On the trail with Can-Am’s latest Defender side-by-sides

The Verdict

After lunch, the journalists switched machines so Steve and I got to test out the Defender Max. Then we all rode around through a couple of different areas of the WMA. One section had sand as white and fine as flour. Comparing the machines, I found the Max was a bit less responsive than the regular Defender, likely due to its longer wheelbase. Overall, both machines were very comfortable, with a well-designed dash and layout. With the exception of the parking brake, which was kind of tricky to operate, everything felt intuitive, which made both units super easy to drive. I especially liked the truck-like cab and interior, and the clever use of space for storage, such as the removable glove box and compartments under the seats. If I had one criticism in terms of the machine’s interior design, I’d say there should be a grab bar above the window on the passenger side for when the ride gets rough.