It was expected. After updating the Outlander 500 and 700, it’s only fitting that Can-Am update the aging but still competent Outlander 850 and 1000R. Of course, we didn’t get to ride the quad, but the technical presentation was substantial enough to get a good idea.
Mechanical design
Can-Am introduces an all-new twin-cylinder engine in its new Outlander 850 and 1000R, still using the V configuration; strangely enough, both have a displacement of 999 cm3. The 850 develops 82 hp and 66 lb-ft of torque. The 1000R, on the other hand, boasts 101 hp and 69 lb-ft of torque. The difference in performance in favor of the 1000R is explained by an electronic management system calibrated for power. This makes the Outlander 1000R the most powerful of the large-displacement ATVs.
The belt drive also received special attention from the engineering department. The clutch pulleys, which adopt pDRIVE technology, have been improved for greater durability and faster throttle response. The automaker claims to have worked hard to reduce transmission noise and vibration, and minimize unwanted friction and slippage. Fresh air intake management has been optimized to control transmission temperature. The transmission and engine air intakes are located at the highest point just below the instrumentation. It’s a wise technical choice that will allow you to venture deep into the water without worry.
Chassis and drive train
Four-wheel drive is standard on all versions. The front differential is either a Visco-Lok QE or a Visco-4Lok, depending on the model you choose.
The powertrain is housed in an all-new G3 chassis, which offers good rigidity thanks to high-quality alloy steel. Cam-Am repeats the Outlander 700’s heat management technology in its design. To this end, panels completely close off the engine opening on each side to prevent heat from roasting the driver’s calf. This approach is very effective in the case of the Outlander 700.
Great care has also been taken to control unwanted noise and vibration. These include the design of the front and rear differential gears, improved engine mounts, engine balance shafts and even the tires, which have been designed to reduce vibration and rolling noise.
Suspensions
The suspension is now independent, with double wishbones at all four wheels to ensure comfort and control. To limit vibration, rubber bushes have been added to the attachment points. Wheel travel is 10.8 inches at the front and 12.0 inches at the rear. Ground clearance is now a remarkable 11.5 inches. Finally, to improve cornering stability, the vehicle’s track widens to 50 inches due to suspension compression when loaded in corners. In addition, the reduced distance between the vehicle’s center of gravity and the roll point precisely reduces roll.
Body and finish
The new body design is sober and consensual, following the design line of the Outlander 700 introduced in 2022. We note that Can-Am has worked to give its Outlander 850/1000R more convenience for its owner. Two watertight compartments have been added. The first is located under the front luggage rack and has a capacity of 30 liters. The second is located at the rear and has a capacity of 10 liters. There’s even space for a cell phone and charger. The Limited version features a 10.25-inch LCD screen with integrated navigation system.
The black grille is not too massive and blends in well with the overall design of the front end. Can-Am equips the Outlander with LED lighting throughout. There are four square LED headlamps at the front, topped by striking LED accent lights. At the rear, there are four slim, well-integrated LED rear marker lights.
Abundant accessories
Can-Am is all about customizing the vehicle to suit your needs. No fewer than 90 Linq-compatible accessories are available for every conceivable use. These include front and rear storage compartments, a chainsaw holder, a fuel tank that fits into the front trunk space, a windshield, hand guards and more. Owners can choose equipment perfectly suited to their vehicle.
A player on all goals with the new Outlander 850 and 1000R
With its new Outlander 850 and 1000R, Can-Am offers a model for every niche that was offered with the previous G2 range.
Can-Am offers the Outlander 850 and 1000R single-seater and two-seater MAX in four equipment levels, the differences between which are briefly listed in the table below:
| Outlander 850 | Outlander DPS 850/1000R | Outlander 850 XT 850/1000R | Outlander XT-P – 1000R |
|---|---|---|---|
| – 4-wheel drive system – Visco-Lok self-locking differential – 26“ tires on 12” steel rims | – 850 and 1000R engines available – IEB intelligent braking system – Trimode power steering -Visco-Lok QE self-locking differential | Outlander DPS plus features : – Bumper- 3500 lb winche – 14“ XPS Trail King tires on 14” aluminum rims | XT plus features : – FOX 1.5 Podium gas suspension |
Outlander XMR 850, XMR 1000R and Outlander Limited:
Can-Am still offers an X MR version dedicated to deep mud, and a more upscale version of its Outlander in two-seater Max configuration only. The table below summarizes the equipment available on each version.
| Outlander X MR 850 | Outlander X MR 1000R | Outlander MAX Limited 1000R |
|---|---|---|
| – Engine 850- Trimode power steering – Intelligent braking system- Winch – SHOWA gas suspension – Visco-4Lok front differential – 30” mud tires XPS Swamp King XL | Features of the X MR 850 plus : 1000R engine | Features of the XT-P plus: – Visco-4Lok front differential- 27“ XPS Trail King tires on -14” aluminum wheels10.25” LCD instrumentation |
In a nutshell
The new Outlander 850 and 1000R are ATVs whose design has been well studied, continuing in the design line of the Outlander 700 created in 2022. As in 2022, the design team talks about perceived quality, noise and vibration control, overall comfort and drivetrain efficiency. Admittedly, in the case of the Outlander 700, the promises have been fulfilled. We can’t wait to put the new Can-Am Outlander 850 and 1000R through their paces in the trail to confirm this.
