2018 Arctic Cat MudPro 700 Limited vs. Can-Am Outlander X MR 650: By the Numbers

What kid didn’t grow up loving to play in the mud? For some of us, we never outgrow that desire to mix water and dirt together into some slimy goo and find a way to bring big smiles. Some ATV riders find mud on the trail and go around it. Others go through it, but reluctantly, hoping not to get too much on anything. Others, the ones who didn’t outgrow that desire, actively seek out mud to plow through.

For these dirty-minded adventure seekers, there are some highly specialized machines out there. Let’s see how well two of them – the Arctic Cat MudPro 700 Limited and the Can-Am Outlander X MR 650 – compare, by the numbers.

Powering Up

These two machines are similar in overall displacement, but that is about where the similarities end when it comes to engines. The Cat runs on the tried and true 695cc SOHC H1 engine that has powered many an AC machine. These big single-cylinder engines have been around for a while and are built in the Arctic Cat factory in Minnesota. Now, some dealerships have posted pictures of the newest 2018 version of this machine with the new Textron Off-Road branding. It’s still the same Cat under the logo as the MudPro isn’t changing for 2018 beyond adding the Altera name to the machine like other full-size ATVs. AC/Textron doesn’t list horsepower numbers, the California Air Resources Board shows the H1 engine in the MudPro 700 is rated at 48+ horsepower.

Can-Am powers the Outlander X MR with a completely different 649.6cc Rotax V-Twin engine that pumps out 62 horses and gives the Outlander excellent power to weight. One other trick, which you’ve undoubtedly noticed, is that Can-Am repositioned the X MR’s radiator to where the front rack would normally be. This helps the Can-Am run cool even in the thickest slime, a trick learned from the professional mud runners. Yeah, it’s a thing. You can race in mud professionally!

What Else?

So what else goes into making a mud master machine right off the factory floor? Plenty, and much of it is similar between the two brands. Specialized mud tires ride on both machines, with the MudPro running 28-inch Maxxis Zilla tires and the Outlander running on 28-inch ITP Monster Mayhems. Mud-specific tires have deep directional lugs that dig into the slop and force it out and away from the tire. Both companies selected tires that have exceptional mud traction, while being able to traverse normal trails. Both ATVs also run on aluminum wheels, although the Cat has bead-lock rims to help with low-tire pressure situations.

Both machines also run extended front and rear bumpers for added protection. You never can tell what might be hiding in the mud. A tree stump can ruin your day if you’re not adequately protected.

For those times when the mud wins, the MudPro comes with a 3,000-pound, factory-installed Warn winch. The Outlander is pre-wired for a winch, but you have to add it as an accessory. Both machines have a two-inch receiver.

The X MR has some specialized running gear. As mentioned, the radiator is relocated to the front, keeping it higher and away from the mud more. Can-Am also added raised and serrated mug footpegs to give you extra grip to keep your feet firmly planted.

The MudPro has a raised snorkel air intake to keep clean air going to the engine and transmission. The CVT is sealed to keep water and goo out as well.

As of this writing, the current MudPro comes in a cool black/orange camo color scheme. The Textron version we’ll see before too long should boast the gray/lime green color scheme which looks pretty sweet, too. The Can-Am comes in a stunning red/black color for 2018.

Learn more about each machine by going to your local dealer, or by visiting their websites. Good mudding!

Complete Arctic Cat MudPro 700 EPS LE Specs

Complete Can-Am Outlander X MR 650 Specs