Polaris Xpedition vs. Can-Am Defender: Which Is the Best?

If you are looking to get the most out of your outdoor adventures, you need a vehicle that comes with all the bells and whistles. Not only do you need a ride that comes with all of the great creature comforts like rear cameras, towing capacity, plenty of power, storage options, a power window, and more, but you also want something that is street-legal, comfortable, and something that you actually enjoy driving.

 

That brings us to the Polaris Xpedition and the Can-Am Defender. These are two of the most coveted UTVs on the road today and they both come with many benefits. 

 

But, you have to ask yourself, which is right for you? Well, that depends on what you're looking to get out of your vehicle. 

 

The companies Polaris and Can-Am are like the heavyweights in the ring. Their top rides, the Polaris Xpedition and the Can-Am Defender, are two different approaches to off-road dominance and they both bring plenty to the table.

 

Whether you're seeking heart-pounding exploration or the grit to handle tough work, these UTVs have got you covered. Let’s dive into the key differences and powers of these two selections and see which one best fits your life, your plans, your work, and what you want out of a UTV.

 

 

Adventure vs. Workhorse

 

Let's start with the Polaris Xpedition. The Xpedition is a great choice for you if you're looking for adrenaline-fueled adventures on the road and off the beaten path.

 

If you're the type who spends weekends kicking up dirty off-road trails or camping in remote locations, the Xpedition is built for you. It's all about balancing performance and comfort, designed to handle rough terrain with a smooth ride while always keeping you and your passengers relaxed inside its spacious cab with heat. This is the machine for outdoor enthusiasts who want a vehicle as tough as their adventures.

 

Then we have the Can-Am Defender, which many consider to be the king of utility vehicles. It's created with toughness and reliability and is obviously designed for those who need a dependable ride for their work on farms, ranches, or construction sites. With that being said, it can also handle recreational off-roading too, but its main purpose is in its ability to tow, haul, and grind through hard tasks.

 

If your life revolves around getting work done, the Defender is engineered to tackle tough jobs without breaking a sweat. But if you're hoping for something that can take you swiftly and safely to your next hiking or camping adventure, the Xpedition is the way to go.

 

Muscle for All Missions

 

Power - that is what we all think about when we are shopping for a new UTV. And you're in luck when comparing the Polaris Xpedition and the Can-Am Defender. Both of these pack a serious punch under the hood. However, the way they deliver that power differs.

 

The Polaris Xpedition comes armed with a strong, unrelenting engine, built to deliver smooth and consistent power whether you're cruising on the open trail or climbing rugged hills. The well-respected engine is no slouch when it comes to handling harsh conditions because it’s built for the long haul, which makes it a perfect companion for intense off-road adventures.

 

This UTV gives you all the horsepower you need to dominate challenging landscapes without feeling like you're pushing it to its limits. You'll rarely experience any sort of power loss no matter how tough the terrain is and you'll experience a comfortable ride despite revving up the engine. 

 

Meanwhile, the Can-Am Defender offers a more customized power approach depending on your needs. You have a couple of options here, with the lower-tier models not packing as much of a punch and the higher-end models with a more serious boost coming from the engine. 

 

What the Defender might lack when it comes to high-speed trail dominance, it makes up for with torque and ample space. It is made with a cargo compartment that makes it perfect for hauling heavy loads while also tackling steep landscapes. This one is a workhorse, a true beast that is all about strength, so if you're looking to tow or haul equipment, the Defender won’t let you down.

 

Polaris Xpedition vs. Cam Am Defender: Towing and Hauling

 

If towing and hauling are high on your priority list, then the Can-Am Defender takes the cake here. With the ability to tow more and haul a massive more than a thousand pounds in its bed, this machine is built for hard work.

 

It doesn't matter if you're moving equipment, hauling supplies, or stacking wood, the Defender’s got the capacity to handle it all. It’s the ultimate choice for jobs that require heavy lifting.

 

The Polaris Xpedition isn't a slouch but it admittingly doesn't quite hit the same marks as the Defender in this category. It can still carry an impressive load for most tasks but it doesn't surpass the Defender.

 

Therefore, if your adventures involve bringing gear into the wild for an extended camping trip, or if you occasionally need to haul small loads, the Xpedition’s capabilities will more than suffice. But if you’re regularly tackling bigger jobs then the Defender's stronger and bulkier muscle is a big win.

 

 

Comfort or Durability?

 

You don't want to be jostled around when you're riding in your UTV. Instead, you want a smooth ride and one that goes easy on you and your guests.

 

To that end, suspension is everything when you're out in the wild. This is where the Polaris Xpedition really shines.

 

With advanced suspension designed to handle even the roughest terrain, the Xpedition delivers a smooth ride, even over rocks, hills, valleys, and more.

 

Long-distance trips feel less like a battle and more like an exciting ride, thanks to the high-clearance shocks and the ride command that you're granted.

 

Whether you’re making your way through tough trails or just taking a leisurely ride through the wilderness, you’ll appreciate the superior suspension system.

 

While the Can-Am Defender isn’t necessarily built for tearing up trails at high speeds, its suspension makes it capable of handling rugged terrain, particularly when you’re carrying heavy loads.

 

It's not a bad time and the ride is comfortable enough, but you shouldn't expect the plush experience you’d get in the Xpedition. It’s a utility ride and the Defender is more about getting the job done than feeling like you’re taking a pleasure cruise. That said, for practical, day-to-day tasks, the Defender’s impressive suspension holds up well under pressure.

 

Adventure vs. Functionality

 

Step inside the Polaris Xpedition, and you’ll feel like you’re in a vehicle designed for long-haul comfort. The cab is definitely very spacious, with tons of legroom and very plush seating that makes rides enjoyable and easy on your body.

 

The Xpedition is equipped with modern technology such as GPS integration, a ride-command system, and even premium sound options, so whether you're on the open road or just jamming out while you explore, the Xpedition has you covered.

 

Plus, you can add optional features such as heating and air conditioning, and you’ve got a machine that’s built for adventure, no matter the conditions.

 

The Can-Am Defender keeps things practical and durable. The cab is straightforward, designed to get dirty and easy to clean. While it doesn’t have all the high-tech bells and whistles of the Xpedition, it’s rugged as well as functional.

 

The seats are comfortable enough for workers who are in and out of the cab all day, and if you spring for the higher-end models, you can get features like HVAC to make those long days more bearable. Sure, it’s not flashy, but it’s built to withstand tough jobs and rough environments.

 

Versatility and Customization

 

Both the Polaris Xpedition and Can-Am Defender will give you plenty of options to customize your ride, but they do it in different ways.

 

The Polaris Xpedition is all about accessories. Consider things like roof racks for extra gear, light bars for night rides, and cargo boxes to pack in everything you need for a weekend of overlanding. It’s an adventurer’s dream, and you can spruce it up to handle whatever the wilderness will throw your way.

 

As mentioned before, the Can-Am Defender is more of a work vehicle. Therefore, it leans more toward work-centric add-ons. From snowplows to durable beds, extra lighting, and tool storage, the Defender is built to make your workday easier and more efficient. Can-Am even has Pro models pre-loaded with work-specific accessories, so you can hit the ground running.

Price and Value

 

When it comes to cost, the Polaris Xpedition typically comes with a higher price tag. However, you need to remember that it comes with all the tech and adventure-focused features that were mentioned before. You are paying more but, in many ways, you are getting more too. There is no doubt that it’s a premium ride for those who want a high-end experience on the trail, and the price reflects that. 

 

The Can-Am Defender, on the other hand, offers more flexibility, especially if you’re looking for a no-frills, hard-working UTV. It’s definitely more affordable at the entry-level, though higher-end models can still get pricey. But considering its functional possibilities, it’s hard to beat in terms of value for those who prioritize getting the job done.

 

Polaris Xpedition vs. Can-Am Defender: Final Thoughts

 

At the end of the day, your choice between the Polaris Xpedition and the Can-Am Defender comes down to what you need out of your UTV. You need to consider why you are making this purchase before you put your money into your choice. There are differences but the biggest is this: the Xpedition and Defender really serve two different, but similar, roles.

 

In other words, if adventure, comfort, and tech are top priorities, then the Polaris Xpedition is built for you. It’s the ultimate trailblazing machine and it will bring more comfort and accessibility to your next ride, whether you're heading out for a camping trip or moving along the river.

 

That being said, if your life revolves around getting tough work done, with also a little fun on the side, the Can-Am Defender is the steadfast, faithful, and reliable workhorse you can count on. Either way, you’re getting a top-tier machine, you just need to pick the one that fits your lifestyle best.