Original 2017 Can-Am Maverick X3 Lineup
Can-Am introduced the original Maverick X3 on August 16, 2016, creating an entirely new flagship for its sport side-by-side lineup. With a 154-horsepower turbocharged three-cylinder engine, a 102-inch wheelbase and up to 24 inches of suspension travel, the 2017 Can-Am Maverick X3 represented a major departure from the first-generation Maverick.
The original two-seat lineup included three models: the 64-inch Maverick X3 Turbo R, the 64-inch Maverick X3 X ds Turbo R and the 72-inch Maverick X3 X rs Turbo R. All three shared the same basic engine, chassis and low-slung cockpit, but their suspension, shocks, tires, wheels and intended terrain differed significantly.
The original 2017 Can-Am Maverick X3 family
We attended the Club BRP dealer meeting where Can-Am unveiled the X3 and published a separate 2017 Can-Am Maverick X3 first look with our initial observations and photos from the reveal. We later drove the new platform for more than 250 miles in Mexico for our original Can-Am Maverick X3 Baja review.
| 2017 model | Width | Suspension travel | Tires | Original MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maverick X3 Turbo R | 64 inches | 20 inches front and rear | 28-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 | $22,999 |
| Maverick X3 X ds Turbo R | 64 inches | 20 inches front and rear | 29-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 | $24,999 |
| Maverick X3 X rs Turbo R | 72 inches | Up to 24 inches | 30-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 | $26,699–$26,899 |
Prices shown are the original manufacturer’s suggested retail prices and do not include destination charges, dealer fees, accessories or current used-vehicle values.
154-Horsepower Turbocharged Rotax Engine
Every original 2017 Maverick X3 model used a 900cc turbocharged and intercooled Rotax ACE inline-three. The engine produced a claimed 154 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 113 lb-ft of torque at 7,000 rpm. Can-Am claimed the X3 could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.
The three-cylinder engine was paired with a high-performance QRS-X continuously variable transmission. Can-Am designed the intake, intercooler, exhaust and CVT calibration as a complete system to improve airflow, throttle response and power delivery.
The original Maverick X3 used a 154-horsepower turbocharged and intercooled Rotax ACE triple.
Separate elevated intake paths supplied air to the engine and CVT.
The QRS-X CVT was calibrated specifically for the turbocharged engine.
Chassis and 102-Inch Wheelbase
The Maverick X3 used a welded chassis constructed from Dual-Phase 980 steel. Can-Am claimed the new structure was 20 percent lighter and delivered 53 percent greater torsional stiffness than its closest competitor at the time.
Its 102-inch wheelbase was unusually long for a two-seat sport UTV in 2017. Combined with a claimed 44/56 front-to-rear weight distribution, the longer chassis was designed to improve stability and driver confidence across rough terrain at speed.
The Maverick X3’s welded chassis used Dual-Phase 980 steel.
Four-Link TTX Rear Suspension
Can-Am developed a new four-link TTX rear suspension for the Maverick X3. Its trailing-arm layout used three additional links to manage camber and wheel movement throughout the suspension stroke. The design was intended to reduce bump steer, maintain predictable geometry and transfer the engine’s power to the ground over rough terrain.
The base X3 and X ds provided 20 inches of suspension travel. The wider X rs increased maximum travel to 24 inches and paired its rear suspension with large FOX 3.0 shocks.
The four-link TTX rear suspension used a trailing arm and three links to control wheel geometry.
The X rs combined its wide suspension with fully adjustable FOX shocks.
Three Different FOX Shock Packages
- Maverick X3 Turbo R: FOX 2.5 Podium HPG piggyback shocks with QS3 compression adjustment and rear bottom-out control.
- Maverick X3 X ds Turbo R: Fully adjustable FOX 2.5 Podium RC2 HPG piggyback shocks with dual-speed compression, rebound adjustment and rear bottom-out control.
- Maverick X3 X rs Turbo R: FOX 2.5 Podium RC2 front shocks and larger FOX 3.0 Podium RC2 rear shocks with remote reservoirs, bypass technology, dual-speed compression and rebound adjustment.
Low-Slung Ergo-Lok Cockpit
The original X3 placed the driver and passenger low inside the chassis while retaining up to 15 inches of ground clearance. Its Ergo-Lok cockpit included one-piece molded seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel and automotive-style pedal placement.
The seats could be adjusted two inches vertically and six inches fore and aft. The steering wheel offered 25 degrees of tilt adjustment, allowing the controls and seating position to be fitted to different drivers.
The Maverick X3’s low Ergo-Lok cockpit placed the driver and passenger deep within the chassis.
The one-piece seats offered both height and fore-aft adjustment.
2017 Can-Am Maverick X3 Turbo R
The standard Maverick X3 Turbo R was the least expensive entry into the new platform. It measured 64 inches wide and used 20 inches of suspension travel at both ends. Its FOX 2.5 Podium shocks offered simple three-position QS3 compression adjustment.
2017 Can-Am Maverick X3 Turbo R
- 154-horsepower turbocharged Rotax ACE triple
- 64-inch width
- 20 inches of front and rear suspension travel
- 14-inch aluminum wheels
- 28-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires
- FOX 2.5 Podium HPG piggyback shocks with QS3 adjustment
- 14 inches of ground clearance
- White
- Original MSRP: $22,999
2017 Can-Am Maverick X3 X ds Turbo R
The Maverick X3 X ds retained the base model’s trail-friendly 64-inch width and 20 inches of suspension travel but added more sophisticated FOX RC2 shocks, beadlock wheels and larger 29-inch tires. It was positioned as the more adjustable 64-inch model for aggressive trail and desert driving.
Our later Maverick X3 X ds first ride examined the suspension, performance and cockpit after we had accumulated additional seat time in the vehicle.
2017 Can-Am Maverick X3 X ds Turbo R
- 154-horsepower turbocharged Rotax ACE triple
- 64-inch width
- 20 inches of front and rear suspension travel
- 14-inch aluminum beadlock wheels
- 29-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires
- Fully adjustable FOX 2.5 Podium RC2 piggyback shocks
- 14 inches of ground clearance
- Triple Black or Circuit Yellow
- Original MSRP: $24,999
2017 Can-Am Maverick X3 X rs Turbo R
The 72-inch-wide X rs was the most heavily suspended model in the original lineup. It was developed for dunes, desert terrain and high-speed driving where width was less restrictive. The X rs added 30-inch tires, up to 24 inches of suspension travel, FOX 3.0 rear shocks, a roof and heavier underbody protection.
See our complete 2017 Maverick X3 X rs specifications and features page, along with Cody Hooper’s original Maverick X3 X rs dune review from the Idaho dunes.
2017 Can-Am Maverick X3 X rs Turbo R
- 154-horsepower turbocharged Rotax ACE triple
- 72-inch width
- Up to 24 inches of suspension travel
- 14-inch aluminum beadlock wheels
- 30-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires
- FOX 2.5 Podium RC2 front shocks
- FOX 3.0 Podium RC2 rear shocks with remote reservoirs and bypass
- 15 inches of ground clearance
- Full roof and heavy-duty HMW skid plate
- Triple Black: $26,699
- Gold and Can-Am Red: $26,899
Maverick X3 Accessories and Aftermarket Support
Can-Am launched the X3 with a substantial accessory catalog and worked with several established aftermarket companies on vehicle-specific products. Early suppliers included Lonestar Racing, Beard Seats, Yoshimura, Baja Designs, Rugged Radios and SCS Unlimited.
The aftermarket expanded rapidly after the vehicle’s release, adding suspension components, cages, skid plates, storage, communication systems, lighting and engine-performance upgrades. That early support helped establish the X3 as a popular platform for recreational builds and off-road racing.
The X3 MAX and 2018 Power Increase
This page covers the three original two-seat models unveiled in August 2016. Can-Am expanded the platform in February 2017 with the 2017 Maverick X3 MAX four-seat lineup. We subsequently tested the longer model in our Maverick X3 MAX X ds dune review.
For 2018, Can-Am increased Maverick X3 output from 154 to 172 horsepower. See our coverage of the 2018 Maverick X3 horsepower increase for details about the intercooler and fuel-pump changes.
