Side-by-Side Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Can-Am Model

Choosing the right Can-Am side-by-side starts with understanding how you plan to use it — whether that’s work, recreation, or high-performance riding.

Some riders need a vehicle built for demanding work and property management. Others want comfort for long days on the trail, while some prioritize performance across challenging ground conditions. Because SxS vehicles are designed around different uses, identifying your main priorities helps you focus on the category that truly fits your needs.

This guide walks you through the main side-by-side categories and helps you determine the right starting point before comparing specific models.

A SxS (side-by-side) vehicle — also called a utility task vehicle (UTV) — is an off-road vehicle designed for stability, comfort, and carrying multiple passengers across a wide range of environments.

Unlike an ATV, which is straddled and steered with handlebars, a SxS features side-by-side seating, a steering wheel, pedals, and a protective frame. This layout provides a more stable driving position and makes it easier to transport people, gear, and equipment off road.

To better understand how SxS vehicles differ from ATVs in layout, handling, and typical use, see our ATV vs side-by-side comparison. 

Side-by-sides are grouped into different categories based on how they're designed to be used. If you're unsure which type fits your riding needs, this quick overview can help you identify the right starting point.

Utility recreational SxS vehicles, like our Defender lineup, are built for riders who need a machine capable of handling real work, large properties and demanding outdoor environments. These vehicles prioritize durability, hauling capacity, and productivity across varied ground conditions, while also offering increased comfort for long days, with available CAB enclosures and HVAC systems that help protect against the elements in changing weather conditions.

Where they shine:

•  Ranching, farming and land management tasks
•  Category-leading in towing and hauling heavy objects
•  Transporting equipment, materials or supplies to worksites
•  Supporting hunting activities by accessing remote areas and transporting gear
•  Operating in challenging conditions, including winter
•  Moving people, tools and materials efficiently across large properties

This category is a strong fit when: your side-by-side needs to handle demanding tasks, transport gear or materials and support work-oriented riding environments while remaining capable on varied terrain.

The Utility Recreational lineup includes the Gen 1 Defender HD7/HD9/HD10 and the Gen 2 Defender HD10/HD11, all engineered for hard work and manufactured with utility features designed to make heavy-duty jobs a whole lot easier.

Recreational SxS models are designed for riders who want to explore the outdoors at their own pace and share the experience with others. These vehicles prioritize versatility, comfort, and stability, making them well suited for longer rides focused on enjoyment and adventure.

Where they shine:

• Exploring forests, open terrain, and rugged landscapes

• Riding trail systems and discovering new paths

• Spending full days outdoors focused on adventure and discovery

• Riding with friends or family in a shared multi-passenger vehicle

• Handling mixed conditions confidently, including winter

This category is a strong fit when: your priority is enjoying time outdoors, sharing the ride, and exploring confidently in a comfortable, versatile vehicle.

The Can-Am Recreational side-by-side lineup includes the Maverick Trail, Maverick Sport, and Commander.

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Sport SxS models are built for riders who prioritize performance and capability across the most demanding off-road environments. These vehicles emphasize power, advanced suspension, and responsive handling to support high-intensity off-road riding.

Where they shine:

• Riding open desert environments and sand dunes

• Rock crawling and tackling highly technical terrain

• Handling deep mud and uneven off-road conditions

• Navigating trails that demand suspension performance and precise control

• Pursuing a more performance-driven off-road experience

​This category is a strong fit when: performance, terrain challenge, and an adrenaline-focused off-road riding experience are your top priorities.

The Can-Am Sport side-by-side lineup includes the Maverick R and Maverick X3.

Once you’ve identified a category, certain features influence how well a side-by-side fits your needs when comparing models.

Key elements to evaluate include:

• Passenger capacity: determines how many riders the vehicle can carry comfortably

• Cargo and towing capability: important for transporting tools, gear, or equipment

• Suspension and ride comfort: helps manage bumps and rough terrain and reduces fatigue on longer rides

• Cab and climate protection: available cab enclosures and HVAC systems help protect against the elements and maintain comfort in hot or cold weather

• Power and performance: influences acceleration, capability under load, and overall driving feel

• ​Technology and control features: integrated GPS, smartphone connectivity, and specialized drive modes enhance how you navigate terrain and stay connected on the trail

Looking at these elements helps you move beyond the category and focus on how the vehicle will actually perform in your day-to-day use.

Once you know which category fits your needs, the next step is comparing the models available within that group.

Models within the same category can differ in passenger layout, storage options, ride feel, and how they handle the terrain you ride most often. Looking at these differences helps you move from a general category choice to a vehicle that truly matches how and where you ride.

Explore the Can-Am side-by-side lineup to compare models — whether you're focused on one category or still considering options across the range — and find the vehicle that fits how you ride, who you ride with, and the terrain you plan to tackle.