Defender News

Can-Am has officially revealed its next-generation Defender lineup, and the 2026 Defender HD11 is more than just an update—it’s a ground-up rebuild of their most trusted utility-recreational side-by-side. Yes, it looks simaliar to the previous generation, but that is deceptive in that it is complete redsign. Designed for farmers, ranchers, builders, and weekend trail riders, this new Defender blends hard-working capability with comfort, technology, and refinement. Can-Am is always looking to "one-up" the compeition and the Defender HD11 is no exception.

What’s New

• Powertrain: All-new 999cc HD11 inline three-cylinder Rotax ACE (95 hp / 70 lb-ft) paired to a new CVT with pDrive primary clutch for smoother, more precise power delivery and improved low-speed control. Three selectable drive modes: Normal, Work, Sport.
• Front differentials: XT gets Quick-4Lok; Limited, Lone Star and X mr get Smart-Lok.
• Chassis & suspension: New 65-in-wide geometry with 50% larger arched A-arms; best-in-class 12" travel and 15" ground clearance; tighter turning radius; beefier braking with 262 mm rotors and twin-piston calipers.
• Range & workability: Larger 11.9-gal fuel tank supports longer days; charging system output doubles to 1700 W for accessories and tools.
• Comfort & tech: Updated HVAC on Limited & Lone Star; quieter cab; optional/standard 10.25" touchscreen with backup camera, built-in GPS, BRP GO! app, and OTA updates (std. on Li

Can-Am announced the recall of certain Commander, Defender, and Maverick Trail & Sport models due to a defective fuel hose assembly that could cause a fire. Below are the details.

Name of Product: Model Year 2023 Can-Am side-by-side vehicles

Hazard: The recalled vehicles can have a defective fuel hose assembly which could lead to a fuel leak, posing a fire hazard.

Can-Am’s Defender family lineup grows a little bigger (yet again) with the 2023 models. Included in the 2023 Can-Am Defender models is the addition of a Defender and Defender MAX X mr model offering with half doors along with the base Defender and Defender MAX X mr models without half doors. These half doors are also available as an accessory with color accent panels (required but sold separately) that match Defender color options for a great look. 

DPS CAB, Limited, Lone Star, and X mr packages come with an improved suspension design for 2023. These improvements include a new sway bar design with increased diameter, thicker and enclosed upper a-arms, new shock calibration, increased travel from 10” to 12”, and improved overall robustness. These changes allow for up to 30” tires. Speaking of 30” tires, all Defender Limited HD10 and Lone Star HD10 models get 30” tires from the factory. 

What You Need To Know

• New Defender & Defender MAX X mr with Half Door models
• Improved suspension design on DPS CAB, Limited, Lone Star, & X mr packages with increased strength and travel.
• New Desert Tan & Timeless Black color on the Defender Limited HD10

Defender Highlights

• 3 Engines- HD7 Single-Cylinder 52 hp, HD9 V-Twin 65 hp, HD10 V-Twin 82 hp
• Suspension Travel- 10-12 inches
• Ground Clearance- 11-15 inches

Defender Limited in Desert Tan & Timel

Can-Am has added two new models to the Defender family. It has only been a couple of years since Can-Am started offering a “Limited” trim level with almost every feature and option stuffed into that Limited model. Well you can now add the Defender 6x6 Limited to the list of Limited trim models. Another addition to the Defender family is the Defender MAX Lone Star Cab that takes the Defender MAX Lone Star model and adds to it additional goodies making for a much warmer or cooler day out on the Plains or on the trail.

2022 Can-Am Defender 6x6 Limited

What is more fantastic than a six wheel Can-Am Defender with six wheel drive? A fully-loaded six-wheel Can-Am Defender with six wheel drive completely loaded with every almost every feature available on a Defender. Not only is the Defender 6x6 a traction monster with a 6-foot bed, but now you can add other goodies like a fully-enclosed cab with an auto Heat and AC system. We have had a Defender 6x6 for a while and love it because it will go anywhere you point it, but now you can go anywhere you point it in complete comfort no matter the weather. We are thinking an endurance jungle challenge! Here is a list of features:

• 82 horsepower out of the HD10 V-Twin engine
• Heat & AC system
• 7.6-inch digital display with keypad
• VERSA-PRO bolster bench seats
• Full hard roof with liner and interior dome light 
• Full painted doors with electric opening windows 
• 3-position full glass tilt-up windshield with wiper/washer kit 
• Rear glass