A Completely New Can-Am Commander

This week Can-Am reveled a completely new Can-Am Commander for 2021. By all accounts the Can-Am Commander introduced the rec/utility class of side-by-side back in 2010, but has been untouched by Can-Am since. The 2021 Commander marks a complete redesign from the ground up, and offers some class leading features in the process.

Can-Am Commander Introduction Video

Can-Am Introduction Video

At a glance the new Commander looks similar to a Maverick Sport/Trail front-end and cab, with a Defender tilting cargo bed in the back, giving a nod towards a vehicle that will both play hard and work hard. Technologies found on other Can-Am vehicle families can be found throughout from the engine to the suspension, CVT transmission, dynamic power steering, Visco-Lok QE drive system/front differential, and electronic hill descent control. All of these technologies and capabilities have proven themselves to us on the trail many times. The specs themselves put the new Commander squarely in the very rec/utility category it created eleven years ago that it now shares with both the Polaris General and newly released Yamaha Wolverine RMAX.

Taking a look at features shines a light on this new Commander. Powering the Commander is the Rotax 1000R engine producing 100 horsepower for both tough work but some serious play. Maximum torque can be had at 5600 RPM while all 100 horses are available at 7250 RPM. There is both a Sport model and ECO mode switch for a smoother ride or a more ah… “spirited” throttle response. The suspension is offered in a 62-inch wide base version with 12.5-inches and 13-inches of front a rear travel respectively, to a 64-inch width with 15-inches of travel on all four corners. Shocks range from dual-tube on the DPS model to FOX QS3 adjustable piggy-back shocks on the XT-P model. Ground clearance ranges from 12.5-inches to 13.5-inches based upon the trim level. Don’t forget about the full skid plate underneath the vehicle for protection. Tire size starts at 27-inches for the DPS model, 28-inch for the XT model, and XT-P model offers All of these features make for a comfortable and very capable side-by-side for those who want to tackle adventure.

The Commander’s work specs speak volumes on how it is engineered to work hard when asked to do so. With the largest cargo box in the segment complete with 8.2 cubic feet of space, the Commander’s tilting cargo box can carry 600lbs of stuff. The Commander will tow 2000 lbs. and has the ability to open the rear diff to keep sensitive ground from being obliterated. There are storage compartments behind the plastics on the side of the cargo bed to carry just a little more stuff. There are also many different “work” accessories like racks and storage available to enable even more space to carry equipment and gear. It is also worth noting that the D.E.S.S, the keys you get that are encoded, can also be set to allow for a limit of 40MPH in the event you want to use the Commander on a job site. All of these features combine making the Commander completely capable of tackling the work at hand.

The interior of the new Commander is almost identical to the Maverick Sport/Trail offering a very comfortable and quiet driving experience whether you are going a mile or a 100 miles in a day. The seats are designed to be very automotive-like with 5-inches of adjustability to find that perfect driving position. There is plenty of room in the cab for arms and legs while offering several storage places to stow your stuff. The full half-doors protect to driver from the trail. Depending on the trim level you will find either a 4.5-inch or 7.6-inch digital instrumentation gauge to keep you in “the know”. It is wroth noting that Can-Am went to great lengths to keep the cab quiet starting with moving the engine to the rear and lining the CVT air system with insulation to keep engine noise, heat, and vibration out of the cab.

Maintenance or rather ease of maintenance was also a consideration in engineering and design of the Commander. Maintenance points are easy to access with no headstand required. The maintenance schedule itself is on a 2000-mile, yes, 2000 mile, schedule. This makes ease and expense of ownership better.

Commander Models

Commander & Commander MAX DPS- $16,399 & $19,199

Engine- 100 hp, Rotax 976 cc, V-twin, liquid cooled

Drive Train- Selectable Turf Mode/2WD/4WD with Visco-Lok QE auto-locking front differential

Suspension- 62-inches wide, dual-arms 12.5-inches front travel & 13-inches rear travel with twin-tube shocks

Ground Clearance- 12.5-inches

Gauge- 4.5-Inch Digital

Tires- 27-inch XPS Trail Force

Commander & Commander MAX XT- $18,999 & $21,199

Engine- 100 hp, Rotax 976 cc, V-twin, liquid cooled

Drive Train- Selectable Turf Mode/2WD/4WD with Visco-Lok QE auto-locking front differential

Suspension- 64-inches wide, arched dual-arms 15-inches front travel & 15-inches rear travel with twin-tube shocks

Ground Clearance- 13-inches

28 in. XPS Trail King tires
14 in. cast-aluminum wheels
XT front bumper

4,500 lb (2,014 kg) winch


Full Roof

7.6 in. digital display with keypad

Can-Am LED signature
Painted color options

Commander XT-P- $22,199

Engine- 100 hp, Rotax 976 cc, V-twin, liquid cooled

Drive Train- Selectable Turf Mode/2WD/4WD TRAIL/4WD TRAIL ACTIV with exclusive Smart-Lok technology

Suspension- 64-inches wide, arched dual-arms 14-inches front travel & 14-inches rear travel with FOX† 2.5 PODIUM QS3 Piggyback shocks Ground Clearance- 13.5-inches

Smart-Lok* front differential


30 in. XPS Hammer Force tires
15 in. cast-aluminum beadlock wheels
XT front bumper
4,500 lb (2,014 kg) winch

Full roof and panoramic mirror


7.6 in. digital display with keypad

LED headlight and Can-Am LED signature

Painted color

We are exited to see this new Commander because it was time for a refresh. Better yet, it was time for a new Commander. Can-Am has delivered a vehicle to be competitive in the very segment it created years ago, with little doubt the new Commander will be a hit with Commander enthusiasts and with those looking for a rec/utility side-by-side that is truly designed to pull double duty to play and to work. For the record, we enjoy the play and adventure more! Hopefully in the near future we will get some seat time in this new Commander to get a full review out there.

For more information on the Commander check out Can-Am’s Commander website- https://can-am.brp.com/off-road/us/en/models/side-by-side-vehicles/commander.html