The 2017 Can-Am Defender MAX expanded Can-Am’s new work-focused Defender platform with two bench seats and room for as many as six adults. Its longer crew-cab chassis was designed for farms, ranches, hunting camps and families that needed to move more people without giving up the Defender’s dump bed, towing capacity or work-oriented drivetrain.
Can-Am offered the original Defender MAX with either the 50-horsepower Rotax HD8 or 72-horsepower Rotax HD10 V-twin engine. Both engines were paired with Can-Am’s PRO-TORQ continuously variable transmission, including an extra-low range intended for heavy work and controlled low-speed driving.
The MAX became an important part of the Defender family almost immediately. It eventually served as the foundation for enclosed-cab, HVAC-equipped and premium crew models. See how the platform developed in our complete history of the Can-Am Defender.
The longer Defender MAX platform combined two bench seats with the Defender’s utility cargo box.
What Made the Defender MAX Different?
The 2016 Defender MAX used a 115.5-inch wheelbase and measured 152.5 inches long—32.5 inches longer than the original three-seat Defender. That additional length created space for a second VERSA-PRO bench without eliminating the tilting rear cargo box.
Both 40/20/40 bench seats accommodated three occupants. The passenger sections could be folded upward to create additional interior cargo space, while front and rear center armrests incorporated cup holders. Rear passengers also received a lateral grab bar and dedicated footrests.
- Seating for as many as six adults
- Two 40/20/40 VERSA-PRO bench seats
- Folding passenger-seat sections in both rows
- Front and rear center armrests
- Six cup holders
- 115.5-inch wheelbase
- 152.5-inch overall length
HD8 and HD10 Engine Choices
The rear-mounted Rotax engine lineup included two liquid-cooled V-twins:
- Rotax HD8: 50 horsepower
- Rotax HD10: 72 horsepower and 61 lb-ft of torque
Can-Am paired both engines with its PRO-TORQ CVT. The system incorporated Quick Response System clutching for smooth engagement, an extra-low working range, high-airflow belt ventilation and Electronic Drive Belt Protection.
For more driving impressions from this original platform, read our 2016 Can-Am Defender HD10 review.
2016 Can-Am Defender MAX Specifications
| Seating capacity | Six occupants |
|---|---|
| Engine choices | 50-hp Rotax HD8 or 72-hp Rotax HD10 V-twin |
| Transmission | PRO-TORQ CVT with Extra-Low, High, Neutral, Reverse and Park |
| Wheelbase | 115.5 inches |
| Overall length | 152.5 inches |
| Towing capacity | 2,000 pounds |
| Payload capacity | 1,750 pounds |
| Cargo-box capacity | 1,000 pounds; 600 pounds on California models |
| Suspension travel | 10 inches front and rear |
| Ground clearance | 10 inches on DPS models |
| Brakes | Four 220 mm discs with twin-piston hydraulic calipers |
| Hitch receiver | 2 inches |
Work and Cargo Capacity
Despite the longer passenger compartment, the Defender MAX retained a tilting multifunction cargo box rated to carry as much as 1,000 pounds. California models carried a lower 600-pound bed rating. The tailgate itself was rated for 250 pounds.
The bed included multiple tie-down points, molded recesses and dividers for organizing equipment. It was also compatible with Can-Am’s LinQ quick-attach accessory system. A 2-inch receiver supported the vehicle’s 2,000-pound towing rating, while maximum vehicle payload was rated at 1,750 pounds.
Suspension and Traction
The front suspension used double A-arms with 10 inches of travel. At the rear, Can-Am’s TTA-HD trailing-arm design also provided 10 inches of travel and worked with an external sway bar. This arrangement was intended to provide stability for the long-wheelbase chassis while retaining useful ride comfort over rough terrain.
A four-mode traction system included Turf Mode, allowing the rear differential to remain open to reduce ground disturbance and improve maneuverability. DPS models also included Can-Am’s quicker-engaging Visco-Lok QE front differential.
Defender MAX DPS Package
The DPS package combined the Defender MAX’s six-seat layout with equipment intended to make the long machine easier to operate in tight work areas and on trails.
- Dynamic Power Steering
- Visco-Lok QE front differential
- 26-inch Maxxis tires
- 12-inch cast-aluminum wheels
- 10 inches of ground clearance
- Integrated steel front bumper
- Central skid plate
- 650-watt magneto
- Water-resistant removable toolbox
- 11.1 gallons of combined storage
- Adjustable tilt steering wheel
- Multifunction digital gauge
Defender MAX XT Package
The XT package added protection, traction and convenience equipment that made the Defender MAX better suited to mixed work and recreational use.
- 4,500-pound winch
- 27-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires
- 14-inch black cast-aluminum wheels
- Full-length hard roof
- Full skid plate
- Reinforced seat upholstery
- Adjustable driver’s seat
- Removable waterproof under-seat storage
- 16.9 gallons of combined storage
- Analog/digital gauge with enclosed storage
- Eco, Work and Normal driving modes
Why the 2016 Defender MAX Mattered
The original Defender had already established Can-Am’s work-oriented UTV formula, but the MAX made that platform useful for larger crews and families. It combined six-passenger capacity with a legitimate dump bed, a 2,000-pound towing rating and the choice of two V-twin engines.
That combination helped establish the Defender MAX as more than a stretched version of the three-seat machine. It became one of the central configurations in the Defender lineup and eventually supported some of Can-Am’s most advanced cab and comfort packages.
2016 Can-Am Defender MAX FAQ
How many people does the 2016 Defender MAX seat?
The 2016 Can-Am Defender MAX seats as many as six occupants on two 40/20/40 VERSA-PRO bench seats.
What engines were available?
Can-Am offered the 2016 Defender MAX with a 50-horsepower Rotax HD8 or a 72-horsepower Rotax HD10 V-twin engine.
How much can the 2016 Defender MAX tow?
The Defender MAX was rated to tow as much as 2,000 pounds through its 2-inch rear receiver.
What is the cargo-box capacity?
The tilting cargo box was rated for 1,000 pounds on most models. California versions carried a 600-pound cargo-box rating.
What is the difference between Defender MAX DPS and XT?
The DPS package added power steering, Visco-Lok QE and aluminum wheels. The XT added a 4,500-pound winch, roof, full skid plate, larger tires and wheels, upgraded seating, additional storage and selectable driving modes.
