Sport

Published on July 12th, 2026 | by Joe

2026 Can-Am Maverick X3 X DS Turbo RR with Smart-Shox Test Review

If you’re looking for a sport SXS that can cover ground quickly in diverse terrain, from wide-open desert and fire roads to tight, twisty wooded trails, the 64-inch-wide segment has a lot to offer. These machines excel in the tight stuff while still providing a good amount of stability.

Cranking out 200 horsepower with ai claimed dry weight of 1,579 pounds, Can-Am’s Maverick X3 X DS Turbo RR delivers the width to slip through trees far more quickly than the 70-plus-inch-wide machines on the market, with the power-to-weight ratio to make it a real contender on the drag strip.

With all this in mind, we ordered the top-of-the-line version of Can-Am’s 64-inch intermediate-width ballistic missile for testing: the Maverick X3 X DS Turbo RR with Smart-Shox. We spent a full riding season with the car to really wrap our heads around it.

2026 updates for the Can-Am Maverick X3 X DS Turbo RR with Smart-Shox include revised LED headlights, a beefed-up HMW skid plate, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with a rear-facing camera.

2026 Updates

Can-Am sent us a 2025 test unit. Because the 2025 model carries over with only a few changes that don’t affect performance, our test remains completely relevant for evaluating the 2026. There are, however, a few updates worth noting.

New LED headlights bring the front-end styling closer to Can-Am’s open-terrain-dominating Maverick R. The undercarriage skid plates are now thicker and primarily held in place with bolts instead of annoying pop rivets. The Smart-Shox-equipped version now feature a 10.25-inch touchscreen display and new keypad. The touchscreen displays the car’s new rear-facing camera, and the X3 is prewired for easier front-camera installation. Dusty Navy and Triple Black are the available colors for 2026.

Trim Packages

Can-Am offers three versions of the 200-horsepower Maverick X3 DS Turbo RR.

The lineup begins with the Maverick X3 DS Turbo RR at $24,599. It’s pretty well appointed, sharing all of the key performance specifications with its higher-priced siblings. SHOWA HPG piggyback shocks feature dual-rate springs, spring preload and compression-damping adjustability. We do wish four-point harnesses were standard on a car with this much performance, and on all other sport models for that matter.

The 2026 Can-Am Maverick X3 DS Turbo RR lineup starts with the 200-horsepower DS Turbo RR, steps up to the X DS Turbo RR with beadlock wheels, roof, 4-point harnesses, and FOX Podium 2.5 RC2 shocks, and tops out with the X DS Turbo RR with Smart-Shox tested here.

Next is the Maverick X3 X DS Turbo RR at $28,699. It gains beadlock wheels, a roof, X-package graphics and seats, 4-point retractable harnesses, LED signature front trim lights, a switch from a 4.5-inch to a 7.6-inch digital instrument display, and an upgrade to FOX Podium 2.5 RC2 shocks. The FOX shocks add rebound-damping adjustment, making them fully adjustable.

Finally, there’s our test unit: the Maverick X3 X DS Turbo RR with the Smart-Shox option at $32,099. It benefits from all of the X-package upgrades, plus the addition of larger FOX Podium 3.0 shocks in the rear. Both ends feature internal bypass ports to reduce harshness and Smart-Shox technology, which electronically controls damping. The system allows you to choose between three different base tunes inside the cabin. The Smart-Shox-equipped X DS also features the aforementioned 10.25-inch touchscreen, displaying the rear-facing camera, in addition to a 4.5-inch instrument display and keypad.

Before testing, our 2026 Can-Am Maverick X3 X DS Turbo RR with Smart-Shox was equipped with HMF front and rear bumpers plus an HMF XD4500 winch for added protection and recovery capability on the trail.

Pre-Test Modifications

Prior to testing, we received a few products from HMF that offered added protection and easier recovery should we get stuck. Constructed of TIG-welded .095-inch steel tubing, HMF bumpers were installed at both ends. The front bumper features an integrated winch mount accepting up to a 4,500-pound winch. A mini skid plate with a winch fairlead is included. The rear bumper also adds a significant level of protection and includes a built-in tow plate, replacing the stock one.

We also mounted HMF’s XD4500 winch in the front bumper, which is rated to pull up to 4,500 pounds. It features synthetic rope, considered safer than steel cable. It includes everything needed for installation and operation, including a dash-mounted switch and wireless remote, allowing winching from inside or outside the vehicle. Check out all of HMF’s products for your SXS at HMFracing.com.

Driver and Location

Driving for us on this test is our Senior East Coast Test Driver and Maverick X3 owner Eric Jones. Filming took place at Haspin Acres Off-Road Park in Laurel, Indiana, offering a great mix of fast and tight trails with varying levels of difficulty.

2026 Can-Am Maverick X3 X DS Turbo RR vs Polaris RZR Pro XP Ultimate Specs

Engine Performance

The Maverick’s 900cc triple-cylinder Rotax engine features four valves and double-overhead cams per cylinder. It’s turbocharged and features an integrated intercooler, pumping out a claimed 200 horsepower. With Can-Am’s claimed dry weight of 1,579 pounds, the X3 X DS Turbo RR with Smart-Shox has a power-to-weight ratio of .127 horsepower per pound. That’s more than its closest in-class competitor, the Polaris RZR Pro XP, at .095 hp/lb, more than the .096 hp/lb of the Polaris RZR Pro R, and more than the .107 hp/lb of the Can-Am Maverick R.

The 2026 Can-Am Maverick X3 X DS Turbo RR with Smart-Shox delivers 200 horsepower from its turbocharged Rotax triple-cylinder engine, combining smooth low-end control with explosive midrange and top-end acceleration.

The engine draws air from inside the cab, high behind the driver, with the paper filter located in the airbox under the left rear wheel well. It’s not our favorite location for trailside maintenance because it gets covered in dirt and mud, but it does allow tool-free access to the filter. Electronic fuel injection delivers the air/fuel mixture to the engine. A drive-by-wire gas pedal works with Can-Am’s Intelligent Throttle Control, providing two throttle modes: Sport and ECO. Both offer full power at full throttle, but ECO mode delivers less throttle earlier in the pedal’s travel, making driving more manageable in technical terrain while helping save fuel on long rides.

The Maverick X3’s CVT uses Can-Am’s pDrive primary clutch and QRS-X secondary clutching, delivering smooth engagement off idle, predictable response at speed, and Low and High ranges for different terrain.

A CVT features Low and High forward ranges, plus Neutral, Reverse, and Park. Can-Am added its roller-bearing-equipped pDrive primary clutch in 2022 for smoother engagement and improved engine responsiveness. It also reduces maintenance. A belt-temperature sensor in the belt housing helps warn the driver before they cook a belt.

The Rotax engine runs flawlessly with the push of a button. Low-end power is good, with smooth CVT engagement on takeoff. Pulling well early in the RPM range makes this supercar more approachable for understandably apprehensive, less-experienced drivers. Low-end power is sufficient for picking your way through rock gardens and over ledges without blowing the tires off.

The engine wakes up with a smooth, dare we say predictable, monstrous midrange, transitioning into a mind-blowing top end. Its somewhat linear nature makes the power pretty controllable for the experienced driver, even in intermediate to tight terrain. Using ECO mode to make initial gas-pedal movements less sensitive helps, and it saves fuel. Overabundant, linear power had Eric steering with the back end at will in 2WD.

When the trail opens up, you can more fully appreciate the mind-numbing acceleration this ultra-light, ultra-powerful machine delivers. The DS exits sweepers in a drift and rockets down the next straightaway, leaving you wondering whether you have the nerve to utilize full throttle. In many cases, you shouldn’t.

The CVT is predictable both off idle and when getting in and out of the gas at speed. Engine braking is strong in Low range, good for controlled descents. In High range, it’s smooth and unobtrusive when letting off the gas at speed. Combined with its broad powerband, this high-performance engine is surprisingly easy to get along with.

Can-Am’s versatile drivetrain features four modes: 2WD, 4WD Trail, 4WD Trail Active, and 4WD with front differential lock. Can-Am’s Smart-Lok front differential was developed with TEAM Industries. In 4WD Trail, it delivers power like an open front differential until the system senses front-wheel slip. At that point, it progressively locks in both front wheels until traction has been restored. This keeps steering lighter while adding traction. Trail Active mode locks in both front wheels more quickly.

Can-Am’s Smart-Lok drivetrain gives the 2026 Maverick X3 X DS Turbo RR selectable 2WD, 4WD Trail, 4WD Trail Active, and front differential lock modes to balance steering precision, traction, and control in changing terrain.

When we’re not sliding around for the cameras, we utilize 4WD Trail most of the time to maximize front-end grip for cornering with the back end hooked up. If conditions are wet or slick and the front end starts to push, we use Trail Active, which locks in quicker and improves initial turn-in. Rarely needed, front differential lock is there for the wettest, sketchiest circumstances.

We’re not insinuating that this is a beginner’s machine but Can-Am did well at making the 200-horsepower Turbo RR’s engine as usable as it is nasty.

Handling and Suspension

Protected underneath by a beefed-up HMW plastic skid plate that is primarily bolt-on for 2026, the Maverick X3’s steel chassis benefits from years of refinement, including strength updates made in 2022. Still, Can-Am needs to start double-shearing all of its suspension mounting points for added strength. We strongly recommend adding Teixeira Tech’s bolt-on Double Shear Front Gusset Kit and Front Shock Tower Brace. They’re made of chromoly, creating double-shear mounting for major suspension components, reducing flex and adding strength. Our 2022’s steering rack developed play within the first 1,500 miles with normal use. Adding a Hess Steering Rack Support helps prevent this. These components make a big difference in durability over time, or in the case of a small accident. Links to these components are in the description. Pick them up now or pay a lot more later.

Overall suspension-travel numbers edge out the Polaris RZR Pro XP. Dual A-arm front suspension and a 4-link trailing-arm setup out back provide 20 inches of travel at both ends. Sway bars are used front and rear to help keep body roll in check.

Can-Am’s FOX Smart-Shox-equipped Maverick X3 models utilize semi-active suspension that controls both compression and rebound damping on the fly. Sensors measure throttle, speed, braking, steering angle, and other inputs up to 200 times per second, responding within .017 seconds to deliver the plushest and most planted ride possible.

Piggyback-reservoir-equipped FOX Podium 2.5 shocks are used up front, with remote-reservoir-equipped Podium 3.0 shocks used out back. They utilize FOX’s internal bypass design to reduce harshness from high-speed impacts.

The 2026 Can-Am Maverick X3 X DS Turbo RR with Smart-Shox uses FOX 2.5 Podium shocks up front, larger FOX 3.0 Podium shocks in the rear, and 20 inches of travel at both ends to deliver a plush, planted ride across rough, fast, and technical terrain.

Using a dash-mounted switch, the shocks feature three ride modes: Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus, providing three different ride characteristics. The shocks are also spring-preload and crossover-adjustable. Can-Am’s high-torque Tri-Mode Dynamic Power Steering offers three levels of power-steering assistance via a dash-mounted switch.

A square wheel-and-tire setup features 30×10-14 Can-Am XPS Trac Force tires mounted on 14-inch cast-aluminum beadlock wheels at all four corners.

Maverick X3 DS models measure 64 inches wide with a 102-inch wheelbase and 14 inches of ground clearance. That’s 6 inches longer, with a half-inch less ground clearance, than the Polaris RZR Pro XP. The X3 DS’ 65.7-inch overall height is 6 inches lower.

Adding Smart-Shox is like adding a cheat code. At 64 inches wide, it’s inherently going to give up some stability to a wider machine, but shocks that automatically increase compression damping on the outside during cornering, do improve stability.

As we saw in our test of the 135-horsepower X3 DS Turbo a couple of years ago, sizing down the tires by 2 inches for the 64-inch X3 compared to the 72-inch RS models helps maintain stability with the narrower stance. We felt its handling was planted and predictable. Adding Smart-Shox is like adding a cheat code. At 64 inches wide, it’s inherently going to give up some stability to a wider machine, but shocks that automatically increase compression damping on the outside during cornering, do improve stability. Smart-Shox also helps prevent excessive squatting or diving under acceleration and braking without eliminating useful weight transfer that helps you settle the car and load the outside tire. Smart-Shox makes the biggest difference in performance on the narrower, high-horsepower 64-inch Turbo RR, especially for those who prefer spirited driving and use their machine in diverse terrain.

Comfort mode turns the X3 into a cloud, disconnecting you from sharp impacts at slow-speed in rock gardens or high-speed, pothole-strewn fire roads. Sport mode was best for all-around driving, with good comfort and flatter cornering. Sport Plus was best for higher-speed driving, where increased compression damping further reduced body roll. That firmer compression damping was also useful any time we wanted to limit suspension squat, preserving ground clearance over obstacles like ledges or logs. The different settings can make small roots and rocks disappear, eat a dozen square-edged potholes per second, pound whoops, and stick a landing with beautifully controlled rebound. When jumping, kickers can make the rear end light, although the X3 can fly pretty straight and true with a long, mellow ramp face.

Steering accuracy is very good. Run 4WD Trail or Trail Active to match the demands of the trail and steer with scalpel-like precision. Run 2WD and the smooth overabundance of power lets you rip the rear tires loose in an instant, while the long wheelbase and low center of gravity let the back end come around with a high level of predictability for the experienced driver.

The 2026 Can-Am Maverick X3 X DS Turbo RR with Smart-Shox delivers precise steering response, while Can-Am’s Tri-Mode Dynamic Power Steering lets drivers tailor assist levels for low-speed technical terrain, fast trails, or slick conditions.

We prefer the steering effort and bump filtration of the power steering’s middle setting most of the time, utilizing high assist for low-speed technical sections. This leaves low assist for icy winter drives. There’s seemingly a good setting for every condition.

The long, low, well-suspended chassis also delivers a high level of stability at high speeds and on steep climbs and descents. Approach and departure angles are very good, but its length and ground clearance will have it framing out sooner than some.

Still predictable in wide-open sections, the DS lets you carry speed through tight sections that would have you being cautious in wider machines. Overall, Can-Am delivered handling and suspension that are nearly on par with the performance of the engine. For a 64-inch-wide machine producing 200 horsepower, that’s saying a lot. The X3 DS is arguably the best-handling 64-inch-wide sport SXS on the market, and Smart-Shox makes the most of the platform for most drivers.

The 2026 Can-Am Maverick X3 X DS Turbo RR with Smart-Shox uses four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes with dual-piston calipers, 262mm front rotors, 248mm rear rotors, and steel-braided lines to deliver strong, controllable stopping power.

Brakes

Four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes slow the Maverick. Dual-piston calipers are used at both ends, with 262mm rotors up front and 248mm rotors out back. Steel-braided brake lines come from the factory.

Braking power is strong. Feel at the pedal is a little softer than some, making the brakes easy to modulate. Initially, we wanted a bit more abrupt feel when driving aggressively, but we’ve gotten used to it. It makes smooth, seamless braking control easier. Your passenger will appreciate that. Like the rest of the machine, braking is well suited to casual or unhinged driving.

Interior and Other Details

You enter the Maverick through quarter-doors with latches actuated by nylon pull straps on the inside. We’d prefer plastic, automotive-style pull handles, and it’s time that half doors with full lowers come standard on all sport SXSs. How does a SXS at this price point not have them?

Inside the 2026 Can-Am Maverick X3 X DS Turbo RR with Smart-Shox, the low, reclined seating position, bolstered seats, 4-point harnesses, tilt steering, and driver-focused cockpit help create a planted, connected feel behind the wheel.

The bolstered seats provide a low, somewhat reclined seating position. Both seats are slider-adjustable, although the sliders don’t work well when dirty. With tools, the seats can be adjusted, raising the back of the seat base to provide a flatter seating position while raising the occupant’s sightline over the hood a bit. The seats feature pass-throughs for the retractable 4-point harnesses that come standard, along with a sport roof and center-mounted rearview mirror.

On the dash, you’ll find a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, with the 4.5-inch display mounted on the column, tilting with it for easy viewing. There are a number of switches controlling the different modes and functions. There are also a few cutouts allowing you to install additional switches for accessories, like our HMF winch. In-cab storage is limited to a passenger-side glove box, a couple of small trays, and cup holders. Out back, the bed offers a 200-pound capacity with an open rear end. HMF has a Rear Cargo Rack that helps close it off.

Getting in and out is sports-car-like. Taller or older individuals might find ingress and egress a little harder than in some competitors. Once you’re inside, the magic happens. The low, slightly reclined, well-bolstered seats are comfortable and add to the car’s planted feel, keeping you connected to what the chassis and suspension are doing. The only drawback to the low seating position is that it compromises the driver’s sightlines a bit, most noticeably when crawling. This had us wishing for the 2026 model’s 10.25-inch touchscreen and rear-facing camera at times.

Lighting is full LED and fine for nighttime cruising.

Conclusion

Without doing a shootout, we’d gamble that the Maverick X3 X DS Turbo RR with Smart-Shox is the top-performing 64-inch sport SXS on the market. For its width, it’s insanely quick and powerful, yet incredibly well mannered in every aspect of performance despite its massive horsepower.

Then there’s the price. Over $32,000 is a lot of money. Fortunately, similar handling and suspension performance is available from the very adequate 135-horsepower Maverick X3 DS Turbo for considerably less money. It delivers tremendous performance for the dollar, but it’s not the top of the line.

The 2026 Can-Am Maverick X3 X DS Turbo RR with Smart-Shox delivers top-tier 64-inch sport SXS performance, combining 200 horsepower, sharp handling, FOX Smart-Shox suspension, and impressive multi-terrain capability.

If you crave top-tier performance in the versatile 64-inch sport side-by-side category, look no further than the Can-Am Maverick X3 X DS Turbo RR with Smart-Shox. Just make sure you have the driver skill and reflexes to keep up.

Related Content:

2024 Can-Am Maverick X3 DS Turbo Test Review

2023 Can-Am Maverick X3 X RX Turbo RR with Smart Shox Test Review

Links:

Visit Can-Am’s website to learn more

Visit Planet SXS for all your SXS needs. 

Visit Teixeira Tech for recommended Gusset Kits and Steering Braces for the X3

Tags: 200 horsepower SXS, 2026 Can-Am Maverick X3 review, 2026 Can-Am Maverick X3 X DS Turbo RR, 64-inch SXS, can am maverick x3, can am x3, Can-Am Maverick X3 test, Can-Am Smart-Shox, FOX Smart-Shox, Maverick X3 Smart-Shox, Maverick X3 X DS Turbo RR, Rotax Turbo, Smart-Lok, sport side-by-side, sport sxs, sxs review, UTV On Demand, utv review, X3 Turbo RR

About the Author

Joe

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