The Sport UTV class is hyper competitive and evolving fast. BRP has pushed that evolution further forward with the new and completely redesigned Can-Am Maverick X3.

Boasting industry-leading power, new chassis, and up to a ridiculous 24 inches of suspension travel, the Maverick X3 is available in three different iterations: Maverick X3 Turbo R in white ($22,999), Maverick X3 X ds Turbo R in Circuit Yellow or Triple Black ($24,999) and Maverick X3 X rs Turbo R in Triple Black ($26,699) or Gold and Can-Am Red ($26,899).

Engine

BRP outfitted the new Maverick X3 with a new 900cc, turbocharged, intercooled, inline triple-cylinder Rotax engine that produces a claimed 154 horsepower – the most powerful UTV currently available.

According to BRP, the Maverick X3 reaches its peak horsepower at 7500 RPM. It also produces a neck-snapping 113 lb-ft of torque at 7,000 RPM. Combined, this allows the new Maverick to achieve a claimed 0-60 MPH in just 4.9 seconds.

BRP placed the new engine in the rear of the chassis, which is designed to reduce cockpit noise, vibration and heat. As well, iridium spark plugs come standard with the goal of improving combustion while providing longer life and lower maintenance.

Keeping the engine running cooler is a new intercooler, which features a large fan.

An integrated Rotax turbocharger sits right next to the engine. BRP says its one-piece turbine housing and exhaust manifold offer more durability.

A powerful engine like this needs clean air to operate properly. To provide this, the Maverick features what BRP calls “a highly efficient airflow system that’s optimized from intake to exhaust to deliver superb engine efficiency and performance.” The CVT and engine intakes are located high in the chassis to keep things dry when running through mud and water.

All told, three oversized air intakes can be found behind the driver; two to help cool the CVT and one to direct cold air to the engine.

Transmission

Controlling the power of the Maverick X3 is a new QRS-X transmission. Here is how BRP describes the transmission:

“The Can-Am Maverick X3 side-by-side vehicle has a high-performance QRS-X CVT transmission in a compact gearbox that’s optimized to work in combination with the turbo to virtually eliminate turbo lag and enhance throttle response without torque interruption. It has a smooth and predictable engagement, and stays at an optimal RPM so the focus can be on driving and overall performance instead of shifting, even in the most severe conditions like hill climbing or muddy terrain.”

The transmission coverts the engine’s power to the ground through a long, wide, thick drive belt and a three-roller pulley design with integrated cooling fins for more air flow. This is a gear-on-gear system, so it has no rear prop shaft and BRP says it requires no maintenance.

Chassis

The new Maverick X3’s chassis is built around with new Dual-Phase 980 steel tubing, which is lighter than traditional steel. “This allows the chassis to deliver 53% better torsional stiffness while being 20% lighter than its closest competitor,” BRP says in a release.

BRP formed the Dual Phase 980 steel into a 1.85-inch tubular design that is fully welded, meaning no bolts or extra pieces.

Stretching 102 inches from front to rear wheels, the Maverick X3 is 12 inches longer than the Polaris RZR Turbo

“The elongated wheelbase, optimal weight distribution (44/56) and ample ground clearance (14 inches X3 and X3 X ds, 15 inches on the X3 X rs) translates to optimum performance and stability in even the most challenging terrain.”

The Maverick X3 X rs Turbo R is eight inches wider than its brothers at 72 inches even more stability.

Suspension

Controlling the ride of the new Maverick X3 is new front and rear suspension.

A new four-link TTX rear suspension system controls up to 24 inches of travel; 20 inches on Maverick X3 Turbo R and Maverick X3 X ds and 24 inches on the Maverick X3 X rs Turbo R.

“BRP developed an all-new four-link TTX suspension, which features a trophy truck-like trailing arm and three links that control wheel toe for optimal geometry during extra high wheel travel,” BRP says in a release.

Up front, the Maverick X3 features arched double tubular A-arm suspension with sway bar. This controls 22 inches of travel on the Maverick X3 X rs Turbo R and 20 inches of travel on the other models.

As for shocks, each of the three Maverick X3 models comes with a different shock package:

The base Maverick X3 Turbo R is outfitted with with FOX 2.5 Podium HPG Piggyback shocks with front and rear QS3 compression adjustment and rear bottom-out control.

The Maverick X3 X ds features fully-adjustable FOX 2.5 Podium RC2 HPG Piggyback shock with front and rear dual-speed compression and rebound adjustments, as well as rear bottom-out control.

The Maverick X3 X rs package features fully-adjustable FOX 2.5 Podium RC2 PHG Piggyback shocks with bypass and dual-speed compression and rebound (front), and FOX 3.0 Podium RC2 HPG shocks with remote reservoir and bypass, paired with dual-speed compression and rebound adjustments (rear).

Wheels and Tires

Connecting the Maverick X3 to the ground are six-ply, Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires; 28 inches on the X3 Turbo, 29 inches on the X3 X ds Turbo and 30 inches on the X3 X rs Turbo. Those tires are wrapped around 14-inch aluminum wheels on the base Maverick X3 Turbo and 14-inch aluminum beadlock wheels on the two X package models.

“The mechanical fastening beadlock system makes it nearly impossible for the tire bead to break loose from the wheel during heavy acceleration or cornering,” says BRP.

Cockpit

Inside the cockpit of the Maverick X3 you’ll find a flat-bottom steering wheel, which tilts up to 25 degrees and has an integrated gauge. Other features include a panoramic mirror, multifunction analog / digital gauge (speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip and hour meters, fuel, gear position, sport mode, ECO mode, seat belt and 4×4 indicator, diagnostics, clock and auto shut off) and low seating position.

BRP says the new ErgoPrint seat shape is “rally car-like” and designed for improved bump absorption. “The one-piece molded seats are four-way adjustable – 2 inches in height and 6 inches in forward-rearward slide.” Seat cushions are removable for easy cleaning. Seats come four-point or five-point harness ready, should buyers want to accessorize.

The aforementioned flat-bottom steering wheel offers a quick ratio, requiring just 1.5 turns lock-to-lock.

Two driving modes are available (Eco and Sport), while the Tri-Mode dynamic power steering system offers three levels of assistance.

Braking

Stopping a race-inspired machine like the Maverick X3 requires serious brakes. BRP outfitted the new UTVs with large, twin piston calipers and 262mm discs up front and twin piston calipers and 248mm discs in the rear. The master cylinder is located inside the cockpit for better protection.

Other Features

Can-Am Maverick X3 models come with a host of other features, including an enormous 10.5-gallon fuel tank, 2.5 gallons of storage (fixed glove box and center console), two cup holders, 200-pound capacity rear rack, lighter-type DC outlet in center console, keyless start-stop button activated by a Radio Frequency Digitally Encoded Security System (D.E.S.S.) key and separate learning key that limits speed and acceleration

No break-in maintenance is required on the new Can-Am Maverick X3. The yearly advised maintenance is at 1,865 miles or 200 hours.

Specs