Polaris RZR XP 1000 MSRP $19,999           Can-Am Maverick X rs MSRP $17,799

The new Polaris RZR XP 1000 vs. Cam-Am Maverick X rs, which is the better machine? Well let’s look at the specs side by side.

I’ll admit, I’m a tad bias toward Polaris, but I could easily be swayed to like a Can-Am. I would take home a Renegade in a heartbeat. I’m the type that wants to drive the meanest machine on the market. To that point, when the Maverick was introduced I was impressed and Polaris definitely took notice. You can tell by looking at the stats that Polaris was targeting this machine, how would you explain the 107 HP motor in the new RZR…it’s obvious.

The first thing that stands out is the RZR’s 999cc’s and its 107 HP, which is more than the Maverick’s 976cc’s and 101 HP. But when you look at weight the Maverick is 80 lbs lighter which brings the RZR’s big advantage down to a slight advantage in power. The Maverick’s tires are also 2 inches shorter and use less effort to turn.

Looking at suspension it’s apparent that Polaris had heard enough from other manufacture’s models having better suspension travel because they installed Walker Evans shocks that were made just for this application and gave the new RZR 18 inches of travel in the rear and 16 inches in the front…that’s top of the line.

The RZR XP 1000 also mounted 29 inch tall Maxxis Bighorns to give it a full 13.5 inches of ground clearance, just enough to beat the Maverick by a half an inch. So, if you just add taller tires to the Maverick, then it’s back on top.

As far as dimensions go, both models are basically exactly the same. But Polaris utilized the rear cargo space in a fashion that better suites average rider’s expectations. As mentioned before the RZR does weigh 80 lbs more, which most of that can be attributed to the bigger tires, bigger shocks and power steering components.

Did I mention power steering? Oh yeah! It comes standard on the new RZR and I think this is one feature that really shines. Most people think power steering is for sissies…well let me tell you, power steering changed my riding style a lot and I’ve never looked back. I used to deal with muscle ache at the end of the day and have to take some pain relievers, not any more. Power steering completely eliminated that problem. Since the RZR has power steering and the Maverick doesn’t, that’s enough to make me choose the RZR all day. That’s how much I love that feature.

So if you’re in the ballpark to spend $20K ($19,999) on a side by side, I would recommend you stick with the leader in the UTV market and take home a Polaris RZR XP 1000 and make all your buddies jealous.

The Stats

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