Can-Am has unveiled a comprehensive refresh of its 2027 side-by-side and ATV lineup, introducing new models, transmission upgrades, and factory-installed accessories designed to deliver more value and refinement across its core product range. For shoppers evaluating off-road vehicles, the updates signal where the market is heading and what features you should consider.

New Defender XU Brings Utility Focus to the Lineup

The standout addition for 2027 is the Defender XU, a new variant specifically engineered for utility customers who need serious workhorse capability. This model arrives with factory-installed accessories that address real-world job site demands: a Headache Rack for cargo protection, a Low Bed Wall Extender to expand hauling space, LinQ Tool Holders for organized storage, and a Trailer Hitch Ball Mount for towing. The XU package is available across the Defender range from base models through the Lonestar trim, offered in both open and closed-cabin configurations. The only exclusion is the mud-focused X mr model, which maintains its specialized design.

This move reflects how manufacturers are responding to buyer feedback by bundling premium accessories at the factory level, potentially saving you money versus purchasing them aftermarket and installation labor separately.

Defender Gets Redesigned HD10 and Enhanced Technology

rugged ATV work site hauling
Photo by gaspar zaldo

Building on last year’s redesigned HD11, Can-Am is introducing the new Defender HD10 with a fresh 80-horsepower Rotax three-cylinder engine, updated chassis, improved suspension geometry, and upgraded cabin materials. The standard gauge cluster is now a 5-inch color display. Higher trims jump to a 10.25-inch wireless touchscreen with embedded navigation via BRP GO!, AM/FM radio, digital audio, and customizable functions. The wireless display also supports remote software updates through Wi-Fi or mobile hotspot, keeping your vehicle current without a dealer visit.

Maverick R Gets Transmission Overhaul and Safety Upgrades

Can-Am is standardizing its second-generation Rotax dual-clutch transmission across the entire 2027 Maverick R lineup. The key improvement is an additional low gear that enhances power delivery in slow-speed terrain and reinforced internal components to handle higher torque loads. This transmission was previously reserved for higher-trim models, so the 2027 expansion means better performance regardless of which Maverick R variant you choose.

Both Maverick R and Maverick X3 lineups receive integrated window nets and upgraded brake lines featuring reinforced steel braiding on the front and rear. The Maverick X3 adds door fillers to improve cabin sealing and seal-out wind noise. RS and DS models now come standard with full roofs, and double-bonded front suspension bushings are engineered to reduce squeaking and cut future maintenance headaches.

Trail Packages Expand to More Models

Can-Am is extending its popular X package to the Maverick Trail and Maverick Sport for trail-focused riders. This option adds LED lighting, full doors, and a roof. The Maverick Sport version also gets upgraded suspension components. Can-Am’s emerging focus on electric powertrains shows the brand is thinking about future propulsion, but the 2027 lineup emphasizes refinement of its current engine technologies.

Outlander ATV Updates Target Multiple Buyer Segments

side-by-side trail riding adventure
Photo by Beth Macdonald

The Outlander X mr family gains a new MAX configuration for 2027, offering a two-up seating arrangement for mud-focused riders who want passenger capability. The Outlander Pro lineup receives factory-installed accessories including hand guards, fender flares, footwell protectors, and a trailer hitch mount, positioning these models as ready-to-work machines out of the showroom.

High-performance Outlander XT and Backcountry models now offer a 10.25-inch touchscreen with built-in GPS, offline mapping, group-ride functionality, and remote ride-setting adjustments. Safety features remain a priority across ATV development, and these connectivity tools help riders make informed decisions in real time.

What This Means for Buyers

The 2027 Can-Am lineup demonstrates a deliberate strategy: bundle meaningful factory accessories, integrate technology for connectivity and convenience, and refine existing powertrains rather than pursue wholesale redesigns. For shoppers, this means better value out of the box, fewer trips to accessory shops, and improved reliability through transmission upgrades and component reinforcements.

If you own an older Can-Am model or drive a competitor’s product, the 2027 updates offer concrete reasons to visit a dealer and compare. The Defender XU is particularly compelling for users who need purpose-built utility, while the Maverick R transmission upgrade addresses a longstanding performance gap in entry-level trims. Expect these models to arrive at dealers throughout late 2026 and into early 2027.