2020 Can Am Defender Limited HD10 Test Review

Time is money, and time taken off from working or enjoying your SXS due to inclement weather is money lost. For 2020, Can-Am has released the HVAC equipped Defender Limited, a machine that makes it not only possible, but pleasurable to get out in the worst of conditions.
The Defender Limited is available exclusively with Can-Am’s 1000cc class HD10 engine, boasting a gain of 10hp and 9 ft-lb of torque compared to 2019. We sent Senior Testing Correspondent and CT Racing Engine’s owner, Allen Knowles, to the Wild Ranch in Texas to test the climate controlled world of the Defender Limited and give us a review of its performance.
Although the Defender Limited is designed as a work and recreation vehicle, we feel it eclipses the performance of sport SXS from a decade ago. It’s a serious work machine delivering a good amount of performance for exploring and trail cruising. Starting at $25,199, the Defender Limited costs around 27% more than the $18,499 Defender XT HD10, which we believe is a small price to pay for a money making work machine that can be operated comfortably for long hours year round. If you’re considering an HD10 equipped XT Cab for only $1,000, we’d say the air conditioned, better appointed Defender Limited is a no brainer.
With both SXS and ATV publications under our umbrella, we’ve been happy with Can-Am’s performance and modern, refined appearance and design. We are certainly impressed with Can-Am’s line of work SXS, including the all-weather Defender Limited.
Connect with UTV on Demand
KZbin
/ utvondemand
Instagram
/ utvondemand
Facebook
/ utvondemand
Website
utvondemand.com/

[@masonlong6006]

3:05 nobody gonna talk about that massive buck

[@DukeWhite04]

I like the defender there isn't enough 3 seat options. It's good for hauling the kid with you or the dog. I also find most side by sides compact and cramped. Been looking at these for a while now, hoping to see some big sales come on!

[@tittledieselperformancellc]

DukeWhite04 check out the CFMOTO Uforce 1000, doesn’t have heat or AC yet but it’s a comfortable and reliable 3 seater. I’m a CFMOTO expert, I’ve got a lot of experience with them and there really reliable and well built.

[@UTVonDemand]

Yes, the Defenders are nice. Yes, the added space would definitely be nice for bringing. a younger rider or the dog. Plus, it keeps everyone out of the elements.

[@tittledieselperformancellc]

I’ve got major health issues, one of which is body temp control problems which leaves me out of riding from June to the beginning of October because heat is the major issue, above 80* ambient I overheat to dangerous levels and this would be awesome for year round work and riding. I’m glad to see a second manufacture finally on the HVAC bandwagon though just wish I could afford the price tag, that’s the only downside but canam would have my sale in this category.

[@UTVonDemand]

Yes, this sounds like the machine for you. You might want to talk to a dealer and see if they can stretch the financing out enough to make payments affordable. We're not typically fans of long-term financing but it might be an option for you.

[@tittledieselperformancellc]

UTVonDemand honestly I never even considered that. I’m sure they would work with me at this kind of price point. I gotta say though, putting out that much would be tempting to get a X3. Maybe they can make me a factory AC X3🤔

[@UTVonDemand]

@@tittledieselperformancellc as many accessories and features as are being thrown at the sport models these days, I would not be surprised to see an enclosed cab with air conditioning at some point.

[@tittledieselperformancellc]

UTVonDemand me either, especially with the record breaking temps popping up across the country, I know an X3 you can get a sealed cab and a heater, I’d imagine AC wouldn’t be too hard to add on really. I’ve seen Fedex truck HVAC systems adapted before, maybe I’ll have to buy one and build a prototype🤔 I’ll send it over to y’all for some “professional” reviewing lol

[@doc_teamwaxoffroad]

Another great review..!! Expected nothing less... 👍👍👍

[@UTVonDemand]

Thanks Doc we always appreciate your kind feedback.

[@franciscodomenech1922]

I like the Can Am limited, the extra cab and other's accessories is very good. This Defender limited needs to improve the engine horse power the transmission Torque and the better Quality shock absorbed to hold the extra 500 pounds that's he's carrying .I was hoping the ingeniars will improve the sistem by 2021,the engine horse power for the limited in my humble opinion should be minimal 110 horse power to carry that extra weight. I am going to wait to 2022 or I will going in another direction hopefully by that time they'll improve the Defender limited.

[@UTVonDemand]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@EastCoastATV]

Quick question - I currently have an older style Commander and love that it's sort of a cross between sport and utility because I need the cargo space. Can the Defender be driven in a sporty manner like the old Commander? You seemed to touch on that a bit by saying it was better than you thought it would be but I'm curious as to how it would compare to say a new Commander in that regard.

[@UTVonDemand]

It's easier to compare the Defender to the new Commander since we have time in both relatively recently. We can certainly say that the new Commander is better than the Gen 1 machine in almost every way imaginable, especially the XT-P version we had. A little more aggressive clutching would have made the Commander even better should you pick one up. That being said, the Ranger is certainly a very capable trail machine. It's not quite as sporty as the Commander but today's top shelf utility SXSs are fun and capable for trail cruising and exploring. One thing to consider is that the new Commander has a very sport like interior/seating position. The Defender has more upright seating that's pretty comfortable and a bit easier to get in and out of over and over. The Commander's seating position in the Commander is more conducive to long rides and getting rad. The new Defender might not be as agile as your Commander but we believe it would outperform it in ways. Sorry if this is kind of vague. Hope it helped. If you have any follow-up questions please fire away.

[@ethanmunger3374]

Hows the gearbox backlash feel compared to 18/19 models? On my 18 when you let off the throttle and come to a stop, it clunks when you take off again. My pre 18 models didn't do this, I assume this is because in 18 they changed the gearbox to one with a chain driven reverse. I was hoping they fixed this on the 20 models as it is quite annoying and gives it a cheap feel.

[@michaeldoll3505]

So, after a few years. Have you had any problems with the A/C

[@UTVonDemand]

Sorry for the delayed response. We didn't get to do a long term test of the machine. We only got a full days driving in it. The benefit of being in the media is that we get to drive everything. The bummer is we don't get to spend years with the machines like owners. This is one reason we value owner feedback so much.

[@The_gold_arc]

Man this is my dream I’m to poor tho 😢

[@DUNEATV]

Not at all interested in a Can Am defender...I’m here for the beard!

[@TheBiggBert]

Canam send me one and I'll buy one

[@UTVonDemand]

LOL, unfortunately, it happens in the other order.