2020 Can-Am Maverick X3 Ultimate Buyer's Guide (2024)

See the updated 2021 model guide

The UTV segment in today’s marketplace looks vastly different than it did 10 or 15 years ago. UTVs like the Polaris Ranger and Kawasaki Mule were designed with farmers, ranchers, and hunters in mind. They provided them with a vehicle that could comfortably haul gear and equipment across rugged terrain and withstand daily abuse.

Yamaha introduced their Rhino 450 and 660 model UTVs in 2004 and is often credited as the vehicle that set the stage for recreational and pure-sport UTVs that would be introduced in the future. The Rhino could work, but was also fun on the trails.

Polaris followed in 2008 with the RZR 800 and since then, manufacturers have been producing more and more pure-sport UTVs for a market that seems to have an insatiable appetite for them.

There’s no arguing that the pure-sport side-by-side market is dominated by Polaris and Can-Am. Other manufacturers have released their own pure-sport models, but the breadth and diversity of models offered by Polaris and Can-Am is astounding. Can-Am seems to have made it their mission to best Polaris in every category that they can and they have been releasing new and upgraded models at a very quick pace.

Can-Am’s flagship Side-by-Side, the Maverick X3, is one of the most popular models in their lineup. The Maverick X3 has truly pushed the boundaries of Side-by-Side capabilities, especially in the engine and suspension department. Other manufacturers are releasing competing models and forcing their competitors to innovate.

Can-Am is very much aware of this fact and they have been introducing new variants of the X3 to meet every need or desire imaginable for their customers. With 9 different models of the Maverick X3, there’s something there for everyone. If you’re in the market for a new pure-sport Side-by-Side, below is a guide of all models and variations of the Can-Am Maverick X3.

Maverick X3 Turbo

The Maverick X3 Turbo is the base model X3, though it is anything but basic. It has a unique and aggressive styling that makes it stand out in a crowd and that aggressive look is backed up with plenty of capability.

It has 14 inches of ground clearance and the 64 inch width and 102 inch wheelbase keep the Maverick stable, even at high speeds. Speaking of high speeds, it features a 120 hp turbocharged 900cc Rotax triple cylinder engine that will get you from point A to B at break-neck speeds.

Getting that power to the ground is Can-Am’s Quick Response System X, or QRS-X, transmission. This compact, heavy duty CVT transmission is designed to work with the turbo and reduce lag or drops in power.

The Maverick uses Fox 2.5 Podium QS3 shocks at all four corners, providing 20 inches of wheel travel and a smooth ride, regardless of the terrain.

The standard X3 Turbo is a great all-around sport UTV that provides plenty of capability for all riding styles. This model comes in Can-Am Red, White, or a Hyper Silver/Can-Am Red combo. It has a starting MSRP of $18,999.

Maverick X3 Max Turbo

The base model X3 is also offered in a 4 seat configuration called the Maverick X3 Max Turbo. This model has an MSRP of $21,999.

Maverick X3 DS Turbo R

The DS Turbo R model has all of the same features as the X3 Turbo, right down to the 28 inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires. The primary difference in the DS Turbo-R, is the engine. It features Can-Am’s Rotax ACE 900cc turbocharged triple cylinder engine, putting out a whopping 172 hp and 124 lb-ft of torque.

This model caters to those like the X3 Turbo, but want more power. If you ride in an environment that taxes the engine, such as the sand dunes, you may appreciate the additional power on tap. Other specifications and dimensions are the same as the X3 Turbo. The DS Turbo-R comes in a Can-Am Red/White combo and has an MSRP of $20,999.

Maverick X3 Max DS Turbo R

The X3 DS model has a 4 seat variant called the X3 Max DS Turbo R so you can carry 3 passengers for even more fun. It has an MSRP of $23,699.

Maverick X3 RS Turbo R

Can-Am introduced the RS Turbo R to compete in the 72 inch wide segment and features the 172 hp Rotax ACE engine. It maintains the X3’s 102 inch wheelbase and the outstanding Fox 2.5 Podium QS3 shocks, but suspension travel increases to 22 inches and it gets 29 inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires all around.

With the increase in suspension travel and larger tires, ground clearance increases to 15.5 inches for this model. This is a great option for those riding in more open areas, such as the desert or sand dunes.

The extra power and the stability of the 72 inch width are more beneficial out in the open, where higher speeds can be achieved. These qualities may be less important in tight east coast trails. The RS Turbo R model is available in a Can-Am Red/White combo with a MSRP of $22,499.

These qualities may be less important in tight east coast trails. The RS Turbo R model is available in a Can-Am Red/White combo with a MSRP of $22,499.

Maverick X3 Max RS Turbo R

The 72″ wide X3 RS is also available in the X3 Max RS Turbo R configuration. This is the 4 seat version and has an MSRP of $25,199.

Maverick X3 X DS Turbo RR

While the name of this model is lengthy, and a bit confusing, it’s the features that really set this UTV apart. The X3 X DS Turbo RR features a 64 inch width and 102 inch wheelbase. It comes standard with fully adjustable Fox 2.5 Podium RC2 piggyback reservoir shocks with internal bypass. This setup provides 20 inches of wheel travel, front and rear.

The 900cc Rotax ACE engine in this models produces a staggering 195 hp and it features Can-Am’s Smart Lok differential, with multiple drive modes. The Smart Lok differential will give you the benefits of a differential lock with the easy driving and handling characteristics of an open differential.

You’ll find 29 inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0s wrapped around 14 inch aluminum bead-lock wheels at each corner and unique X-package graphics and seat stitching to stand out from the crowd. There’s also a larger 7.6 inch driver display with multiple functions, versus the standard 4.5 inch display in lower trim packages.

The X DS Turbo RR comes in an Iron Gray/Manta Green combo, Phoenix Orange Metallic, or Triple Black. MSRP for this model comes in at $24,999.

Maverick X3 Max X DS Turbo RR

The 64″ wide, 195 hp X DS Turbo RR can also be had with 4 seats as the X3 Max X DS Turbo RR model. It’s priced at an MSRP of $27,499.

Maverick X3 X RS Turbo RR

If you prefer a 72 inch wide UTV, this model delivers all of the performance of the X DS Turbo RR and then some. The X RS Turbo RR has the same 195 hp engine and Smart Lok front differential, but gets upgraded Fox 3.0 Podium RC2 shocks, 30 inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires, 4 point harnesses, and full length heavy duty skid plate. It even comes standard with a full roof.

The upgraded suspension provides 24 inches of trophy truck inspired travel in the rear and 22 inches of travel in the front. This UTV rolls along with 16 inches of ground clearance to easily clear any obstacles that you might encounter. It’s available in a Hyper Silver/Intense Blue/Manta Green combo, Gold/Can-Am Red/Hyper Silver combo, and Triple Black. It comes with an MSRP of $27,499.

Maverick X3 Max X RS Turbo RR

The beastly X RS Turbo RR can be purchased as a 4 seater as the X3 Max X RS Turbo RR. It’s one of the most high performance, technologically advanced 4 seat Side-by-Sides available today. MSRP is $$29,999.

Maverick X3 X RC Turbo

The X RC Turbo is designed for the desert and rock crawling, though it would perform great in virtually any situation. This 64 inch wide machine shares the same 120 hp engine as the X3 Turbo base model, as well as the Fox 2.5 Podium QS3 shocks and has 18 inches of wheel travel. It also has the QRS-X CVT transmission.

There are some notable upgrades, however, that make this UTV exceptional. It features Can-Am’s Smart Lok differential, a front bumper, rock sliders, heavy duty skid plates and A-arm and trailing-arm guards. It also has 30 inch Maxxis Liberty tires and a 4,500-lb winch.

Like other “X” models, it features unique graphics and a 7.6 inch driver display. It comes in a Carbon Black/Orange combo and the MSRP checks in at $23,999. This UTV is ready to tackle anything you can throw at it!

It also has 30 inch Maxxis Liberty tires and a 4,500-lb winch. Like other “X” models, it features unique graphics and a 7.6 inch driver display. It comes in a Carbon Black/Orange combo and the MSRP checks in at $23,999. This UTV is ready to tackle anything you can throw at it!

Maverick X3 X RC Turbo RR

If you like the X RC Turbo, but want more power and more width, the X RC Turbo RR is the machine for you. It’s 72 inches wide and features Can-Am’s Rotax ACE 900cc triple cylinder engine, pumping out 195 hp and 135 lb-ft of torque. It has a great suspension setup with Fox 3.0 Podium RC2 shocks that are fully adjustable and provide 22 inches of front wheel travel and 24 inches of rear wheel travel.

With massive 32 inch Maxxis Liberty tires mounted on 15 inch aluminum bead-lock wheels, as well as 16 inches of ground clearance, there’s not much that can slow you down. Should you find the limits of the ground clearance, the X-RC Turbo RR has complete skid plate coverage, included the A-arms and trailing-arms. It even has rock sliders to make sure the vehicle is well protected.

Like the X-RC Turbo, it comes standard with a 4,500-lb winch, 7.6 inch driver display, Smart Lok front differential, and unique front bumper. It comes in a Carbon Black/Orange color combo and has a MSRP of $29,599. Whether crawling in the rocks or racing through the desert, this is an extremely capable UTV, right off the showroom floor.

Maverick X3 X MR Turbo

If you prefer to spend your time in the mud, the Maverick X3 X MR Turbo should be at the top of your list. This UTV is 64 inches wide and has a 102 inch wheelbase. It comes standard with Fox 2.5 Podium QS3 shocks that deliver 18 inches of wheel travel. It’s powered by Can-Am’s 120 hp Rotax 900cc turbocharged engine and has the QRS-X CVT transmission to get all of that power to the ground. It also has a front bumper, full skid plate, 7.6 inch driver display, and the Smart Lok front differential.

Being designed for mud, it has some special features to help you get through the deepest mud holes. It has a 4,500-lb winch, 30 inch ITP Cryptid mud tires, and snorkels for the engine air intake, as well as the CVT intake and exhaust. Ground clearance is 14 inches for this model and should be able to easily conquer some pretty nasty mud holes. It’s available in an Iron Gray/Manta Green combo and the MSRP starts at $23,199.

Maverick X3 X MR Turbo RR

The X MR Turbo RR may very well be the best mud ready UTV from the factory. It’s 72 inches wide, has a towering 16 inches of ground clearance, and the Fox 2.5 Podium QS3 shocks provide 22 inches of wheel travel, front and rear.

This model also features Can-Am’s Rotax ACE 900cc turbocharged engine, pumping out 195 hp. It has the Smart Lok front differential and 30 inch ITP Cryptid mud tires mounted on 14 inch aluminum bead-lock wheels.

For protection, it has a full heavy duty skid plate, front bumper, and all air intakes are snorkeled to ensure clean air for the engine and the CVT transmission. This should also reduce the chance of water being ingested by the engine or the CVT belt slipping due to getting wet.

Should you manage to get this UTV stuck, it comes standard with a 4,500-lb winch, as well as front and rear tow hooks. Additionally, the X-package graphics look great and will turn heads, while the 7.6 inch driver display will provide all the information you need about your vehicle. The color combo is Iron Gray/Manta Green and it has a MSRP of $26,399. If mud is your thing, this UTV might be your dream come true!

Maverick X3 Max X MR Turbo RR

For 4-person mud bogging adventures the X3 Max X MR Turbo RR is the ultimate choice. It features everything available on the X3 X MR Turbo RR but includes two more seats to carry along family or friends. MSRP is $28,899.

Decisions, Decisions!

The Cam-Am Maverick X3 is an extremely versatile pure-sport Side-by-Side. Whether you’re trail riding, desert running, mudding, or rock crawling, the Maverick X3 can handle it. If you prefer one riding style over the others, Can-Am has a multitude of options available, so that you can find the perfect X3 for your needs.

Regardless of which model you choose, you can count on some really great features across the board. All Mavericks come standard with Can-Am’s Ergo Lok co*ckpit, which features 4-way adjustable seats. You’ll also find Can-Am’s trophy truck inspired TTX suspension system and each model has it’s own unique shock combination.

Every Maverick X3 comes with LED headlights and taillights and power steering is standard across the lineup, as is 4 wheel ventilated disc brakes. Cam-Am provides a 6 month limited warranty on their UTVs, but there are extended warranty options available.

No matter which model you choose, you are guaranteed to have a crazy amount of fun. The competition in this segment is heating up and that’s a great thing for consumers. Can-Am continues to offer new and updated UTVs with more features and greater capabilities.

With other manufacturers increasing their offerings in the pure-sport segment, you can bet that Can-Am will continue to improve the Maverick X3. The X3 has already set the bar in multiple categories and Can-Am shows no signs of letting up. This is a great pure-sport UTV and definitely worth consideration if you’re in the market for a new machine. The question is which model do you choose?