Moab, Utah. For any off-road enthusiast, the name itself conjures images of majestic red rock landscapes, challenging slickrock trails, and adventures that push both driver and machine to their limits. Widely regarded as the undisputed capital for off-road driving in North America, Moab offers an unparalleled playground for those seeking adrenaline-fueled exploration. And there is truly no better vehicle to conquer its iconic slickrock formations and diverse terrain than a side-by-side UTV. This past week, our family of four had the incredible opportunity to join Can-Am on a dream trip to experience the renowned Rally on the Rocks, plunging into the heart of Moab’s wilderness aboard the formidable new 2021 Can-Am Maverick X3 side-by-sides. This adventure wasn’t just about driving; it was about immersing ourselves in a landscape unlike any other, creating unforgettable family memories, and discovering the raw power and agility of these incredible off-road machines.
Moab has held a coveted spot on our family’s adventure bucket list for many years, a destination whispered about with anticipation. The moment you arrive, it’s clear why. The striking contrast of the deep blue sky against the vibrant, rusty-red slickrock creates a visual spectacle utterly unique to any other place we’ve ever explored. This dramatic landscape, carved by wind and water over millennia, offers not just beauty but an intricate tapestry of trails waiting to be discovered. Beyond the unparalleled off-roading opportunities, Moab is a veritable haven for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting an impressive array of activities. Visitors can spend days hiking through incredible canyons, tackling world-famous mountain biking trails like the Slickrock Trail, enjoying exhilarating water sports on the winding Colorado River, or finding solitude in its abundant camping spots. Moreover, the proximity to two of America’s most iconic national parks, Arches and Canyonlands, provides endless avenues for exploration and sightseeing, adding layers to any Moab adventure.
However, while Moab offers a diverse playground, our primary mission on this trip was singular: to go fast, get dirty, and experience the thrill of high-performance off-roading. And in this regard, Can-Am unequivocally delivered, providing an experience that exceeded all expectations.
Understanding Side-by-Sides: The Ultimate Off-Road Machines
Side-by-sides, commonly referred to as UTVs (Utility Terrain Vehicles), are purpose-built off-road vehicles designed for rugged performance and adventure. They elegantly bridge the gap between a robust golf cart and a high-octane dune buggy, offering a versatile platform for tackling the toughest terrains. These machines are typically configured as two or four-seaters, providing space for passengers to share the thrill. At their core, UTVs feature a robust chassis, an integrated roll cage for occupant safety, aggressive, oversized off-road tires that grip virtually any surface, and a sophisticated, beefy suspension system engineered to absorb severe impacts and maintain control over uneven ground. To truly appreciate their capability, imagine your favorite remote control (RC) car brought to life on a grand scale – that’s the immersive, responsive, and exhilarating feeling of driving a high-performance side-by-side.
One of the key attributes that makes side-by-sides ideal for demanding off-road environments like Moab is their exceptional high ground clearance, coupled with generous approach and departure angles. These design elements enable UTVs to traverse narrow, steep trails and confidently climb over obstacles – such as large rocks, ledges, and ruts – that would undoubtedly bring a heavily modified, lifted truck to an immediate halt. Their compact footprint and articulate suspension allow for incredible maneuverability in tight spots, making them superior for technical rock crawling and navigating intricate trail systems. The ability to articulate their suspension, keeping all wheels on the ground for maximum traction, is a game-changer when faced with extreme terrain.
Side-by-sides generally fall into three broad categories, each tailored for specific needs and adventures. The first class comprises utility-focused models, designed primarily for work on ranches or farms, prioritizing towing, hauling, and practicality. The second, and perhaps most exciting, category is built for pure off-road speed, performance, and exhilaration, offering powerful engines and advanced suspension for high-speed desert running or aggressive trail conquering. Finally, a third class sits comfortably in between, offering a blend of work capability and recreational fun, often referred to as crossover models. For instance, our family owns a Honda Pioneer 1000, which serves us well for utility tasks, and we previously enjoyed a Can-Am Commander XT, an excellent work/play crossover. However, when it comes to truly tackling the legendary and challenging trails of Moab, where performance and sheer fun are paramount, the high-performance Can-Am Maverick X3 stands out as the ultimate choice, engineered to maximize every moment of your adventure.
Conquering Moab: The Can-Am Maverick X3 Performance SXS Experience
The Can-Am Maverick X3 is not a one-size-fits-all vehicle; it’s available in several exciting variations, each designed to cater to different performance desires and budgets. For our initial adventure, my son and I had the absolute pleasure of spending our day navigating Moab’s rugged terrain in a Can-Am Maverick X3 RS Turbo R. From the moment we buckled in and hit the ignition, it was clear this machine was engineered for pure exhilaration; we had an absolute blast, grinning ear to ear through every turn and over every obstacle.
Our thrilling day commenced on the iconic Fins and Things trail, an excellent introduction to the diverse challenges and unique beauty of Moab off-roading. This trail is perfectly named, guiding you over wave-like slickrock formations that resemble petrified fins. It offers a microcosm of Moab’s terrain, featuring a bit of everything: from technical slickrock crawling that demands precise throttle control and careful line selection, to challenging ledges that test the vehicle’s articulation and ground clearance, and even stretches of high-speed bumps and berms that allowed us to experience the Maverick X3’s powerful acceleration and responsive suspension.
From Fins and Things, we then connected to the breathtaking Porcupine Rim trail. This section of our journey led us along a narrow path perched precariously along a steep canyon, offering dramatic vistas that truly highlight Moab’s grandeur. The trail itself was a formidable challenge, characterized by large rocks, formidable step-ups, and steep ledges. It presented numerous technical spots that required considerable thought and strategy regarding line choice and delicate throttle input to navigate successfully. Yet, interspersed among these intense sections were welcome breaks, allowing us to pause, take a deep breath, and fully immerse ourselves in the gorgeous, expansive surroundings. The blend of high-stakes driving and serene beauty made Porcupine Rim an unforgettable segment of our adventure.
The most significant and immediately noticeable difference between driving the high-performance Maverick X3 RS Turbo R and our previous Can-Am Commander XT was undeniably the turbocharger. The moment we felt that turbo kick-in, the vehicle transformed, launching us forward with an exhilarating surge of power, making us feel like we were truly flying across the terrain. The two-seater Maverick X3 RS Turbo R also felt significantly lighter and more agile, allowing for enhanced maneuverability on tight trails compared to the larger Commander four-seater. Furthermore, the comfort level at high speeds in the Maverick was markedly superior, a direct result of its increased suspension travel and larger, more aggressive tires. These features combined to make the Maverick a true performance UTV, engineered for speed, comfort, and control over the most challenging landscapes.
In terms of drivetrain, the Commander XT featured a fully locking rear differential, which proved incredibly useful in work-oriented situations where maximum traction in specific scenarios was crucial. The Maverick X3 RS Turbo R, on the other hand, was equipped with an auto-locking front differential. While a full locker provides ultimate traction control in extreme conditions, we found the auto-locking front differential, combined with the ability to switch seamlessly between 2WD and 4WD, to be more than sufficient for everything Moab threw at us. We never felt the need to engage a locker, a testament to the Maverick’s inherent capability and advanced traction management system.
For those seeking even more advanced traction control and off-road capability, Can-Am offers the option of a fully-locking on-the-fly front differential by stepping up to the Maverick X3 X models. This includes the impressive Maverick X3 Max X RS Turbo RR, a beast of a machine in which my wife and our toddler son had the pleasure of riding. Despite its formidable performance credentials, it offered a surprisingly comfortable and secure experience, allowing them to enjoy the incredible journey through Moab’s rugged beauty.
The Pinnacle of Customization: Custom Built TAV Can-Am Maverick X3
Imagine taking an already high-performance off-road vehicle like the Can-Am Maverick X3 and elevating it to an entirely new level of capability, aesthetics, and sheer adventure readiness. That’s precisely what TAV (Tactical Adventure Vehicles) accomplished with their custom-built Maverick X3. TAV is widely recognized as one of the premier adventure vehicle builders in the country, with their headquarters located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They have built an impressive reputation for their custom Toyota expedition builds, capable of transforming a Land Cruiser, 4Runner, Tundra, or Tacoma into an overlanding beast perfectly equipped to tackle any terrain or expedition challenge imaginable.
Leveraging their extensive experience and deep knowledge gained from meticulously modifying trucks for extreme off-road use, TAV applied their expertise to create the ultimate Can-Am Maverick X3. Their comprehensive build involved a complete overhaul of the suspension system, fine-tuning it for maximum articulation and ride comfort over punishing terrain. The electrical system received significant upgrades to support a plethora of aftermarket accessories and enhanced functionality crucial for extended adventures. They installed upgraded wheels and tires, meticulously selected for optimal performance and durability on Moab’s slickrock and beyond. A suite of adventure hardware was expertly bolted on, transforming the UTV into a self-sufficient expedition rig. The entire masterpiece was then finished with a striking Multicam wrap, giving it a distinctive, rugged, and tactical appearance. The result is a side-by-side that truly rivals any custom rig seen at the legendary trails of Moab or across the vast landscapes of the country, setting a new benchmark for UTV customization.
While I’ll delve into the intricate details of this exceptional TAV build in a dedicated follow-up article, it’s worth noting the caliber of partners involved. The components chosen represent a blue-chip lineup of off-roading royalty, ensuring uncompromising quality and performance. These include:
- Can-Am: The foundational vehicle provider.
- Front Runner Outfitters: Known for their robust roof racks and expedition accessories.
- KMC Wheels: Providing durable and stylish off-road wheels.
- Dometic: Supplying essential mobile cooling and climate solutions.
- KC Hilites: Delivering powerful and reliable off-road lighting.
- James Baroud: Offering premium rooftop tents for comfortable overlanding.
- EFX Tires: Specialized off-road tires designed for superior traction.
- Multicam: For the distinctive and rugged vehicle wrap.
- DMOS Collective: Crafting high-quality, collapsible shovels for recovery and trail maintenance.
Although I didn’t get the chance to personally drive the TAV build, I had the privilege of trailing it multiple times throughout our Moab adventure. I was profoundly impressed by its incredible articulation, which allows the wheels to maintain contact with the ground over extreme obstacles, maximizing traction and stability. Its overall agility on the trail was truly remarkable, effortlessly navigating demanding sections with grace and precision. This custom Maverick X3 truly showcased what’s possible when top-tier engineering meets a passion for adventure.
However, the most significant endorsement of the ride quality and comfort in the modified Maverick came directly from my wife, Laura, and our young son. Laura, typically not a huge fan of intense rock crawling, developed a newfound appreciation for the incredible capabilities of the Can-Am, realizing what these machines can truly accomplish on challenging terrain. Even more remarkably, our three-year-old son enjoyed the ride so immensely that he actually napped through some of the most technical and demanding parts of the trail. This speaks volumes about the smoothed-out ride and the enhanced comfort provided by TAV’s meticulous modifications, turning a rugged adventure into a surprisingly serene experience for our youngest passenger.
A huge shout-out is deserved for Josh Wagner of TAV, whose excellent driving skills and calm demeanor were invaluable. He expertly navigated the challenging trails while taking cues from our enthusiastic backseat driver, my son, who occasionally asked to “slow it down” – a testament to how comfortable and engaging the ride was for him. Josh’s brother, Walt Wagner, is the visionary founder of TAV and led the way in another equally impressive custom-built Maverick X3, showcasing the depth of their expertise and passion for off-road excellence.
Unleashing Adventure: The Stock Can-Am Maverick X3’s Capability
As awe-inspiring and exceptionally capable as the TAV-built Maverick X3 undoubtedly is, it’s important to acknowledge that most off-road enthusiasts won’t have the budget or the desire to embark on a side-by-side build of that caliber. But there’s absolutely no need to worry or feel limited. The fantastic news is that the factory-built Can-Am Maverick X3 is engineered to deliver more than enough power, performance, and rugged capability for an overwhelming majority – approximately 99% – of drivers right off the showroom floor. Its inherent design and robust components mean you can hit the trails confidently, experiencing the thrill of high-performance off-roading without a single modification.
The Maverick X3 comes equipped from the factory with an impressive suite of features that make it an immediate contender on any challenging trail. Drivers can choose from a range of three powerful turbo engines, each offering exhilarating acceleration and torque to conquer steep climbs and fast open sections. Its advanced suspension system boasts high-performance Fox shocks, meticulously tuned to provide exceptional damping, control, and a smooth ride over the harshest terrain. Furthermore, the chassis features trophy truck-inspired double-A arms, a design proven in extreme racing environments for its durability and ability to handle massive impacts and articulation. All these elements combine to create a vehicle that is truly “Baja ready,” signifying its innate capability to withstand brutal conditions and perform at high speeds straight out of the box.
Beyond its formidable stock performance, Can-Am also empowers owners to personalize their Maverick X3 to suit their exact riding style and adventure needs, offering an extensive catalog of more than 300 bolt-on accessories. This means you can easily customize your UTV without resorting to complex fabrications. You can add practical storage solutions, from cargo boxes to roof racks, to carry all your gear for extended trips. Choose from various windshield options – full, half, or flip-up – to enhance comfort and protection from the elements. Equip your Maverick with powerful winches for self-recovery or assisting fellow adventurers on the trail. And illuminate the darkest nights with an array of high-performance lights, including light bars, flood pods, and rock lights. This vast selection ensures that every Maverick X3 can be uniquely tailored, reflecting the individual preferences and demands of its owner, transforming it into the perfect machine for any off-road escapade.
Our sincere thanks go out to the entire team at Can-Am for meticulously organizing and making this incredible trip a reality. Beyond the exhilarating off-roading adventures, our family enjoyed three unforgettable nights camping in a comfortable and rugged Taxa Mantis habitat, nestled at the base of the iconic Lion’s Back, offering stunning views and a true immersion in the Moab wilderness. We also dedicated valuable time to exploring the awe-inspiring landscapes of Arches National Park, marveling at its natural sandstone arches and unique geological formations. This comprehensive trip provided a perfect blend of high-octane adventure and serene natural beauty, creating lasting memories for our family. Stay tuned, as we’ll be sharing more detailed reports and stories from this incredible Moab journey in upcoming articles!
