Polaris General 1000 vs. Can-Am Commander 1000 UTV Shootout!!

Luke runs Can-Am’s Commander 1000 against the newcomer in this category - the Polaris General 1000.

[@sportsman1776]

As an unbiased, non-brand loyal industry observer and participant who has owned various machines from numerous manufacturers, I think it is important to keep in perspective (as others have mentioned) that the Commander has been available and relatively unchanged since 2010. It seems pretty evident that Polaris built upon the successes of the Commander and improved on them in most every category for the General's introduction in MY 2015. I fully expect BRP/Can-Am to answer in the near future with a new or updated Commander that one ups the current iteration of the General.

[@TheCamaro5]

Im a can am guy but you cant argue with more wheel travel, more hp, better dash, better seating and being more planted. The general has one upped the commander for sure.

[@gracilism]

You pay for it though. You can find the commander 1000 in the low teens. I haven't found a General below 20 yet.

[@TheCamaro5]

gracilism well the general base price is suppose to be 15,500, 1k more than a commander 1000 xt, I'm guessing because of the doors LOL!

[@gracilism]

I just check prices again and it looks like the General has came down closer to its MSRP than during the summer. Making it much more appealing to me.

[@TheCamaro5]

No the cammder has a usable bed with good suspension. Same as General. Maverick is basically nonexistent and is pure sport.

[@kingwarking1295]

Nick Chartrand the rzr is more of a comparison to the maverick their both sport performance class

[@jettwilliamson728]

In Australia, the commander is a common choice for cattle properties. They are great when mustering and don't feel top heavy when used carefully. My uncle used commander for years and he loved the capability. However being very rural, we needed to drive long distances to get regular maintenance from a can am dealer. We have since moved onto Yamaha wolverines and they are a back to bssics little capable buggy and we've never had an issue.

[@KingCommander1000]

I just watched a 12 minute long Polaris commercial.

[@scottish4276]

Lol. Me too!

[@Travide]

Na I have the commander xt my dad has the general base. No comparison, general all the way.

[@booAHHHH]

CFMOTO will rip both, you mad?

[@mw3gamer23]

Travis Clarke they both have there differences I personally like the body style of the commander

[@BarackObama-yc1ey]

Human Sponge CFmoto will rip it’s pos stock belt

[@robertmain4137]

This review is pretty accurate, I own a can am 1000 xt... the biggest thing they missed about the seating (that was a deciding factor for me) was the seats in the commander come out very easy and can be used around the campfire, ice fishing, etc... the comfort of the seats in the commander is also huge... I've been in mine all day and was very comfortable....

[@abqgunner9070]

Just got my first can am 800 dps love it

[@EastCoastATV]

This is a very well done review. You guys put a lot of work into it in post with the graphics and prices. Good job. I wish you guys would show both Canadian and US prices like TLFOffroad. You have a lot of Canuck's watching too.

[@dirttraxtv]

It's a valid point. Thanks for commenting!

[@bradly1210]

Never question a Lester's opinion we're always right when it comes to ATV/UTV's ;). Keep up the good work! If you ever want to come to West Virginia and ride some real trails (non-hatfield mccoy), just let me know.

[@blackduck6824]

I still enjoy the commander

[@SteveBs]

i have a 2012 Can Am Commander 1000 XT and other then the regular maintenance, never put a penny in it. i had a brand new 2010 800 Polaris touring and blew the motor within 2 year. In the end i'll stick to Cam Am for reliability.

[@probegt75]

What about reliability? Who's axles and a-arms snap every other time you run it. Who's belt breaks the most often?

[@whatsthedougscore3050]

Can-Ams

[@lookileftpooponyourpage5604]

Polaris. I have a 2020 570 and it’s the last time I’ll buy a Polaris. When I try to do any farm work, the Polaris throws a check engine light and after 15 minutes it shuts down.

[@marklubecke4854]

Any part Polaris has on it, is going to fail before you're done with it.

[@donbement7747]

Great job with the video. We have both Commander 1000 XT and General Deluxe 1000 and comparison was spot on. As for quality, Polaris has a way to do to match CanAm.

[@Fly4Video]

Great review, very well done. Thank you.

[@thegreatoutdoors9020]

check out my channel

[@Asheface11]

How about a category for reliability/recalls.

[@SplittingHUNTER]

Hass Mchasserson I think Polaris would lose that one hahaha

[@WilliamStewart1]

Pointhunter75 Neither is a Yamaha sure, but then again I think I'd still take a Can Am over a Polaris. When I think of cheap, Polaris comes to mind. Maybe it's because they're the Honda civics of ATV/UTV (everyone has one), meaning that because there's so many of them out there, there's that many more problems. All I know is both the Canadians and especially the Americans can learn from the Japanese when it comes building something that lasts.

[@elbergachupas2245]

Pointhunter75 CAN-AM HAVE THE BEST QUALITY IN ALL SEGMENTS CANT BEAT THAT

[@rodg011]

recalls although they suck ,means the company will fix a problem , problems and no recalls suck even more

[@whatsthedougscore3050]

@@rodg011 I really appreciate you saying that. Many people don't think about that. Polaris has more recalls, because they care to make sure your ATV or UTV is cared for when it comes to common issues. The recall on the 850 back in the day, was to fix RELIABILITY issues, not safety, goes to show which brand cares more about it's customer.

[@user-pb7pt2es6q]

Best thing about Polaris is the rear shocks being as far back as possible! makes it smoother riding not as bouncy as can am!

[@richardforester5043]

I’ve driven them all. The General is easier to get in and out of, nicer lay out and dash. But the best is the General’s ability to keep you clean of dust. All my friends with Rzrs and Cam ams are covered with dirt and we step out clean every ride.

[@dirttraxtv]

Interesting observation!

[@HustlerHall]

i have a 2019 commander 800r max dps...you are right about the jumping of the throttle at lower rpms...here is the fix use the gray key to cut back power or just simply put it into eco mode and you get away from the sensitive throttle response no matter what key you have

[@Rugsadventures]

Can am commander 1000x owner here and I love it

[@benkoehler7397]

Brought to you by Polaris...Just like all of your videos.

[@skullshot8438]

thanks for this video, I was having a hard time picking from the two.

[@waylondavis6877]

SKULLSHOT 84 get a Yamaha

[@frankyalvarez7160]

Waylon Davis dont, I own a 686 stroker Yamaha Rhino and the power is there like with a Polaris. I own an 2008 rzr 800 and my dad owns a 2008 Yamaha Rhino 686. I’ve personally owned a few Yamahas and I love their atvs but if your buying a sxs get something with more than one piston.

[@matt89447]

Had a poker run here in Yerington NV 2 weeks ago. Out of 68 rigs.... 2 RZR's belts either came off or broke. Is this an issue with Polaris's? My Ranger has not had belt issues.

[@stevebrown4967]

Another great review. Ty

[@57pad75]

Hi how do you find the tires in the mud ? Do you know anything about Mega Mayhem ? Is the Can Am AS good As the 800 RZR or is it better in the mud . I have the 800 RZR want to go to Can Am commander 1000 if it as good in the mud ?

[@markbarnes8768]

They missed a category...Which one is more likely to catch fire....

[@threeballcharlie8363]

polaris it has a GM engine

[@jokout1]

your thinking of the Slingshot! The General has the Polaris built/designed 999cc Prostar engine.

[@Vanity43]

@Tofutaco11 Are you high? Polaris makes more power and is at minimum 3x more reliable.

[@mrat455]

I think he did a fair comparison.

[@Gleb1986Kiev]

Polaris is a sponsor of this video.

[@hursteric]

KIevMan so is can am.

[@thegreatoutdoors9020]

check out my channel

[@AngDBurk]

i Bee Amazin have u watched the full episodes they are sponsored by can am and Polaris so u might want to rethink your saying

[@SilveredRaven]

Gavin, he wasn't the one saying they're biased. He was denying that Polaris has anymore say than Can-Am does in their reviews.

[@Pofdmanaxe]

Polaris just makes a better product. People for some reason say polaris are junk i have a 1986 four wheeler that still runs, a 2006 four wheeler still runs, and i have a 2011 rzr 800 with 5000 miles never had a problem with it!

[@kevinjohnson6051]

Drive train is an important consideration. AWD vs. 4WD is huge!

[@Driftuner]

so, the XTP has "no competitor" even though the General Premium costs almost the same?!

[@aidanpalmer8403]

You guys should make a video on the new prowler

[@erikdesormiers9458]

People who say this video is biased are not seeing the bigger picture. Commander has been around for a long time, and has been underdeveloped since it's intro. As for the General, well it's new and Polaris had plenty of time to make a munch better sport/utility SXS. When it comes to SXS, you can't outdo a company that continuously outdo themselves. Everything about the General is better, apart from a few minor details... Hence why it won.

[@bionicvenom]

everything except reliability, how much better is a vehicle that breaks in the middle of a trail.

[@jeepporter23]

coming from polaris. The x3 kicks the crap out of any RZR

[@giffwingsg3402]

Right. The X3 is sick. I just bought a Rzr 1000 six months ago. Wish I knew about the X3 before buying.

[@thegreatoutdoors9020]

check out my channel

[@PlayafromtheHimalayas]

You're begging so much your hands must look like cups

[@nathanl5091]

Yeah commander is definitely do for a face-lift/upgrade. Hopefully with the release of the general they don't have much of a choice but to make changes.

[@brandonjohnson2830]

I have driven a general and it has ALOT of tire-smoking horsepower and it rides very smooth.

[@METALMAN4Wii]

Can I get the General Insurance on the General?

[@toddfox2519]

The can am will turn circles literally inside of the general. Turn radius was the deal breaker for me on the general because I do too much tight quarters riding. And oddly enough, my wife and I both preferred the can am seating over the general.

[@NateMaw76]

Pretty sure I called this in the preview video!

[@dc-ir3ow]

I rode both for a while and I will take the can am anyday and that's what in bought last summer and love it

[@lakelife9782]

I've owned both brands, my big issue with Polaris now is they put poor tires on them where as BRP at least puts a great tire on their machines,so if you add that price in thats another $700-$1000 more to add to the Polaris cost

[@canadaplace2be176]

I wish u do this 40 below. We see how Generals flawless is?

[@cptnjarhead]

Drove a 1000 commander a few times..really fun... lots of power, great handling and its fast. But the rear clearance is about 6 inches and the transmission housing sounds like you're standing in front of CH-53 taking off from an LPH. And that viscolock ? lets just say im not a fan, lot of people love it.. but its not for me at all. Friend of mine bought a general 1000 4 seater ... have to say its a bad ass machine with great suspension. Ive been riding for many years... seen my share of breakdowns on all makes and models, nothing is bullet proof.. anything with mechanical parts wear and break down, sure there's engineering differences, some QA control issues over the years, but if you dont break it.. you aint riden it right. lol My 2003 500ho po-po has been beat to death and back, seriously I cannot believe it still runs... had to replace the cam last year probably because ive swamped it more times than i can remember, does this mean they are the best.. hell no, but they're not the worst either. The only thing keeping me on a po-po is the Polaris AWD system, no levers, no stopping to lock it just click it and go, no fluid pressure or bank of sensors needed, just a 5 degree turn in the rear and its locked in… Hands down the best imo. If the other brands had Polaris AWD system... all things being equal.. price per horse and suspension would always make my purchase decision no matter what logo was on it and thats the truth.

[@clauderichard6182]

I have the General Premium and love it

[@adamackels73]

I’m not biased either way, but look at how either machine would be used. In my state, these things are street legal. The Polaris has an open rear diff, and 4 wheel disc brakes. The Can Am has a locked (permanently) with 3 disc brake system. For me personally, based on brakes alone, Polaris wins. If Can Am would change their tune, I’d definitely consider one! 👍🏻

[@bionicvenom]

ok, now make a video with out polaris for people who won't touch a polaris with a 10 foot pole because of reliability.

[@nitrosquadboy1496]

The war of the general vs.commander was based on your opinion

[@timothychidester3136]

Although im can-am and have to agree with most of the comments below, what makes this video biased is that they compare a top of the line Polaris against a standard feature can-am.

[@twinturbo8304]

Have a Polaris razor with a misfire problem that appeared after way expired. Factory and dealer haven’t a clue

[@jasonlewis995]

2:38 giant Polaris squeak just getting out

[@weslawrence5055]

Dirttrax is also sponsored by Can-Am as well guys....sorry. .... hope the general is more reliable than some other Polaris models.... it seems a lot of polaris owners are always having more serious problems with their machines on all the forums I read. Im not biased I would take either machines, Can - Am seems like a better built rig IMO.. On a side note : when I look at both Polaris and Can-ams closely it seems Polaris parts are mostly from China and the Can-Am's have a lot of "made in Mexico" stickers as well. tough decision this next spring ... I want a fun SXS that I can take hunting, exploring, sport and still use around the house, these are my only two options so far... Ive tried most already....

[@franckbrajeul936]

Vous avez sans permis et combien sa coûté

[@jasoncook372]

As anyone recently purchased a general deluxe? How much can one expect to pay?

[@garyhipps9727]

Between 18 and 19, its according to what deal the dealer will give you

[@doaksimpson7088]

9h Yeah!!! They goin with who pays the bills!!!

[@lukeworrell8479]

Quick question guys, do you guys like cvt transmissions better or gear on gear, and why did all but Honda switch to cvt in the sport utility vehicles?

[@shockinawesome9595]

for trail riding CVT all the way very smooth always have power and just put it in gear and forget so u can be more focused on that rock that is going to scratch up your nice expensive skidplate. I have rode a honda on some trails and the auto mode is crap doesn't know what gear to be in and takes forever to shift which makes u use the EPS mode but for racing around a CVT will do just fine actual gears just make it a lot of fun but again only with the EPS on. So in conclusion CVT is awesome for trails and cruising where honda's gears fail but on a track gears will always win.

[@mauricecooper176]

I have a Honda in a Polaris the Honda is not fast but I like driving it through the trails better

[@Goob07]

They tend to not break as easily and belts suck ass

[@shockinawesome9595]

Bro belts don't suck I don't know why everyone thinks they suck no they are way better for off-road u get the best gearing for what u are doing without changing gears and if it breaks then it is a easy fix on the trail if a honda blows then u are done till u get home. CVTS are great and are generally more reliable for off-road the only thing gears have is acceleration and the fun factor. Also to smoke a belt u really have to try especially with clutch kits

[@johndulin6983]

What about the gator rsx why isnt it in this group? And you guys should do a shoot out between the tereyx and the wolverine!

[@ze_german2921]

I would like to see the pioneer 1000 in this review, Polaris and can-am are to similar

[@canadianswampdonkeys]

No doubt the commander is due for an update

[@thegreatoutdoors9020]

check out my channel

[@thegreatoutdoors9020]

+Canadian Swamp Donkeys sub 4 sub?

[@catjackoff-road855]

I’m a can am guy but that general is a nice unit

[@UvidCo]

What about the ranger, big red can-am defender

[@twinturbo8304]

Thanks I was going to buy a commander. Now I will get a terex

[@twinturbo421]

I'm looking to buy one of these models before Christmas... I am 6-foot 4 and about 260. Can anyone out there tell me which has the better headroom, legroom and overall comfort for guys my size

[@enzochiroi6678]

A Quintero Go sit in both and then you’ll know for certain.

[@gatorunleashed275]

I love them both.

[@juantobar4256]

men, i have a can-am commander xt and i tell you that isn´t so bad as you told in the video

[@jackmadden1303]

do you know jon lester

[@SuperReddog17]

the only reason I won't by the general or any Polaris sxs is the electrical problems and the dam reverse chains break on them, besides the price tag on both the general and the commander you need deep pockets because the machines are always breaking something.

[@stephenmarshe8573]

I had a Polaris I bought brand new in 2015, never again....these are not reliable units...charging problem none stop and was never really fixed properly. Starting on damp days was another constant problem...I sold this piece of junk and am now looking at a Can Am...pricey but I have 2 friends who have had can ams's for 4 and 6 years and they love them. One of them 2 guys was an early victim as well to polaris unreliability.

[@davidgray9292]

Polaris lover, i'll stick with my Yamaha viking, had it for 3 years with just over 2000 miles on it and have never turned a bolt on it except to install a high liter kit on it.

[@LOOKFAST]

Can am this might sound bad but other then a few most people who buy polaris cant afford a can am you pay for quality and a bad ass machine not doors

[@bbreckner9884]

Umm guys I found a channel called ATVreview channel that uses a lot of your videos and don't give you any credit. So I'm sure if that's copyright. So just thought you might want to check it out

[@TheOutty500]

Eh. Both are nice machines. I'd be happy with either one of them.

[@thegreatoutdoors9020]

check out my channel

[@ejd1149]

I hate having my ears blown out while wheeling. Which one is more quite?

[@chrik999]

Where's the Honda Pioneer1000 in your top4 sport/utility vehicle list?

[@boltactionshooter]

Pioneers are pure Utility. Wanna put them against these machines in a sport class and they lose badly.

[@chrik999]

Pure Utility? We are far from the Ranger or the Defender with the Pioneer?

[@boltactionshooter]

Nope they are all 3 utility machines. Ranger is still a better machine than the Pioneer. There is a reason Rangers outsell the Honda many times over.

[@jasonlewis995]

that general squeak at 2:37 whew

[@ashleyhammond2288]

I love my general deluxe

[@zglitch4021]

I still don't think I could go Polaris, as a Can-Am fanboy... RZR's have way to much belt slip in there motors and eat through them.. Can-am's are pricey, however almost never have recalls or maintenance issues.

[@r6exrider]

Do a base vs deckef out model on some sxs

[@toben42]

My Go Kart out performs both of them, it is Awesome and I can't be beat.

[@TomuraKubomi]

GoKart xD

[@brentmccaleb7076]

dirt Trax television has always been polaris bias. but I'm assuming polaris pays them alot. I agree the general is a major upgrade over the crap polaris previous models.

[@atlnative8222]

Stick with Yamaha or Honda, but choose can am over Polaris, had a Polaris jet ski it blew up and was stranded on an island on lake Lanier for 15 hours

[@maxcoldest7196]

Found this very helpful, as we are about 2 purchase 1 of these!

[@mattm7078]

which did you buy?

[@jf8138]

Which one lasts longer and costs less to maintain, the most important factors when it comes to cost.

[@number1plyr741]

can am

[@brucepetersen4897]

Might as well just be a Polaris commercial.

[@lukemichaluk7859]

When you get Polaris to sponsor you!!!

[@joddaley6510]

So does Can Am

[@yourdad2967]

You also forgot that the Limited comes With Limited Edition Seats

[@andersgunnerud1563]

Too many butthurt can am owners here agahhaha

[@dr.who2]

As for me I rather have something that don't break down and I can ride it. Canam why I buy . Had polaris everyone one has one is fixing then no much after new

[@gatorunleashed275]

My 2011 Ranger 800 XP has never given me an issue at all. Still the original belt on it.

[@Dooguy]

Nothing has changed from the Lester's...... Same thing happens when they blow Polaris sleds vs ski doo.

[@aidanmartzloff]

I feel like these people are lazy, I mean he said they chose the Polaris because you could take it flat around a corner, and I mean having fun isn't just holding down the gas, it's accelerating and decelerating and all that that's really fun. And also the can am is really fun to drive with the power steering low/off. I drove a 4 seater one before and it didn't feel tippiy and all, and everything about it felt great. The perfect amount of nice soft suspension and comfort, but also bumpiness and power when riding around corners and stuff. It honestly felt AMAZING. Also I think that they should add a reliability category, and not make this a Polaris commercial.

[@joddaley6510]

Its also sponsored by Can Am and it lost by a whopping 1 point its not like Polaris beat it hands down.

[@kyleprichard9872]

You forgot about the HL edition general

[@nathanlabarbera8888]

You guys have something against can am or what Polaris always wins they shootouts on every video

[@212industries8]

They forgot the Honda Pioneer 1000 and 1000-5

[@dieselnut3]

You left out the John Deere RSX850i.. It out performs the Teryx any day.

[@Flameskulls35]

Its john deere you clown over priced and cheaply built

[@michaelbury1941]

I don’t understand this. In other reviews of the 1000 motor you say it’s super smooth and refined. But here in a comparison with Polaris you say it isn’t...

[@kyleprichard9872]

Do a ranger vs defender

[@boostromboost2088]

Yeah polaris. Polaris got so pro stuff but I was pretty sure that general will win but I know that can-am is not a easy opment BRP'S stuff is skill too. Their snowmobiles like ski-doo and lynx are cool 2017 sled of the year ski-doo won sled of the year 2018 polaris won they are pretty same but yeah nice video👌

[@RadioReprised]

More like 5-2 or 6-1 for the General.......it rocks.

[@mrstevek118]

Why isn't Yamaha Viking one of your choices

[@raybond6047]

Because they are 3 cans short of a six-pack...

[@williammawk1720]

Its easy to see that Polaris has a lot to do with the making of this commercial.

[@joddaley6510]

Would you say the same thing if the Can Am would've won.

[@mattfarrar8566]

The commander base price is $5000 less

[@arlocartledge5095]

We want a 4 seater with a 105” wheelbase

[@Perry2186]

2 of the categorizes were subjective to the user

[@swinn5888]

What it really is, is personal preference

[@MrJonttu_]

In Finland General costs about 26 000 euros :(