2020 Can-Am Defender 6×6 Preview

Among Can-Am’s 2020 lineup that was announced last week was one vehicle that requires a deeper look – the 2020 Can-Am Defender 6×6 DPS HD10.

While the Defender family has been among the most capable Utility UTVs since its introduction, the 2020 Can-Am Defender 6×6 takes things to new extremes with an enormous cargo box, unmatched towing capacity, and a more powerful engine. Add in two more wheels and this is the most capable working vehicle Can-Am has ever produced.

6 Wheels

Take one look at the 2020 Can-Am Defender 6×6 and you are bound to notice the pair of extra wheels in the rear. This Defender model is outfitted with a total of six 27-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires wrapped around 14-inch cast-aluminum wheels.

An arched double A-arm front suspension controls 11 inches of travel for the two front wheels, thanks to twin tube gas-charged shocks.  A new arched TTA rear suspension system with sway bar and twin tube gas shocks controls the four rear tires and their 10 inches of travel. These arched front and rear A-arms are designed to offer extra clearance near the wheel.

Speaking of clearance, the 2020 Can-Am Defender 6×6 boasts a whopping 13 inches of ground clearance to help you clear trail chop and other moderate-sized obstacles in your path.

Powerplant

The engineers at BRP managed to find some extra power in the Defender’s already stout HD10 engine. The 2020 Can-Am Defender 6×6 offers up a whopping 82 horsepower to go along with an industry-leading 69 lb-ft of torque.

Can-Am relies on its PRO-TORQ transmission to control all of that power, which includes a Quick Response System (QRS) to offer up improved low-speed driving and “deliver smoother and more responsive power delivery.” When things get really serious, a low gear delivers maximum torque for tow duties.

Defender owners can choose from three different driving modes to suit a variety of conditions and tasks – ECO, Normal and Work. Opt for Normal when you don’t want any speed or torque restrictions. Work mode is ideal for handling high loads more smoothly, without giving up full power and torque. Finally, ECO mode saves you money at the pump by limiting high-speed range and torque, while also keeping cockpit noise to a minimum.

Further reducing noise for the driver and passengers is a thicker firewall, which also offers an improved heat barrier between the Defender’s occupants and engine components.

Capabilities

There’s not much point in adding two extra wheels and the expenses that come with it if you don’t get a more capable machine. The 2020 Can-Am Defender 6×6 does not disappoint. First, the rear cargo bed has been stretched out to an enormous 72 inches by 54.5 inches. While that already sounds like a lot, you can also convert to a flatbed set up when even more space is required. Interestingly, you can carry up to 1,000 pounds in the larger cargo bed, which is the same as the other Defender HD10 models with just four wheels.

Can-Am stretches the Defender 6×6’s capabilities even further when it comes to towing. Thanks to the extra traction of the six wheels, this Defender can tow an incredible 3,000 pounds.

Other Features

Completing the 2020 Can-Am Defender 6×6 package are a host of features, including Dynamic Power Steering, new high rigidity chassis, integrated steel bumper, central skid plate, 650-watt magneto, longer 115.5-inch wheelbase, 16.9 gal. of onboard storage, 140-watt headlights, 10.6-gal. fuel tank, and 4.5-inch digital display.

You can pick up a 2020 Can-Am Defender 6×6 DPS HD10 in White or Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo.