CAN-AM MAVERICK X3 X RC TURBO RR
New for 2020, the X3 line grows to include 195-horsepower Turbo RR models, including the X3 X rc Turbo RR Rock Crawler. We tested the original rc Turbo R in March of 2018 and were mightily impressed. So, we couldn’t wait to climb into the 2020 rc Turbo RR at Sand Hollow State Park. Also, there is no rc Turbo R for 2020; the only choices are the 64-inch Turbo and the 72-inch Turbo RR.
WHAT’S NEW FOR 2020?
More horsepower is news, jumping from 172 horsepower to 195 horsepower on Turbo RR models. The base model Maverick X3 rc Turbo makes 120 horsepower without an intercooler. Turbo RRs have a bigger turbocharger, new pistons, a less-restrictive intake, and a bigger intercooler. The RC’s Smart-Lok front diff with Front Differential Module monitors six parameters—both front wheel speeds, steering angle, throttle position, gear selection, engine torque and vehicle speed—to automatically select the amount of diff-lock to apply. This allows low steering effort while maintaining maximum traction. Smart-Lok has two toggles on the dash to select from four modes: 2×4, 4×4 fully locked, 4×4 Trail Active (rock) and 4×4 Trail. Also, there’s a new four-way toggle for the digital readout.
MORE RR FEATURES
To compliment the Smart-Lok front end, X3 x RC Turbo RRs get EBS and Hill Descent Control, UHMW rock sliders, suspension arm protection and front-diff guards, a 4,500-pound winch and orange frame, cage and suspension components. The X3 X rc also gets the X rs Fox Podium 2.5 front and 3.0 rear RC2 Internal ByPass (IBP) shocks with dual-rate springs and adjustable crossovers, dual-speed compression, rebound and preload. The rock-specific Maxxis Liberty tires grow to 32x10R15 on beadlock wheels for 2020; 2019s had 30x10R14s.
HOW DOES COST COMPARE?
The 2020 Maverick X3 X rc Turbo RR is $29,599. Maverick X3 X rc Turbos are $23,999, while X3 X rs Turbo Rs start at $22,499, and the X3 X rs Turbo RR is $27,499. Polaris’ 2020 RZR XP Turbo is $20,999. The XP Turbo S is $22,499, and the Turbo S Velocity is $28,199. The Turbo Pro is $22,999, and the Premium Pro is $24,499; the Pro Ultimate is $28,499. Polaris has no designated RC Turbo, just the RZR XP1000 Rocks & Trails Edition, which is $23,599.
HOW FAST IS THE X3 X RC?
Crazy fast. We’re in the middle of speed testing our 2020 X3 X rs Turbo RR. Spoiler alert: we’re well into triple digits. With 2-inch-taller tires on the rc than the rs, the rock crawler is insanely fast on top. That said, it’s very manageable power, and Low range is excellent for rock crawling and tight trails.
WHAT ABOUT THE DELIVERY?
Smooth as silk. The larger turbo doesn’t seem to have much turbo lag, and the EFI throttle and CVT clutch maps are very well matched. Engagement is smooth and predictable for easing through delicate situations, yet it spools up quickly when more power is needed. The Smart-Lok front diff and mated EPS tuning optimizes traction with minimal steering input required. Down slopes are equally surefooted, with built-in EBS and Hill Descent Control. It even has a Sport/Eco mode for max performance or fuel economy. The X3 rc Turbo RR is a technological marvel on rocks; its most limiting factor is the sight-line over the long hood.
HOW DOES THE X RC TURBO RR HANDLE?
Like it’s on rails. With the longest wheelbase in its class, the X3 is super stable at higher speeds, and yet it’s agile on tighter trails. Super-tight turns are aided by the Smart-Lok/EPS duo, but extreme rock crawlers might want to add rear steering. The 32-inch Maxxis Liberty tires add to overall handling and ride comfort, and front-width rears help set up drifts into turns. The rc Turbo RR is a blast in the dunes and desert, too.
HOW IS THE HIGH-END SUSPENSION?
Excellent and highly tunable. The Fox RC2 Podium IBP shocks are well tuned and deliver a great ride over a wide variety of conditions and obstacles. With 22 inches of front travel and 24 inches in back, 72-inch Turbo RRs lead the class in usable suspension. Fox Race Tune recommendations are two turns on Low-Speed Compression (LSC) and three turns out on HSC, front and rear. Rebound is 12 clicks out. Fox recommends a 15.5-inch ride height on the rs, but the rc could be different. Can-Am has added IBP ports since 2017, but Shock Therapy adds more in its $1,149 X3 rs/rc high-flow RIS mods.
HOW STRONG ARE THE BRAKES?
Can-Am is the only manufacturer to offer separate front and rear hydraulic braking systems, and it uses two-piston calipers on all four corners with 262mm front and 248mm rear rotors. They have no trouble hauling down the larger 32-inch tires on new 15-inch beadlock rims, and there is EBS and Hill Descent Control built into the CVT, so it crawls at a walking speed when needed.
HOW IS IT IN DESERT AND DUNES?
Awesome. With 2 feet of well-tuned travel and 195 horsepower, the RC Turbo RR rips in desert whoops, dune jumps and G-outs alike. The larger 32-inch Maxxis Liberty tires add ride comfort, ground clearance and traction in fast desert terrain, and they’re decent in dune sand when aired down. The long 102-inch wheelbase adds high-speed stability, and the Fox 2.5 front and 3.0 rear RC2 IBP shocks bleed off impacts from rocks and square edges well. Factory harnesses add comfort and confidence at speed, too.
HOW IS IT IN MUD AND ROCKS?
Excellent. Slick-rock is the rc’s natural habitat, and the Turbo RR version is even more impressive and effective. It has added power for conquering eastern limestone ledges encountered in Southern Rock Racing, and the 32-inch tires add traction, ground clearance and ride quality. Mud riders will likely go to taller mud tires, and the Turbo RR has the power to turn them with ease. Mudders will also want fender extensions to keep mud out of the cabin, but the rc’s lower doors do keep most mud out.
WHAT ABOUT TRAIL COMFORT?
It’s an off-road limo that’s fully armed for combat. The low-slung Ergo-Lok seats provide a comfortable position, and the retracting harnesses are very secure and comfortable. Vibration and noise in the cockpit are low, and the roof, lower doors and intrusion bars provide extra protection. Both seats are adjustable (forward and back) on sliders and can be raised or lowered with tools. EPS assist is awesome, and all controls are slick and well-placed. The high-end Fox IBP shocks can be adjusted for all-out performance or ride quality, and the 32-inch tires on 15-inch rims provide better ride quality than previous rc X3s.
WHAT’S OUR FINAL ANSWER?
At only $600 more than the 2018 rc Turbo R, the 2020 Maverick X3 X rc Turbo RR packs a lot more punch and versatility into its $29,599 price point. It’s a fantastic rock crawler loaded with effective features, and we never got in a situation where we needed the 4,500-pound winch. Also, the Turbo RR is a great duner and desert sled with 195 horsepower, and a simple ECU flash will get it into the 100+ mph range. It does everything very well, although the new Kawasaki Teryx KRX is almost as good a rock crawler for $9,100 less. And the new Carbon Black and Orange color scheme is perfect camouflage at Sand Hollow State Park.
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SPECS:
CAN-AM MAVERICK X3 X RC TURBO RR
ENGINE/TRANSMISSION
Engine type Turbocharged, liquid-cooled, 12-valve,
inline triple
Displacement 900cc
Bore x stroke 74mm x 67.9mm (3)
Compression ratio 9.1:1
Lubrication system Wet sump
Induction 46mm EFI
Starting/back-up Electric push-button/none
Starting procedure In any range, brake engaged
Air filter:
Type Paper mesh/screen
Transmission Dual-range CVT
Drive system Selectable 2WD/4WD/Lock
Final drive: f/r Shaft/gear
DIMENSIONS/CAPACITIES/WEIGHTS
Fuel capacity 10.5 gal.
Wheelbase 102”
Overall length/width/height 133”/72”/67”
Ground clearance 14”
Dry weight 1,751 lb.
Rear Rack capacity 200 lb.
Storage capacity 2.5 gal.
ROLLING CHASSIS
Frame Dual-Phase 980 steel tube
Suspension/wheel travel:
Front Dual A-arms & shocks w/adj. IBP DSC/reb./
prel./22”
Rear Trailing arms & shocks w/adj. IBP DSC/reb./
prel./24”
Brakes:
Front Twin-piston hydraulic/262mm discs
Rear Twin-piston hydraulic/248mm discs
Tires:
Front 32×10-14 Maxxis Liberty 2.0
Rear 32×10-14 Maxxis Liberty 2.0
DETAILS
DC outlet Auto-style waterproof plug
Lighting:
Front LED headlights
Rear LED tail/brake lights
Instrumentation Speedo/odo/tach/trip/hour/fuel/
gear position/diagnostics/clock
Colors Orange/black
Minimum recommended operator age 16
Suggested retail price $29,599
Contact .Bombardier; (877) 4-MY-RIDE or
See how this X3 compares to other sport UTVs here: https://utvactionmag.com/2020-sport-4×4-utvs/
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