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

LEDE Rewards For New Hunter Ed
LEDE Rewards For New Hunter Ed

IHEA-USA Announces New Hunter Rewards Program and Investigation Instructor Academy

The International Hunter Education Association–USA (IHEA-USA), in partnership with Guidefitter, has launched PathPerks, a reward and recognition program designed for new hunter education graduates.

Remington Announces 4th Annual Shoot to Cure Fundraiser

Remington Ammunition will be hosting its 4th Annual Shoot to Cure sporting clays fundraiser on September 19, 2025.

Recipe: Venison Crostini with Smoky Berry-Spice Chimichurri

This venison crostini is more than a recipe, it’s a celebration of the hunt and the flavors it provides. Read on for how to make one all your own.

New for 2025: Browning Defender Vision Pro Livestream

The Defender Vision Pro Livestream from Browning Trail Cameras puts hunters in the middle of the action as it happens via the Strike Force Wireless app.

Hardware Review: Smith & Wesson 1854 Stealth Hunter

A modern cowboy ought to have a modern lever-action rifle. That’s one reason Senior Executive Editor Jon Draper was so excited to get his hands on the latest lever gun from Smith and Wesson, the 1854 Stealth Hunter. Read on for his thorough review.

First Look: GoView Zoomr 10x42 Binocular

GoView USA has announced the introduction of its Zoomr 10x42mm binocular, designed specifically for situations where brilliant image quality is essential.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.