2023 Can-Am Commander Max XT/XT-P

The XT 700 is entertaining and packs all the goodies: bumper, winch, aluminum wheels, roof panel, big cargo and towing capacities, fat tires. The XT 1000R and XT-P trims take that and add horsepower, more suspension travel, and premium frills.

The 700 makes just 52 hp. Every model is spendy.

If you can spend the money on the bigger engine, you won’t have any regrets about standing at the peak of the Commander lineup. Every model is game for hard miles on the job and the trail, even the 700 sitting on twin-tube gas shocks and able to winch 4,500 pounds, carry 600 pounds, and tow 2,000 pounds.

The XT 700 sits just below the top of the line by having a 650cc Rotax making 52 hp, saving $4,400 over the next-most-expensive model. That’s the substantial difference between it and the upper trims that use the 976cc Rotax making 100 hp. The XT 1000R and XT-P upgrade to arched double A-arms. The XT-P goes further with Fox shocks, 30-inch XPS Hammer Force tires on 15-inch beadlock wheels, selectable 4WD modes, and niceties like LED headlights and a rearview mirror.

None.

2023 Can-Am Commander XT 700: $16,799

2023 Can-Am Commander XT 1000R: $21,199

2023 Can-Am Commander Max XT: $24,199

2023 Can-Am Commander XT-P: $24,599

2023 Can-Am Commander Max XT-P: $27,499

Prices are up anywhere from $1,500 to $2,800, and Can-Am is adding a $400 surcharge at the moment for supply chain issues.

The Commander XT 700 is a very good rig for what it is, but there’s no replacement for displacement. The $21,499 opening bid for the XT 1000R isn’t a gimme, however, the 48 additional horses and the extra torque will repay the investment every time you head out.

If you can swing the XT-P, go for it—the Fox shocks and larger beadlock wheels and tires won’t disappoint, and this one gets the selectable locking diff instead of the auto-locking differential. The XT-P also gets LED headlights instead of the halogens on the XT, and a rearview mirror. But you can add all of that equipment later if it’s preferable to save on the front end.

The 650cc Rotax single in the Commander XT 700 makes 52 hp and 41 lb.-ft. It sends power through Can-Am’s aging PDrive CVT with engine-braking and electronic belt protection.

A 976cc Rotax V-twin powers every other model with 100 hp. The motor’s yoked to a Quick Response System CVT that features electronic belt protection, an extra-low gear, and high-airflow ventilation.

The XT 700 gets suspended by twin-tube gas shocks traveling through 12.5 inches of travel in front, 13 inches in back.

There are big leaps up from there. The XT 1000R swaps for arched A-arms in front and an arched version of Can-Am’s torsional trailing arm independent rear suspension. Travel increases 2.5 inches in front, 2 inches in back.

The XT-P makes hard trails feel easy thanks to adjustable Fox 2.5 Podium piggyback shocks and larger 30-inch tires. Travel shrinks an inch front and back compared to the XPS, but the stouter dampers and rolling stock will handle much better, the selectable locking diff can make life easier in tough situations.

Two-piston calipers clamp dual 220mm discs at all four corners on every model.

Can-Am knows how to design a comfy cabin; nicely padded and bolstered seats accompanied by lots of legroom and three-point seatbelts keep occupants comfortable and in place. Contrast stitching identifies the “special edition” seats in the XT-P trim.

Can-Am rates every model with a 600-pound bed capacity, and a 2,000-pound tow rating via the 2-inch automotive-style hitch receiver.

Every rig offers a selectable Sport mode when it’s time to burn up the trail and an Eco mode when it’s time to save gas for getting home. Every model gets a 7.6-inch digital display with a keypad, showing a speedometer and tachometer, odometer, tripmeter, hourmeter, gear position, drive mode and diff-lock indicators, clock, battery voltage, diagnostic warnings, and temperature readout.

All trims also feature Can-Am’s D.E.S.S. anti-theft system.

Can-Am recommends most consumables (clutch, brake pads, air filter, etc.) be changed after 200 hours of normal use or 100 hours of severe use. The maintenance schedules and repair procedures are in line with the competition.

Coverage is on the low end of the scale with a six-month limited term. Additional coverage up to 30 months can be purchased through BRP B.E.S.T. protection.

Want to stay up to date on the latest UTV Driver news and reviews? Sign up for our weekly newsletter!