The Can-Am Defender is a versatile side-by-side utility vehicle, often called the Swiss Army knife of UTVs because of just how versatile it is.
That versatility is key because whether you’re into rugged off-roading, farm work, or just having a good time outdoors, the Defender is built to handle it all. What makes it even more impressive is its sheer size and the well-planned dimensions that make it a beast in its class.
It comes with so many bells and whistles, from dynamic power steering to bolster bench seats, underside hooks, an adjustable driver seat, reinforced seat skin, and more. But what really sets it apart is just how spacious and comfortable it feels, giving you complete comfort no matter what you're doing.
But, just how spacious is the Can-Am Defender? What are the Cam-Am Defender dimensions and can it be the UTV of your dreams?
Let’s dig into the specifics of the Can-Am Defender's dimensions, but rather than just listing all of the numbers, let's actually break them down in a way that speaks to why these measurements actually matter for you and what this ride can achieve.
Can-Am Defender Dimensions: The Overall Size
The Can-Am Defender comes in several different models and each is designed with a specific purpose in mind. The exact dimensions can vary based on the model, but here are the numbers on the basic and most important stats of one of the most popular models.
- Length: 120 inches
- Width: 62 inches
- Height: 76 inches
- Wheelbase: 83 inches
On the surface, these numbers don’t scream anything out of the ordinary, but they’re part of the reason the Defender is considered such a solid choice for both work and play.
With a length of 10 feet, you’ve got tons of room for carrying cargo in the rear bed, which is crucial for farm or ranch work. It’s long enough to carry sizable loads, but it's also compact enough to weave through trails and tight spaces without a problem.
Stability and Trail Performance
At 62 inches wide, the Defender hits the perfect balance between stability and maneuverability. It's sturdy and it won't tip over with ease but you can also whip it around with total simplicity.
If you’re wondering why width matters when it comes to this vehicle, think about it like this: a narrow UTV might slip through tighter trails, but you’re going to sacrifice its stability on rocky or uneven terrain.
Meanwhile, if your ride is too wide, you’ll struggle to fit through narrow or tight wooded areas. At just over 5 feet, the Defender can confidently cruise through most off-road trails without tipping or feeling unstable. This is especially important if you’re hauling equipment or passengers.
The company has really thought about how all Can-Am models, including the Defender, will be used. It’s not just about fun, it’s for all kinds of work too. Whether you're hauling firewood, moving hay, or towing trailers, this vehicle has to handle uneven terrain and carry heavy loads without feeling like it's going to tip over. That 62-inch width helps make sure the Defender stays grounded.
The Wheelbase
The wheelbase, which is measured from the front wheel hub to the back wheel hub, comes in at a nice 83 inches, which is just about 7 feet. This distance is key for ride comfort and overall handling. A longer wheelbase means better stability at higher speeds, which is critical when you’re driving over uneven terrain or zooming down dirt paths. The Defender’s 83-inch wheelbase hits a great balance and offers both the smooth ride of a longer vehicle and the quickness you need for those sharp turns and sudden stops, which will all be assisted by the disc brakes built into the vehicle.
For instance, if you're riding along a hilly path, the longer wheelbase helps keep the vehicle from pitching forward or backward, which can be a lifesaver on steep inclines. It also means more interior cabin space, which leads us to the next important factor.
The Cabin
When you step into a Can-Am Defender, one of the first things you'll notice is how much room you've got inside. It's spacious, it's comfortable, and you'll immediately feel at home. The Defender is designed to seat up to three people in its standard configuration, but it doesn’t feel cramped, thanks in part to that wheelbase and the well-thought-out layout.
The bench seat is comfortable enough for long days in the field, and the dashboard is well-placed with plenty of storage areas for tools, snacks, and whatever else you might need. There's also enough legroom that you won't feel squished or like you're riding on someone's lap, even if you're wearing boots or carrying gear.
Plus, if you opt for the higher-end models, you get a second row of seats, allowing for up to six passengers.
Ground Clearance
Ground clearance is one of those dimensions that often gets overlooked until you’re stuck in a rut, or worse. The Can-Am Defender doesn’t have that problem, though, with a healthy 11 inches of ground clearance.
For UTV fans, this is music to their ears. But if you're new to this world, you might not know what this is or why it matters.
So, why does the ground clearance matter? The answer to that is rather simple: it means you’re less likely to get stuck or damage the underside of the vehicle when you're driving through rough terrain. When you're whipping around your UTV, you may hit some rough patches in the wilderness and you don't want to damage the undercarriage of your ride. So, whether it's thick mud, rocky paths, or logs, the 11 inches built into the Can-Am Defender gives you plenty of room to clear just about any obstacle. This is especially helpful if you're using the Defender for off-road adventures, hunting trips, or working in less-than-ideal conditions.
That clearance also helps with getting through water too. If you ever find yourself crossing shallow streams or deep puddles, that extra height means you can glide through without flooding the engine or soaking the interior. Will things get muddy? Yes, they might, but you can be sure that you won't be bogged down in rising water levels. You'll be safe, even if you're not entirely dry.
Cargo Bed and Payload Capacity
The cargo bed on the Defender is another dimension that stands out. It’s a solid 38 inches long, 54.5 inches wide, and 12 inches deep. Those numbers might seem kind of basic and hard to understand, but here’s what they translate to: a bed that’s perfectly suited for hauling firewood, tools, or even a hunting trophy. If you need to carry it, you can with the Defender's bed.
This cargo bed also has a helpful and easy-to-use dump feature, which is a game changer if you’re working on a farm or in construction. Instead of having to unload items by hand, you can simply tilt the bed and dump out your materials in one go. Plus, the payload capacity is impressive at 1,000 lbs. That means you can load this thing up without worrying about weighing it down or damaging the suspension. Again, if you need to carry it, you can with the Defender.
If you're planning on towing, the Can-Am Defender doesn’t skimp there, either. It comes with a built-in 2,500-lb towing capacity, which makes it one of the best UTVs on the market for pulling trailers, equipment, or even other vehicles if the situation calls for it.
Weight & Tires
The Defender weighs in at around 1,400 lbs depending on the model that you use, which is hefty enough to provide stability but not so heavy that it becomes difficult to drive. You'll get around, and you'll get around quickly, despite the heavy weight of the ride.
The Defender's weight helps keep the vehicle grounded when you're towing or carrying heavy loads, and it also contributes to the overall durability and ruggedness that Can-Am is known for.
The standard tire size is 27 inches with a 14-inch wheel, providing a good balance between off-road capability and smooth, on-road performance. These lightweight wheels are strong enough to handle mud, rocks, and uneven terrain without issue, but they’re also manufactured to provide a comfortable ride when you're driving on flat ground or gravel roads.
If you need more ground clearance or a more aggressive build, you can opt for larger aftermarket tires, but the stock ones are more than capable for most tasks.
Customization and Accessories
One of the coolest things about the Can-Am Defender is the amount of customization available.
You can modify the dimensions, add all types of accessories, and really make it your own. In fact, this is one of the biggest hobbies that UTV owners have. Do you need more protection for off-road adventures? Throw on a roof, windshield, and doors. Looking to carry more gear? You can add a cargo rack, gun holders, or even extra storage compartments. There are any number of adjustments that you can make to your ride and none of them will really mess with the Can-Am Defender dimensions.
The ability to tweak the vehicle slightly with add-ons makes the Defender a vehicle that can grow with your needs. It’s not just a one-size-fits-all utility vehicle. Instead, it’s a versatile machine that can be tailored to whatever tasks you have in mind.
Can-Am Defender Dimensions: Final Thoughts
At first glance, dimensions might seem like the least exciting part of a UTV, but when you break it down, the measurements of the Can-Am Defender are a big part of what makes it such a versatile and reliable machine. Whether you’re hauling some heavy loads on the farmland, navigating tough, muddy trails, or simply looking for a helpful and easy-to-use vehicle that will help you enjoy the great outdoors, these dimensions all play a role in creating the perfect balance between size, stability, and maneuverability.
From its 10-foot length to its 62-inch width, the Can-Am Defender is designed to handle whatever you throw at it, all while giving you the comfort and space you need for a day of work or play. You will always feel comfortable, you will never feel cramped, and you can always get the job done with the Defender.
