Comparing the Can-Am Defender vs the Polaris Ranger

When looking for the most versatile side-by-sides, it is almost certain that we’ll end up having to choose between the Can-Am Defender vs the Polaris Ranger.

These two vehicles are amongst the most competitive on the market. It can be difficult to tell them apart without looking at them in greater detail.

Thankfully, the SM Sport team is here to help you find out about the differences between these side-by-sides, and to help you better understand which will be a greater value for your money.

The Can-Am Defender

The different versions of the Can-Am Defender offer a wide variety of options, making it a very versatile side-by-side.

All in all, the Can-Am Defender comes in 18 different trims. The vast array of models can make it challenging to define what the Defender represents.

No matter the features or experience you are looking for, there is certainly a Can-Am Defender trim that will meet and even surpass your needs.

Technical Comparison of the Ranger vs Defender

With the choice between the Ranger 1000 and the Ranger XP 1000, Polaris gives you two options: a 61 horsepower engine or an 82 horsepower engine, respectively.

Amongst the multiple Defender trims, you will also find a wide selection of engines. The base model is equipped with an engine with 52 horsepower.

It is also possible to have a Defender with an 82 horsepower engine. This is the most powerful engine offered with this vehicle.

The trims equipped with the 82 horsepower engine generally are, however, more expensive than the Ranger XP 1000, which means that you will be paying more for a similar amount of power.

On top of this, the Ranger XP 1000 offers a 999 cc twin cylinder engine, whereas the 82 horsepower engine on the Defender offers 972 cc.

This difference can seem benign, however a greater amount of power also generally allows for a better use of engine power.

Although the Defender also offers excellent performance, the Ranger simply works better.

Finally, we often underestimate the advantage of a quiet engine. The sealed suspension bushings on the Ranger prevent mud and other dirt from entering the machine, which would result in making it noisier with time.

Without even considering this advantage, the Ranger’s engine is naturally quieter than the one on the Can-Am Defender.

Ranger vs Defender: Comparing Comfort Levels

If we only take into account the number of passengers, both vehicles are equal, with a maximum potential of 6- passengers. Their similar width also means that the space for each passenger is pretty much equal on both vehicles.

Where both are different, however, is in terms of the comfort offered by the seats and the other features and amenities that are also geared towards comfort.

The streamline seats on the Ranger XP 1000 are easy to adjust. This means that everyone can find the perfect settings to make them as comfortable as they possibly can to enjoy the plush seating and back support.

As for the Can-Am Defender, it offers a few different seating options.

The best option includes an adjustable driver’s seat and reclining passenger seats, which also make it easier to enter and exit the vehicle.

On this subject, both vehicles are quite similar for the driver, but the Ranger XP offers the option of customizing several seats, which is a significant advantage if you are thinking of bringing passengers along with you.

Finally, if you would like a vehicle with a complete cab, then the Ranger’s design is really hard to beat. We’ll get back to interior design a little later.

Ranger vs Defender: Comparing Capacities

It would be hard to compare two vehicles of this type without looking further into their various capacities. After all, when shopping for a side-by-side, it is important to know what type of tasks it can take on and what kinds of trails it can handle.

Depending on your choice of accessories, a 4,500 lb winch is the most performant offered on both models. On this note, at least, both vehicles are equal.

These winch options are simply amongst the most efficient offered on any vehicle of this category. It is difficult to find a side-by-side that offers a more powerful winch than these.

As for towing capacity, both vehicles also offer the same, a maximum of 2,500 lbs.

With a duel of best capacities between the Can-Am Defender vs Polaris Ranger, it is easy enough to see where both vehicles are similar. However, we should place our attention on where they are different.

In fact, the Defender and the Ranger both offer a payload that can reach up to 1,000 lbs.

However, the Ranger bed is higher by half an inch, a subtle design choice that allows for greater safety when loading the bed with cargo.

Moreover, with the Ranger, it is also possible to purchase a Lock & Ride trunk extension, which provides you with a bigger cargo surface by utilising the tailgate.

If you want to take full advantage of the performance your side-by-side has to offer, the Polaris gives you access to a wide selection of efficient and durable accessories.

In short, when it comes to brute force, the Ranger and the Defender are once again pretty close to one another. However, some design elements make the Ranger a very interesting choice.

Can-Am Defender vs Polaris Ranger: Working Experience

As previously mentioned, even if you opt for engines with similar power, you will notice a slight difference in terms of performance between the Defender and the Polaris Ranger.

This small difference is not as benign as it may seem at first, once we take a closer look to the work and driving experience it provides.

Firstly, the Ranger utilizes a system with several different driving modes, including a mode for driving over grass.

Even though it offers a brute force that compares to the Defender, this system allows the Ranger to utilize the engine in a much more efficient way, according to the work that needs to get done.

For example, the grass mode proves very useful if you are working on a farm or any other grass covered area.

In fact, side-by-sides often have problems with maneuverability on grass covered surfaces or areas. The Polaris has a performance mode on the Ranger, allowing it to compensate.

Similarly, the Ranger’s “work” mode also allows for better control at low speeds, for an easier work experience. If you are looking for the best maneuverability at low speeds, then the Polaris Ranger is perfect for you.

In short, if you are looking for a vehicle that can work hard and long, making your day easier, the Polaris Ranger is the vehicle for you.

Can-Am Defender vs Polaris Ranger: Design

Style is certainly a little more subjective, so we will let you be the judge of which side-by-side offers the best design, in terms of appearance.

However, there are exterior design elements that can be rationalized and compared.

Firstly, the sealed suspension bushings mentioned above not only make your vehicle quieter, they also allow for easier maintenance, since dirt will be limited to the exterior.

Moreover, the trunk is also generally better designed for work and has several available accessories, leaving competitors far behind.

Differences become much more obvious when it comes to both vehicles’ interior design. On top of superior levels of comfort, the Ranger offers a cab that is simply better adapted to our province.

Should you opt for a vehicle with a completely closed cab, the Ranger will definitely be hard to beat, coupled with the Big Game package that comes with a heating and defrost system.

The Defender is also offered with a closed interior and a heating system, but space is more limited and there is no defrosting system, making this option less attractive for those who have to face the harsh weather conditions in Quebec.

Ranger vs Defender: Reliability and Durability

When purchasing a side-by-side, it is rarely because we want to take it by the hand and treat it like a baby. Generally it is quite the opposite: we are planning on using it on harsh trails that are hard to navigate and need it for heavy duty tasks.

This is why opting for a reliable vehicle that is ready for anything is very important. Once more, the Polaris Ranger and the Can-Am Defender are two solid machines.

However, some aspects of the Polaris Ranger make it the better choice if you are looking for a vehicle that will last a long time.

In production since 2005, the Ranger is one of the side-by-sides with the richest history on the market. Thanks to this, it has been refined over numerous years and is built to last.

The Defender appeared on the market in 2015. It simply has not had the time to prove its worth for as long as the Ranger has.

This is obviously not to say that the Defender is worthless, no. Both are very durable rugged machines; but in a comparison between the Can-AM Defender vs Polaris Ranger, there must be a winner.

And the winner is… the Polaris Ranger!

In a comparison between the Can-Am Defender vs Polaris Ranger, it can be challenging to quickly decide on a winner.

However, when looking into the two in greater detail, the result becomes quite clear: the Polaris Ranger has the advantage.

When it comes to brute force, the superior versions of the Defender come neck to neck with the Polaris Ranger XP 1000, but the later offers several added technologies that will allow you to better enjoy all the power it offers.

Another factor often seen when comparing two side-by-sides: the Defender is often able to come close to the Ranger, but you must opt for a more expensive model to access these levels of performance.

In short, if you are looking for a side-by-side with one of the best price-quality ratio on the market, the Ranger is the better choice.

For work or play, the Polaris Ranger is one of the most versatile vehicles on the market.

For financing for your side-by-side in the region of Quebec, no matter if you opt for a Polaris Ranger or another vehicle amongst our vast selection, come visit us in store at SM Sport. We are here to help and looking forward to your visit!