The Can-Am Maverick Sport Max is a four-seat sport side-by-side built for narrow trails, playful speed, and family-size adventures.
This four-seat trail machine sits between tight single-row rigs and huge dune cars. It keeps the 60 inch stance of the two seat Maverick Sport, stretches the wheelbase, and adds a real back row so friends or kids can ride along without feeling like cargo.
The goal of this guide is simple. Help you decide whether a can-am maverick sport max fits your riding style, explain trims and specs in plain language, and share setup ideas so you can spend more time on dirt and less time second guessing a big purchase.
What Is The Can-Am Maverick Sport Max?
The Maverick Sport MAX is Can-Am’s four seat version of its 60 inch sport side-by-side. Instead of widening the chassis, engineers kept the narrow stance and added a stretched frame with a long wheelbase, so the machine still fits typical trail width rules while carrying four riders.
Power comes from a Rotax V-twin around 976 cc with about 100 horsepower, paired with a quick response CVT and selectable drive modes. In real use that mix feels snappy rather than wild, with enough punch for steep climbs and sand washes without shredding belts on every weekend ride.
The MAX layout aims at riders who split time between day rides with friends, camping trips, and mixed use chores around property. It carries a dump style rear bed, real towing capacity, and a wide catalog of accessories, so it can haul firewood on Friday and haul your crew to a ridge on Saturday.
Maverick Sport Max Trims And Pricing
Current Maverick Sport MAX models center on the DPS 1000R package in many markets, with special regional trims where trail width rules or homologation laws apply. Most share the same basic engine and chassis, with changes in wheels, shocks, protection, and legal add ons.
Sticker price shifts with destination charges and local taxes, yet dealer listings show the MAX DPS in the mid to high twenty thousand dollar range before accessories and fees. That puts it below long travel desert rigs but above basic utility side-by-sides with bench seats.
The table below gives a rough feel for how popular Maverick Sport MAX style trims compare. Numbers are rounded and may change with each model year, so always confirm with a current spec sheet or dealer quote before signing paperwork.
| Trim | Engine / Power | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Maverick Sport MAX DPS 1000R | 976 cc V-twin, about 100 hp | Dynamic power steering, auto locking front diff, 60 in width |
| Maverick Sport MAX DPS T | Same engine, tuned for regional rules | Homologation gear where required, similar cockpit and cargo |
| Maverick Sport MAX X Packages* | Same base engine | Upgraded shocks, skid plates, style touches, regional availability |
*X packages appear in some years and markets only, so check current catalogs for exact availability.
If you plan to ride mostly with two adults in front and kids in back, the DPS 1000R trim already covers most needs. Trail riders in rocky regions may want extra skid protection or higher grade shocks, while buyers in farm country might care more about winch, hitch, and accessory power than flashy branding on seats.
Reading Maverick Sport Max Spec Sheets
Spec sheets can feel like alphabet soup, so break them into a few simple buckets that matter on the trail.
- Engine and cooling — Confirms power level, fuel needs, and whether the cooling system can cope with slow technical climbs on hot days.
- Suspension travel — Tells you how much bump absorption you have before the chassis bottoms out over roots, whoops, and washboard roads.
- Width and wheelbase — Shows whether the machine fits your local trail network and how stable it will feel at speed or on sidehills.
- Weights and capacities — Lists payload, towing, and cargo box ratings so you know if a full cooler and camping gear sit within limits.
- Homologation notes — Matters in regions where on road use or farm registration has extra requirements on lighting and mirrors.
Engine, Drivetrain, And Suspension Feel
The Rotax 1000R V-twin gives the Maverick Sport MAX enough power to loft the front wheels over erosion bars and to hold highway like speeds on open dirt roads, yet the tune remains tractable. Throttle response feels smooth at low speeds, where many riders spend more time than they expect.
The CVT uses a Quick Response setup that backshifts early when you roll back into the pedal, so the engine stays in the meat of its power band. Low range helps when crawling steep grades or backing trailers into tight spots, and engine braking adds control on loose descents.
Suspension hardware varies by trim, but common pieces include double A arms up front and a TTA rear layout with gas charged shocks. Travel sits in the mid range compared with desert models, yet ground clearance around twelve inches still lets the chassis clear ledges and ruts on typical forest routes.
How The Long Wheelbase Changes The Ride
The long MAX wheelbase settles the ride over chop that might pitch a short rig. Instead of bucking, the rear tends to follow predictably, which keeps passengers more relaxed and reduces fatigue on long days. Tight switchbacks need a wider swing, so you learn to set up corners earlier.
On off camber sections the narrow width demands careful line choice, especially with four adults on board and gear loaded high. Running the right tire pressure, staying within rated payload, and easing off in blind corners all help the chassis stay sure footed.
Cabin Space, Comfort, And Storage For Four
The MAX cabin runs true bucket seats in both rows with decent bolstering and adjustable front seats. The steering wheel tilts, and pedal placement suits boots instead of sneakers, which matters on long rides over rough ground. Rear passengers sit slightly raised, so they see more than headrests.
Ingress and egress feel better than some stretched two seat conversions because the frame was built as a four seater from the start. Rear doors open wide, and footwells give enough room for taller riders without knees jammed against seat backs, especially when front seats are not slid fully rearward.
Noise and heat management matter in any side-by-side. The Maverick Sport MAX keeps engine and CVT behind the cabin, with panels that deflect much of the heat and intake sound away from the front row. Ear protection still helps on long days, yet the overall feel sits on the relaxed side of the sport segment.
Storage solutions range from the stock rear cargo bed and small in-cab bins to LinQ accessories like trunk boxes, racks, and bags that click into place without tools. With smart packing the machine can handle weekend camp loads while still leaving leg room for four riders.
Simple Comfort Upgrades That Pay Off
- Add a roof and windshield — Cuts sun and trail dust, makes cold morning rides and light rain much more pleasant.
- Install storage bags — Keeps phones, snacks, and tools from bouncing around, and saves you from digging through the rear bed.
- Swap to better seats or harnesses — Holds riders in place on rough ground, which reduces fatigue and keeps kids from sliding around.
- Use ear and eye protection — Quality foam plugs and clear goggles make long days feel shorter and keep grit out of eyes and ears.
- Dial in tire pressure — Running pressures suited to load and terrain softens chatter without sacrificing steering feel.
Buying Advice For A Can-Am Maverick Sport Max
Before dropping money on any four seat sport side-by-side, get clear on how often seats three and four will be filled and where you plan to ride. Some buyers picture full rows on every outing, then learn that most local trails feel more fun with a smaller crew.
Think through transport as well. A MAX chassis asks more from trailers and tow vehicles than a two seat machine. Check tongue weight ratings, ramp width, and tie down points before pickup day, and budget for proper ratchet straps and a winch if you load alone on sloped driveways.
Budget does not end at the sticker. Factor in sales tax, destination charges, dealer fees, and the accessories you know you will add in the first year. Roof, windshield, storage boxes, basic skid protection, and a winch change both comfort and recovery options in ways that riders rarely regret.
Checklist Before You Sign
- Test drive with four aboard — Load real passengers so you can feel acceleration, braking, and body roll at working weight.
- Measure your storage space — Confirm the machine fits garage doors, trailer decks, and side yard parking spots.
- Price accessories up front — Ask for quotes on roof, windshield, winch, and storage add ons rather than guessing later.
- Review service intervals — Look at oil change and belt inspection schedules, and ask who in your area can handle warranty work.
- Check local trail rules — Confirm width limits, sound rules, and registration needs so you avoid fines on your first ride.
Key Takeaways: Can-Am Maverick Sport Max
➤ Four seat trail rig that keeps a narrow 60 inch stance.
➤ Around 100 horsepower from a Rotax 1000R V-twin.
➤ Long wheelbase adds stability yet needs wider turns.
➤ Real cargo and tow ratings for weekend camp loads.
➤ Best suited to riders who mix play and light utility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Maverick Sport Max A Good First Side-By-Side?
For riders with trail seat time on quads or dirt bikes, the Maverick Sport MAX can work as a first side-by-side. Power is strong yet manageable, and the chassis remains narrow enough for most marked routes.
New off-road drivers should start with short shakedown rides, keep speeds modest on blind trails, and build habits around belt care, pre-ride checks, and safe loading before tackling longer trips.
How Does The Maverick Sport Max Compare To The Maverick X3?
The Maverick X3 focuses on higher power and long travel suspension for dunes and open desert, while the Sport MAX leans toward tight trail work with its 60 inch width and more moderate travel numbers.
Buyers who live around wooded or mixed terrain often find the Sport MAX easier to live with, while riders who spend most time in open sand gravitate toward the X3 platform.
What Kind Of Maintenance Does The Maverick Sport Max Need?
Routine care includes oil changes, air filter cleaning, CVT inspection, greasing pivots, and checking bolt torque after hard rides. Belts and brake pads wear faster with heavy loads, mud riding, and aggressive driving.
Keeping the air filter clean, avoiding long belt slips, and washing mud from radiators and brakes after each outing goes a long way toward avoiding costly repairs.
Can You Use A Maverick Sport Max For Work?
Yes, many owners split usage between play and property chores. The rear bed can take several hundred pounds, and the hitch rating handles small utility trailers, yard carts, and log splitters on level ground.
A Sport MAX will not replace a dedicated farm side-by-side with dump bed and turf tires, yet it handles fence checks, tool hauling, and light towing alongside trail fun.
What Accessories Are Worth Adding First?
Most owners start with a roof, windshield, rear trunk box, and winch. Those parts improve comfort, storage, and self recovery without changing the base character of the machine.
After those, consider skid plates, rock sliders, and better lighting if your local terrain includes rocks, ruts, or regular night rides.
Wrapping It Up – Can-Am Maverick Sport Max
The can-am maverick sport max sits in a sweet middle zone between pure work rigs and full desert racers. It keeps trail friendly width, carries four riders in a purposeful cabin, and delivers enough power and suspension to stay fun long after the first weekend.
If your riding mix leans toward narrow forest routes, family day trips, and the occasional campsite run with a trailer in tow, this four seat trail machine deserves a hard look. Spend time on a test drive, price the accessories you truly need, and you will know quickly whether it matches the way you ride.

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.