2026 Can-Am Maverick Sport MAX Buyer’s Guide

2026 Can-Am Maverick Sport MAX

For riders who want to bring family and friends along without stepping up to a large, full-size side-by-side, the 2026 Can-Am Maverick Sport MAX continues to hit a sweet spot. It combines four-passenger seating with nimble handling, dependable naturally aspirated power, and enough utility to tackle everything from weekend camping trips to chores around the property.

Rather than chasing maximum horsepower or extreme suspension travel, the Maverick Sport MAX focuses on balance. Its compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver on wooded trails, while its proven Rotax V-Twin engine delivers smooth, predictable power that inspires confidence on everything from rocky climbs to winding forest roads.

If you’re shopping for a versatile four-seat recreation UTV, here’s what you need to know.

2026 Can-Am Maverick Sport MAX

2026 Can-Am Maverick Sport MAX

2026 Can-Am Maverick Sport MAX Specifications

Specification 2026 Can-Am Maverick Sport MAX DPS
Engine Rotax 976cc Liquid-Cooled V-Twin
Horsepower 100 hp
Transmission QRS CVT with Electronic Drive Belt Protection
Drive System Selectable 2WD / 4WD with QE Auto-Locking Front Differential
Steering Dynamic Power Steering (DPS)
Width 60 inches
Wheelbase 120.6 inches
Ground Clearance 12 inches
Front Suspension Travel 11.5 inches
Rear Suspension Travel 12 inches
Cargo Box Capacity 300 lbs
Towing Capacity 1,500 lbs
Fuel Capacity 10 gallons
Estimated Dry Weight 1,726 lbs

Engine & Performance

Powering the Maverick Sport MAX is Can-Am’s proven 976cc Rotax V-Twin producing 100 horsepower. Throttle response is immediate and predictable, making it easy to modulate power when navigating rocky terrain, climbing loose hills, or working around a property. The engine’s broad torque curve also means there’s plenty of usable power throughout the RPM range without needing to constantly keep the engine at high revs.

The Quick Response System (QRS) continuously variable transmission is paired with Electronic Drive Belt Protection to help improve belt durability, while selectable SPORT and ECO drive modes allow drivers to tailor throttle response to changing trail conditions. SPORT mode delivers sharper acceleration for spirited driving, while ECO mode smooths throttle inputs for casual trail rides and longer days behind the wheel.

Selectable two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are complemented by Can-Am’s QE auto-locking front differential, automatically transferring power to the front wheels when additional traction is needed without requiring constant driver input. Combined with standard engine braking, the drivetrain inspires confidence on both climbs and descents.

Suspension & Handling

One of the Maverick Sport MAX’s biggest strengths is its handling. Rather than feeling oversized or cumbersome, it maintains a compact, agile personality that’s especially noticeable on tighter trails.

Up front, double A-arm suspension with a sway bar provides 11.5 inches of wheel travel, while Can-Am’s Torsional Trailing Arm (TTA) rear suspension offers 12 inches of travel. SHOWA 2.0 shocks at all four corners deliver a comfortable ride while maintaining good body control through corners and uneven terrain.

Its 60-inch width allows the Maverick Sport MAX to comfortably fit on many trail systems with width restrictions while still providing a planted feel on rough terrain. Twelve inches of ground clearance also helps it negotiate rocks, ruts, and trail obstacles without constantly worrying about scraping the chassis.

The result is a UTV that feels equally comfortable winding through wooded trails, exploring mountain roads, or spending an afternoon on technical two-track.

Interior & Comfort

The Maverick Sport MAX is designed to comfortably carry four adults without making the machine feel excessively long or bulky.

Ergoprint seats provide supportive seating for long rides, while the tilt steering wheel allows drivers to dial in a comfortable driving position. The layout of the controls is intuitive, making it easy for both new and experienced drivers to become familiar with the machine.

A 4.5-inch digital display keeps important vehicle information easy to read, while the open cabin design provides excellent visibility in all directions. Rear passengers also benefit from generous legroom, allowing everyone to remain comfortable during full-day trail rides.

Utility & Versatility

Although the Maverick Sport MAX is designed primarily for recreation, it offers enough utility to handle many of the jobs owners encounter between adventures.

The dumping cargo bed can carry up to 300 pounds of gear, whether that’s camping supplies, coolers, hunting equipment, tools, or firewood. A 1,500-pound towing capacity and standard 2-inch receiver hitch further expand its capabilities, making it useful for pulling small utility trailers or other recreational equipment.

Can-Am also equips the Maverick Sport MAX DPS with premium half doors, an integrated steel front bumper, full heavy-duty HMW plastic skid plate, and mudguards as standard equipment, giving owners a solid foundation before adding accessories.

For many buyers, this balance between recreation and utility is one of the Maverick Sport MAX’s biggest selling points. It’s equally at home carrying camping gear into the backcountry as it is hauling supplies around a property.

Who Should Buy the Maverick Sport MAX?

The Maverick Sport MAX is an excellent choice for riders looking for a versatile four-seat UTV without moving into the size and weight of larger utility-focused models.

It’s particularly well-suited for:

  • Families who enjoy exploring trails together.
  • Campers looking for a dependable machine to access remote campsites.
  • Hunters who need room for passengers and gear.
  • Property owners who want a recreational UTV that can still help with occasional chores.
  • Riders who prefer the simplicity and reliability of a naturally aspirated engine.

Buyers seeking an enclosed cab with heating and air conditioning, maximum cargo capacity, or long-travel desert suspension may be better served by other models in Can-Am’s lineup. However, for those wanting a balanced combination of trail capability, comfort, and practicality, the Maverick Sport MAX remains one of the most versatile four-seat recreational side-by-sides available.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 Can-Am Maverick Sport MAX doesn’t try to be everything to everyone—and that’s exactly what makes it appealing.

Its compact 60-inch width, responsive 100-horsepower Rotax V-Twin, comfortable four-passenger seating, and practical utility features create a machine that’s equally comfortable exploring winding forest trails, towing a small trailer around camp, or helping with projects around the property.

For buyers looking for a dependable, easy-to-drive four-seat UTV that strikes an excellent balance between recreation and utility, the Maverick Sport MAX continues to be one of the strongest choices in Can-Am’s lineup.