TESTED | CAN-AM MAVERICK X RC TURBO RR | First Impression | Tested
Can-AM have been pumping out Mavericks since 2013 and every other year they add extra version and the latest X RC Turbo RR is an epic rock crawler.
Can-AM introduced the Maverick range back in 2013 and since then have proceeded to release new models with fresh tech and impressive updates, one of which is the RC variant. The X RC Turbo RR is a slightly different beast to what most Maverick drivers would be used to with more ground clearance than say the X3 DS Turbo which only has 50.8cm of travel in the rear suspension as opposed to the 61cm in the X RC Turbo RR and more ground clearance than the same base model Maverick which has 35.6cm of ground clearance as opposed to 41cm in the RC.
The RC is also up in horsepower, pumping out a whopping 195hp as opposed to the X3s 120hp. They’re both turbo-charged, triple cylinder engines with the same fuel delivery systems and transmission. They offer slightly different drive trains with the RC getting a more intelligent AWD system, slightly different suspension setups to improve the RC’s rock crawling characteristics and despite both running FOX 2.5 Podium shocks they are different models.
They use the same braking system and a similar chassis with the RC coming in lighter on the scales but bigger in dimensions. They both run the sae fuel capacity (40 litres) and then there’s obviously a host of difference in the features like the gauge, instrumentation and protection.
So how do all these modifications stack up out in the bush? Here’s what we liked at a glance and what to be careful of:
WE LIKED:
MOTOR – 75 extras horses over the base model Maverick is significant and you notice it. It has far mor torque and is able to get more power to the ground. It’s not top-speed horsepower but grunt where we noticed the difference.
DIFFERENTIAL – The Smart Lok diff is awesome. It knows when each wheel is losing traction and applies the perfect amount of throttle to each wheel to ensure there’s some sort of traction without the wheels free spinning. It worked well for us on the climbs we did.
REAR SHOCKS – The FOX 3.0 Podium RC2 shocks with bypass, dual speed compression and rebound adjustment ensured we had all wheels on the ground driving when we needed it.
CLEARANCE – The extra 10cm in ground clearance and suspension travel was a game-changer for sliding over extra-large rocks. We would have got stuck in some section on the stock Maverick.
BITS AND PIECES – The RC is so well finished. We loved everything in the cockpit from 4-point harness with shoulder pads which was really comfortable, the X-package graphic and seats, the 7.6 in. digital display with keypad, the signature Can-Am LEDs on the front and the orange colourway. It was comfortable in the cockpit for my 188cm frame and was one of the sleekest but also most modern.
BE CAREFUL
BODY ROLL – With the extra ground clearance and suspension travel the RC is 174cm tall which is 8cm more than the X3 DS Turbo and can be less sure-footed than the race models when drifting around a race track.
VERDICT
We had a ball in the Maverick X RC Turbo RR and it gave us a chance to try our hand at something different to racing and farm work. We spent the day climbing hills and crossing creeks and the change of speed was loads of fun. This model has a small cargo area at the back but it is not designed for serious work. We recommend this model for rock hopping, creek bashing and hill climbing.
Pricing is from $42,699. For more details on the RC and to find a dealer, click here.
