2014 can-am Maverick MAX 1000R

Compared to previous reviews, this past week I was able to take advantage of a different kind of test drive experience with the 2014 can-am Maverick MAX 1000R. Although, I have taken some of the media fleet vehicles off-road to test their rugged and off-highway abilities, this test drive was strictly off-road. In fact, we were confined, by choice, to the openness of the soft and windblown Hurricane Sand Dunes in sunny Southern Utah.

The Maverick MAX 4 seat UTV (Utility Task Vehicle) with adjustable driver’s seat and tilt steering made for a roomy driving experience with the 2 other adult passengers that went along.  I was impressed with the Fox Podium X Performance 2.0 HPG Piggyback shocks and the 27” Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires on cast-aluminum wheels. The comfort, control and overall ride was smooth from all four seating positions.

The Maverick Max X rs DPS comes with power steering and a couple other aesthetic upgrades. The one I drove didn’t need power steering as long as we were in the sand. When trail riding or rock crawling at lower speeds, I would recommend the power steering option.

The 101 horsepower Rotax 1000R V-Twin engine with dual exhaust provided plenty of power over and through the soft, red sand dunes of Southern Utah. Even though this machine has the power to push sand paddle tires with the “non-governed and speed restriction free” black ignition key option with Intelligent Throttle Control (ITC) and Sport Mode activated, we had plenty of torque and top end speed to stay on top of the fine, windblown sand dunes. The TTA Independent rear suspension with 14” of travel allowed us to attack oversized dunes which rivaled many of the two and four wheeled machines that were out that day. The gray and black keys are part of the D.E.S.S standard anti-theft system which is the industry’s first anti-theft device. The electronic code in the keys must match the code in the ECU to enable the machine to start. The Maverick 1000R family comes with two different keys. The gray key limits the top speed to 44 MPH, while the black key has no limitations.

The Maverick Max has a very broad 64 inch wide stance. The wheelbase is nearly 114 inches and it stands 78 inches tall. Compared to other UTVs in its class, can-am provides more horsepower, pound per pound more power, sport/eco throttle modes (ITC), larger fuel tank (over 10 gallons), D.E.S.S (Digitally Encoded Security System), and ultimately more room for its passengers.

Living in Southern Utah seems to have more perfect weather weekends year round than bad. This past weekend lived up to the hype including an awesome side by side UTV sand dune driving experience. According to a guest reviewer (my wife), one of the most simple, but best features of the can-am Maverick Max 1000R was the individual handholds for all four passengers. No shared grab bars or straps here.

Contact Red Peak Rentals today to reserve a rental for a similar experience. Red Peak Rentals 1691 West State Street, Hurricane, Utah 84737. 435-757-2470 office@redpeakrentals.com www.redpeakrentals.com or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/redpeakrentals

Rental Rates as low as $250 for half day and $320 for a full day.

Base MSRP: $18,299

Maverick MAX X rs DPS: $20,799