2018 Vehicle of the Year: Can-Am Defender Max XT

by
posted on April 28, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
can-amdefendermaxxt_lead.jpg

Now in its 16th year, the NRA Golden Bullseye Awards represent the pinnacle of achievement within the shooting, hunting and outdoor trade.

In 2017, after years of record-breaking sales, many industry observers wondered what ingenious introductions might still be unveiled. After all, any product worthy of our gold standard must meet or exceed American Hunter’s expectations of innovation—and they absolutely must provide hunters with value for their money. But once again, we were surprised when we collected nominations and tallied our votes.

Vehicle of the Year: Can-Am Defender Max XT 
Can-Am’s
Defender series includes the standard Max, Max DPS, Max XT Cab and our favorite, the Defender Max XT HD10. All feature “pickup truck-inspired design” to maximize cargo capacity and storage space while seating six adult hunters.

The Max XT HD10’s heavy-duty, V-twin Rotax engine produces 72 hp and 61 lb.-ft. torque. Peak torque is delivered at low engine speed to handle difficult tasks and terrain with aplomb. Power is transferred to the ground via Can-Am’s Pro-Torq continuously variable transmission. Three driving modes (Work, Normal, Eco) and a four-mode traction system with Can-Am’s Visco-Lok QE front differential provide several traction-control choices for varying terrain and tasks. Operators may select 2x4 open rear differential, 2x4 locked rear, 4x4 open rear and 4x4 locked rear. Dynamic Power Steering offers less assistance at high speed and more at low speed. Payload capacity is 1,750 pounds (including 1,000 pounds in the bed); tow rating is 2,000 pounds. There is a whopping 16.9 gallons of storage in the cab. A-pillars located far forward and positioned at a 25-degree angle improve visibility and ingress/egress.

Add up all that and it’s easy to see why former digital managing editor Shawn Skipper opined (“Hardware,” October 2017) the Defender Max XT is “a six-seat powerhouse that’ll get you—as well as your hunting buddies, your dog, your gear and your game—wherever you need to go.”

For more information, go to can-am.brp.com.

Editor's Note: NRA Publications will present the annual Golden Bullseye Awards at an exclusive breakfast during the 2018 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Dallas, Tx., May 4-6.

Latest

Pennsylvania Game Commissionlede
Pennsylvania Game Commissionlede

2025-26 Pennsylvania Migratory Game Bird Seasons Set

Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 migratory game bird seasons have been set. There are two significant changes to waterfowl seasons. The regular season daily bag limit for Canada geese in the Atlantic Population Zone has decreased from three to one, and for northern pintail, there will be a flat daily bag limit of three.

New for 2025: Christensen Arms Evoke in 450 Bushmaster

Christensen Arms has announced the release of the Evoke rifle chambered in powerful 450 Bushmaster.

Oklahoma Wildlife Commission Passes Rules for Nonresident Hunters, Public Hunting Lands

New emergency rules and resolutions for public hunting lands were approved last month by the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission.

First Look: Premium and Premium Deluxe Die Sets From Redding Reloading Equipment

Redding Reloading Equipment has expanded its Premium Die Set and Premium Deluxe Die Set product lines, including over seventy of the most popular cartridges in the industry today.

Junior Hunter Gear: Get Your Kids Into the Field

Looking for ways to get your fields out from behind the screens and into the great outdoors this summer? Check out these great pieces of outdoor kit to help spur the process.

Stealth Cam Adds On-Demand Livestream

Shortly after teasing the launch of its new trail camera functionality at the 2025 SHOT Show, Stealth Cam has announced that On Demand Live Stream is available via the Command Pro app.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.