Looking for an ATV review to help you decide between a 2018 Polaris Sportsman 850 and the 2018 CanAm Outlander DPS 850? Then look no further!

At Tousley, we’ve been all about “sellin’ fun since ‘71,” but ultimately, we want to get you into the right ride, at the right price. To help you with your search, we've done the hardwork for you with this make/model comparisson. 

2018 Polaris Sportsman 850 Overview

The 2018 Sportsman 850 is one of the hardest working, smoothest riding sport/utility ATVs you can find. Powered by a high-output, 78 HP, ProStar® 850 Twin EFI engine with a single overhead cam, the rider has some get-up-and-go as the Sportsman propels down the trail. The Sportsman 850 pairs this power with its Rider Active Design to give owners 30% better sightlines and an overall better ride. Besides optimal sightlines, as well as a powerful engine that’s ready no matter the weather, the Sportsman 850 features on-demand all wheel drive for the traction you need.

As we look at the suspension and handling, the Polaris Sportsman ATV has you covered too. The rolled independent rear suspension (IRS) keeps you planted on all four tires on uneven terrain and will help you navigate tight corners, while also clearing obstacles as high as 11.5” with comfort and control in mind! The 850 also includes a new and improved Engine Braking System (EBS) to keep your speed decelerations smooth and consistent in every condition.

Although ATVs are fun to ride, they often have a job to do too, and the Sportsman’s payload & towing is there to help you tackle the biggest jobs and get more done in fewer trips. The 850 has a massive towing capacity of 1,500 lbs. and 575 lbs. of payload capacity. To help with the payload, the Sportsman includes the Lock & Ride® utility rack system that holds up to 360 lbs. As an added bonus, the 850 comes with an integrated winch and plow mount system for easy installation. And while you’re working around your property, you’ll also have the convenience of 8 gallons of integrated front & rear storage to help you carry whatever else you need to protect from the elements.

2018 CanAm Outlander DPS 850 Overview

Sporting a Rotax® V-twin engine with four valves per cylinder and a single overhead camshaft, the 2018 CanAM Outlander DPS 850’s engine also packs a punch, much like the Sportsman. Matched with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that includes engine braking, the Outlander is sure to help you get the job done.

A few things to take note of though are the steering, suspension, and handling of the Outlander. The DPS 850 comes with its gripping Tri-Mode Dynamic Power Steering (DPS), CanAm’s Surrounding Spar Technology (SST) G2 frame, and its Geometric Contact Control, making it a technological marvel. The DPS 850 features a Double A-arm front suspension with dive-control geometry while the rear suspension is comprised of an independent torsional trailing arm to help with tricky terrains. A few more features that come with the DPS 850 include:

• The Visco-Lok™ QE auto-locking front differential
• High-strength racks with LinQ™ quick-attach accessory system
• A 5.7-gal, water-resistant, rear compartment

On top of all of those awesome technological advancements, the 2018 Outlander DPS 850 includes a Digitally Encoded Security System (D.E.S.S.) and a multifunction digital gauge that is prewired for a winch and includes:

• A speedometer, tachometer, and an odometer
• Trip & hour meters
• A diagnostic center and fuel gauge
• Temperature and engine lights

Looking for a side-by-side UTV instead? Check out our review of the CanAm Defender HD5 and the Polaris Ranger 500!