Overview
What stands out here is the 2017 Can-Am Maverick X3 MAX TURBO R’s fierce focus on high-performance fun in the desert or trail environments. Built as a sport side-by-side, this machine is designed for riders who crave adrenaline and aggressive handling, whether ripping across dunes or carving through tight woods. With its turbocharged 900cc inline engine and advanced suspension setup, it’s clearly aimed at those who want more than just a basic recreational ride – they want a machine that delivers a decisive rush every time they twist the throttle.
This is a machine that combines serious speed with the ability to handle rough terrain by doing double duty with its liquid-cooled fuel-injected engine and a CVT transmission that offers smooth power delivery. Its 20 inches of front and rear suspension travel, paired with dual hydraulic disc brakes, make it a confident canyon-carver or trail warrior. It’s built for riders who value speed, agility, and durability, and who see their UTV as a tool for weekend adventures, competitive outings, or just pushing limits in the dirt.
The Max version extends the fun with additional seating, making it a strong choice for groups or families who want to share the thrill without sacrificing performance. Its dimensions and ground clearance ensure it can tackle obstacles without bogging down, while the wheel sizes and tires keep it planted at high speed and on uneven terrain. What makes this model notable within its segment is not just its raw power, but the way it balances speed, comfort, and control, making it a serious contender for riders who demand more from their sport UTV than just basic utility.
Performance & Powertrain
Tacking 900cc of horizontally opposed inline engine displacement, this machine packs a punch that punches above its weight in the sport UTV segment. The liquid cooling system ensures consistent performance, even during long, aggressive runs or in hot weather, preventing the engine from overheating when you’re pushing hard through dunes or rocky trails. Fuel injection delivers precise throttle response and reliable starts, making it responsive whether you’re carving tight turns or accelerating onto open stretches.
Power delivery feels durable and immediate, thanks in part to the CVT transmission that smoothly transmits that engine torque to the wheels. During sharp climbs or rapid acceleration, the CVT’s pulley system adjusts smoothly, offering a feeling of continuous acceleration without noticeable lag or jerks. This setup balances the need for quick throttle response with the ability to manage high loads, making it suited for trail riding, dune exploring, or even some light towing tasks.
The drivetrain features a selectable 4X2 or 4X4 drive mode, giving riders simple control over traction. When you switch into four-wheel drive, more power gets sent to the wheels with the most grip, whether you’re tackling muddy sections or loose gravel. The system’s simplicity means you can adapt to changing terrain on the fly without complicated procedures, helping you keep momentum without sacrificing confidence or control. this powertrain setup offers a lively, dependable experience that encourages aggressive riding while remaining easy to manage under varying conditions.
Suspension & Handling
Working a full day on rough terrain puts the suspension system to the test, and the Maverick X3 MAX TURBO R handles it with a double A-arm setup at the front and independent suspension at the rear, both offering 20 inches of travel. This kind of travel makes a noticeable difference on rocky trails, whoops, and uneven ground, soaking up impacts that would rattle less purpose-built machines. On tight, twisty trails, the suspension maintains stability and agility, while on open dirt roads or harder-packed surfaces, it keeps the ride smooth without feeling floaty.
The dual hydraulic disc brakes on both the front and rear deliver strong, consistent stopping power that inspires confidence, especially when descending steep grades or navigating quick switchbacks. The braking system balances grip and modulation well, giving the driver a sense of control whether tackling technical terrain or simply slowing for a bend. This setup is suited for aggressive trail riding and moderate work tasks, where confidence in stopping becomes crucial when speeds pick up or obstacles suddenly appear.
The Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires in 28-inch diameters are just right for a variety of terrain types. Their aggressive tread pattern grips well on loose dirt, gravel, and rocky surfaces, while the size offers enough ground clearance and flotation to prevent getting bogged down in softer or uneven terrain. On hardpack trails, the tires roll smoothly, with less rolling resistance than more knobby designs, making them a good all-around choice. These tires strike a balance that enhances the machine’s handling dynamics across different riding conditions, emphasizing control and confidence without sacrificing comfort or durability.
Dimensions & Ergonomics
Most sport UTVs in the $25,000 range measure around 162 inches long and 64 inches wide, and the Can-Am Maverick X3 MAX TURBO R hits that mark precisely. Its 65-inch height keeps it relatively low-profile, which helps with stability and agility on tight trails or technical terrain. The wheelbase stretches out to 135 inches, giving it a stable stance that balances ride comfort with nimbleness, especially when carving through turns or tackling uneven ground.
The Maverick X3 MAX’s ground clearance sits at 13 inches, offering enough space to clear obstacles without risking the undercarriage on rough terrain. Its dry weight clocks in at 1715 pounds, which is on the heavier side compared to shorter, two-seat models, but that weight boost is a trade-off for added stability and roominess. The spacious cabin is designed to accommodate a variety of rider heights comfortably, with a seat height that typically caters to taller riders while still being accessible for shorter drivers. The overall length and width allow it to fit comfortably in a standard pickup bed for easy transport to trails or race events.
Riders will appreciate the ergonomic considerations built into the Maverick X3 MAX, including a seat height that balances ease of entry with good ground control. Fuel capacity is generous at 10.5 gallons, providing a decent range for extended trail rides or weekend adventures without frequent stops for fuel. Cargo capacity isn’t its primary focus, but the interior layout and dimensions support carrying essentials and gear without sacrificing rider comfort or control. All these dimensions come together to create a machine that feels confident and comfortable across a variety of riding environments, making it a practical yet exhilarating choice for those who crave adventure with a side of creature comforts.
Notable Features
What stands out here is the turbocharged engine that pushes the 2017 Can-Am Maverick X3 MAX TURBO R into a different realm of performance compared to many other sport UTVs in its price range. The 900cc, liquid-cooled inline engine delivers quick throttle response and ample power for aggressive trail riding or dune blasting, making it a top choice for enthusiasts craving adrenaline. Unlike baseline models that might stick to more modest motors, this X3 MAX TURBO R emphasizes raw speed and acceleration, giving riders a clear edge in competitive or adrenaline-fueled scenarios.
One of the more practical upgrades over the standard variants is the inclusion of a CVT transmission with a selectable 4X2 or 4X4 drive mode. This setup allows riders to switch between two-wheel and four-wheel drive depending on terrain demands, providing extra traction when pushing through mud, sand, or rocky patches. It’s a feature that adds real confidence, especially when tackling challenging trails or loose surfaces, without complicating the riding experience or adding unnecessary weight. The ability to easily toggle drive modes enhances the machine’s adaptability for different riding styles and conditions.
While many entry-level models stick with basic features, the Maverick X3 MAX TURBO R offers refinement with its fuel injection system that ensures consistent power delivery and easier starting, even in variable conditions. Although it doesn’t include some of the luxury accessories found on higher trims, the focus remains on core performance and durability. For riders who prioritize an exhilarating ride with modern tech touches, the combination of the turbocharged engine and selectable drive options sets this model apart as a true performance machine in its segment.
Pricing & Value
Most sport UTVs priced around $25,000 aim to deliver a balance of performance, comfort, and technology, and the Can-Am Maverick X3 MAX TURBO R hits that target with a compelling package. Priced at $24,999, it positions itself as a top-tier option within the brand’s lineup, offering a significant step up in features and performance compared to base models or less equipped trims.
At this level, the Maverick X3 MAX TURBO R clearly justifies its price through its emphasis on high-speed agility, aggressive handling, and advanced suspension technology. Buyers looking for a machine that can dominate desert dunes or rip through trail sections will find the performance credentials well worth the investment. When compared to other sport UTVs in the same price range, it stands out with its turbocharged engine, strong power-to-weight ratio, and refinement that is rare at this price point.
Within Can-Am’s lineup, the Maverick X3 MAX TURBO R sits at the top of the sport UTV hierarchy, with the base models offering less power and fewer features, and the X3 X rs or versions with additional luxury options carrying higher prices. The jump to those premium trims brings more bells and whistles, but the core performance elements remain consistent. This model’s price feels justified by its high-performance components and the overall thrill it provides, making it a strong choice for enthusiasts who want race-inspired capability without paying a hefty premium.
In terms of value, the Maverick X3 MAX TURBO R doesn’t come cheap, but it delivers on its promise of adrenaline-pumping fun and advanced engineering. It’s not a machine for casual trail riders or weekend warriors on a tight budget. Instead, it’s aimed squarely at riders who demand serious performance and are willing to pay for it. As such, it’s a fairly priced machine that offers a lot of riding bang for your buck, especially when you consider the technology packed into its chassis and engine.
Final Thoughts
What stands out here is the turbocharged 900cc engine paired with a sharp, aggressive chassis that makes the Maverick X3 MAX TURBO R a true thrill-seeker’s machine. It’s designed for riders who crave adrenaline-fueled adventures across rough terrain, with enough power and agility to carve through trails or tackle challenging dunes. This UTV delivers an exciting ride that emphasizes speed and cornering precision, making it a favorite for those who enjoy pushing their limits and feeling the rush of acceleration.
There’s a trade-off worth understanding in the focus on performance: this is a machine that leans heavily toward sport and agility, sometimes at the expense of comfort or ease of handling in more delicate or technical situations. It excels on open, flowing trails and high-speed runs but might require a more experienced hand for tighter, technical maneuvers. The MAX configuration adds room and utility, but it’s still fundamentally a machine built for high-energy rides rather than laid-back exploration or heavy-duty work.
This is a machine that dominates on the trail with its quickness and sharp turn-in, but it’s not built for everyday utility or long-distance comfort. Riders who prioritize raw speed, aggressive cornering, and a cockpit that fosters an intense connection with the terrain should consider this an ideal match. Those seeking a more relaxed, multi-purpose UTV with plush suspension might want to look elsewhere. For adrenaline junkies ready to chase the thrill and challenge themselves, the Maverick X3 MAX TURBO R is a no-brainer and an exhilarating choice that won’t leave you wanting for more power or agility.
Tech specs
Engine
Transmission
Suspension
Brakes
Tires
Dimensions
Tags and taxonomy
Compatible parts for the 2017 Can-Am Maverick X3 MAX TURBO R
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 tire28x9-14
- Dry weight1715 lb
- Tires28x9-14Front 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 kit900ccFull service kitsShop on Amazon
- Loading ramps3000 lbRated above the 1715 lb dry weightShop on Amazon
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