-link trailing-arm setup out back. You’ll find Fox Podium 2.5 QS3 shocks at all four corners, providing 22 inches of wheel travel.
This model comes with a great set of mud tires, in the form of 30 inch ITP Cryptid tires and 14 inch aluminum bead lock wheels. There’s a full length HMWPE skid plate in case you find the limits of the stock 14 inch ground clearance. Additional features include front and rear tow hooks, half doors, 7.6 inch digital display, LED running lights, and LED headlights and tail lights. You even get a 4,500 lb winch and snorkeled engine and CVT air intakes. This mud machine is available in an Iron Gray/Manta Green color combo and has a starting MSRP of $29,099.
Which one is right for you?
Everyone has their own riding preferences and needs, but Can-Am offers such an extensive lineup of UTVs, there something here for everybody. Whether you want to pound whoops in the desert, tackle some tough east coast trails, or play in the swamp in Louisiana, there’s a Maverick X3 that will suit your needs. This really speaks to the versatility of this design and Can-Am’s desire to have a presence in every possible UTV category. While much of the lineup carried over the features of the 2020 models, the introduction of Smart-Shox was a welcome surprise. It will give prospective buyers yet another option to consider when shopping this lineup. Hopefully this guide has helped narrow the search to find that perfect Maverick just for you.
