Ready for a day’s work on the farm, backcountry hunt, or trail riding, the new Can-Am Defender XT package was built to establish a new standard in tough performance. The new unit features industry-leading terrain capabilities and working proficiencies as well as clever versatility and functionality.
Defender XT Package Details:
4,500-pound (2,041 kg) Can-Am winch
The winch is designed to handle heavy-duty loads at the work site and on the trail, thanks to its 4,500-pound capacity and roller fairlead. A convenient button was also added to the console on the left side of the steering wheel for easy operation.
27-inch (68.6 cm) Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires
Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires feature a rugged six-ply radial construction, yet are lightweight to cut down on unsprung weight. The non-directional tires are very capable of climbing and clawing across tough terrain and also absorb varying surfaces for a smooth ride and provide predictable cornering.
Full hard roof
A durable, heavy-duty plastic roof protects the occupants from elements while giving the Defender XT units a custom appearance.
Advanced VERSA-PRO Bench Seat
The VERSA-PRO bench seat offered on the XT package includes a reinforced seat cover. It uses a thicker vinyl and a special material finish to be more resistant and offer a premium look.
Enclosed under seat storage
The 5.6 gal (21 L) enclosed under seat storage beneath the passenger seat offers a large waterproof space for the most precious items, and is easily removable for the user’s convenience.
Multifunction analog/ digital gauge with enclosed storage
The analog / digital gauge package includes state-of-the-art instrumentation as well as an additional enclosed and water-resistant 0.9 gal (3.4 L) storage section to protect smaller items.
Three driving modes
The driver can select between three different driving modes on the Can-Am Defender to adapt to both personal preference and the riding conditions: Eco, Normal and Work. Normal mode has no speed or torque limitations and is optimized for recreational use with no load or a light workload. Work mode is calibrated for working with high loads in a smooth manner, offering a smooth power delivery, still with full power and torque. ECO mode limits both high-range speed and torque to produce moderate driving with regulated-but-smooth acceleration.
Full skid plate
The high-strength full skid plate (center and sides on XT) is made from proven materials and is designed for supreme protection and has the ability to slide over certain obstacles.
Premium color options
The Defender XT HD8 and XT HD10 vehicles are available with premium painted plastic or an exclusive water-dipped camouflage pattern, providing a first-class appearance. An all-new painted Intense Red joins painted Pure Magnesium and dipped Mossy Oak Break-Up Country Camo.
Tough:
Rotax V-Twin Engine
The Defender XT is available with the Rotax V-Twin HD10 or HD8 engine. The 72-hp Rotax HD10 V-Twin is specifically tuned for serious work but also offers 61 lb-ft torque and peak torque at lower RPM for optimal delivery for recreational use. At 4,000 RPM, the HD10 offers 20% more torque than the top selling competitor of the segment. The work-focused Rotax HD8 V-Twin delivers 50 horsepower and 50 lb-ft torque for tough tasks The V-Twin engine is located in the rear of the Defender chassis to reduce noise, vibration, cockpit heat and improve access.
PRO-TORQ Transmission
The PRO-TORQ Transmission was specifically calibrated to meet the utilitarian demands of the Defender side-by-side vehicle. This new generation of transmission features a Quick Response System (QRS) that enhances low-speed riding, delivers smoother and more responsive power delivery and offer precise engagement. The Electronic Drive Belt Protection monitors the CVT belt to determine its condition and alerting the driver when necessary. This device offers belt-spotting protection for if a driver is in high gear, but should be in low gear. Integrated hill descent control supplies smooth, predictable deceleration.
Maintenance free for one year
With zero break-in maintenance required and a yearly maintenance schedule, the Defender side-by-side vehicles reduce total maintenance costs to the buyer. The yearly advised maintenance is 1,865 miles (3,000 km) or 200 hours. The engine and transmission are more do-it-yourself service friendly, offering easier access to key maintenance items.
Integrated central front steel bumper
The front bumper offers protection for the front end, yet is minimalistic in its appearance.
Capable:
True 4-mode traction system with Turf Mode and front auto-locking Visco-Lok
Defender offers a new 4-mode traction system providing choices for varying terrain or tasks. Users, via a separate front-and-rear toggle switches, can select between a 2x4 open rear differential for tight turning and turf protection, a 2x4 lockable rear for improved 2WD traction, a 4x4 open rear for more maneuverability in rugged terrain and a 4x4 locked rear for maximum traction.
11-inch (28 cm) ground clearance
The Defender side-by-side vehicles offer 11 inches (28 cm) of ground clearance for maximum performance for conquering difficult terrain or carrying a maximum load.
Tight turning radius
The Defender side-by-side vehicles have a tight 13.1 feet (399 cm) turning radius to allow for easy maneuverability in restricted work environments, hauling heavy loads and for recreational use. When turning a full circle, the vehicle has a 2-foot (60.9 cm) shorter diameter than the segment’s top-selling competitor.
Towing / Hauling / Payload
Handling serious chores is easy thanks to the Defender side-by-side vehicle’s strong Rotax V-Twin engines and exceptional towing, hauling and payload capacities. The Defender is rated to tow up to 2,000 pounds and has a 1,500-pound payload.
Clever:
Versatile, integrated Cargo box with sturdy tailgate
The highly durable Cargo box has a 1,000 pounds / 454 kg (600 pounds / 272.2 kg in California model) load capacity and has dump assist levers. It also features a versatile configuration that can create a customizable dual-level setup or completely separate compartments. Strategic features include 5-gallon (18.9 L) pail recesses, integrated anchors on the sidewalls and several tie-down points for added convenience. To fully optimize the sizable cargo box, consumers can divide up the box using the integrated recesses. The box allows for both 1x3 (inch) and plywood separators and accepts bed extenders for refining the bed’s overall dimensions. The cargo box is adaptable to accept 14 LinQ quick-attach accessories for further customization.
Complete with cable supports and metal bars, the reinforced tailgate can withstand ordinary farm use and serve as a seat during your lunch break (max weight: 250 pounds / 113.4 kg). For ease of usage, it can also be removed in seconds without tools.
Open dash with quick attach toolbox and under-dash storage
The open dash design features a handy water-resistant and quick attach 1.7 gal (6.3 L) toolbox, an industry exclusive, to allow users to carefully carry tools and supplies they need in an organized manner. The open dash configuration is designed to be more functional friendly by reducing overall hood space for increased onboard, accessible storage. Perfect for stowing small essentials, the Defender models also include convenient 6-gallon (22.8 L) under-dash storage with an enclosed pocket
VERSA-PRO Bench Seat
The VERSA-PRO Bench Seat is configured as a 40/20/40 bench seat, inspired by modern pick-up trucks. It can comfortably accommodate three adults and features “profiled” corners to improve entrance / exit of the cab as well as a sturdy vinyl cover for improved wear resistance. The passenger seats, complete with integrated hooks on their underside, also can be flipped up to improve onboard storage. Can-Am engineers also added a foldable central console with an armrest and two cup holders.
Roomy and intuitive cockpit
The Defender offers a spacious cockpit with unmatched fit-and-finish. Engineers optimized the interior ergonomics for a wide range of people. The A-pillar was moved far forward to provide almost effortless ingress-egress and to enhance visibility for all the occupants. The steering wheel was specifically designed for utility applications with a larger diameter for improved handling and control. The automotive-like tilt steering wheel lets drivers adjust (up to 25 degrees) it to their driving style and ergonomic preference. It offers also an easier maneuvering while entering/exiting the vehicle.
Accessories:
The Defender XT can be customized to fit work or hunting needs with a wide range of accessories. A full soft cab is available or a modular system so users can pick enclosure accessories to fit their needs. Protective elements for the unit include front and rear bumpers, body side and front corner protectors and fender flares. The selectable two heights Bed Wall Extender accessory is easy to install and increases the unit’s box volume capacity. A headache rack is available to protect the cab when hauling loads and the LinQ tool holders keep shovels or other gear secured and easy to get to.
For more information, visit the Can-Am Off-Road website.
