2021 Can-Am Commander 1000R XT-P Test Review

2021 Can-Am Commander 1000R XT-P Test Review
When Can-Am released the 2010 Commander 1000, they carved out a niche in the SXS market with a machine that could play as hard as it worked; a quiver killer in its day for those who could own only one machine, but wanted to do it all. Can-Am enjoyed their spot at the top of the sport/utility segment for six years until the arrival of the Polaris General in 2016. The arrival of the Yamaha RMAX in 2021 further diminished the appeal of the Commander in a segment it once dominated.
Things changed in the mid 2021 model year, though, as Can-Am introduced an entirely new line of Commander models with two and four-seat MAX options available. Not entirely new machines from the ground up, the new Commanders are essentially the proven and fun to drive Maverick Sport models adapted for getting work done through the addition of a dumping cargo bed plus other small tweaks to the engine, chassis, and suspension.
For our test of the 2021 Can-Am Commander 1000R, we opted to go with their top-of-the-line XT-P model. Why not? The Commander XT-P is $300 less in price than the mid-level Yamaha RMAX2 1000 and $1,300 less than the base model, Polaris General Deluxe. This will let us experience the best that the new Commander has to offer while setting us up for a competitively priced three-way shootout in the 1000cc sport utility class so you might want to subscribe.
As usual, Can-Am’s XT-P package delivers a great balance of added style, sport performance, and utility functionality. Yes, it lacks the GPS of the Yamaha and the interior LED interior lights of the competition. However, the XT-P delivers the strength and survivability of beadlock wheels, a bumper that we can attest can take a real beating, along with the most sophisticated arguably functional drivetrain on the market. All are reasons that we feel the Commander XT-P offers pretty exceptional value in its class.
Sure, the Commander will work fine around your smaller local ride parks and for chores around the house, but it begs for big adventures. Load it down with gear for a weekend of camping and trail riding, or use it for the ultimate destination machine. The Commander offers all the room needed to bring along most anything you’ll need. Its performance allows you to cover plenty of miles in a day and its comfortable sport SXS cockpit, predictable handling, and plush suspension leaves you feeling ready for more. If you are looking for a good sport/utility SXS and you enjoy big rides, we believe the brand new Can-Am Commander 1000R XT-P is a SXS that you’ll love to own.
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[@UTVonDemand]

A plush, stable, quiet ride and arguably the most capable when it comes to getting work done. There's a lot to love about the new 2021 Can-Am Commander 1000R ST-P. SUSCRIBE so you don't miss our 1000cc Sport Utility SXS Shootout. We look forward to your questions and comments below.

[@Yan7001978]

I really appreciate the slow motion in your vids. You show what I have to see. Not just showing off! Your comments are strait to the point. Great work! I would really like a base X3 review!

[@UTVonDemand]

Thank you on all accounts. We would like to review a few of the X3 models including that one.

[@dirttraxtv]

Great review, Joe! Super thorough. It's a nice machine. Looking forward to getting more seat time in our XT!

[@UTVonDemand]

Thanks! Got to say, we really enjoyed the Trail S 1000 vs PRO XP shootout you did. Great watch. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pILJZ6KNnd6Eh9k

[@dirttraxtv]

@@UTVonDemand Thank you! Keep up the great work, buddy!!

[@UTVonDemand]

@@dirttraxtv We'll do. Hope to see you guys soon.

[@brtjones25]

This the best review I have seen. You mentioned its a Maverick Sport mostly. You did great telling us the difference between the two models. I have a sport, so at first I didn't like the commander being the same machine, but with a bed. But this video really informs us on how different they really are. You hit on the negatives compared to its competitors and the positives without putting either down. Just an amazing honest review. I had a 2013 commander, I loved it. Now I have the sport and love that. Thanks again for this.....

[@UTVonDemand]

This is one of the nicest comments we have received in months. Thank you for making our day. Very happy we could make this video for you.

[@doodrew800]

Thanks to be the first to address the difference in clutching verse the Maverick. Very happy with my Commander power wise but can always make that change to more sporty if desired.

[@UTVonDemand]

Glad we're makin points others are missing. We wish we would have had more time to make some clutching changes. If you go to more aggressive clutching, please come back and tell us how it works out.

[@kyjoe3403]

Great review. Just got mine home yesterday. One thing I can say for sure is it's the quietest sxs I've ever rode in.

[@UTVonDemand]

It certainly seems like the quietest machine in its class. We hope you have many years of fun with your new machine. Congratulations.

[@chicagobears654]

Got my Commander XTP in June. Had some balancing issues out of the gate but they put some weights on it (though I still think it was the bead locks). Not sure why the would need weights. But it seems good now. Still trying to figure out the Trail/trail Active and when to use it. Seems this one eats gas quite a bit more than my 2015 commander but over all this is a BEAST machine. I felt my 2015 commander was a beast but the 2021 Commander XTP is night and day! Greta vid btw. The best review on the XTPs to date and Ive been looking all year!

[@YammerHammers]

Glad to hear you’re like the sport as much as we are!

[@UTVonDemand]

It's great!

[@Yan7001978]

This channel should have at lot more followers!

[@UTVonDemand]

Thanks! Please share our channel on your social media and let your friends interested in SXS know to subscribe. We'd appreciate it.

[@jH-zu9ky]

Well done Mr editor! 🙂

[@UTVonDemand]

Thanks, it was a long one.

[@joshc606]

Y’all put a lot of effort into this video! A lot of info! Very good, Would like to see the person narrating and less music sometimes. Otherwise it seems more like a commercial?

[@UTVonDemand]

Sorry there wasn't more on camera talent on this 1. I usually stay behind the microphone and the camera. Glad to hear you are into all of the details.

[@majerstud]

Thanks! A job well done! I hope that loyal doggo got a ride eventually!

[@UTVonDemand]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video. That is the best trail dog ever. Gets lots of rides.. Plenty of handouts too.

[@XTP94]

Well done. I agree with all your comments and I look forward to the shootout. I own one and it is a solid performer. I have made a few upgrades like Simpson D3 belts, Corbin turn signal kit, lights etc… It is well put together and has a strong power band for all types of riding. Note that ECM is the same as the Turbo RR for 2021 and no aftermarket tuner is available for it yet.

[@UTVonDemand]

As an owner, we especially appreciate your feedback. Can-am makes the seat. upgrade easy. Is no tuner available for this unit yet? It's different than the Maverick sport? We will have lots more good things to say about the Commander in the shootout.

[@XTP94]

@@UTVonDemand At this time EVO does have a tuner available for the ECM and they say it's the same for the turbo RR after November 2020. They are working on it so the gains will be minimal for a non turbo engine. Speed limiter and a few pony's.

[@UTVonDemand]

@@XTP94 The power gains make sense.

[@DirtObseXXion]

Awesome looking machine, and the narrator's voice is making sweet love to my ears!!!!

[@adampetten1009]

Can't wait to see the max XTP

[@FloridaRaider]

nice review...thanks

[@UTVonDemand]

You're welcome.

[@ajjacobs1338]

Now I want one 💯💯 great video guys

[@UTVonDemand]

Glad you enjoyed it. It was a great machine.

[@WRXXXual]

Hmmm.... I have a feeling picking a high overall Sport Crossover Utility is going to be tough between Yamaha, Polaris, and Can Am. The Can Am's utility belt of a drivetrain is compelling. Was the handling neutral feeling from the driver's seat?

[@UTVonDemand]

Handling from the driver's seat is more neutral on the Commander than the others in the class thanks to the lower seating position man longer wheelbase. Each model in this class has advantages.

[@A10goBrrrrrrrrrt]

my favorite sentence ever from a utv channel "An electric belt protection system keeps the belt protected from noobs!" XD

[@UTVonDemand]

Based on the number of people who complained about breaking belts on a regular basis it was probably required.

[@A10goBrrrrrrrrrt]

@@UTVonDemand I see but still it did make me giggle a bit “noob protection” just makes me laugh I also aspire to own one of these machine when I am older

[@UTVonDemand]

@@A10goBrrrrrrrrrt It took a couple retakes as it was hard not to laugh as I was saying it. We remember the days when we were aspiring to own our first off-road toys. We did a lot of reading as there was little in the way of video at the time. I hope we help you pick the right machine for you. Thanks for watching.

[@EastCoastATV]

This is an excellent review; you mentioned a lot of important topics other reviews haven't touched on. I have over 12,000 km on my 2015 Commander, and it's been a good machine. I'm a little concerned about how narrow the cab is on the new ones compared to the older style machine, but I haven't had the opportunity to sit in one yet. How do you guys feel the interior compares against the RMax for day-long rides?

[@UTVonDemand]

Our tallest driver Was bumping his knee on the digital security key console. This was not a problem for any of our other drivers. Have a seat in one and you will know pretty quickly.This was not a problem for any of our drivers in the Yamaha. It seemed like the occupants were a bit closer in the commander however none of us were rubbing shoulders and All of us are pretty good size.We felt the shape of the doors offered plenty of room for your outside shoulders.It is the most sport side-by-side like cockpit of the bunch.In ways it's a great thing. Hope this helps, if you have any other follow up questions please hit us back.

[@EastCoastATV]

@@UTVonDemand Thanks a lot for your reply it's much appreciated. I'll have to wait to see what it's like whenever I have the opportunity to sit in one. I like the drivetrain and accessories I just wish it was a wider cab. Who knows, maybe it won't even be an issue. Thanks again.

[@UTVonDemand]

@@EastCoastATV We're happy to respond. It's doubtful you will have an issue with its width.

[@shellshockkeen4251]

Can I get it turbo charged? Will it beat a Honda talon 1000r?

[@carletonwood6558]

Did I see you all at Hatfield/McCoy trail near Matewan over the weekend?

[@UTVonDemand]

Not us. 🙂 Guess someone else is rocking the new Commander XT-P

[@williemaykit7940]

How is the cab heat on this one? My Polaris is pretty warm. I hear the previous Commander is quite warm also.

[@UTVonDemand]

Our test driver's old school Commander was used as a chase vehicle. The difference in cabin temperature was definitely noticeable. The new Commander seemed much more in line with the ambient temperature compared to the older version.

[@williemaykit7940]

@@UTVonDemand that’s good news! Thanks for the update!

[@UTVonDemand]

@@williemaykit7940 Glad to help.

[@doc_teamwaxoffroad]

👍👍👍

[@UTVonDemand]

Always good to see you doc. Love that trike.

[@tom73055]

Where was this filled at tom farm out west Columbus O

[@rensswan3470]

Sweet

[@felixponceti880]

very nice video , how is this compare with the krx for trail riding in the east coast ? thanks for shearing , good info and very detail

[@UTVonDemand]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Interesting comparison. Both machines are the biggest in their class. You sit a little lower in the cannon although the sidelines are similar. Both machines have very usable power delivery which helps in technical situations. It's. The KRX is perhaps a little better crawler and would do better in deep whoops. The slightly narrower Can-Am would probably do better in tight situations. Both offer plenty of room to bring along coolers, tools, or other cargo. The commander is of course a bit more versatile due to it's dumping cargo bed, trailer hitcomma trailer hitch, unlockable rear differential, etc. We hope this helps. If you have any other specific questions don't hesitate to ask.

[@felixponceti880]

@@UTVonDemand thanks for the response it’s a lot appreciate it 👍🏼👍🏼

[@UTVonDemand]

@@felixponceti880 Always happy to respond. 👊

[@fozzybear9114]

Why why cant can am put a sxs motor in thisr sxs machines? Put the dam 900 tripple in everything. Use vtwins for atvs for which they were designed

[@kifferpete7987]

What are your thoughts on the XT package

[@UTVonDemand]

What type of trails do you typically ride? Do you like to cruise or push the limits?

[@kifferpete7987]

@@UTVonDemand cruise, this would be my first sxs. I want something that does it all. Probably don’t need the expensive shocks, heard the ones on the XT are actually quite good

[@UTVonDemand]

@@kifferpete7987 To be honest we think you will be very happy. The Maverick sport we reviewed last year last year didn't Come with the added features of the commander XT and we liked it a lot.

[@dosstheboss100]

Didn't see it do any work in this video

[@UTVonDemand]

Go watch the shootout

[@Jimbo-ud9wh]

The smart lock business is CA's downfall. The Rmax will still kill it.

[@UTVonDemand]

How is smartlock their downfall? Mark basically it offers all of the modes of the Yamaha and more. Are we missing something?

[@primadom8094]

Sir

[@54warrior]

So... like every other Can-Am, anyone over 6'2" tall won't fit ????

[@UTVonDemand]

We would recommend trying one on before you buy it. It is a little more cramped than the competition for taller drivers.

[@doodrew800]

There is an aftermarket seat riser kit that is supposed to add 1.5 to 2" in distance to the pedals.

[@UTVonDemand]

That's great info. We were thinking we would add race seats for taller riders but risers should be far less expensive. Do you know who makes them?

[@CheeseCurdBandit]

I'm 6'4", 280 lbs and I fit in my 2021 XT-p just fine. Over 800 miles and zero complaints.

[@UTVonDemand]

@@CheeseCurdBandit Very happy to hear you're enjoying it. Thanks for the feedback on your machine.

[@nw843x]

There is no reason this had to be nearly 400lbs heavier than the old model. 1295lbs(2013) vs. 1695lbs(2021)

[@johnserrano9689]

Wtf man, don't ever claim anything like that is any good off road unless you test it in something REAL. You're legitimately riding in fckn wheelchair trails. I'd really be interested to see is can am will actually hold up way out in the middle of nowhere is some actually "rough" terrain and conditions not only mud, fast trails, big rock beds, water fordings, long hill climbs, all of them within 2 hours or so from 1 another and having it running for 6 or so hours straight. Personally seen alit more break downs of can am and Polaris than any Yamaha Arctic Cat or Honda. But one must have faith that can am isn't only interested in taking all the hard earned cash of their buyers, yet making machines just as tough and reliable as other machines where their makers don't really care to sell themselves so hard lol

[@UTVonDemand]

1. No need to curse. 2. Can-Am didn't make this video or pay for it. 3. Our test days are typically longer than 6 hours long of repeated, high-speed driving. 4. We drive MUCH harder than the average buyer, just ask all of the helmetless can holders we blow past during testing. 5. Subscribe and watch the shootout so you can see the other 3 days of testing we did with this machine and its competitors. More high speed, more mud, bigger rocks, etc. 6. Thanks for the comment:)

[@johnserrano9689]

@@UTVonDemand now that's the type of answer we're looking for. However, if you actually do pound the machines and test them to their limits man then post it. As nice as it is to see the sweet parts of the machines , their limits and limitations are just as if not more important to us. Also I am waiting with much anticipation for the shoot out against the Yamaha Rmax.

[@UTVonDemand]

More to come.

[@bw9325]

All i can hear is bla bla i cant drive bla bla have electronics do it for me an charge 20grand bla bla.. I vote permanently remove all the electronic nannies an let natural selection do its job😂

[@UTVonDemand]

🤣Sounds like you should subscribe to our ATV channel for ATV content. At least the sport ATV stuff.