DirtDawg and I have 12,000+ miles between our previous Trail (4000+) and current Sport XRC (8000+). If the current Commander were available when we moved to the XRC, we would have gone with the Commander.

1. NOISE! The XRC is LOUD! A 100 mile day with 6+ hours in the machine at these noise levels is horrible. There is no way to talk to a passenger at typical speeds without a comm system. I drove the new Commander and it is SIGNIFICANTLY quieter and I was able to talk with DirtDawg as we drove at moderate speeds. Still loud but better. A DCT would be preferred but unfortunately CVTs are the norm.
2. Turf mode, 2-wheel drive. We don't typically have to trailer but might have a short distance of pavement. Not having a locked rear axel would be nice.
3. The dump bed. Great engine access (can open to fully vertical) versus the limitations of the Sport (extremely limited without removing body parts).

Otherwise, these are almost identical machines which, for us, have been outstanding. We both have had only one service required issue (injectors (bad fuel) and fuel pump).

 

Agreed with above, when I bought my sport they hadn’t announced the new commanders yet. Given the opportunity I’d have gone commander. It fits my type of riding much more than the sport. Do I regret the sport? Not one bit! Sports out of the box have more aggressive clutching and better shocks. Only commander with name brand shocks is the top trim XT-P.
Just depends what you like to do more, if more aggressive riding is your thing go with the maverick sport. If you want a fun, nimble and smooth riding machine with a dump box, go commander

 

Agreed, XT-P would be our only consideration in the Commander lineup...

 

The only "downside" to the new Commander model is the lack of comparable enclosed storage as provided by Can-Am's accessory All Terrain Trunk Cover (which we both had on former MavT and current MavS) as well as a similar alternative to Can-Am's accessory LinQ Pivoting Rack (which we both have with 32" mounted spare carried on those). Nonetheless, the Commander's attributes as outlined by Yattr are compelling reasons worth serious consideration.

 

Bingo.

I really don't have as much of a use for a bed as I thought I would, then again we ride recreationally 90% of the time we use our SxS and I had planned for that to be more like 70/30.

 

The trunk cover is a plus. The pivoting rack is handy but is insufficient for the weight of 32" tires. Mine failed but was repaired and DirtDawgs is starting to fail but he put a bandaid on it which is slowing the progress. We also added a bump top to the top of the truck cover to help support the leverage weight. The weak point of the rack can be improved upon if you have the skills - welding. The roll bar mounts are yet another weak point as the cast can easily break when tightening.

 

For the most part they are the same machine, same frame, cab, engine, etc. The main differences between them are, Dump Box, Clutch springs and weights, Turf Mode, Front grill / Front body panels, Acoustic mat on back wall, DESS Key. When you get into model specific differences, they will have things like HMWPE underbody protection, synthetic winch rope. etc.

The dump box makes it easier to work on the engine, although other than plugs and a valve check there is not much required in terms of engine work. oil changes are about the same. A downside of the dump box is it is out past the rear wheels, making the machine longer and can get hung up and damaged coming off ledges and obstacles. You can swap the dump box for the sport bed if you find you are having problems getting caught up on things.
The clutch in the Commander leaves a bit to be desired. BRP went a bit overboard on the utility side of tuning the clutch. You can install the Sport clutch weights and springs in the Commander or get an aftermarket clutch kit.
Turf Mode is amazing on the lawn and asphalt. Although I do not believe it is as robust. I have heard people having problems with turf mode but could be operator error. You must stop before engaging or disengaging Turf Mode.
I prefer the grill and front body lines on the Sport and Trail over the grill on the Commander, but that is just personal preference.
The Sport is not bad for heat and noise, it will be vastly quieter than your 2019 X3. The acoustic mat helps on the Commander and can be added to the Sport.

Both are great machines; it depends on what your intended use is.

 

The Commander is what I wanted, it suits my riding style better with plusher shocks & less aggressive clutching, the wife however likes the Sport, says we don't need the big box!
I got the Sport XMR because the extra 10" length of the Commander would mean my easyboys would block fridge access in my new toyhauler when traveling.
The Sport however works just fine, all I have done so far is replace rear axle, softened the spring pre-wind in the secondary, added a stereo, a larger battery, an intercom, a back-up camera.....................

 

I got the XRC (to upgrade from my Trail 1000 DPS) for mainly the same reasons as above. It's a bit lighter and does have some additional protection stock compared to the XT-P and I have no need for a bed other than hauling some firewood around camp (the Sport works good enough though.) I do miss Turf mode though. If I was buying a 4-seater, I would get the XT-P since there isn't a model with the front locker in the Sport Max. They are excellent machines. I have only done routine maintenance and added accessories.

 

interesting points from everyone, cool comparisons as well. It is fun to see what people like and dont like. Having both the defender and the x3, sometimes i wonder if a cross over would be better if i end up getting something different. the defender is getting some new zbros as soon as they come, hopefully that helps out. if we end up having a baby finally, i will be looking for something to replace the x3 at some point and the commander would probably be what i would get.

The point about the linq accessories is a big factor though as well. I ended up getting the rack for the box to put my linq cargo box on it to swap between the x3 and the defender.

steve

 

Forewarning: The Commander MAX models have a terrible noise and vibration issue in the driveline. We are working on a fix and so is Can-Am, but for now they are still having widespread issues. This is just in the MAX models. Other than that, I love the new Gen 2 Commander. Its a beast and looks cool as hell. Looks killer on portals and 35"s.

 

Did can am get rid of a bunch of max models of the maverick or was only ever have the dps version and that's it?

Steve

 

Only ever was just the Sport DPS. The one model they did get rid of is the Sport XXC in 2024.