2027 CFMOTO ZFORCE Z10 vs. Can-Am Maverick X3 DS

By Jon Crowley

The CFMOTO ZFORCE Z10 and Can-Am Maverick X3 DS approach the 64-inch sport UTV category from very different directions. The Z10 is CFMOTO’s technology-heavy turbocharged flagship, while the Maverick X3 DS is the narrower version of one of the most established high-performance side-by-side platforms on the market.

For 2027, the 154-horsepower ZFORCE Z10 starts at $21,999. The base Maverick X3 DS starts at $19,999 with its 135-horsepower Turbo engine. That makes the CFMOTO $2,000 more expensive before destination, preparation, accessories and other dealer charges.

The Z10 counters that higher price with more claimed horsepower, electronically adjustable FOX shocks, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, a backup camera and a 4,500-pound winch. The X3 DS is substantially lighter and is backed by a platform that has been developed, raced and supported by the aftermarket since the original Maverick X3 arrived for 2017.

2027 ZFORCE Z10 vs. Maverick X3 DS Specifications

Specifications and prices are based on manufacturer information available at the time of publication. MSRP does not include freight, setup, taxes or registration.

Power and Power-to-Weight

The ZFORCE Z10 has the clear advantage in advertised engine output. Its 998cc turbocharged three-cylinder engine produces a claimed 154 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque. CFMOTO pairs it with the enclosed OmniDrive CVT and Comfort, Trail and Sport throttle modes.

The base Maverick X3 DS uses a 900cc Rotax ACE turbocharged triple producing 135 horsepower. Its pDrive primary clutch and QRS-X secondary are the product of years of development in recreational riding and racing.

The CFMOTO has 19 more claimed horsepower, but it is also roughly 380 pounds heavier. Based strictly on published dry weights and horsepower figures, the Z10 carries approximately 12.5 pounds per horsepower, compared with about 11.5 pounds per horsepower for the 135-hp X3 DS.

Those calculations do not determine how either vehicle will perform on the trail. Clutch calibration, torque delivery, tire traction, rotating mass and the shape of each engine’s power curve all affect acceleration. They do show why the Z10’s horsepower advantage should not automatically be interpreted as a better power-to-weight ratio.

Can-Am Maverick X3 DS

Suspension: More Travel or Electronic Adjustment?

The Maverick X3 DS has 20 inches of suspension travel at both ends. Its SHOWA HPG 2.5 piggyback shocks include manual adjustments, but the driver must stop and make those changes at the shocks.

The ZFORCE Z10 provides 17 inches of front travel and 20 inches at the rear. Its major advantage is the FOX 2.5 QSE shock package, which lets the driver switch among Soft, Medium and Firm compression settings from the steering wheel.

The Can-Am therefore has three additional inches of claimed front travel, while the CFMOTO makes suspension adjustment much more convenient. Which setup is preferable will depend on calibration and terrain, not simply the travel numbers. The Z10’s Soft mode may be useful on slower, rocky trails, while Firm can add control when the pace increases.

Drivetrain and Front Differential

The Z10 offers selectable two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive and four-wheel drive with the front differential locked. It also has four electronic power-steering settings: Low, Medium, High and Auto.

The X3 DS uses Can-Am’s Smart-Lok front differential with selectable two-wheel drive and several four-wheel-drive settings, including Trail and Trail Activ modes. Rather than relying only on a conventional locked or unlocked differential, Smart-Lok can actively manage front-wheel engagement based on steering angle, vehicle speed and other inputs.

The CFMOTO system gives the driver a familiar manual locking option. The Can-Am system is more established and uses active control to balance steering effort with front-end traction.

CFMOTO ZFORCE Z10

Cockpit and Standard Technology

This is where the ZFORCE Z10 establishes its biggest advantage over the base X3 DS. The CFMOTO includes a 12.3-inch RideSync touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, a separate seven-inch driver display and a backup camera. Shock settings and other vehicle controls are positioned within easy reach of the driver.

The base Maverick X3 DS uses a much simpler 4.5-inch digital display with a keypad. Buyers can move up to more expensive X3 packages with a 10.25-inch touchscreen and additional equipment, but those models no longer compete directly with the Z10 on price.

The 2027 X3 lineup adds more standard occupant protection and weather coverage than earlier models, including a full roof, quarter doors and window nets. The Z10 adds a factory 4,500-pound winch with synthetic rope, aluminum underbody protection, half doors and front and rear recovery points.

Chassis, Weight and Packaging

The two machines are both 64 inches wide, but their proportions are slightly different. The Z10 measures approximately 129 inches long with a 99-inch wheelbase. The X3 DS is about 132 inches long and rides on a 102-inch wheelbase.

The shorter Z10 wheelbase may help it negotiate tighter switchbacks and technical terrain. The X3’s additional wheelbase can contribute to stability through rough terrain, although shock calibration, weight distribution and seating position matter just as much as three inches on a specification sheet.

Weight is the more substantial difference. The Z10’s additional displays, winch, protection and other standard equipment contribute to a dry weight approaching 1,930 pounds. The X3 DS is roughly 1,550 pounds before fluids and accessories.

A comparable trail-ready build would narrow that gap once equipment such as a winch and additional protection is added to the X3. However, the 2027 X3 DS already includes a roof and improved occupant protection, so the weight difference remains significant.

Proven Platform vs. New Standard Equipment

The Maverick X3 has an enormous advantage in platform history. It has been in production since the 2017 model year, and owners have access to a deep selection of suspension parts, engine upgrades, protection, wheels, tires and replacement components. Its strengths and common trouble spots are also well documented.

The ZFORCE Z10 is still a much newer platform. CFMOTO gives buyers an unusually complete standard package, but the long-term durability record and aftermarket selection cannot yet match the X3.

Our CFMOTO ZFORCE Z10 review covers how the new platform feels from behind the wheel. You can also see where it fits within the broader 2027 CFMOTO ZFORCE lineup.

Which One Should You Buy?

Choose the CFMOTO ZFORCE Z10 if:

• You want the stronger standard technology package.
• You value electronic shock adjustment from the steering wheel.
• You want Apple CarPlay, a large touchscreen and a backup camera.
• You want a winch and substantial protection installed at the factory.
• You prefer 154 claimed horsepower and three selectable throttle modes.

Choose the Can-Am Maverick X3 DS if:

• You value a lighter and thoroughly proven platform.
• You want 20 inches of suspension travel at both ends.
• You prefer Can-Am’s Smart-Lok front differential.
• You plan to customize the machine using the extensive X3 aftermarket.
• You want the lower starting price and do not need the Z10’s cockpit technology.

Final Verdict

The 2027 CFMOTO ZFORCE Z10 is no longer the same-price alternative to the base Maverick X3 DS, but its $2,000 premium buys considerably more standard equipment. Its 154-horsepower engine, electronic FOX suspension, touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, backup camera and winch make it one of the most comprehensively equipped 64-inch sport UTVs available from the factory.

The Maverick X3 DS remains a serious alternative because it is lighter, less expensive and based on a mature platform with 20 inches of travel at both ends. It also has a better calculated power-to-weight ratio despite producing less claimed horsepower.

The Z10 wins the features-and-technology comparison. The X3 DS wins on weight, front suspension travel, platform history and starting price. A definitive performance verdict will require driving the two machines back-to-back over the same terrain.

Manufacturer information: Visit CFMOTO USA and Can-Am Off-Road for current specifications, colors and pricing.