Can-Am Defender HD11 2026 Review

Ten years ago, Can-Am launched its first Defender side-by-side with the vision of giving farmers and hunters a reliable vehicle capable of tackling rugged terrain with ease.

In 2025, that vision has evolved again.

Today’s Defender is tougher, smarter and far more refined. You might even question whether you’re driving a side-by-side or a car.

In November, farmmachinerysales attended Can-Am’s Defender HD11 media launch in the Blue Mountains to experience firsthand how far the Defender has evolved.

Rather than focusing on what had changed, the real story was what hadn’t, as Can-Am introduced its most significant overhaul since 2016.

The Defender HD11 is physically larger – longer, wider, taller and more than 100kg heavier than the HD10. It simply looks tougher and more planted, with smarter engineering throughout.

The range includes multiple configurations, from open-air three-seaters to fully enclosed HVAC six-seaters, whether you need a farm hauler or crew mover.

There are six variants, from the base XU to the flagship Limited with climate control. The signature yellow has been replaced by dark, earthy tones such as dusty navy, stealth black and wildland camo.

Suspension geometry has been revised with arched A-arms strengthened by 50 per cent for harsher off-road punishment. Suspension travel increases to 12-inches (up from 11), paired with 15-inches of ground clearance, rocks and ridges disappear under it.

Pricing for the Can-Am HD11 starts from $32,399 for the base Defender XU HD11. The HD11 Limited is priced from $51,599 onwards while the six-seater Max Lone Star Cab is priced from $56,699.

The HD11 runs a 999cc three-cylinder Rotax engine producing 95hp – now the Defender flagship. It’s a notable upgrade over the HD10’s V-twin, offering more punch, less noise and reduced vibration.

A redesigned CVT with pDrive clutching delivers smoother take-off and excellent low-speed control for towing or shed work.

The HD11 comes with either a Quick-4Lok auto-locking front diff or the automatic, electronically controlled Smart-Lok front diff to ensure maximum traction in any condition.

Open it up and the HD11 feels energetic, with selectable drive modes – Normal, Work and Sport – for everything from crawling to spirited runs.

This Defender doesn’t just work hard; it plays hard too.

Inside, it feels like a major leap forward. Can-Am claims it offers the largest cabin in its class, and it certainly feels roomy for three adults across a bench.

The ROPS has been further strengthened for extra safety and peace of mind.

Even the XT entry model feels premium, with integrated panels and switches ready for customisation.

A tilt steering wheel improves access, while the contoured VERSA-PRO bench includes a 40/20/40 split like modern utes. Flip the centre console for a third seat or drop it for an armrest or cupholders.

Storage is abundant with dual gloveboxes, USB-C, USB-A, and DC outlets, plus a removable 14-litre under-seat bin.

Safety remains central for BRP. Like earlier models, the HD11 uses programmable DESS (digitally encoded security system) keys, allowing full-speed capability (up to 120km/h) or restricted speeds for work or inexperienced drivers. No matter how hard you plant your foot, it won’t exceed the limit set.

Without the encoded key or without a seatbelt fastened, the machine simply won’t start.

The HD11 Limited is the luxe model of the lineup, with features straight out of modern cars: keyless start, climate control, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, reverse camera, Bluetooth, and offline GPS.

You may even wonder if it could replace your ute.

A roof-mounted JL audio system is standard on the Limited and optional on other trims.

The platform is highly customisable with over 200 accessories – toolboxes, coolers, gun racks and more – all using Can-Am’s quick-mount LinQ system.

Capability matches comfort. Depending on the model, the HD11 tows up to 1134kg with a payload of 680kg.

All models include a 454kg cargo tray, plus a 4500lb synthetic-rope winch for recovery.

A larger 45-litre fuel tank delivers longer days in the paddock or on trails.

We tested the HD11 on a dedicated course built by Can-Am trainer and off-road specialist, Mick Andrewartha.

It featured all the components of a gnarly trail – rocks, creek crossings, steep slopes, tight turns – and the HD11 took it in stride.

I began as a passenger and was tossed around a bit, nerves rising. Despite plenty of UTV time, I’d never faced a course this challenging.

Behind the wheel, white-knuckled but eager, my first lap was ordinary. But after a couple of loops, I was flying.

The HD11 is easy to operate. Simply start it, select gear, pedal down and go. Dynamic Power Steering meant minimal effort on the wheel.

In Sport mode, it skimmed over rocks and ruts effortlessly thanks to its solid suspension and generous ground clearance. At no point did I feel close to tipping – in fact it would take deliberate effort to roll it.

Braking was excellent, thanks to larger front rotors and upgraded pads. It afforded stable, controlled descents even with tray load or passengers.

Back-to-back with the HD10, the standout differences were engine noise and vibration.

The HD11 simply does it all with less effort and greater refinement which makes a huge difference on long days.

Its smaller turning circle also made light work of tight turns and tricky manoeuvres.

If I were buying one, it would be the Limited with the lot as I appreciate climate control, premium audio and tech. However, some farmers will understandably prefer open-cab models for hearing livestock or just feeling the cool breeze.

The Can-Am Defender HD11 is unquestionably superior to its predecessors. It is now tougher, cleverer, more comfortable and packed with tech that modern farmers expect.

Built for hard yakka but delivering exhilaration too, it feels equally at home doing both.

With all that and more, I can see it being a hit right across Australian farms.

Yes, it sits at the pricier end of the market but with good reason. It’s built well, drives well and feels premium. So why settle for less?

Engine: 999 cc Rotax (3-cylinder)
Power output: 95 hp
Transmission: CVT with pDrive clutch
Drive Modes:Normal / Work / Sport
Configurations: 3-seater or 6-seater, Open cab or fully enclosed HVAC cab
Towing capacity: 1,134 kg
Payload capacity: Up to 680kg
Fuel capacity: 45-litre
Pricing: RRP From $32,399