2018 Can-Am Maverick X3 900 HO vs. Polaris RZR XP 1000: By the Numbers
It seems that about every week, one of the manufacturers reveals another new model. I’m not complaining, mind you. I love it, and I’m sure you do too. Can-Am has been on fire lately with a pile of new models, the most recent being the somewhat quiet addition of the new Can-Am Maverick X3 900 HO, a slightly more budget-friendly version of its top-shelf performance UTV. The whole purpose of these By the Numbers articles is to answer the common question people have – how does machine A compare to Machine B. In the case of the new X3 900, the closest machine from a competitor is the Polaris RZR XP 1000. Why not the RZR 900? Keep reading and you’ll see.
| 2018 Can-Am Maverick X3 900 HO | 2018 Polaris RZR XP 1000 | |
| Price | $17,999 | $17,999 |
| Engine | 900cc Triple | 999cc Twin |
| Horsepower | 90 | 110 |
| Driveline/Differential | Selectable 2WD / 4WD with Visco-Lok X auto-locking front differential | High Performance True On-Demand AWD/2WD |
| Transmission | Quick Response System X(QRS-X) CVT with high airflow, L / H / N / R / P | Automatic PVT P/R/N/L/H |
| Wheelbase | 102 in | 90 in |
| Overall Dimensions (LxWxH) | 131 x 64 x 65 in | 119 x 64 x 73.75 in |
| Dry Weight | 1,470 lbs | 1,369 lbs |
| Front Tires | Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 27 x 9-14 in | 29 x 9-14; Maxxis Bighorn |
| Rear Tires | Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 27 x 11-14 in | 29 x 11-14; Maxxis Bighorn |
| Ground Clearance | 13.0 in | 13.5 in |
| Fuel Capacity | 10.5 gal | 9.5 gal |
| Front Suspension | Double A-arm with sway bar 18-in. (45.7 cm) travel | Dual A-Arm 16 in (40.6 cm) Travel |
| Rear Suspension | 4-link Torsional Trailing-arm X (TTX) with sway bar 18-in (45.7 cm) travel | Trailing Arm with Stabilizer Bar and 18 in (45.7 cm) Travel |
| Front/Rear Brakes | Four ventilated disc brakes with hydraulic twin-piston calipers | 4-Wheel Hydraulic Disc with Dual-Bore Front and Rear Calipers |
| Bed/Rack Capacity | 200 lbs | 300 lbs |
Power
So, the Can-Am Maverick X3 900 runs a three-cylinder engine, just like the rest of the X3s. In this case it is a 900cc specially tuned Rotax that pumps out 90 horsepower. The X3 900 HO is designed as a lower cost version of the X3, so those who want the suspension, handling and styling of the machine can save a few bucks. Being a triple, the engine should have a healthy roar and a broad power delivery.
Polaris runs a 999cc ProStar Twin in the RZR XP that pumps out 110 horses. By comparison, the RZR 900 runs on a 75-horsepower motor that just doesn’t quite hang with the X3. The XP 1000 is pretty close to what you’d get in the Can-Am, power wise.
Both machines run on a CVT-type automatic transmission with Polaris running its standard PVT system and Can-Am outfitting the X3 with the QRS-X Quick Response System-X CVT that has increased airflow.
Suspension
The Can-Am X3 line quickly made heads turn with amazing suspension. We’ve all seen the video of the X3 pounding through some dessert whoops. For the 900 HO, Can-Am equipped it with 2.5-inch Fox Podium shocks with 18 inches of travel front and rear. The front shocks ride on dual A-arms, while the rear floats on torsional trailing arms with the TTA X designed set up for extreme performance. Front and rear sway bars were added to reduce body roll and improve cornering.
The RZR XP 1000 comes set up with 2-inch Walker Evans Racing 16-position adjustable needle shocks. There re 16 inches of travel in the front and 18 in the rear. The front rides on dual A-arms and the rear is set up on trailing arms. Both ends have stabilizer bars for handling.
And More…
Both machines run Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires, with the Can-Am running 27-inch rubber and the RZR rolling on 29s.
Both machines are 64 inches wide. The Can-Am Maverick X3 900 is longer at 131 inches compared to the Polaris RZR XP 1000’s 119 inches. The RZR has the height advantage at 73.75 inches tall to the Can-Am’s 65.
When it boils down to the ultimate decider for some – cost – it’s a tie. Both machines have an MSRP of $17,999. Still can’t decide? Get to your local dealer and see them for yourself.
Derrek's love for all things ATV started when he was a mere 11 years old, growing up on his family farm. His mom gave him and his sister a choice - get a horse, or a three-wheeler. The sister wanted the horse, and Derrek wanted the ATV. Luckily he won out, and was soon burning up the trails on a Yamaha Tri-Moto 200. By the time he was 14, he had saved enough of his own money by working on the farm and in his folks restaurant to buy a new 4-wheeler. That happened the day he and his mom were driving past the dealership and saw 1987 Banshee. His mom had no idea what he was buying, and he never looked back. He's been riding ever since, and been writing professionally for many years. He has ridden all over North America and been behind the controls of just about every machine out there. And yes, he still has his 1987 Yamaha Banshee.
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