2022 CAN-AM DEFENDER 6X6 LIMITED

2022 CAN-AM DEFENDER 6X6 LIMITED

Can-Am’s Defender lineup has offerings for every budget. From the $11,699 Defender HD7 all the way up to the 2022 Can-Am Defender 6×6 Limited that we tested. Price, power needs and specific trim decisions are up to you, but we will let you know what it’s like to drive one.   

 

HOW DOES THE PRICE COMPARE?

There is no other SxS to directly compare this machine to at $30,399 ($22,299 without a cab and HVAC). The only other six-wheel machine widely distributed is the Argo ranging from $10,999 to $15,699. As for cabbed machines, Argo has an eight-seater starting at $30,000, and it floats. While having a machine that floats is useful to some, the Defender is aimed at the guy who needs extra traction, and pulling power on land, over rocks and in deep mud. As far as HVAC machines are concerned, the Polaris Ranger Northstar 570 SP sells for $19,299, and the HVAC Crew model with a 1000 powerplant is $30,799, and it only has four wheels.

 

WHAT ENGINE DOES IT HAVE?

The proven strong and reliable HD10. This is a V-twin with four valves per cylinder and 976cc. It’s the same powerplant that has moved super-fast Renegade ATVs and the even faster turbocharged Maverick back in the day. In this machine it puts out 82 horsepower and 69 pound-feet of torque. It will surely use all of that to push this 2300-pound machine down the trail, especially when loaded up, since it has a 3000-pound towing capacity.

 

WHAT’S THE RIDE LIKE?

From the outside the six wheels look bulky, but with 10 inches of travel and an extra-long wheelbase, the ride is surprisingly plush. The 2022 CAN-AM DEFENDER 6X6 LIMITED is capable both on and off trail. During our muddy trail test ride, we were always sent through the deepest mud holes first. Traction was tank-like, and we couldn’t even find an obstacle that required us to use 4WD. Steering doesn’t seem to be affected any, and the 32-inch-longer wheelbase didn’t keep us from going down tighter trails. This machine has the same wheelbase as the six-seat Max models.

 

IS IT FAST?

No, this vehicle is not meant to go fast. It does, however, get down the trail at a brisk pace that is not slow. Power is smooth and strong in high gear, and there is plenty more power on tap when using low gear. If you didn’t know it was a six-wheeler when you got in the machine, you wouldn’t realize it when driving it. Top speed is about 50 mph.

 

HOW’S THE COCKPIT?

Our test driver is over 6 feet tall, and he had tons of leg- and headroom. Shorter drivers can slide the seat forward, and there is a ton of storage underneath. We love how Can-Am places boxes with carrying handles on them in the storage areas; it’s a huge convenience. The vehicle seats three, and the center passenger’s legs are not obstructed, and they do have a good spot to rest or brace their feet. All of the controls are well-placed and easy to see and connect with. The glass windshield has three tilting positions to allow airflow in if needed.

 

WHAT EXTRA FEATURES DOES IT HAVE?

This is the HVAC unit, so it has electric windows, a glass windshield, a wiper and, of course, heat and air. Our test took place during a cold downpour in Georgia, so it was the perfect place to test the enclosed cab and its features. Can-Am did a great job sealing up the cab from water intrusion. Air ducts were placed perfectly to set as defrosters on the windshield, and the amount of heat was fine for a 40-degree day. We are not sure how well it works in sub-zero temps, but you can bet the Canadian-based company did think about their countrymen. The AC seemed to blow cold enough to keep the occupants comfortable on a hot day, too. An insulated audio roof is found inside with enough power to listen to music or your favorite podcast inside or out of the machine. Out back, the huge dumping bed is operated with a push of a button hydraulically. And, this model gets the bigger stator at 850 watts.

WHO IS IT FOR?

Folks who have extreme chores to handle and those who have to work in extreme temperatures. Or, those who aren’t afraid of getting up on a cold morning to get the day started before everyone else, or the guys working through the heat of the day. As far as the chassis is concerned, the worse the terrain was, the more the machine shined. Whether you have to travel over cross-grain ruts or soupy mud holes, the Defender 6×6 could tackle anything that got in our way. If you are this guy, head down to your Can-Am dealer. 

SPECS:

2022 CAN-AM DEFENDER 6X6 HD10

ENGINE/TRANSMISSION

Engine Liquid-cooled, V-twin

Displacement 976cc

Horsepower 82 w/ 69 lb-ft. of torque

Transmission Quick-response Pro Torque CVT

Fuel delivery Intelligent Control injection

Fuel capacity 10.6 gal

Overall length/width/height 159.7”/65”/80”

Wheelbase 115.5”

Ground clearance 13”

Dry weight 2370 lb.

Payload capacity 1570 lb.

Cargo bed capacity 1000 lb.

Towing capacity 3000 lb.

Suspension: f/r Dual A-arms 10”, trailing arms 10”

Tires: f/r 27×9-14 Maxxis Bighorn,

27×11-14 Maxxis Bighorn

Brakes Hydraulic discs

Color Blue

Price $30,399

Contact www.can-am.brp.com

See UTV Action’s buyer’s guide to UTVs with heat and air conditioning here: UTVs WITH HEAT AND AIR CONDITIONING – UTV Action Magazine