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BRP/Can-Am Has Done It Again!
First, let me tell you how much I love my “old” Can-Am Commander. My Commander is a 2016 and continues to deliver, on every off-road rally, plowing my driveway in 2 feet of snow, hauling wood, and even hauling a full moose out of the backcountry of Alaska, but after having a chance to look over these new models, I am pretty sure we will be upgrading!
What Has Changed?
So Much! Like I have said, it’s a redesign, so there is a lot that has changed on the 2021 Commander, inside and out!
Let’s start with how it looks! First, the new Commander now looks a lot like the Maverick: “sporty” is what comes to mind. For a workhorse like the Commander, that says a lot, because those of us who count on this machine to do what it is known to do best – that is, to work – sporty, or dare I even say comfortable, are not words that typically come to mind. But get used to it, because these new models are both sporty and comfortable!
In 2021, Can-Am has eliminated the 800cc models; only 1000 cc models are now available, for all models.
Specs
| USE | SUSPENSION TRAVEL | TIRES / WHEEL SPECS | INCLUDED ACCESSORIES | DISPLAY | |
| COMMANDER DPS | Work | Up to 13in. suspension travel |
27in. XPS Trail Force tires on 14in steel wheels |
||
| COMMANDER XT | Hunting | 15in. suspension travel | 28in. XPS Trail King tires on 14in cast-aluminum wheels | 4,500-lb winch with roller fairlead, XT front bumper | 7.6in. digital display with keypad, Can-Am LED signature |
| COMMANDER XT-P | Performance, Trail | 14in. suspension travel | 30in. XPS Hammer Force tires on 15in cast- aluminum beadlock wheels | 4,500lb winch with fairlead, XT front bumper, Full Roof & panoramic mirror | 7.6in. digital display with keypad, Smart-Lok front differential, FOX 2.5 PODIUM piggyback with QS3 compression adjustment, LED headlights |
| COMMANDER MAX DPS | Work, Trail, Hunting | Up to 13in. suspension travel | 27in. XPS Trail Force tires on 14in steel wheels | ||
| COMMANDER MAX XT | Hunting, Trail, Work | 15in. suspension travel | 28in. XPS Trail King tires on 14in cast-aluminum wheels | 4,500-lb winch with roller fairlead, XT front bumper | 7.6in. digital display with keypad, Can-Am LED signature |
How Does it Ride?
Well, better than ever!! With the relocated engine, there is a very noticeably improved difference of the in-cab temperatures. Thanks to the enhanced suspension, the arched trailing A-Arms, sway bars in the rear, and the added ground clearance, the new Commander provides a smooth ride, even the roughest terrain!
Did I mention cab noise? With the engine relocated, the cab noise has been drastically minimized to allow for actual conversations within the cab while rallying a trail or hauling a moose.
Whatever you need, your Commander to do!
The Commander is rocking with 1000cc in all models and upgraded wheels. The XTP even comes standard with a FOX suspension. Who doesn’t want FOX suspension on all our machines!?
Accessories and Extras
Can-Am has also added a 4.5” or a 7.6” display (on all XT models), with a 650w Magneto for any electrical upgrades that you could possibly imagine!
Of course, Can-Am has Bluetooth speakers made for your Commander so you can crank your favorite tunes on the trail, or while doing your chores.
One of my favorite additions, aside from the FOX suspension of course, is the LinQ system to the Commander. This means no more tie-downs, bungee cords, rachet straps or gear sliding around in the back. Everything can have its place and be locked down regardless of where or what you go over or through. I use the LinQ system on my Ski-Doo snowmobile and its brilliant!
There are more than handful of other accessories to make your Commander fit your specific needs, from a tonneau cover to a headache rack.
The lesson here is that the Commander did not only improve; Can-Am also truly enhanced upon core foundational factors.
The Commander continues to have the best in class towing capacity, cargo box, and let’s not forget about the dump bed!
So, the question is: which model will you get this Summer?
Have fun! Stay Safe!
