The 2018 Can-Am Commander lineup marked the most important late-generation update to the original Commander platform. Can-Am increased output of the Commander 1000R from 85 to 92 horsepower, widened the stance with offset wheels and fitted larger front brakes. The premium Limited package also gained FOX 2.0 Podium QS3 shocks and Bluetooth connectivity.
Can-Am continued to offer both 71-horsepower 800R and 92-horsepower 1000R engines across multiple packages, allowing buyers to choose anything from an entry-level two-seat recreation-utility UTV to a fully equipped Limited or hunting model. Four-seat Commander MAX models shared the same first-generation platform and the 1000R updates.
This model-year reference explains what changed for 2018 and how the major Commander packages differed. For the complete story of the platform from its 2011 debut through its final 2020 model year, see our first-generation Can-Am Commander history and specifications guide.
What Changed on the 2018 Can-Am Commander?
- 92-horsepower Commander 1000R: The 976cc Rotax V-twin gained seven horsepower through revised engine and transmission intake systems derived from the Can-Am Maverick 1000R.
- Wider stance: New offset cast-aluminum wheels added 1.5 inches per side, increasing track width by a total of three inches on applicable 1000R packages.
- Larger 1000R front brakes: Dual 220mm ventilated discs with 32mm hydraulic twin-piston calipers replaced the smaller front-brake setup.
- Updated Limited suspension: FOX 2.0 Podium QS3 shocks provided three-position, tool-free compression adjustment.
- Bluetooth audio: The Commander Limited’s four-speaker sound system added Bluetooth connectivity.
- New colors: The model family added Green, White, Intense Red and Triple Black finishes, depending on package.
| 2018 Commander Model | Engine | Claimed Power | Key Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commander 800R | 799.9cc Rotax V-twin | 71 hp | Entry-level package; selectable 2WD/4WD; White bodywork |
| Commander DPS 800R / 1000R | 799.9cc or 976cc Rotax V-twin | 71 or 92 hp | Tri-Mode DPS, Visco-Lok QE and cast-aluminum wheels |
| Commander XT 800R / 1000R | 799.9cc or 976cc Rotax V-twin | 71 or 92 hp | 4,500-lb. winch, bumper, bed rails, mudguards and premium trim |
| Commander Mossy Oak Hunting Edition 1000R | 976cc Rotax V-twin | 92 hp | Camo finish, gun boots, roof, half windshield and full skid plate |
| Commander Limited 1000R | 976cc Rotax V-twin | 92 hp | FOX QS3 shocks, Garmin GPS, Bluetooth audio and premium accessories |
Equipment varied by engine, package, seating configuration and market. The table summarizes the primary two-seat packages covered below.
2018 Commander Engines and Drivetrain
Rotax 1000R: 92 Horsepower
The liquid-cooled 976cc SOHC Rotax 1000R V-twin used four valves per cylinder, electronic fuel injection and Can-Am’s Intelligent Throttle Control. For 2018, Can-Am adapted the engine and transmission air-intake arrangement from the first-generation Can-Am Maverick 1000R and added a driven-pulley air intake. The changes raised claimed output from 85 to 92 horsepower.
Rotax 800R: 71 Horsepower
The 799.9cc SOHC Rotax 800R V-twin returned with a claimed 71 horsepower. It also used liquid cooling, four valves per cylinder and electronic fuel injection. The 800R provided a lower-cost route into the Commander family while retaining the platform’s cargo, towing and trail-riding capability.
Selectable Four-Wheel Drive
DPS-equipped models used selectable 2WD/4WD with the quicker-engaging Visco-Lok QE automatic-locking front differential. Tri-Mode Dynamic Power Steering offered MIN, MED and MAX assistance settings, with assistance decreasing as vehicle speed increased.
2018 Can-Am Commander Limited 1000R in Triple Black
2018 Can-Am Commander Limited 1000R
The 2018 Commander Limited 1000R was the premium touring model. It combined the new 92-horsepower engine, wider stance and larger front brakes with comfort and convenience equipment that was not included on the lower packages.
Its most important chassis change was the switch to FOX 2.0 Podium QS3 shocks at all four corners. The three-position compression adjusters allowed the driver to make quick, repeatable changes without tools. Suspension travel remained 10 inches at both ends.
Commander Limited 1000R Highlights
- FOX 2.0 Podium QS3 shocks with tool-free compression adjustment
- 27-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 radial tires
- 14-inch cast-aluminum offset wheels
- Garmin Montana 650t touchscreen GPS
- Four-speaker audio system with Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary inputs
- 4,500-pound winch
- Half windshield and rear cab net
- Heavy-duty front bumper, bed rails and mudguards
- Analog/digital gauge package and Limited seat trim
- Midnight Blue or new Triple Black finish
2018 Can-Am Commander Mossy Oak Hunting Edition 1000R
2018 Can-Am Commander Mossy Oak Hunting Edition 1000R
The Mossy Oak Hunting Edition started with the well-equipped XT package and added factory accessories selected for hunters. It received the same 92-horsepower 1000R engine, wider wheel offset and 220mm front brakes as other updated Commander 1000R models.
Mossy Oak Hunting Edition Highlights
- Mossy Oak Break-Up Country water-dipped camouflage
- Two Kolpin 6.0 Impact gun boots mounted to a rear gear rail
- Two-piece full hard roof
- Half windshield
- Full-length aluminum underbody skid plate
- 4,500-pound winch
- Heavy-duty bumper, bed rails and mudguards
The gun boots used shock-absorbing foam and nylon impact liners, lockable hatchback-style openings and integrated carrying handles. The camouflage finish was designed to resist scratches, mineral deposits and sun fading better than conventional exterior graphics.
2018 Can-Am Commander XT 1000R
2018 Can-Am Commander XT 1000R and XT 800R
The XT package was the value-oriented, fully equipped trail and work model. Buyers could choose the 71-horsepower 800R or the updated 92-horsepower 1000R. Both versions included Tri-Mode DPS and Visco-Lok QE, while the 1000R received the model-year’s wider stance and larger front brakes.
Commander XT Equipment
- 4,500-pound winch with roller fairlead
- Cast-aluminum wheels
- Heavy-duty front bumper
- Cargo-box bed rails with additional tie-down locations
- Mudguards
- Analog speedometer and tachometer with digital information center
- Premium steering wheel
For 2018, XT color choices included painted Intense Red, Brushed Aluminum and Can-Am Red, and optional Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camouflage.
2018 Can-Am Commander DPS 1000R
2018 Can-Am Commander DPS 1000R and DPS 800R
The Commander DPS models added the features most trail riders considered essential without moving up to the accessory-heavy XT package. Both engine choices came with Tri-Mode Dynamic Power Steering, Visco-Lok QE and cast-aluminum wheels.
The DPS 1000R benefited from the seven-horsepower increase, wider stance and 220mm front discs. The DPS family also added Green as a color choice for 2018.
2018 Can-Am Commander 800R
2018 Can-Am Commander 800R
The base Commander 800R was the entry point into the 2018 family. Its 71-horsepower Rotax V-twin was paired with the same basic recreation-utility platform, including selectable four-wheel drive, 10 inches of suspension travel and the Commander’s signature Dual-Level cargo box.
Bright White bodywork was new for 2018. Can-Am also reduced the U.S. starting price to $11,199, making the base 800R the least expensive Commander in the lineup.
2018 Commander Chassis, Cargo and Capacities
Although the engine and selected package equipment changed for 2018, the Commander remained based on Can-Am’s original recreation-utility chassis. Double A-arms with dive-control geometry provided 10 inches of front travel, while the Torsional Trailing arm Independent rear suspension supplied 10 inches of rear travel.
| Feature | 2018 Commander Specification |
|---|---|
| Transmission | CVT with High, Low, Park, Neutral and Reverse; standard engine braking |
| Front Suspension | Double A-arm with dive-control geometry; 10 inches of travel |
| Rear Suspension | Torsional Trailing arm Independent; 10 inches of travel |
| 1000R Front Brakes | Dual 220mm ventilated discs; 32mm hydraulic twin-piston calipers |
| 800R Front Brakes | Dual 214mm ventilated discs; 27mm hydraulic twin-piston calipers |
| Rear Brake | Single 214mm ventilated disc; 27mm hydraulic twin-piston caliper |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 lb. |
| Cargo-Box Capacity | 600 lb. total in the Dual-Level cargo box |
| Fuel Capacity | 10 gal. |
The composite Dual-Level cargo box remained one of the Commander’s defining features. A removable divider separated the upper and lower storage areas, and each level had its own tailgate. Total rated capacity was 600 pounds, while the standard two-inch receiver supported up to 1,500 pounds of towing.
Where the 2018 Commander Fits in the Model’s History
The 2018 update did not create a new generation, but it gave the original Commander its strongest factory 1000R specification. The combination of 92 horsepower, wider track and larger brakes carried through the final years of the first-generation platform.
Can-Am replaced this chassis with an entirely new Commander for 2021. The second-generation machine moved the engine rearward, increased 1000R output to 100 horsepower and expanded suspension travel on performance packages. That makes the 2018–2020 models the final and most developed versions of the original Commander design.
Explore the full decade of changes, original road tests and notable builds in our first-generation Can-Am Commander model hub.
2018 Can-Am Commander FAQ
How much horsepower does a 2018 Can-Am Commander 1000R have?
The 2018 Commander 1000R produces a claimed 92 horsepower. That was a seven-horsepower increase over the previous 85-horsepower version.
How much horsepower does a 2018 Commander 800R have?
The 799.9cc Rotax 800R V-twin produces a claimed 71 horsepower.
What is the difference between the 2018 Commander DPS and XT?
The DPS model adds Tri-Mode power steering, Visco-Lok QE and aluminum wheels to the basic platform. The XT adds factory accessories including a 4,500-pound winch, heavy-duty front bumper, bed rails, mudguards, upgraded instrumentation and a premium steering wheel.
What did the 2018 Commander Limited add?
The Limited added FOX 2.0 Podium QS3 shocks, a Garmin GPS, four-speaker Bluetooth audio, a half windshield, rear net, 4,500-pound winch, premium trim and painted bodywork.
Is the 2018 Commander a first-generation model?
Yes. The 2018 Commander uses the original platform introduced for the 2011 model year. Can-Am replaced it with a second-generation Commander for 2021.
