Across trims and model years, this 6-seat utility UTV ranges from 52 to 95 hp, tows up to 2,500 lb, and often lists a 1,000 lb cargo box rating.
You’re looking at a Defender MAX because you want room for the crew and the muscle to haul supplies, tools, feed, or trail gear. The catch: “MAX” is the long-wheelbase platform, not one fixed build. Engines, clearance, suspension travel, storage, and payload can change by trim and year.
This article breaks down the specs that change real-world use. You’ll know what to check on a factory sheet, what those figures mean on your property, and how to match a trim to your routine.
How the Defender MAX lineup is labeled
Start with two labels: the engine code and the trim name. Together, they tell you most of what matters.
- HD7 / HD9 / HD10 / HD11: the output tier. On 2024 MAX DPS sheets, HD7 is listed at 52 hp, HD9 at 65 hp, and HD10 at 82 hp. On a 2026 MAX X mr sheet, HD11 is listed at 95 hp.
- DPS: Dynamic Power Steering, aimed at lighter steering effort.
- XT: a utility package that often adds winch gear, a roof, extra protection, and more storage.
- X mr: a mud-focused package with higher clearance and traction hardware built for ruts.
Can-Am Defender Max Specs by trim and model year
Before you compare prices, compare the sheet. Two machines can look alike on a dealer row while carrying different clearance, different storage volume, and different payload limits.
Engines and output tiers
- HD7: 52 hp and 42 lb-ft, Rotax ACE 650 cc single-cylinder (listed on a 2024 MAX DPS sheet).
- HD9: 65 hp and 59 lb-ft, Rotax 976 cc V-twin (listed on 2024 and 2025 sheets).
- HD10: 82 hp and 69 lb-ft, Rotax 976 cc V-twin (listed on 2024 and 2025 sheets).
- HD11: 95 hp and 70 lb-ft, Rotax ACE 999 cc triple-cylinder (listed on a 2026 MAX X mr sheet).
Transmission and drive modes
Most Defender MAX trims use a CVT with low and high ranges. The drive choices do more for traction than any dash badge:
- Turf mode: helps reduce tire scrub on grass and packed soil.
- 2WD: keeps steering light on hard surfaces.
- 4WD: adds front pull for climbs, loose gravel, or wet ground.
Some trims add upgraded front differential systems. A 2026 MAX X mr sheet lists Smart-Lok with multiple traction modes.
Dimensions that affect fit, turning, and trail access
On a 6-seat UTV, size changes trailer choices, barn storage, gate clearance, and how calm it feels with a full load.
Length, width, wheelbase
A 2024 MAX DPS HD7/HD9 sheet lists 153.4 in length with a 115.5 in wheelbase. A 2024 MAX DPS HD10 sheet lists the same 153.4 in length and 115.5 in wheelbase, with 64 in width. A 2025 MAX XT sheet lists 158.3 in length with a 115.5 in wheelbase. A 2026 MAX X mr sheet lists 164.2 in length with a 117.5 in wheelbase.
Ground clearance
Clearance separates trims fast. A 2024 MAX DPS HD7/HD9 sheet lists 11 in. A 2024 MAX DPS HD10 sheet lists 13 in. A 2025 MAX XT sheet lists 11 in on HD9 and 13 in on HD10. A 2026 MAX X mr sheet lists 15 in.
Seats and bed dimensions
The sheets above list a person capacity of 6. Cargo box dimensions shown on these sheets are 38 x 54.5 x 12 in across multiple trims and years.
Capacities that decide what you can carry
Towing and payload get mixed up. Keep them separate in your head and your planning gets easier.
Towing
The 2024 MAX DPS sheets list 2,500 lb towing capacity. The 2025 MAX XT sheet lists 2,500 lb. The 2026 MAX X mr sheet also lists 2,500 lb towing.
Payload and bed rating
Payload includes riders, cargo, and bolt-ons. The 2024 MAX DPS sheets list 1,700 lb payload. The 2025 MAX XT sheet also lists 1,700 lb. The 2026 MAX X mr sheet lists 1,245 lb payload and notes that the listed dry weight includes 310 lb of accessories.
Many Defender MAX sheets list a 1,000 lb cargo box capacity, with a California-only 600 lb rating. Tailgate load capacity is listed at 250 lb.
Fuel and storage
Fuel capacity is listed at 10.6 gal on 2024 and 2025 sheets, then 11.9 gal on a 2026 MAX X mr sheet. Storage can jump with trim: a 2024 MAX DPS sheet lists 11.1 gal total storage, while a 2025 MAX XT sheet lists 16.9 gal.
Suspension, tires, and braking
These numbers shape comfort, steering bite, and how the UTV holds a line with a loaded bed.
Suspension travel
A 2024 MAX DPS HD7/HD9 sheet lists 10 in of travel front and rear. A 2024 MAX DPS HD10 sheet lists 11 in front and rear. A 2025 MAX XT sheet shows 10 in travel on some configurations and 11 in travel on others.
Tires and wheels
A 2024 MAX DPS HD7/HD9 sheet lists XPS Trail Force 27 x 9 / 11 x 14 in tires on 14 in cast aluminum wheels. A 2024 MAX DPS HD10 sheet lists XPS Trail King in the same sizing. A 2025 MAX XT sheet lists either Trail Force or Trail King in 27 x 9 / 11 x 14.
Brakes
The 2024 and 2025 sheets list dual 220 mm disc brakes front and rear with hydraulic twin-piston calipers. The 2025 MAX XT and 2026 MAX X mr sheets also list a brake-holding mechanism, which helps on slopes when you’re loading or unhooking.
What to verify before you buy or order parts
Shop from the sheet, not from memory. Pull the PDF for your exact year and trim, then match these checkpoints.
| Spec checkpoint | What to read on the sheet | What it changes in real use |
|---|---|---|
| Engine code | HD7, HD9, HD10, HD11 | Hill speed with six riders, belt load, pull feel |
| Torque rating | lb-ft value next to hp | Low-speed pull with a trailer or loaded bed |
| Drive modes | Turf / 2WD / 4WD, plus traction modes | Traction in wet soil and steering effort |
| Ground clearance | 11 in, 13 in, 15 in | Rut depth you can cross without dragging |
| Wheelbase | 115.5 in or 117.5 in | Turning room, ride stability at speed |
| Dry weight | Listed lb/kg, plus accessory notes | Trailer rating, braking feel, payload margin |
| Payload | 1,700 lb or 1,245 lb (by trim) | How fast the UTV feels “full” with passengers |
| Bed rating | 1,000 lb box capacity, CA note | Bulk material per trip and tailgate stress |
| Towing | 2,500 lb rating | Trailer choice and safe pace on grades |
| Tire size | 27 x 9 / 11 x 14 (common) | Spare fit, lift height, gearing feel |
How to compare trims without getting lost
Keep one factory PDF open while you shop, then compare in this order: payload, clearance, suspension travel, storage, and gear that comes in the box.
These official PDFs are a solid starting set: 2024 Defender MAX DPS spec sheet, 2025 Defender MAX XT spec sheet, and 2026 Defender MAX X mr spec sheet.
What the numbers mean for ride feel
A 10 in travel setup tends to feel steady on smoother ranch roads. An 11 in setup gives more room before the suspension hits its bump stop in ruts. A 15 in clearance mud trim buys space for deep grooves and sticky muck, but it also raises step-in height.
What the numbers mean for hauling
A 1,700 lb payload figure shrinks fast with six adults. If you run a full cab often, weigh your crew, then decide what’s left for the bed and cab storage. Count heavy accessories too. Some sheets call out accessory weight inside the dry-weight line, which is a warning that trim gear can eat capacity.
Trim matching for common use cases
Use this table to pick a direction, then verify the year-specific sheet for the exact machine in front of you.
| Your main use | Specs to prioritize | Trim traits that often fit |
|---|---|---|
| Farm chores, mixed terrain | Payload, bed rating, Turf mode | DPS or XT with 1,700 lb payload listings |
| Trail rides with a full crew | Engine tier, suspension travel, storage | HD9 or HD10 builds with 11 in travel listings |
| Slow crawling, wet climbs | 4WD details, clearance | Higher-clearance trims with upgraded traction modes |
| Mud parks and deep ruts | Clearance, traction modes | X mr packages with 15 in clearance listings |
| Snow plow and winter hauling | Winch equipment, brake-holding | XT-style packages that list winch and brake-holding |
| Jobsite shuttle with tools | Cab room, payload, protection | MAX platform with roof and skid protection |
Dealer walk-around checklist
Bring a phone screenshot of your trim’s PDF. Then walk the machine like you own it already:
- Confirm the trim name on the dash and the invoice line match.
- Check tire sidewalls for the listed size and model family.
- Look under the nose for skid protection that matches the trim package.
- Open each storage pocket and note which ones seal.
- Sit in the rear row and check knee room with the front seats set for you.
- Turn the wheel lock-to-lock at a standstill and feel steering effort.
- Ask to see the payload sticker and compare it to the spec sheet line.
Notes that keep spec talk honest
Factory numbers are a baseline and can change by region. Some documents also note optional equipment. If you plan to run near limits, build margin for passengers, gear, and long grades.
References & Sources
- Can-Am (BRP).“2024 Defender MAX DPS HD7 / HD9 / HD10 Spec Sheet.”Factory horsepower, dimensions, capacities, and tire sizing for 2024 MAX DPS trims.
- Can-Am (BRP).“2025 Defender MAX XT Spec Sheet.”Factory engines, clearance, storage, winch equipment, and capacities for 2025 MAX XT trims.
- Can-Am (BRP).“2026 Defender MAX X mr With Half Doors HD11 Spec Sheet.”Factory HD11 output, Smart-Lok traction modes, dimensions, clearance, and payload for the 2026 MAX X mr.
Certification: BSc in Mechanical Engineering
Education: Mechanical engineer
Lives In: 539 W Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75208, USA
Md Amir is an auto mechanic student and writer with over half a decade of experience in the automotive field. He has worked with top automotive brands such as Lexus, Quantum, and also owns two automotive blogs autocarneed.com and taxiwiz.com.