TMS Blog

2016 Can Am Defender Review

Written by Michael Bauer
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The Can Am Defender, the first utility side by side from BRP, is built from the ground up for practical power and performance.

Our 2016 Can Am Defender Review:

Designed to meet the needs of farmers, ranchers, and hunters, this hardworking UTV demonstrates superior handling and agility for all types of outdoor activities while offering remarkable comfort.

The Defender is a workhorse designed to tackle jobs that sport-minded vehicles can’t.
- Off-Road.com
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A Look Inside the Cab

2016 Can-Am Defender insideBRP’s new Can Am Defender offers an ergonomic cab design that's focused on helping you get things done. The tilt steering easily adjusts to fit the height of multiple drivers and multifunction LCD gauges are positioned to optimize their visibility.

Can Am has put a lot of thought into making the Defender practical. The VERSA-PRO Bench Seat comfortably seats three adults and is made with wear-resistant vinyl. The passenger seats fold up to reveal additional storage, or provide a place for a hunting dog to sit. Instead of a glove compartment, the Defender comes with a waterproof, removable toolbox. It also has plenty of storage space under the dashboard.

Full soft cab or customizable modular systems are available, which can be integrated with a variety of accessories for added comfort and protection from the elements. 

Power and Handling

The 2016 Can Am Defender comes standard with a Rotax HD8 (800cc) V-Twin that provides 50 hp and 50 lb.ft.of torque. If you need more power, the engine can be upgraded to a Rotax HD10 (1,000cc) V-Twin with 72 hp and 61 lb.ft.of torque. The engine is installed in the rear of the side by side UTV to reduce noise, heat and vibration in the cockpit.

2016 Can-Am Defender Power and Handling

The Defender also features a PRO-TORQ transmission with a Quick Response System (QRS) to facilitate smooth and responsive power delivery. The transmission’s Electronic Drive Belt Protection monitors the CVT belt and alerts the driver if the UTV is in the wrong gear. The PRO-TORQ transmission delivers smooth shifting, predictable deceleration and a quiet environment in the cockpit.

A tight turning radius make the 2016 Defender easy to maneuver. Its front double A-Arm suspension and Torsional Trailing A-arms (TTA) rear suspension with twin tube gas charged shocks and 25-inch Maxxis tires provide a smooth ride and ease of handling on rough terrain, even with the max load of 1,000 pounds. Can Am has included a removable external sway bar to increase traction and the Defender's 42 / 58 weight distribution provides stabilization across any landscape.

Hauling Capacity

2016 Can-Am Defender Hauling CapacityThe Defender's cargo box has a 1,000 pound load capacity and is equipped with dump assist levers. It may also be configured for dual level set up or individual compartments. Its two-inch automotive style receiver hitch is designed to pull up to 2,000 pounds.

The Defender comes with 14 quick-attach locations in the cargo box to hook up Can-Am’s LinQ system and has designated anchor and tie-down points. It also features four built-in 5-gallon pail recesses to make it easy to haul buckets of supplies.

When it comes to hard work, the Defender will impress with its class-leading towing, hauling and payload capabilities. - ATV Illustrated

Customizable accessories for the Can Am Defender include a bed wall extender that fits into the UTV’s cargo box to increase capacity and a headache rack to offer protection from the cargo load. Hunters can attach their gear rail and gun boot to the headache rack. It's also possible to add a switch activated tilt-bed to take the work out of dumping the cargo box. In addition, lighting kits are available to increase visibility in low-light conditions.

A Great New Utility Side By Side

When Can Am decides to enter a new market, they do it well. Powerful and practical, the new 2016 Can Am Defender has a lot to offer farmers, ranchers, hunters and anyone else who needs a hardworking UTV that can help them get the job done. 

To check out the all-new 2016 Can Am Defender for yourself, stop by Tousley Motorsports' showroom in White Bear Lake, Minnesota.


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Michael Bauer

Michael Bauer

At Tousley Motorsports since 2010, Michael spends most of his time cruising around on his vintage 1974 Honda CB360T. But when he wants to have fun, he jumps on his Kawasaki KX65 sports bike. A fisherman at heart, Michael especially loves the challenge of catching fish during the winter. He also enjoys spending time outdoors on his Ski-Doo MXZ 609 and two Sea-Doo RXP.

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