Overview
What stands out here is the 2018 Can-Am Commander MAX DPS 800R’s blend of power and practicality in a sport utility vehicle designed for recreational trail riding and light work. It’s built for riders who want a machine that can handle off-road adventures with confidence, offering a mix of comfort, stability, and performance. The Commander MAX 800R features a 799.9cc V twin engine with liquid cooling and fuel injection, giving it enough torque for trail navigation or hauling gear, while the adjustable drive modes make it adaptable to different terrains.
This machine is a sport UTV that leans toward those who want to enjoy outdoor activities with friends or family, but it also has enough strength to take on light work duties. Its long wheelbase and wide stance contribute to stability, especially when carrying a passenger or gear, making it suitable for longer rides or rougher terrain. Its suspension setup, with independent double A-arms at the front and independent rear suspension, provides a smooth ride even on uneven ground. The dual hydraulic disc brakes and sizeable Maxxis Bighorn tires further enhance control and grip.
Targeted at intermediate to experienced riders who need a machine that balances performance with comfort, the Commander MAX DPS 800R is notable within its segment for offering a lot of features at a competitive price point. Its 10-inch suspension travel, 11-inch ground clearance, and 10-gallon fuel capacity make it built to tackle longer adventures without constant stops. While it’s not meant for ultra-heavy work or hardcore racing, it delivers enough strength and comfort for riders who want a reliable and fun off-road vehicle that can handle a variety of tasks and trail conditions.
Performance & Powertrain
With 799.9 cc of displacement, the V twin engine on this machine produces noticeably more torque than many single-cylinder models in its class, making it suited for hauling, trail riding, and recreational work. The liquid cooling system helps keep temperatures stable during long, hard runs, ensuring consistent power delivery without overheating issues. Fuel injection provides precise throttle response and easier starting conditions, even in colder weather or at higher altitudes.
The engine’s power delivery feels smooth and predictable, thanks to the V twin layout. You’ll notice a broad torque curve that offers strong low-end grunt for pulling heavy loads or climbing hills, while still maintaining enough top-end power for confident highway or trail riding. It’s a motor that responds quickly to throttle inputs, making it enjoyable for both casual rides and more aggressive tasks.
The drivetrain features a continuously variable transmission, which eliminates gear shifts by smoothly adjusting the drive ratio. This setup simplifies riding, especially for beginners or those who want to focus on steering and handling rather than shifting. The selectable 4X2 or 4X4 drive system adds flexibility, allowing you to switch between two-wheel and four-wheel drive based on terrain conditions. This combination of transmission and drive system provides a balanced mix of ease of use and off-road capability, making it suitable for work tasks, trail adventures, or recreational rides where adaptability matters most.
Suspension & Handling
If you’re planning to tackle a mix of trail riding and work tasks, you’ll want to know how the suspension responds across different terrains. The Commander MAX DPS 800R features independent suspension on both ends, with 10 inches of travel front and rear. This setup helps absorb bumps on rough trails while maintaining stability on smoother surfaces. On tight forest trails or rocky sections, the independent A-arm suspension allows for better wheel articulation, giving you more grip and control. When you’re on hard-packed dirt or pavement, this amount of travel ensures a smooth ride without excessive body roll or bounce, making it easier to handle at higher speeds.
Braking comes from dual hydraulic disc brakes front and rear, providing strong stopping power under various conditions. This setup delivers consistent braking performance, especially when descending steep hills or navigating tricky terrain. The hydraulic system offers modulation, so you can apply just the right amount of pressure without locking up the wheels. This is particularly useful when riding on loose gravel, wet dirt, or muddy patches where grip can vary quickly. The braking system works well with the tires, which are Maxxis Bighorn 27-inch tires designed to handle off-road challenges with good traction. The front tires are slightly narrower at 9 inches wide, while the rears are 11 inches wide, helping you maintain stability and grip whether you’re climbing, descending, or cornering.
the suspension and braking choices on the 2018 Can-Am Commander MAX DPS 800R strike a balance aimed at trail riding and light work duties. The 10-inch travel on each end offers enough cushion for rougher terrain without feeling disconnected during swift turns or sudden stops. The hydraulic disc brakes provide predictable stopping power across a range of surfaces, while the Maxxis Bighorn tires give confidence on loose or uneven ground. If your riding involves a combination of trail exploration and utility tasks, these features should serve you well, though aggressive rock crawling or serious high-speed racing would require different setups.
Dimensions & Ergonomics
Most sport UTVs in this price range measure around 148 inches long and 61 inches wide, and the Can-Am Commander MAX DPS 800R fits right into that category. It’s designed to offer enough stability for confident handling without feeling overly bulky, making it suitable for trail rides and work tasks alike.
- Length: 148.5 inches
- Width: 61.2 inches
- Height: 76 inches
- Wheelbase: 106.1 inches
- Ground clearance: 11 inches
The machine’s dry weight comes in at 1,572 pounds, which contributes to its stability on rugged terrain while still being manageable for loading into a truck bed or trailer. With a seat height of approximately 34 inches, it accommodates a wide range of rider heights, providing enough reach for taller riders without feeling cramped for shorter ones. The 10-gallon fuel tank extends your time between stops, and its ergonomic design ensures comfort during long hours on the trail or working on the farm.
Notable Features
What stands out here is the inclusion of a fuel-injected V Twin engine, which provides smoother throttle response and better cold-weather starts compared to many base models or older versions in this segment. This engine setup contributes to more consistent power delivery, especially when tackling varied terrains or carrying heavier loads.
- Electronic fuel injection that improves efficiency and reduces maintenance needs
- Selectable 4X2 or 4X4 drive modes, giving you flexibility for different tasks and terrains
- A liquid cooling system that helps maintain optimal engine temperature during extended use
- Enhanced durability with a CVT transmission designed for smooth, continuous power transfer
While this model doesn’t come with a long list of luxury add-ons, its focus on practical upgrades like the fuel injection and selectable drive modes makes it a strong choice for owners who want dependable performance out of the box. These features help it stand apart from simpler, more basic competitors or previous years that often lack such technological refinements.
Pricing & Value
Most sport side-by-sides in the $14,000 range tend to offer a balanced mix of performance and comfort, and the Can-Am Commander MAX DPS 800R checks many of those boxes. Priced at $14,299, it targets riders who want a purpose-built machine for trail riding, hunting, or light utility work without jumping into premium pricing territory. This price puts it right in the middle of Can-Am’s lineup for sport utility models, sitting above the more basic Commander models but below the higher-end X MR or XT trims that add features like more aggressive tires, upgraded suspension, or additional electronic aids.
The value proposition here hinges on how much you prioritize size and comfort. The Commander MAX platform is known for its wider chassis and seating for four, making it more comfortable for longer rides with friends or family. When comparing it to direct competitors like the Polaris General or Yamaha Viking, it offers similar performance but at a slightly lower price point for the base model. The extra size and seating capacity tend to justify the premium, especially if you see yourself using the vehicle frequently with multiple passengers or hauling gear.
In terms of what you get for the price, the Commander MAX DPS 800R stands out as a reasonable investment for those seeking a well-balanced, sport-oriented utility vehicle. It isn’t the cheapest entry-level machine in the segment, but it delivers more in terms of passenger capacity and overall comfort, which many riders value. If your main goal is single-rider utility or aggressive off-road performance, you might find better value elsewhere. Conversely, if you want a machine that can do double duty as a trail machine and light utility work, this model offers a fair balance of features and price for its segment.
Final Thoughts
Anyone running trail rides, farm chores, or outdoor adventures will appreciate how the Can-Am Commander MAX DPS 800R handles rough terrain with ease. This machine is built for riders who want a dependable utility vehicle that offers enough power and comfort to get work done or explore off-road trails without fuss.
The most defining feature of this UTV is its spacious crew cab design combined with a 77-horsepower engine, allowing you to carry passengers or gear comfortably while maintaining strong performance. This makes it a good choice for small families, farm owners, or outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize passenger capacity alongside utility use.
However, if you’re after a machine primarily for aggressive trail riding, racing, or heavy-duty hauling, you might find this model lacking some of the sport-focused features or heavy-duty components found in more specialized or higher-end models. It balances comfort and function but doesn’t push the limits in either category.
For riders who want a durable, comfortable, and practical side-by-side for work or recreation, the Can-Am Commander MAX DPS 800R stands out as a worthwhile option. It delivers a well-balanced package that won’t leave you wanting in most outdoor scenarios and offers a good value for its price point. This machine is ready to serve those who need a dependable partner in the dirt without sacrificing passenger capacity or everyday usability.
Tech specs
Engine
Transmission
Suspension
Brakes
Tires
Dimensions
Tags and taxonomy
Compatible parts for the 2018 Can-Am Commander MAX DPS 800R
Selected from this machine's own specification, not a generic list. Check any of it against the table above.
- ClassSport UTV
- DriveSelectable 4X2 / 4X4
- Front tire27x9-14
- Dry weight1572 lb
- Tires27x9-14Front tire size fitted from the factoryShop on Amazon
- Roof and windshieldWeather protectionShop on Amazon
- Winch and mountSynthetic and steel line kitsShop on Amazon
- BatteryReplacement and AGM upgradesShop on Amazon
- Oil and filter kit799ccFull service kitsShop on Amazon
- Loading ramps3000 lbRated above the 1572 lb dry weightShop on Amazon
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