CAN-AM OUTLANDER XT 700 – EXTENDED TEST
We hit the trailswith Can-Am’s latest AWD rec-utility ATV By the staff of Dirt Wheels
It has been a year since we got our first look and limited ride aboard Can-Am’s newest 500/700 Outlander models, including the upgraded XT 700. You might remember that we were very impressed with the XT 700 in our initial review, published in the July 2023 issue of Dirt Wheels. Can-Am eliminated the previous $250 commodity surcharge for the 2024 model year, but MSRP increased by $100. Aside from that, nothing has changed for 2024.
To recap, this Outlander 700 was released in mid-2023 as a new-from-the-ground-up rec-ute ATV with a 50-horsepower Rotax Advanced Combustion Efficiency (ACE), 650cc, single-cylinder engine. It replaced the Outlander 570, which had a 48-horsepower V-twin. The top end of the new engine leans to the rear with a more efficient design that takes in air from the front with the exhaust directed straight out the back. The design dissipates heat faster and slightly decreases the width of the engine compartment for a more comfortable seating position. The rear trailing arms were replaced with A-arms at all four corners, and the track width was increased from 46 inches to 48.8 inches, providing more wheel travel and substantially more ground clearance. The changes not only added more power but also more stability with a planted feel.
We were glad to get away from the artificial closed course in that first review for actual natural-terrain trails for this test. Our test area includes plenty of windy two-track trails, rocks, hill climbs and descents, and even a little desert mud.
POWER INCREASE?
As we said before, the new 650cc single makes more peak horsepower than the old V-twin, with the most significant gains felt in the low- to mid-range where it’s needed the most. But, we didn’t get 100 yards beyond the staging area before realizing something differed from our XT 700 ride in 2023—it had even more power. Lack of power wasn’t a complaint before, but now it was slightly more responsive and crisper when stabbing the throttle. What had changed? Altitude. Our initial test was conducted at nearly 7000 feet of elevation. Now, we were below 2000 feet. Elevation change is much more noticeable with this EFI system.
WHAT’S THE DRIVE SYSTEM LIKE?
The automatic CVT transmission includes selectable high and low ranges. Stab the gas and the tires dig in, or go easy without any herky-jerky reaction. It’s as responsive as you want it to be. A rocker switch lets you select between 2WD and AWD on the fly. The front drive gets Can-Am’s Visco-Lok QE (quicker engaging) auto-locking front differential.
We took the Outlander XT 700 up some pretty hefty climbs without issues. We’d like to see a recreation trim level of the Outlander 700 that receives Can-Am’s Visco-4Lok fully lockable front differential. This machine’s wider stance and proper wheelbase make it a great candidate for some serious rock crawling, and a lockable front diff would take it to the next level. We wouldn’t be surprised if Can-Am already has an Outlander XT-P 700 trim in the works, like the Outlander XT-P 850 and 1000R, which get the locked diff.
HOW DOES IT HANDLE?
Handling and suspension action are undoubtedly our favorite facets of this machine. It’s wide, has excess suspension travel and has over a foot of ground clearance. It tracks over smooth or rugged terrain with a sporty feel. The turning radius is excellent, and Tri-Mode Dynamic Power Steering lets you choose how much steering assistance you need.
There are 9.75 inches of travel up front and 10.25 inches at the rear, and the suspension action is plush. Those are numbers that we’d expect from big-bore ATVs. Front-end dive is minimal, as evidenced by the unscathed front bash plate after hours of testing. Jumping over water bars and rocks is fun and predictable with soft landings. Aggressive 26-inch tires grip well in all conditions. The Outlander 700 had us deliberately choosing the rougher lines, challenges and obstacles because it can handle them—and doesn’t toss you around like a rag doll.
IS IT COMFORTABLE?
It’s comfortable all day and has a ride that’s never fatiguing. The seat is thick, plush and easy to slide around on. The riding position is perfect, both seated and standing up, and it’s easy to transition between the two. Between the knees, the engine compartment is narrow enough not to be hard on the hips. Wide fenders offer adequate splash protection. All controls are easy to reach, and we appreciate the large glove box at the front of the seat, which includes a phone holder and USB port on the XT trim. The Outlander XT 700 comes standard with four slots for electrical accessory switches.
HOW CAPABLE IS IT FOR UTILITY?
We like the recessed base inside the storage racks, which helps contain cargo and offers infinite ways to tie it down. Between the front and rear racks, 360 pounds of combined cargo capacity can be had, which is well above average. Inside the front rack, there is a large, sealed storage compartment. The lid can be removed for greater volume or to mount Can-Am LinQ accessories, like the 4-gallon fuel caddy ($239.99).
A 2-inch automotive-style receiver provides up to 1830 pounds of towing ability, which is above average. The XT trim also gets full bumpers and a 3500-pound winch. This is a solid ATV for utility use; however, if your needs require frequent transportation of heavy loads, get the Can-Am Outlander Pro XU XD7 model ($10,049), which has stiffer suspension.
ACCESSORIES TESTED
Can-Am has well over 100 accessories for the Outlander, and our loan unit came with several of them. The Adventure High windshield ($249.99) deflects wind around and over the rider. The console extension ($199.99) provides additional sealed storage and a centered magnetic phone mount for viewing GPS apps like onX Off-Road. We didn’t think much of the handlebar mirrors ($69.99) at first, but they are great for keeping an eye on the riders behind you while keeping the other eye on the trail ahead. Full-wrap handguards ($139.99) are reinforced with an aluminum frame for optimal lever and finger protection from tree branches, rocks, and cacti.
IS IT EASY TO MAINTAIN?
Yes! Engine side panels are easy to remove without tools and allow easy access to the engine and all fluid inlets. You only need to remove the seat to get to the electronics and the top of the engine head. A cutout provides access to the spark plug. The skid plate has cutaway access holes at the drain points designed in a way that won’t create a mess. The air filter is exposed by removing the instrument cluster ahead of the handlebars. Tools are not required here, either. This is also where the air intake for the CVT is located. Speaking of CVT, the access cover can be removed in just minutes.
If that doesn’t simplify things enough, the Outlander 700’s maintenance schedule begins at one year or 2000 miles and continues at 2000-mile maintenance intervals thereafter.
HOW DOES IT COMPARE TO SIMILAR MODELS?
The Can-Am Outlander XT 700 is priced at $10,149. Honda’s Fourtrax Foreman Rubicon 4×4 Automatic DCT Deluxe model is $10,599 without a winch. The Yamaha Kodiak 700 EPS SE is $11,099 with a lockable front diff. The Polaris Sportsman 570 Trail is $10,699. CFMoto’s CForce600 is $7399, and Arctic Cat’s 600 LTD is $10,999.
WOULD YOU BUY IT?
The Can-Am Outlander XT 700 has almost every feature we look for in a good 4×4 ATV, short of a true locking front differential. But, it’s packed with an innovative new engine, a wide stance,, excellent handling characteristics, the ability to overcome challenging obstacles and premium features. It’s also priced right! So yeah, it’s on our A-list.
