2019 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 EPS High Lifter Edition vs. Can-Am Defender X MR: By the Numbers

It’s always fun when new model year releases come out. We go through the listings looking to see what has been improved upon, or which models get serious upgrades carried over from other parts of the lineup. 2019 looks to not disappoint – thanks in part to the 2019 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 EPS High Lifter Edition and Can-Am Defender X MR.

The 2019 Polaris Ranger XP1000 was completely overhauled for 2018, but not every edition saw the upgraded frame, bodywork and other improvements. It comes as a shock to no one that the 2019 High Lifter Edition finally gets the full treatment with the 80 horsepower 999cc ProStar twin cylinder engine, new bodywork, stiffer frame and increased capabilities of the machine. The frame is actually the biggest change here. It is over 20% stiffer than the previous frame. It bumps up the payload capabilities and towing capacity, although you don’t really go buying the Polaris Ranger XP 1000 EPS High Lifter Edition for towing.

Find the Best Deals on High Lifter Snorkel Kits Here

Can-Am didn’t hold back with the Defender X MR either. Powered by the tried and true 72-hp 976cc Rotax V-Twin, the Defender comes in with different look as well for 2019. You can get it with Mossy Oak camo, which looks pretty slick to me, or in a shocking chartreuse color scheme, which looks wild and will definitely get you noticed. The big news for Can-Am fans is the addition of the Smart-Lok front differential, first designed for the Maverick X3 mud and rock crawler machines. The Smart-Lok system automatically engages based on your riding style, or through preset modes. It is designed to give you optimal traction based on your terrain and driving style.

Muddy Things in Common

Both the Defender and the Ranger have snorkels for the CVT and the air intake coming up from the bed and mounting high on the ROPS behind the cabin. This keeps the engines breathing and running in the nasty-deep sloppy mud.

Both machines also run a special front bumper with a high-mounted winch. The Can-Am uses the same bumper created for the Lone Star edition and has a 4,500-lb winch. The Ranger has a new purpose-built front bumper designed with High Lifter. It carries a Polaris Pro 4,500-lb winch with synthetic rope.

Shop for the Best Deals on Mud Tires

Both machines also come with mud-specific tires. The Polaris comes with 28-inch Outlaw 2 tires mounted on 14-inch aluminum wheels. The Can-Am comes with 30-inch ITP Cryptid tires wrapped around 14-inch cast aluminum wheels. Both tires will give you added traction in the mud, while providing a decent ride on the trail so you can easily travel between mud holes.

Added Touches

The Can-Am Defender X MR separate from the rest of the Defender family. The Vera Pro bench seats have extra bolstering to help keep you planted when the fun gets rolling. The X MR has a Trail mode and a Mud mode that lets you have optimal control in the mud, while not tearing up the trail or experiencing a poor ride while traveling between mud holes.

The 2019 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 EPS High Lifter Edition has some sweet touches too, that set it apart from the rest of the XP 1000 lineup. There are full half-doors, with special one-inch drains built into the bottoms. This lets the water and mud drain out and makes cleanup easier. The doors also have a new easier-to-use latch system, replacing the older latches Polaris used that were a weak link. Polaris also includes a rearview mirror, which is a nice feature. It also relocated the fuse box to a higher location on the frame. This helps keep all of your electrical connections high and dry.

The 2019 Can-Am Defender X MR is available at your local dealer with a starting MSRP of $19,299. Go in and ask how to get dirty. You can also learn more by going to https://can-am.brp.com/content/canam-offroad/en_US/side-by-side/defender/defender-x-mr.html.

The 2019 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 EPS High Lifter Edition is available with an MSRP of $19,999. Your local dealership can set you up with more information, or you can go to https://ranger.polaris.com/en-us/ranger-xp-1000-eps-high-lifter-edition/.