2025 Can-Am Maverick R Max X-RS Review: More Power, More Seats, More Fun

Can-Am took everything enthusiasts loved about the Maverick R and turned the dial way up. With more space, more capability, and the same hardcore off-road attitude, the 2025 Can-Am Maverick R Max X-RS isn’t just bigger it’s better. After driving it hard, it’s clear this machine doesn’t split the fun, it doubles it. Here’s why the Maverick R Max X-RS sets a new benchmark for high-performance side-by-sides.

2025 Can-Am Maverick R Max X-RS

this thing’s insane. like, totally unhinged. imagine a rollercoaster had wheels and a throttle, that’s it. every time i hit the gas i swear i could feel my organs rearranging. the sound, though, chef’s kiss, half beast growl, half metal chaos. and for about $45k? it’s stupid fun, probably not something sane people buy, but who cares. dusty, loud, probably smells like victory and regret. i still have mud in my teeth.

Polaris RZR Pro R

so, the maverick kinda ruined this one for me. the polaris feels civilized now, which is wild. but it’s got this vibe, like a jock that peaked in high school but still shows up at the gym every morning. good power. rough edges. i burnt my hand on the exhaust once because i’m dumb. costs about the same as the can-am, maybe a bit less, which makes me think: why does all the chaos start around 40–50 grand?

Yamaha YXZ1000R

this one screams louder than your ex in an argument. the gearbox feels alive though, clicks and jerks like an angry video game controller. around $23k and still feels rawer than stuff twice the price. my neighbor looked terrified when i pulled up. (he’s one of those hybrid SUV people.) also, side note, the seat smells vaguely like sunscreen and dust after an hour.

Honda Talon 1000R

this one’s like the “good kid” of the group. starts every time, doesn’t scare you too much. a bit boring though, like a friend who only orders plain fries. still fun when you push it. kinda reminds me of my uncle’s old dirt bike days. $25k, give or take. it’s… fine.

Arctic Cat Wildcat XX

not gonna lie, i always forget this thing exists. then i see one and go “oh yeah, you.” it’s bouncy as hell, like it drank too many energy drinks and can’t sit still. rode one once and got whiplash and giggles in equal measure. around $23k and feels like it should come with a chiropractor coupon.

Jeep Wrangler 392

yeah, yeah, i know it’s not a side-by-side, but it popped into my head because that V8 is just stupidly fun. every startup is like an explosion in surround sound. i don’t even remember what the maverick sounded like after hearing that. 90-something grand though, so it better bark like that. plus it smells like leather and gasoline, which honestly, might be my favorite combo.

Ford Bronco Raptor

i think ford just wanted to see if they could make sand tremble. and they did. i took one on a dune and accidentally laughed out loud when it jumped. literally jumped. stupid fun. also $85k-ish? which feels illegal for something that guzzles gas faster than you can blink. still… worth it.

Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

the one that tries really hard to look cool, and honestly, it’s almost there. feels solid, reliable, a bit too safe. not much drama. like, it’ll climb mountains but won’t text you back after. costs maybe 50 grand and yeah, every third one looks identical.

Rivian R1T

funny thing, i expected silence, but it somehow feels like power humming through wires. weirdly calming to drive off-road. like zen but electric. price tag somewhere in the $75k range, which makes me wonder what happened to “budget toys”, then again, it pulls like a tank and feels like the future’s whispering in your ear.

Subaru Outback Wilderness

hear me out, it’s here because i once accidentally went off-road in one, and it didn’t die. that counts, right? smells like pine air freshener and damp seats, handles sand worse than my old sneakers, but it tried. for 40k, it’s the kind of “adventure” you’d bring a dog and a picnic to, not a helmet.