Warning: This head-to-head comparison of the Polaris RZR XP Turbo S and the Can-Am Maverick X3 X rs Turbo R is for high-performance, adrenaline junkies who can’t get enough of testing the boundaries of a rugged UTV. Both the Maverick and the RZR are powerful, robust machines that consistently set the bar high in the “supercar segment” of the UTV market.

Their performance is so impressive where it counts, that you have to look closely at what distinguishes one from the other. Polaris has become a staple in the UTV industry, manufacturing tough off-road machines such as snowmobiles, military vehicles, and ATVs for more than 60 years. While not as old as Polaris, Can-Am has become an institution in its own right, creating Sea-Doo watercraft, Ski-Doo snowmobiles, and UTVs for more than 40 years.

Both companies have met the demand for greater horsepower, higher versatility, and additional features. Below, we take a closer look at Polaris RZR XP Turbo S and the Can-Am Maverick X3 X rs Turbo R so that you can decide which side-by-side UTV is best for you.

2019 Polaris RZR XP Turbo S

The Polaris RZR XP Turbo S has been called the nastiest RZR ever—and it’s easy to see why. The machine is built for high-end adventures across rough terrain. It handles well in demanding environments and produces an impressive amount of power. The machine practically begs to be driven as hard and as fast as you can go.

Some key features of the RZR XP Turbo S include:

Turbo Engine

From the moment you step on the accelerator, the 168 HP ProStar Turbo 925 engine kicks in and delivers unparalleled raw power and more than 114 ft-lbs of torque. The 168 horsepower mill is standard for top-of-the-line RZRs these days. All the power is channeled through a fine-tuned CVT transmission, giving the RZR a smooth and muscular ride no matter where you take it.

Industry’s Toughest Machine

Polaris engineered the RZR XP Turbo S to be stronger and tougher than any other UTV on the market. With that in mind, they added 32" tires and a 72" stance, as well as a newer and stronger chassis. The tires give you plenty of traction and greater control over dirt, rocks, sand, or less forgiving surfaces. The 72" wide chassis is a heavily revamped version of the RZR platform from the ground up. Polaris added bracing to the interior of the chassis to ensure that the machine could endure extreme riding.

Suspension

The DYNAMIX Active Suspension features A-arm front components, 25” of suspension travel, and shocks that adjust on the fly. They’re all part of the world’s first and only intelligent suspension system design for off-road excursions. There are 3.0” FOX DYNAMIX Active Suspension shocks on the rear and 2.5” FOX DYNAMIX Active Suspension shocks on the front. You can control the tension via a 3-position toggle switch that can adjust from Comfort to Sport settings.

Design

Polaris went all out to improve the look and feel of the RZR XP Turbo S. The new design includes an enhanced comfortable driving position with higher clearance, the Sparco® steering wheel, and a 4-point harness, Interior Dash & Ride Command™, reinforced low-profile cage and aluminum roof, and LED lighting package. The Sparco® steering wheel is lightweight, made of carbon fiber and has solid center spokes with a hollow core wheel rim. The Interior Dash & Ride Command™ touchscreen display instantly provides all the information and control functions you need in high-action rides.

Key Specs

• 168 HP ProStar Turbo 925
• 72” Width
• 25”/25” Usable Travel
• FOX® 3.0 Internal Bypass Live Valve Shocks
• 32” ITP® Coyote Tires (8-Ply)
• 16” Ground Clearance
• Xtreme Performance Isolated True On-Demand AWD/2WD

2019 Can-Am Maverick X3 X rs Turbo R

It has been nearly impossible to top the Can-Am Maverick X3 X rs Turbo R since its release in 2018. It has a massive 72-inch-wide, long-travel chassis, 172-horsepower engine, and extreme versatility on any gnarled surface. Compared to any other sport UTV, the Can-Am’s offers a comprehensive performance package that off-road thrillist will love. For dunes and open-desert environments, it is the ultimate two-seat sports machine.

Some key features include:

Turbocharged Engine

Can-Am powered the Maverick X3 X rs Turbo R with an intercooled, turbocharged, 900cc, 12-valve, double-overhead-cam, triple inline engine. It is currently the industry's most powerful quad with 172 horsepower. All of that power is fed through a CVT transmission, which engages with a smooth transition when shifting gears up or down. The engine is extremely when it is revving above 5500 RPM. According to BRP, you can go 0–60 MPH in just 4.4 seconds.

Lockable Front Differential

Can-Am gives you the ability to transfer power to the front wheels courtesy of Smart-Lok™ technology. The differential provides you plenty of traction if you want to take it rock crawling. When combined with the 172-horsepower engine, advanced airflow dynamics, and Quick Response System X (QRS) CVT and belt, you have an amazingly agile machine that can tackle steep, rocky, rutted, or slippery terrain. The four-mode traction system is linked to the variable-assist EPS to give you an easier time steering the UTV.

Suspension

The suspension system on the Maverick X3 X rs Turbo R will give you 22 inches of travel—plenty for just about any riding experience. It features dual A-arms that come with a sway bar in the front and a four-link trophy truck-like trailing-arm (TTX) with a sway bar in the back. The four-link system has less binding, which results in improved rotational control and overall articulation with the entire suspension system.

Design

Can-Am demonstrates once again that they are not afraid to take risks with new model upgrades. This Maverick was reconceptualized with some of those risks in mind. The result was a performance-driven mechanical and structural design, signature LEDs, and an advanced cockpit. The Ergo-Lock cockpit with four-way adjustable seats gives you plenty of options for creating a comfortable ride.

Key Specs

• 172 HP Rotax ACE 900
• 72” Width
• Up to 24” Usable Travel
• FOX® 2.5 PODIUM RC2 Piggyback
• 30” Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 Tires
• 15” Ground Clearance
• Smart-Lok technology with four-mode traction system

As you can see, both the Polaris RZR XP Turbo S and the Can-Am Maverick X3 X rs Turbo R have plenty of benefits, as well as highly-advanced features that put them in the top-tier of high-performance off-road machinery.

Visit Tousley Motorsports to Purchase a Polaris or Can-Am UTV

Tousley Motorsports is one of the largest motorsports dealers in the Midwest, with over 1,000 new and used units in-stock. We’re a full-service dealership that includes financing, parts, service, clothing & gear. To find out more about Polaris and Can-Am UTVs, visit our showroom in White Bear Lake, MN. You can also call us at 800-TOUSLEY, or visit our Facebook Page.