$16,199 MSRP / 52-75 HP

• won’t break the bank

• tiny–can be towed on a yard trailer

• beginner-friendly

Good, cheap fun

We absolutely adore side-by-sides and off-roading in general, but the truth is that it gets very expensive very quickly. Luckily, there are plenty of options for budget wheeling. One of those options is the 2025 Can-Am Maverick Trail.

Don’t fool yourself; just because this rig shares its name with the Maverick X3 and Maverick R doesn’t mean that it shares the same high-performance DNA. It actually has more features in common with a rec-ute, boasting 1,500 lbs of towing capacity and a 300-lb bed capacity.

Starting at $16,199, the 2025 Maverick Trail is one of the best ways to get into the world of side-by-sides. It won’t break the bank, and it has enough power and capability to have plenty of fun on the trail.

How much power does it make?

Can-Am offers two engine options for the Maverick Trail: a 52-hp 650cc single in the 700 trim and a 75-hp 976cc v-twin in the 1000. Both engines come from Rotax, so you shouldn’t have to worry too much about reliability.

You might scoff at just 75 ponies, but keep in mind the 1,364-lb dry weight of the 1000. With fluids, you’re barely approaching 1,500 lbs. Don’t expect to win any races, but with that power-to-weight ratio, it will no doubt keep up with most rec-utes and even some entry-level sport rigs.

Power gets to the wheels via a traditional CVT. It’s no DCT, but it still offers smooth power transfer at high or low speeds.

What makes it special?

Put simply, the price. It’s borderline impossible to find a side-by-side that’s worth buying under $20,000, and this one starts at $16,199.

It’s extremely bare-bones to cut the price as much as possible. That means almost no creature comforts or fancy features, to the point where Can-Am lists the 650-W magneto under the “features” tab.

Can-Am also got rid of the base model, meaning that your only trim option is the DPS. You still get your choice of engine, between the 700 and 1000, so that’s something.

Why do I want it?

Have some spare money that’s burning a hole in your pocket and want to try out a side-by-side? Here’s your rig.

In all seriousness, it’s much easier to justify spending $18,000 at most on a side-by-side than upwards of $50,000 on the top-performing sport rigs. The Maverick Trail is beginner-friendly, plenty capable for light trail rides, and can even work for you when you’re not at your local off-road park.

It’s affordable and capable, something almost lost in the UTV market today.

Why don’t I want it?

If you’ve spent any amount of time in a side-by-side, it’ll be hard to enjoy the Maverick Trail as much as other rigs. And if you’re interested in trails that are tougher than a gravel road, you’ll outgrow it quickly. It’s fun to rip around the property, but as soon as you hit a serious obstacle, you’ll be wishing for something else.

If creature comforts and tailgating are your thing, the Maverick Trail falls short. You won’t get a fancy stereo, HVAC, or any futuristic screens that monitor everything about your rig. It’s nearly just an engine and a frame, and that can be a turn off for some.

Which trim do I want?

The DPS trim is the easy choice, as it’s the only one there is. You do, however, get to pick what size engine goes in the Maverick Trail.

While we could tell you about the pros and cons of each engine, it’s easier to just tell you to go with the 1000. With 75 hp, its better than the 700 in almost every way.

You could make a case made about price, but the 1000 option only bumps the MSRP by $1,500. That’s pocket change in the UTV world, and we’d be willing to bet that you could find a dealer running a promotion to get that extra boot knocked off.

If I like this… what else should I look at?

If you’re looking into beginner-friendly side-by-sides, check out almost any other rec-ute on the market. The Yamaha RMAX and X2 are both brilliant options, with the RMAX being as close to the top of its class as possible. If you want to stick with a Can-Am, the Commander is barely more expensive that this rig and offers tons more capability and power.

2025 Can-Am Maverick Trail Specs

Length: 118 in.

Width: 50 in.

Height: 69 in.

Wheelbase: 90.6 in.

Claimed Dry Weight: 1,271-1,364 lbs

Engine: single-cylinder/v-twin

Displacement: 650cc/976 cc

Transmission: CVT with Quick Response System

Claimed Power: 52-75 hp

Claimed Torque: 42 lb-ft

Fuel System: EFI

Steering: Dynamic Power Steering

Drivetrain: 2WD/4WD, auto-locking front differential/Visco-Lok

Front Suspension: Dual A-arms with sway bar

Rear Suspension: TTA with sway bar

Front Brakes: Dual 220 mm disc brakes with hydraulic twin-piston calipers calipers

Rear Brakes: Dual 220 mm disc brakes with hydraulic twin-piston calipers

Wheels F/R: Cast Aluminum, 12-in.

Tires F/R: Carlisle ACT 26 x 8/9 x 12 in.

Bed Capacity: 300 lbs.

Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs.

Seating Capacity: 2

Ground Clearance: 10 in.

Fuel Capacity: 10 gallons