Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 VS Can-Am Outlander 1000R XT-P, 1000cc 4x4 ATV Shootout 

I own both - I think this is a great video to view for all buyers and I actually agree with a lot of details in this video. What I liked best of this video was the last 60 seconds and that was 2 of the 3 would buy the Sportsman although the Outlander had better scores. I feel exactly the same way. The Can-Am's power and all that's said here and if I was taking it to the track, I would take my Outlander. But other than than I choose my Polaris ALL DAY - EVERY DAY. The big liter ATV's have incredible power, dangerous power and I am a power junky so I love it. In reality I joy ride 90% of the time and don't use all the power. The Polaris is so comfortable, smooth and so care free its an easy choice. Outlander needs more aggressive power steering like a MAX-PLUS setting. I dont like the shifting into Low when I am doing utility work as it gets warm it gets so sticky to shift its very frustrating and yes I keep the all the brakes applied to shift. On a side note - What the video didn't show was that you can change All fluids - Engine Oil, Transmission, Front Diff, Rear Final Drive in 1/2 the time or more on the polaris. Can't stand changing the fluids on my Can-Am but I do it every 12 month regardless of miles. I think that you can't go wrong here and Polaris responded with a new "S" model to consider with upgraded shocks. Polaris for me. I have 3 polaris ATV's from 2012 to new and not had one issue.

I definitely believe this is one of the best unbiased reviews of atvs I have watched!

I just bought a 2020 850 xt. I gotta say I LOVE this machine. This is my first big bore, and first can am. I always owned polaris. I dont understand why they put the xt-p as a comparison. Can am has the xt model, and still offers more value than polaris top end model... for less money I might add. Even with polaris rebates. I've got almost 200 miles on, and no shakedown issues yet. The fit, and finish is second to none on the can am, ergos are better on the can am, besides the seat and foot placement. Polaris has that. Changing fluids and maintenance goes to polaris as well. The can am will take an afternoon, where the polaris can be done in around 30 minutes. But FUN, AND I MEAN FUN goes to can am!!! You've never ridden an atv until you put the performance key, in sport mode on a can am. I call it beast mode!!!

This video is insane, i don't plan on buying either of these machines, at least not any time soon, but i couldn't stop watching. Overall review-culture could learn a lot from this video, 10/10

Most comprehensive atv comparison I've seen, good job guys 👍🏻

Finally I’ve been waiting for y’all to do this for 2020!!!

Thank you all for a very professional and detailed review on these machines. You offered some very good thorough information and it was incredibly helpful

Absolutely hands down the best non-biased review made. Thank you for such a very informative review of each machine.

Now that's how you do a comparison. 10/10

BEST HEAD TO HEAD COMPARISON YET!! this is what you need to watch if you're interested in purchasing either machine. this video definitely helped me make my mind up in which to get. This is how its done for a comparison video. Great job guys and I look for more videos like this in the near future. ☺️

What an amazing video and tons of work. You guys rock for being so detailed yet fun + educational to watch.

I'd love to see renegade vs. scrambler!!!

Great video guys!!! I was tuned in the whole time. Seems to me you all covered everything I’m interested in. 2 thumbs up all the way for this video from me!!!!!

This is how a comparison should be done. Keep it up!

This is a great comparison video. I like the comfort of my Sportsman XP1000 when I go on 7+ hour trail rides.

I must agree that all Outlander owners are in prime physical shape! Great vid!!!!!

I've waited so long for this and it's finally here! 😀

Please do more of these style videos! You guys are the best at it...!

Keep up the great videos gents. Always look forward to new content from you guys

I’m still rocking an old 2002 scrambler 400 4x4. Love the quad to death, super reliable and plush, aside from the awd system not working right it’s still a great machine to this day

This was a very comprehensive and detailed video. Great job ATVonDemand, I'm very impressed! Keep up the great work. I am writing a long comment because I'm home sick from work and have lots of time to kill. These are just my opinions so take them with a grain of salt. I'm sure other people will agree with some things and disagree with others, that's okay. I will start by saying I've owned several Polaris Sportsmans including 400, 500, 600, and 850. I've always loved how well they handled and how comfortable they were. The pre 2009 models were very wide in the middle which could be a bit uncomfortable on long rides. The Sportsman 570 and under is still wider in the middle than the 850/1000 but not as bad as the older ones. I haven't owned an Outlander but I have driven the 650 and 850 Outlanders that belong to friends so I am familiar with them. I currently own a Commander 1000 SxS and I'm thinking of maybe going back to an ATV in the next year or two. Overall I would be very happy to own either of those machines. I think Polaris has quality issues I wish they would address like the clunky shifters, clutches and glitchy power steering units to name a few. I know they have been picking away at improving some aspects like adding thicker front drive shafts a few years ago and a stronger front diff. Can Am has issues too like the QE Visco Lok not engaging properly which basically leaves you with a basic 4x4 system, meaning 3 wheel drive in many instances. They are also known for having rather weak front differentials. For me, the Sportsman feels safer when riding fast. The Outlander feels tippy probably because of the higher seat height. Also, the Polaris is much narrower in the middle. I go on week-long ATV trips every year and believe me, the narrow middle section of the Polaris is a God send when you spend 7+ days on a machine for up to 11 hours each day. The AWD/4x4 systems of each machine operate differently and each have pros and cons. Polaris is truly shift on the fly, where the Can Am you should really slow down or better yet stop completely when engaging 4x4 to save your front diff from imploding over time. I learned that the hard way. Polaris' AWD locks the front wheels fast for full diff-lock but Can Am Visco Lok often takes many revolutions of one wheel before the other kicks in, even with the newer QE system. Sometimes you never know when it's going to kick in and that can be bad if you're on a steep incline and climbing over rocks or other obstacles. Polaris AWD is pretty much better in all conditions except in snow and ice, in my opinion. Soft grippy snow is okay, but with hard pack snow and ice it's down right dangerous. Every time you let off the throttle the Polaris engine braking is so strong it will lock your rear wheels and drag them causing you to go into an unexpected slide. I've had this happen several times over the years and several riding buddies have experienced the same. It can be downright scary. If you don't live in a snow belt you don't have to worry about it. That doesn't happen with Outlanders because they have power being sent to the front when you have 4x4 engaged and all wheels slow down equally with their engine braking. All Polaris needs to do to fix that is to reduce engine braking and have a winter mode that uses their Active Descent Control to engage the front brakes lightly at all speeds, not just 15 mph or less. That way you have all four wheels slowing down to avoid sideways skids. It's basically a toss up for what I'd buy. Keep in mind these are just my opinions derived from my own personal experiences. My list of Pros for each: Polaris PROS Significantly narrower in the middle. Softer suspension is more comfortable for day-long trail rides. Lower seat height, better handling and ergonomics except for speedo & Tach. Better AWD except on ice or hard pack snow Better storage layout. Can am rear storage box gets extremely hot because of the exhaust. Looks great especially the painted ones Can Am PROS Much better speedo & tachometer layout Better 4x4 system for snow Better overall dealer service (in my experience, others will probably disagree) 2" hitch receiver vs 1.5 for Polaris Sturdier Racks than Polaris Looks great

Excellent shootout video!! Enjoyed every bit of it!

Thank you for bringing us this great video 👍👍

Ein sehr gutes Video. Alle Details, vor und Nachteile werden hier exakt auf den Punkt gebracht. Wirklich sehr gut. Vor allem auch die Länge des Videos. Mein Favorit liegt aber klar bei der Sportsman.

How do you not have over a million followers. Great video keep up the great work. 👍

Finally! Been waiting almost a year for this video... lol

You guys are awesome. You guys need more subscribers!! Very well put together video!

Great filming! Really enjoyed vid.

The side x side comparison through the loop could had been it’s own smash hit video. You out done yourself bud

Great video, very informative. A follow up could be a mechanical/reliability video. Common problems and factory recalls etc. Starting price is one thing, maintaining is another. We all would rather spend more money if the product reliability is higher. I appreciated the honest opinions all 3 rides. Again, great video. "Ride Hard and be Safe" MN Bill

Good job guys. What we learned which is often the case in any motor sport these days, is that the machines are SO close in overall performance, almost all buyers are best to chose the machine they feel more passionate about.

Best atv comparison I have ever seen!

I went into this Polaris bias but came out very open minded of other atvs

Status with 1000 cc stamp on the side. I love the 850 Max XT . This to me is one of the coolest rides . It does it all for me . I still have a ton of things to do with it . This is my baby status has nothing on it the ride says it all and it’s a blast !

Another quality review ... as expected 👍👍👍

Such a wonderful review, we going to pickup a 2023 outlander 1000 xt-p. Learning about the few tweaks that were done on the suspension will help us get started on tuning.

Great job, great video, very informative and genuinely unbiased. You Tube needs more of your videos!

Great video👍

Great video ! Have been waiting a long time. Ended up buying the xp1000 in oktober 2019. Absolutely love the machine! Like the cross country race in the video, that shows how small differences there is between the machines. And that it is the driver that set the limit of what the machine is capable of. Also Very fun to look at the slow motion footage when you guys cross the log section, the fox suspension seems to work so damn nice in those situations. Chad! You rock! Like your way to explain goods and bads about both machines. Greetings from Sweden.

Definitely the best review I’ve seen.

I've owned both of these ATV's at different times and the Can Am over all is a better ATV .

As an owner of an XP 1000 premium , it’s just to freaking heavy. I love it as far as ride and comfort but my 2012 BF 750 just glides over stuff it sinks straight down in lol. Still needs better build quality. Wish so bad Kawasaki would’ve built a BF 1000 . Just can’t beat Japanese build quality across the brands . But, as we all have it , power junkies have two choices for 1ks lol.

Awesome review guys! Started watching yesterday had to finish up tonight. You pretty much hit the nail on the head on all of the topics. Herm who bought a Can am and used to ride a Polaris would agree with the clutching on a Can-Am not as smooth as Polaris. I guess it all really boils down to what kind of riding you want to do.

Awesome Video!! Thanks guys. Merry Christmas

The notchy shifter SUCKS on the Can Am. IMO. Some times it won't go into park and you have to rock the bike back and forth to get it back in park. That's my biggest gripe with my Can Am 1000R

Great test! I own a Polaris XP1000 and a Can Am XXC 800, and you're spot on. The Polaris power steering has more play, which makes the quad feel vague and skittish at speed. You can observe this yourself - with the engine off, rock the handlebars left/right to see how many degrees they'll move before causing any steering movement of the wheels. You'll see that the Polaris power steering has more play. My second complaint is Polaris' shifter. It is very notchy and gets progressively more difficult to shift over time. I've always preferred Can Am's shift lever. The 2019 and newer Can Am's have a slightly quieter exhaust note, which is a plus in my view. I ride my Polaris more, as it is appreciably more comfortable than my older Can Am. But I've ridden the 2019 Can Am and they have come a long way in closing the gap. Can Am's weak link in comfort is a result of their trailing arm suspension. It is just not a match for double 'A' arm suspensions. I question the claimed weights, especially when they use a base model and a 'dry weight'. They don't include the winch, bumpers & upgrades. They should follow Honda and other Japanese manufacturers by listing the weight with all liquids. To check truth in advertising, it would be nice if you could weigh them.

Entertaining, informative and engaging are a few of the words I use to describe your reviews. Excellent job, keep it up!

I have a 2020 Can Am Outlander XXC 1000R. Love it! It's like riding a wild horse that you just want to try and tame, It's truly a thrill a minute! Was seriously looking at buying the new 2020 Polaris Sportsman XP 1000s - thought I had my mind made up until I test drove the Outlander XXC 1000R -- Can Am models have so much more to offer with upgrade goodies and customization that I just had to do it. I don't need a 55 inch wide machine, might as well have a side by side at that point, and for the short time I've owned the Can AM, I realized my suspicions were correct. Trails aren't ready just yet for a 55 inch quad - they were mostly tailored for less width on the machine where I live and I didn't want my quad to get frequently hung up on tree branches on the trails like to Polaris XP 1000s would have with that bulk. Between these two I would definitely pick Can AM XT-P 1000 all day vs Polaris Sportsman (Pick a model/Can Am wins all day). Just add that Yoshimura exhaust and you'll have no regrets. It's wonderfully noisy and fast. Your friends will envy you! If you have to get a Polaris, get the Hunter edition for the 1000 series, seems to be the best they have to offer without getting the $15000 price tag that the XP 1000s has.

Polaris nice machine but can am xtp keep smile on your face all day long!!!! Have one i love it. All my friends switching to can ams. Nice video!

Great video! Both machines are fast and powerful! One question though, wouldn't the top of the line Sportsman be the freaky wide stance 1000xps with huge suspension travel? Huge price too I bet.

Best comparison video I’ve seen so far. Good job guys! Can we got a 570 vs 600 comparison next? K

Very good review. Based on our previous review of just the Polaris, and the Can Am , I made the decision to buy the Polaris XP1000 Premium. I’m new to ATVS, but I wanted something comfortable and safe, with the best 4X4. I go much slower than most, but ride in the highest peaks of the Appalachian mountains in Western NC. I like the style and looks of it as well, however, with the exception of the 4X4 delay on the Can Am, I think it would be just as good. I tried out both and just felt more stable on the Polaris. No regrets yet! Thanks again for this excellent review and the hard serious work that you put into it.

That was a great head to head match. Being a sportsman owner I can say I love both these machines. My next four wheeler will most likely be a Canam

Great video! One thing mentioned in regards to the sportsman was need for better tires. What do you all suggest or find works really well paired with this machine?

Great reviews yall boys put those things to work

When I bought my sportsman back in 1999 brand new it was the best on the market at the time 500 cc , still have it , now there twice the machine , Nice .

No in-depth shootouts on the UTV channel? Step it up guys.

Great video, love both of these machines.... but not an apples to apples suspension comparison, why didn’t you use the XT version of the Outlander?

Sportsman S vs Outlander XXC This was an awesome comparison. Great video.

As I am considering buying the 2-up versions of these exact machines, I found this shootout very objective and informative. There are things I really like about both, but I'm leaning toward the Can-Am. I still have old Honda three wheelers including a pair of liquid cooled 250Rs one of which is has an Eddie Sanders 350cc top end. I like aggressive power. I also like the Outlander XT-P package with it's beadlock wheels and upgraded shocks. Thanks for putting together such a well done shootout 👍🏻

I own a Can-Am 1000 i love the way it runs it's one of the best machines i've ever paid for

Polaris awd system hands down best

Great seriously GREAT VIDEO/REVIEW!

Awesome video. Was literally torn between the 2. Do you know if Polaris made and improvements from their 2020 to their 2021?

For reliability, I would choose the CANAM!

2 unbiased opinion and 1 biased opinion.

Awesome video, best comparison review ever! Is there a video exactly like this about the renegade and scrambler ?

great video guys, I just ordered my 2020 can am 1000 xt max a couple weeks ago and this video sums up that u cant go wrong with either machine. It pretty much came down to dealer support to why I chose the can am over polaris!

Can-Am Outlander 1000R XT-P,💪💪💪

Funny how I was just looking for something like this

Great video, would love to see a video on the 850xxc

Overall ,I rate this a great comparison and test of most areas very good .Something to consider for any other future test is ,how machines do with same tires on ,and in real life climbing , rocky terrain, mud riding .Many trail riders are crawling along in 4 low , not all speed riding ,just saying ,keep up the good work guys.

Must watch video for anyone buying a big bore atv! Also for single piston atv owners who want to watch how muscle atv predators perform! Nothing throws sod like a big bore. 😊

Must say.. DAM GOOD REVIEW!! So everyone here.. Which ATV from this vid you PICK????

Great vid guys. Only thing I wish was that you guys had more trail related stuff to compare. Climbing hills, crawling over rocks/obstacles, going through mud, etc.

Polaris y su Mundo Racing.., Me Apasiona.., desde Gran Canaria - Canary Island -Spain....Manuel Sosa

Getting a 850 with trail package next week!

For what I do my sportsman 550 is unbeatable for ergonomics standing or sitting, handling and couch ride. The can am is a beast, no slouch.

Really Wel done review! Good job!

Great video! Good to see Chad in here too. My only suggestion is if Chad is in more future reviews than let his humor run free😂

First of all, love reviews where you you guys tell you preferences vs the "facts". They seem to all say their preferences would be the polaris with some mods on it. My question is for the same amount of money you would spend on modifying your polaris to make it better, would it make a difference on the can am?

When all done the can am needed the clutch cleaned and the belt replaced. The Polaris wouldn’t start because of some broken wires in the electrical system

Long overdue can’t wait 😊

what a great review. Was very entertaining

I would like to see a comparison on owner repair or trail side repair.

I have a can am xmr 1000 xmr 2019, happy to own it i would recommended to anyone, i think there is no atv to compete with can am in my opinion

A good example of how one rig can win most of the breakdown comparisons but still might not be the choice of most riders! Interesting!

I think I've watched this video at least a half dozen times. This channel as well as Dirt Obsexxion helped me decide on a brand new Outlander Max XT-P 1000r. Really enjoy these very objective reviews and shootouts. I'd be incredibly interested to see a re-match between these two models, particularly the Outlander XT-P Max and Sportsman XP Touring. (Factory 2-up models). I'm curious to see if you all come to the same conclusion I did when I checked out both models in person at my local BRP and Polaris dealers. Proper factory 2-up ATV seems to be a somewhat neglected category for reviews and shootouts. I feel like those of us who like to ride 2-up with our significant other but aren't ready to get into a Side X Side could really benefit from an ATV On Demand shootout between the pair. Also would like to note, BRP added the new-ish Visco-4-Lock manually selectable locking front diff to the XT-P. Acts as the standard Visco-Lock when in "regular" 4wd, but you can select a fully locked front diff when needed. A welcome feature I think.

Bloody hell I wish I could afford this

Iv owned 2 of each over the past 8 years, curently own a can am, polaris left me in the bush a few times.

Fast forward 9 months from my previous comment, I finally ordered my 2022 sportsman 1000 ride command. So stoked

Great unbiased review

Dream atv's for me.

Anyone else notice “best initial balue” at 3:00 to the end? Lol

I appreciate what you are doing. I agree that tires are often upgraded. I just know for myself, if I am going to buy a new machine I want to know how it compares out the door. I think a test that may be good would be one machine with different exhausts and tuners. That way a guy would know what exhaust and tuner would be best for a certain machine. Again, not trying to cause any issues.

Just subscribed. Nice job!

I've said it before and I'll say it again... While Can Am has come a long way since the Bombardier days, I would never choose one simply based on it's looks. I know it's personal preference but the Outlanders have always been hideous to me. I would never be able to get over that fact lol. That side, I love the 'feel' when trail riding a Sportsman, and the plusher suspension, 4WD, power steering, etc are all areas I feel like the Polaris wins. Great review though. Well done, well thought out, well spoken, and with good variety. This is how a review should be done.

I took a drag race with my friend who has a polaris sportsman 570cc i own a Can-Am 500cc outlander L and the polaris didnt like to watch my backlights:)

Great video. They are both great bikes. I would go with the CAN AM though.

This is a great video. Lots of good information to expand upon as I do my research on what to get next. I ride like Chad. I don't race but get pretty aggressive on the trails and can get into some pretty technical places. The Can-am is really nice. Great shocks. I wish Polaris would upgrade theirs to match. With that said, I like the ride of the Polaris for my type of riding. I love the Polaris seat. Tires can be changed and will be due to wear. 4 wheel drive is my biggest problem with the Can-am. I'm not a fan of the front diff. To put a locker in would be pretty expensive, probably close to $1000.00. I could replace the Polaris shocks with that money and do the clutching. My point, there are shortcomings for both machines. I need to weight out where I want to spend my money on upgrades and decide if I can do it myself or need to have someone else do it. Then there's the receiver hitch. What is Polaris thinking? Then there's the arched A-arms. Put them on everything Polaris! My decision is still open. Right now, Aug. of 2020, dealerships don't have any inventory. All that stimulus money has created a sell off of everything the dealers have. I may wait until the hangover hits and people realize they don't need that thing in the garage taking up space that I never use. Maybe pick up something lightly used for a deal.