When it comes to heavy-duty side-by-sides, there is a big difference between machines built for show and those built to work. The 2024 Can-Am Defender Max Limited earns its place in the workhorse category. It works hard, carries heavy loads, tows big trailers, and pushes through terrain that stops lesser machines. It’s not flashy, and it’s certainly not delicate.

I took the Defender Max to the “backcountry” of Florida, where the black mud is as unforgiving as it gets. I managed to bury it deep, but with some creative digging, strategic winching, and a lot of sweat, the Defender Max Limited pulled itself out and kept on going without a hiccup. It proved itself to be exactly what it claims: a reliable, durable, and capable machine.

Is it something I’d add to my lineup of toys? More importantly, is it something you should add to your roster?

In short: The 2024 Can-Am Defender Max Limited is a massive, mud-eating utility beast built for serious work, serious play, and serious “how did we even get into this mess?” moments. It’s not cheap, it’s not small, but it’s absolutely worth it if you need a machine that won’t quit.

2024 Can-Am Defender Max Limited Review

After looking at the raw specs, it is clear that the 2024 Can-Am Defender Max Limited is built for heavy-duty tasks with premium upgrades. The HD10 976cc V-twin engine delivers 82 horsepower and 69 pound-feet of torque, giving it enough muscle to tow up to 2,500 pounds and haul a payload of 1,225 pounds without breaking a sweat. That level of power is critical for hauling feed, pulling trailers, or getting a crew and their gear into hard-to-reach places.

It boasts 14 inches of ground clearance, which provides real advantages when navigating rough and uneven ground. Its 4,500-pound factory-installed winch with a roller fairlead is a serious recovery tool, not just a showpiece. The ability to shift between Turf, 2WD, and 4WD with the Smart-Lok system allows the machine to adapt quickly to varying terrain conditions.

The Limited trim adds serious comfort and convenience features, including a full HVAC system, electric front windows, a full windshield with a wiper, and a 7.6-inch digital display. The Defender Max Limited seats six adults and targets crews, ranchers, and workers who need both cargo and passenger capacity without giving up on premium amenities.

Field Testing the 2024 Defender Max: Mud, Sweat, and Cheers

Testing in Florida means dealing with a special kind of mud. It’s not the pretty, sticky mud that clumps on your boots. It’s the kind of black, liquefied evil that grabs hold of your axles and will not let go. Naturally, we found the deepest hole possible and buried the Defender Max Limited to its doors.

The good news is that the factory winch is not just a shiny sales point. It worked like a champ. It took a few hours, some old-school trench digging, some creative mental gymnastics, and enough cussing to make a sailor blush, but it clawed its way free.

Traction control, four-wheel drive, and the brute strength of the HD10 motor worked overtime. At the end of it, not only were we free, but the machine was still raring to go, too. We weren’t dealing with error codes or stuck in limp mode. There were no “call your dealer” lights.

We had a freshly muddy machine with a touch of smoke ripping back down the trail as if it had never happened.

What It Does Best

• Durability: This thing is a utility vehicle, through and through.
• Comfort: The cab is actually comfortable, with decent legroom even for backseat riders. The seats and finish are far higher end than one would expect from a utility vehicle, thanks to the Limited upgrade. The HVAC system is dreamy, particularly when it’s hot and muggy.
• Power: That HD10 motor delivers plenty of grunt for mud, towing, and getting unstuck when your “shortcut” goes sideways.
• Winch: It is not just marketing. The winch will absolutely save your hide. I can confirm that through actual experience.

Where It Could Be Better

• Size: It’s a big rig. Tight trails are not where it shines. This also means you’ll need a hefty trailer to tow this puppy around.
• Price: You pay for all that brawn. There are cheaper utility side-by-sides out there if you don’t need this level of “hold my beer” capability.
• Maneuverability: It is not exactly nimble. Think more “battleship” than “sports car.”
• Basic Dash: The instrument panel is pretty simple compared to other lines. It provides the necessary information but lacks some of the modern displays, touchscreens, and advanced tech you see elsewhere.

Who Should Consider the Can-Am Defender Max Limited

If you are a rancher, land manager, or just someone who needs a workhorse with seating for six, the 2024 Defender Max Limited should be high on your list to consider. This would be a great family rig for a ranch if you need to pile in a whole crew to go get work done.

If you live for tight technical trails and speedy rips, you might want to shop smaller. The standard-size 2024 Defender would be a much better option to consider if that’s what you’re looking for.

Final Thoughts

The 2024 Can-Am Defender Max Limited is a mud-slinging, gear-hauling, work-doing beast. It’s not dainty. It’s not cheap. But it gets the job done with room to spare, if you actually need the room.

I could see this machine being super-handy when you’re not just hauling gear, but hauling people.

There are trade-offs to consider, for sure. The size makes it a bit difficult to maneuver in tighter areas. The Defender Max Limited demands a higher price, though you get those upgraded capabilities, amenities, and interior finishes. The instrument panel, while functional, feels dated when compared to more modern and premium side-by-sides.

Still, the Defender Max outperforms these minor low spots with its overall capability, comfort, and durability for those who need maximized cab space.