ATV Review: 2015 Can-Am Outlander 6X6 XT

Bigger is not always better, but in the case of Can-Am’s new 2015 Outlander 6X6 XT, we think it could be. Although the technology of a second set of rear axles isn’t new, it’s definitely undergone its fair share of changes over the years. Throwing a leg over what could be the best tool in the proverbial ultra-mobile toolbox was something we enjoyed—and the possibilities of endless power drew us in even further.

The 2015 Can-Am Outlander 6X6 XT is powered by the massive fuel injected V-Twin by Rotax. Although you can get this machine in a displacement of 650cc, our test model was the larger 976cc engine, or what Can-Am rounds up to 1000.

This 976cc mill creates mild controllable power and seems tame compared to our experience with other Can-Am machines using the same engine. Our assumption is that Can-Am had adjusted the computer mapping as well as the CVT belt-driven clutching to better suit the customer who would use this machine more for work than trail time (although it’s perfect for both).

Make no mistake though, the power does seem to come on rather well as the RPM’s ramp up. Fuel is supplied by twin Siemens VDO injectors and this engine pulls air through a 46mm throttle body. Our concern right off the bat was excessive fuel consumption due to the extra weight and axles, but after a good day of use we still had plenty in the tank. The CVT transmission also has a very low low gear. This worked well when the weight in the bed began to increase.

Now let’s look at the incredible bed system out back on the 6X6. When you think about hauling heavy loads, Can-Am has made sure you’re getting your moneys worth here. After dumping many heavy loads of freshly cut, sap-filled pine into the bed and transporting a half-pallet of pavestone, we were convinced of several things: The bed itself is really tough, and when loaded we were able to dump the bed with a single tug on the release lever (mounted right behind the driver’s right hip). The gas-shock-assisted dumping ability did seem to be hindered slightly by the weight in the bed, but with a capacity of 700 pounds we were expecting some kind of resistance. Hook your tow ball into the receiver hitch and you can also tow an amazing 1650 pounds.

The bed will also adapt for many different work situations. In just seconds, we were able to transform our ride into a flatbed hauler. This works well when you need to stack in a pallet of seed or feed, or even a few bales of hay for a quick run out to the pasture. If you happen to work your equipment during the rainy days, the engineers at Can-Am also offer a full hard top to cover the bed. This lockable bed top has twin gas shocks to help lift the cover. There are other bed accessories as well, such as a set of log bars and a tailgate extension for the longer loads. There’s even a hidden second level to the bed, and Can-Am offers a lower storage dry box that, with a little ice, could double as a small game cooler.

Sitting on the Can-Am Outlander is just like sitting on any other machine of the same brand. The 6X6 feels slightly longer and, in comparison, I’d say it feels more like the Can-Am Outlander Max family as the extra wheels are barley noticeable. During our trail ride the big 6X6 handled well and the seating was extremely comfortable. As we moved loads of huge pine the Outlander 6X6 gave us confidence of full control. Can-Am’s Tri-Mode DPS or Dynamic Power Steering included on our 6X6 made our day much easier and we found that with the medium setting we were still able to feel the trail and feel in control of the machine. There were a few times when we engaged all six wheels while loaded, and I would say the DPS Max setting would be the right choice at that point. It’s just good to know you have that feature when the days get long and you need 6-wheel drive.

The beast weighs in at 1,135 pounds. To most riders, getting into deep mud or wet ground with that much weight may be scary. but the 3000-pound WARN winch on the front is ready if you need it. The air intakes for both the CVT transmission as well as the engine are located as high as possible underneath the skin of the Outlander 6X6, so traversing those deep wet conditions shouldn’t be an issue.

BOTTOM LINE
This new Can-Am Outlander 6X6 XT performed really well and could be a great asset for any rancher or hunter needing mobility.

PROS
—Comfortable seating
—Stable when loaded
—Tri Mode Dynamic Power Steering (DPS)

CONS
—Weighs in at more than 1,100 pounds

SPECS

Engine Type ** 976 cc V-twin, liquid-cooled, SOHC, 8-valve (4-valve / cyl)
**Bore x Stroke ** 91 x 75 mm
**Fuel Delivery ** 46 mm Throttle Body, 2 Siemens† VDO injectors
**Starting System ** Electric
**Transmission ** CVT, sub-transmission with high, low, park, neutral, reverse; standard engine braking
**Drive Train ** Selectable 2WD / 4WD shaft driven with Visco-Lok auto-locking front differential
**Front Suspension Type Double A-arm
Front Travel ** 9 in.
**Rear Suspension Type ** Double Torsional Trailing arm Independent (TTI2)
**Rear Travel ** 9.3 in.
**Front Brake ** Dual 214 mm ventilated disc brake with hydraulic twin-piston calipers
**Rear Brake Dual 214 mm ventilated disc brake with hydraulic twin-piston calipers
Tires/Front Carlisle ACT Radial 26 x 8 x 12 in.
Tires/Rear Carlisle ACT Radial 26 x 10 x 12 in.
Wheels Cast-aluminum
Dry Weight ** 1,135 lb
**L x W x H 122.8 x 48.8 x 49.5 in.
Wheelbase 82 in.
Seat Height ** 34.5 in.
**Ground Clearance ** 11 in.
**Towing Capacity 1,650 lb
Rack Capacity Front: 100 lb
**Rear Storage ** 2.9 gal
**Fuel Capacity ** 5.4 gal

WARRANTY
Factory ** 5 Year Warranty
**Extended (6 months limited warranty + 54 month B.E.S.T. extended warranty*)