Can-Am, an industry forerunner in delivering specialized innovation to the off-road market, brings an entirely new off-road riding experience to its Defender side-by-side vehicle family. The all-new, aggressive Defender X mr HD10, with its aggressive and functional mud-ready design and new, state-of-the-art Smart-Lok™ front differential takes tough, capable and clever to new depths.
The 2018 Can-Am Defender XT-P HD10 vehicle is made for multi-tasking! The new premium-and-sportier Defender model was specifically enhanced to confidently master tough chores and confidently tame rugged trails.
Defender X mr HD10
The aggressive Defender X mr HD10 side-by-side vehicle is factory built to tackle the nastiest of mud, where traction and torque are in high demand. An authentic mud monster, the muscular Defender not only reinforces the Can-Am brand’s leadership in the mud-riding spectrum, but it does so with unmatched styling and engineering ingenuity. The specialized Defender X mr HD10 vehicle — available in either a Carbon Black & Sunburst Yellow finish or premium Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo — includes all the Defender XT HD10 package features, but expands upon those conveniences with its own advancements for greater success in the mud.
The state-of-the-art Smart-Lok lockable front differential and large 30-in. (76.2 cm) ITP Cryptid mud tires, when mated to the existing 72hp Rotax V-twin HD10 engine, durable PRO-TORQ Transmission supply unprecedented levels of grip and sure-footed control in the mud. The Smart-Lok differential includes dual modes (Trail and Mud) for added convenience and ingenious terrain adaptation. The factory-installed snorkeled CVT and engine intakes ensure flawless execution when tackling wet and muddy conditions.
TOUGH
- Rotax V-Twin Engine
The Defender XT-P package is powered by a true multi-talented powerplant. The 72-hp Rotax HD10 V-Twin is specifically tuned for serious work but also offers 61 lb-ft torque and peak torque at lower RPM for optimal delivery for recreational use.
The V-Twin engine is located in the rear of the Defender chassis to reduce noise, cockpit heat, improve access and reduce vibration.
- PRO-TORQ Transmission
The PRO-TORQ Transmission is calibrated to meet the demands of the Defender side-by-side vehicles and includes a Quick Response System (QRS) to enhance low-speed riding, deliver smoother and more responsive power delivery and offers precise engagement. A work-specific low gear ensures optimal torque delivery for heavy loads. At low speeds, optimized ventilation improves belt durability and ensures more efficient power transfer. Electronic Drive Belt Protection monitors the CVT belt to determine its condition and alerting the driver to be in low gear. Defender side-by-side vehicles come standard with Park, Reverse, Neutral, High and extra Low. Integrated hill descent control supplies smooth, predictable deceleration. A helical gear transmission provides a quiet environment for the operator. The rear, maintenance-free differential gear-on-gear components are more efficient, responsive and also built to last.
- Snorkeled CVT and engine intakes
The Defender X mr HD10 side-by-side vehicle meet the demands of mud riding and also includes a snorkeled CVT and strategically located intakes (inlets/outlets) placed as high as possible in the chassis for supreme performance in wet conditions.
- Maintenance free for one year
With zero break-in maintenance required and a yearly maintenance schedule, the Defender side-by-side vehicles reduce total maintenance costs to the buyer. The yearly advised maintenance is 1,865 miles (3,000 km) or 200 hours. Along with reduced maintenance, the engine and transmission are more do-it-yourself service friendly, offering easier access to key maintenance items.
- Easy access for serviceability
Can-Am engineers, gathering insights and feedback from end-users, created a convenient platform for service, improving access to components with a special focus on Do-It-Yourself and ease of maintenance. A Service Center is located beneath the front hood with easy access to brake fluid container, toolkit, fuse box and diagnostic connector. At the rear-end, critical elements such as engine bay, oil dipstick, air filter, CVT, transmission and coolant are also easily reachable thanks to the wide opening-box possibility. Other critical parts such as the battery, bushings, drainage and cleaning holes and lighting bulbs have been also strategically positioned for a quick-access.
- High rigidity chassis
The Defender is extremely capable off-road and a legitimate workhorse that uses a high-precision chassis and automotive-like technology and fabrication tolerances that are in line with modern pick-up trucks — a powersports industry first. The High-Strength, Low-Alloy (HSLA) grade steel means a more rigid design for taking the strain of heavy-duty chores. Can-Am engineers put the Defender through the rigorous Utility Test Cycle at the winter and summer testing grounds to ensure its toughness.
- 650-W magneto
This package provides an extremely powerful magneto, a 650-W output, for handling high-powered lighting or other key accessories.
- X-package front bumper
A durable, powder-coated Sunburst Yellow front bumper enhances the X mr vehicle’s fascia while also expanding protection. The Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo package includes a black front bumper.
- Full skid plate
A high-strength full skid plate (center and sides) is made from proven materials and is designed for supreme protection and has the ability to slide over certain obstacles.
- Aluminum rock sliders
Heavy-duty aluminum rock sliders, painted Sunburst Yellow for a distinctive look, protect the vehicle’s sides and undercarriage from harsh hits from large obstacles and hidden debris in the mud. The Mossy Oak Break-Up Camo Defender X mr includes black rock sliders.
- Mudguards
Oversized mudguards (or fender flares), made from robust injection-molded, heavy-duty plastic, increase protection for the occupants from mud, water and debris and attribute to the mud-ready package with a distinctive look.
CAPABLE
- Dynamic Power Steering
Standard on the Defender X mr vehicle, the refined second-generation DPS system is tuned for utility applications while also offering responsiveness for recreational usage. DPS improves steering feel in slow-speed working situations and when the trail turns technical. It also is designed to offer less assistance at high speed and more assistance at low speed.
NEW TECHNOLOGY
- Smart-Lok - Full lockable on-the-fly front differential with electronically controlled automatic modes
A new industry standard, the electronically controlled front lockable differential system with Smart-Lok technology ensures maximum traction and enhanced slow-speed maneuverability especially in challenging terrain. The Smart-Lok system, developed in conjunction with TEAM Industries, takes integrated intelligence to new heights and allows on-the-fly adjustments. The differential can lock and unlock on the fly no matter the speed, letting the driver focus on the trail. Smart-Lok offers intelligent modes for different riding conditions. The brain controlling this industry leading technology is the Front Differential Module, gathering input from six key vehicle parameters. It analyzes front wheel speed from both sides, steering angle, accelerator pedal, gear position, engine torque and vehicle speed. Depending on the readings and the Smart-Lok’s setting, the actuator will instantaneously initiate the locking of the front differential. The MUD mode has been designed for superior traction, allowing the driver to the deepest mud holes while maintaining momentum.
The driver has the option to select between four modes: 2x4 / 4x4 fully locked / 4x4 MUD and 4x4 TRAIL. The preset MUD and TRAIL settings are designed to enhance the off-road experience by offering a more customized feel to match to specific terrain, conditions and demands. Our engineering team further enriched the system by including hill descent control, which includes an Electronic Braking System (EBS) at all four wheels, for improved control and traction.
- Double arched A-arm front suspension with twin tube gas charged shock (10-in. / 25.4 cm travel)
The Defender vehicles have a front double arched A-Arm suspension system designed to offer an enhanced stance, more control and improve handling by adding ride clearance when navigating muddy terrain and rugged trails. With 10-in. of travel, the ride is smooth in all situations, even when carrying heavy loads.
- TTA-HD rear suspension with arched arms, external sway bar and twin tube gas charged shocks (10-in. / 25.4 cm travel)
The arched Torsional Trailing A-arms (TTA) rear suspension, which was designed specifically for a utility and recreational usage, offers a full 10-in. of travel to provide a smooth ride even in the most demanding terrain. Its architecture offers optimal comfort, ride clearance and drivability in all conditions, thanks to no camber change. The Defender vehicle’s TTA-HD wears more bushings than some competitive units and is also larger and greaseable on both the chassis and knuckle, resulting in a more durable setup. In addition, the TTA-HD features a wear plate between the suspension and the chassis, preventing direct friction between those two. This all translates to a more controlled wheel movement when driving, and an increased longevity. The system also includes a removable external sway bar to enhance traction and the transfer of power to the ground when needed.
- 13.5-in. (34.3 cm) ground clearance
The Defender side-by-side vehicles offer 13.5-in. (34.3 cm) of ground clearance for maximum performance for conquering difficult terrain or carrying a maximum load.
- 30-in. ITP Cryptid mud tires
The purpose-built 30-in. (76.2 cm) ITP Cryptid mud tires provide unbeatable mud-riding performance. The six-ply tires feature tall, self-cleaning lugs that are larger near the sidewall for traction in the mud and upon entry and exit. The aggressive tread pattern reduces in height near the center of the tire for improved trail manners and control.
- 14-in. Cast-Aluminum Wheels
Stylish and functional 14-in. (35.6 cm) cast-aluminum wheels give the Defender X mr HD10 vehicle a refined look. The lighter weight black wheels are durable for the demanding mud and have an attractive machined aluminum 8-spoke design with a black center and Can-Am cap.
- Four 220 mm disc brakes with hydraulic piston calipers
The Defender side-by-side vehicle uses twin piston calipers with two 220 mm discs up front and two 220 mm discs with a single piston caliper at the rear for superior stopping force when pulling heavy loads.
- 140-W lighting output and LED tail lights
For a superb wide-visibility, two 35-W reflectors on each side run at 70-W on high beam to provide more than enough candlepower for early-morning scouting trips, trail rides or late-night farm chores. LED Taillights enhance visibility in all conditions and add to the unmatched fit-and-finish.
- Optimal weight distribution
The 42 / 58 weight distribution ensures a strong footing whatever the nature of the ride or the landscape.
- Towing / Hauling / Payload
Handling serious chores is easy thanks to the Defender side-by-side vehicle’s strong Rotax V-Twin engines and exceptional towing, hauling and payload capacities. The Defender side-by-side vehicle is rated to tow up to 2,000-lb. (907.2 kg), haul up to 1,000-lb. / 454 kg (600-lbs. / 272.2 kg in California model) in its large cargo box and has a 1,500-lb. (680 kg) payload.
- 2-in. rear hitch receiver
A 2-in. hitch receiver is equipped on all Defenders. Its standard size means a hitch can be transferred directly from a typical pick-up truck.
- Fuel Tank
Combined with an industry-leading 10.6-Gal. (40 L) fuel tank and excellent fuel efficiency, the Defender side-by-side vehicles provide maximum range for both serious work and recreation.
- Relocated 4,500-lb. (2,041 kg) Can-Am winch
The relocated winch, designed to handle heavy-duty loads on a muddy trail ride with its 4,500-lb. capacity and roller fairlead, is located high on the heavy-duty steel bumper for easy access and pulling force in deeper mud. The synthetic rope provides extreme protection against wear and abrasion and is ideal for muddy settings. A convenient button was also added to the console on the left side of the steering wheel for easy operation.
CLEVER
- Versatile, integrated Cargo box with sturdy tailgate
The highly durable Cargo box has a 1,000-lbs. / 454 kg (600-lbs. / 272.2 kg in California model) load capacity and has dump assist levers. It also features a versatile configuration that can create a customizable dual-level setup or completely separate compartments. Strategic features include 5-Gal. (18.9 L) pail recesses, integrated anchors on the sidewalls and several tie-down points for added convenience. To fully optimize the sizeable cargo box, consumers can divide up the box using the integrated recesses. The box allows for both 1x3 (inch) and plywood separators and accepts bed extenders for refining the bed’s overall dimensions.
The cargo box is adaptable to accept 14 LinQ quick-attach accessories for further customization. Complete with cable supports and metal bars, the reinforced tailgate can withstand ordinary farm use and serve as a seat during your lunch break (max weight: 250-lb. / 113.4 kg). For ease of usage, the tailgate can be removed in seconds without tools. A cargo box deflector rests between the front of the cargo box and the cab and features a clever design to prevent cargo and trail debris from leaving the cargo box.
- Open dash with removable toolbox and under-dash storage
The open dash design features a handy water-resistant, removable 1.7-Gal. (6.3 L) toolbox, an industry exclusive, to allow users to carefully carry tools and supplies they need in an organized manner. The open dash configuration is designed to be more functional friendly with more open storage, reducing overall hood space for increased onboard, accessible storage. Perfect for stowing small essentials, the Defender models also include convenient 6-Gal. (22.8 L) under-dash storage with an enclosed pocket. The Defender supplies a total of 10.4-Gal. (39.5L) of storage solutions. (The toolbox and under-dash storage are optional equipment on the Defender Convenience HD8 side-by-side.)
- Advanced VERSA-PRO bench seat with X package trim
The Defender X mr HD10 package includes a specialty X-package 40/20/40 VERSA-PRO Bench Seat, complete with black seats and Sunburst Yellow color-matching highlights and enhanced X-Team stitching. To ensure added comfort, the driver and passenger seats were bolstered to add lateral support and additional cushioning for the legs and back.
The seating, inspired by modern pick-up trucks, comfortably accommodates three adults and features “profiled” corners to improve entrance / exit of the cab as well as a sturdy vinyl cover for improved wear resistance. The passenger seats, complete with integrated hooks on their underside, also can be flipped up to improve onboard storage. Can-Am engineers also added a foldable central console and armrest with two cup holders to allow more space in the cab.
- Roomy and intuitive cockpit
The Defender offers a spacious cockpit with unmatched fit-and-finish. Engineers optimized the interior ergonomics for a wide range of people. Tilt steering, improved sightlines, enhanced storage and overall cockpit volume improve comfort and convenience. The A-pillar was moved far forward to provide almost effortless ingress-egress and to enhance visibility for all the occupants. More interior cabin and dash space, rather than overall exterior hood size, creates a more spacious interior for the owner.
- Tilt steering
The steering wheel was specifically designed for utility applications with a larger diameter for improved handling and control. The automotive-like tilt steering wheel lets drivers adjust (up to 25 degrees) it to their driving style and ergonomic preference. It offers also an easier maneuvering while entering/exiting the vehicle.
- Multifunction digital gauge with open storage
The location of the gauge is strategically positioned in front of the driver to increase the readability of the information provided. The LCD gauge displays key information: speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip and hour meters, fuel, gear position, seat belt and 4x4 indicator, diagnostics, clock, auto shut off. A 0.7-Gal. (2.6 L) compartment behind the gauge cluster offers an easy-access storage solution for the driver.
- Cup holders
The Can-Am Defender has four, in-cab, easily accessible cup holders. Two are located in the dash area and two additional cup holders are located in the central armrest. Four cup recesses were also incorporated into the cargo box tailgate for added convenience.
- Rugged ergonomically configured grab bar and three foot rests
The ergonomically placed grab bar and footrests allow for optimal occupant stability and comfort.
- Profiled cage
The profiled cage means it provides a flush fit when quickly incorporating the extensive list of Can-Am cabin accessories. The sturdy Profile cage (steel) meets Roll-over Protective Structures (ROPS) industry standards and is certified ISO 3471 and OSHA. It is designed in tandem with the Can-Am Cabin and genuine accessories to ensure the best fit-and-finish and seamless integration in the industry.
- 2 Colors available
The stellar Defender X mr HD10 package is available in a brilliant Carbon Black & Sunburst Yellow finish or the industry-exclusive Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo.
