2014 Can-Am Maverick and Commander Lineup Preview

BRP has unveiled its 2014 off-road lineup, which features the new four-seat Maverick MAX 1000R we first heard about last September. Though no other completely new models were announced, BRP is offering some interesting option packages – including a narrower Maverick for trail riders. You’ll also find BRP’s Tri-Mode Dynamic Power Steering (DPS) now available on both the Maverick and Commander. Can-Am’s ATV lineup offers nothing new for 2014 outside of an updated gauge on select models.

Maverick MAX 1000R

When BRP introduced the Maverick last September, we were told a four-seat version would follow this summer. We’re happy to report BRP was true to its word. In fact, the four-seat Maverick MAX is available in two options – the standard Maverick MAX 1000R and the Maverick MAX 1000R X rs DPS.

After teasing us for the better part of a year, BRP officially unveiled the Can-Am Maverick MAX 1000R.

Like its two-seat brother, the Maverick MAX is powered by the 101-horsepower 976cc V-Twin Rotax engine – the most powerful mill in the industry. Other features include electronic throttle-by-wire, dual exhaust, CVT transmission with PBO belt and 10-gallon fuel tank.

COMPETITION: Read our review of the Polaris RZR XP 4 900

Keeping the ride controllable and comfortable is the dual A-arm front suspension and trailing torsional A-arm rear suspension. Fourteen inches of front and rear suspension travel is controlled by Fox 2.0 Podium X piggyback shocks. These rebuildable shocks feature adjustments for preload (dual-rate spring), rebound and high- and low-speed compression. The shocks also feature a high-volume, six-inch piggyback reservoir and velocity sensitive damping control.

FOX 2.0 Podium X piggyback shocks control 14 inches of travel at all four corners.

As you’d expect, the Maverick MAX is noticeably longer than the two-seat version. It has a wheelbase measurement of 113.8 inches (29.5 inches longer) and 148.3 inches of total vehicle length. Rear passengers are seated in front of the rear axle, which is designed to improve vehicle dynamics. As well, rear passengers are seated stadium style, raised 3.5 inches higher than the front seats for a better view.

Rear passengers are seated higher for a better view of the trail ahead.

Other Maverick MAX features include 12.5 inches of ground clearance, four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes, 12-inch center-less cast aluminum wheels, 27-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 radial tires, Visco-Lok front differential, removable front seats (the most comfortable stock seats we’ve tested), adjustable driver’s seat, tilt steering, passenger handhold and grab bar, 31.6 liters of cockpit storage space, off-road cup holders, 2-inch steel ROPS-approved cage, multi-function rear rack, multi-function digital gauge, 240-watt lighting system, 625-watt magneto, and standard and performance D.E.S.S. anti-theft keys.

Maverick MAX 1000R X rs DPS

The Maverick MAX 1000R X rs DPS takes the ride to a new level with Tri-Mode dynamic power steering and FOX 2.5 Podium Performance shocks.

As its name suggests, those who opt for the Maverick MAX 1000R X rs DPS package will benefit from BRP’s tri-mode dynamic power steering system, which offers variable steering assistance. When you’re moving a vehicle as large as this, power steering should be a very welcome addition. Another benefit of the Tri-Mode DPS package is the upgrade to BRP’s Visco-Lok QE, which offers even quicker engagement of the front differential.

Making their first appearance on a factory-built side-by-side vehicle are FOX 2.5 Podium Performance shocks. The re-buildable shocks sit at all four corners and are fully adjustable for Dual-Speed Compression (DSC) and rebound. The 2.5 Podium shocks offer a high-volume six-inch piggyback oil reservoir and specially formulated oil for improved flow and heat dissipation.

New for 2014 is this sharp looking black, red and white color scheme.

The X rs DPS package also comes with an updated 3-D analog/digital gauge. According to BRP, the 3-D background offers enhanced visual clarity. Other goodies in the package include 12-inch aluminum beadlock wheels, custom steering wheel, X-Package seat trim, and two color options – black and yellow or an all-new white with Can-Am red and black.

Maverick 1000R Family

Like the four-seat Maverick MAX, Tri-Mode DPS is now available in all but the base Maverick 1000R.

For 2014 the two-seat Maverick is available in four iterations – the base Maverick 1000R, Maverick 1000R X rs, Maverick 1000R X rs DPS, and Maverick X xc DPS. The base Maverick 1000R is available in Can-Am’s trademark black and yellow or a new white finish. The Maverick X rs and X xc DPS come in two colors as well, including white plastic with red and black highlights.

COMPETITION: Read our review of the Polaris RZR XP 900

Outside of color options, the base Maverick 1000R is the same as the one introduced less than a year ago. The Maverick 1000R X rs package comes with an updated analog/digital gauge with 3-D background, Fox 2.5 Podium Performance shocks, 12-inch aluminum beadlock wheels, custom steering wheel and X-package seat trim. Upgrade to the Maverick 1000R X rs DPS package and you get the addition of Tri-Mode DPS and Visco-Lok QE.

Maverick 1000R X xc DPS

Knowing that not everybody lives in wide open riding areas, BRP now offers a narrower Can-Am Maverick 1000R X xc DPS.

For our money, the most interesting addition to the 2014 Can-Am off-road lineup is the Maverick 1000R  X xc DPS package – a model influenced by Can-Am Maverick racers who compete in the Grand National Cross Country series.

Beyond just bolt-on accessories, the X xc package actually includes a narrowing kit, reducing its overall width from 64 inches to 60 inches wide. This narrowing kit features two-inch shorter front and rear A-arms, creating a more woods ready machine.

COMPETITION: Read our review of the Arctic Cat Wildcat 1000

With two inches chooped off each side, the Maverick X xc DPS is more at home the woods.

Unlike the other X-package Mavericks, the Maverick 1000R X xc DPS package retains the standard Fox 2.0 Podium X performance piggyback shocks. However, it does come with Tri-Mode DPS, Visco-Lok QE, 12-inch aluminum beadlock wheels, and updated 3-D analog/digital gauge.

Can-Am Commander Family

Though the Maverick gets most of the headlines, BRP hasn’t forgotten the Commander. For 2014 it gets Tri-Mode DPS and a new XT-P package.

BRP has eight different Can-Am Commander models available for 2014 – the Maverick 800R, Maverick 800R DPS, Maverick 800R XT, Maverick 1000, Maverick 1000 DPS, Maverick 1000 XT, Maverick 1000 XT-P, and Maverick 1000 Limited. In 2013 BRP offered its dynamic power steering in select Commander models, but it was only a single-stage system. For 2014 all but the base Commander 800R and Commander 1000 receive Tri-Mode DPS. Here’s all of the available Commander Option packages for 2014:

Can-Am Commander 800R DPS » Tri-Mode Dynamic Power Steering » Visco-Lok QE » 27-inch (68.6cm) Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires » 14-inch (35cm) cast aluminum wheels » Yellow plastic

Can-Am Commander 800R XT » Updated 3-D analog / digital gauge package » Tri-Mode DPS » Visco-Lok QE » 4,000-pound winch » 27-inch (68.6cm) Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires » 14-inch (35cm) cast-aluminum wheels » Heavy-duty front bumper » Rugged bed rails » Mud guards » Custom steering wheel » Available in yellow, Pure Magnesium and an optional industry-exclusive NEXT G-1 Vista camouflage.

Can-Am Commander 1000 DPS » Tri-Mode Dynamic Power Steering » Visco-Lok QE » 27-inch (68.6cm) Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires » 14-inch (35cm) cast aluminum wheels » Yellow plastic

Can-Am Commander 1000 XT » Updated 3-D analog / digital gauge package » Tri-Mode DPS » Visco-Lok QE » 4,000-pound winch w/ wired remote » 27-inch (68.6cm) Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires » 14-inch (35cm) cast-aluminum wheels » 14-inch (35cm) painted black cast aluminum wheels (camo) » Heavy-duty XT front bumper » Cargo bed rails » Mud guards » XT steering wheel » Available in yellow, red and painted Pure Magnesium and an optional industry-exclusive NEXT G-1 Vista camouflage.

Can-Am Commander 1000 XT-P » Tri-Mode DPS » Visco-Lok QE » Fully adjustable front and rear FOX Racing Shox HPG piggyback shocks » Front sway bar » 12-inch (30.5cm) aluminum beadlock wheels » 27-inch (68.6cm) Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires » Updated gauge » 4,000-pound (1,814kg) winch » Heavy-duty front bumper » Rock sliders » Custom steering wheel » Mudguards » Available in painted black finish with yellow accents

Can-Am Commander 1000 Limited » Updated 3-D analog / digital gauge package » Tri-Mode DPS » Visco-Lok QE and ECO mode » Rotax 1000 EFI V-Twin engine with Intelligent Throttle Control (iTC) » Air Control Suspension (ACS) with FOX HPG shocks » 14-inch (35.6cm) cast-aluminum wheels » 27-inch (68.6cm) Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires » 4,000-pound WARN winch kit » Two-piece roof » Half windshield » Dual-level cargo box with cargo box rails » Heavy-duty front bumper » Rear net » Mudguards » Removable Limited seats » Custom steering wheel » Garmin GPS » Sound system with four speakers » Premium painted-plastic color options (White Pearl and Pure Magnesium)