Can-Am Maverick R Is A High-Tech Off-Road Toy With The Wildest Suspension Ever

Aug. 23, 2023 2:24 PM ET byJacob Oliva Reveal /4 Comments

It's the most technologically advanced Maverick to date.

Can-Am has taken the wraps off its latest side-by-side vehicle (SSV), the Can-Am Maverick R. This two-seater vehicle marks a significant leap forward in the Can-Am SSV lineup, introducing a host of advanced features, including an all-new engine, transmission, and suspension geometry.

The Maverick R has a new chassis design, built with high-strength dual-phase tube steel. The V-shaped chassis is paired with a similarly designed roll cage, ensuring increased rigidity and strength compared to its predecessors. This setup alleviates stress on bolted connections and suspension components, leading to a smoother ride and reduced wear on vital parts.

The Maverick R is 77 inches wide and rides on a 108-inch wheelbase. It boasts a ground clearance of 17 inches, providing ample clearance for off-road adventures. The suspension travel is 25 inches at the front and 26 inches at the rear, thanks to a knuckle arm configuration made from aerospace aluminum.

The top-spec X RS Maverick R can be equipped with Smart-Shox, developed in conjunction with Fox. These Live Valve Gen 3 absorbers, including Fox 2.5 and 3.0 Podiums, adjust suspension settings in real-time, with over 200 adjustments per second. They can switch between soft and hard-valve settings in milliseconds.

Equipped with 32-inch Tenacity XNR ITP tires on 16-inch aluminum beadlock wheels, the Maverick R features a six-lug wheel pattern, similar to many pickup trucks and SUVs. This enables a wide range of wheel and tire customization, enhancing performance and durability across rugged landscapes.

The Maverick R is powered by a Can-Am-developed 999T Rotax 999cc turbocharged inline three-cylinder engine that churns out an impressive 240 horsepower. It's coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch Rotax transmission with paddle shifters and a low-range transfer case.

There are three selectable drive modes: Normal, Sport, and Sport+.

The Maverick R has a steering-mounted instrument screen and an in-house-designed 10.5-inch infotainment screen that serves as the centerpiece, offering audio control and vehicle information displays with map integration via Can-Am's app.

To accommodate gear and accessories, the Maverick R sports a modular clamp-down system at the rear, allowing for the attachment of Can-Am-designed accessories.

The Can-Am Maverick R starts at $35,499, which is more than you'll pay for a baseFord Bronco. It's also a $13,500 premium over the Maverick X3owned by Ken Block. The most expensive model (X RS with Smart Shox) costs $44,299.

It's a pricey off-road toy, for sure. Then again, you get the Ranger Raptor experience without paying $56,000, but at least the Raptor comes standard with niceties like a roof and climate control.