Yamaha RMAX 1000 vs Can-Am Commander 1000R vs Polaris General XP 1000, Sport Utility SXS Shootout

1000cc Sport Utility SXS Shootout, RMAX 1000 vs Commander 1000R vs General XP 1000, . With three new models released in the past three years, the 1000cc sport utility segment is the hottest in SXSs today. All are hard workers and capable performers on the trail, yet this class is hardly a clone war. Although they’re all 64” wide with 1000cc class engines, each of these machines provide a unique approach and experience that its manufacturer believes delivers the ultimate do-it-all SXS, providing three very good, yet distinctly different, machines.

With the Can-Am Commander released mid-2021, our shootout was filmed late model year 2021. While colors and trim package have changed slightly, there have been no significant updates for 2022 that would affect the baseline performance of the models we’re comparing. When choosing the trim packages to compare, we wanted to keep the MSRPs and features as close as possible among them. With that in mind, in 2022 pricing, we’ll be comparing the $25,299, base model, Polaris General XP1000 Deluxe, Yamaha’s second to the top-of-the-line Wolverine RMAX2 1000 XT-R at 23,899, and Can-Am’s top-of-the-line Commander 1000R XT-P retailing at $22,699.

Any one of these machines could be the fastest in the right environment. But, at the pace most people drive in group rides, all of these SXS are overall pretty well matched at making time on the trail. There are certainly tasks and conditions each one excels at, and choosing which one best suits your needs will, hopefully, be easier having watched our shootout.

Related Videos
2022 Yamaha RMAX 1000 Sport Test Review
2021 Can-Am Commander 1000R XT-P Test Review
2021 Polaris General XP 1000 Test Review
2021 Yamaha Wolverine RMAX 1000 Test Review

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[gregmcmurray]

Gentlemen, this was a unbelievable unbiased review. I absolutely watched every minute of it and agree with your final results. I do feel that you missed out on one HUGE CATEGORY. Factory Accessories. Most users that buy these machines add alot. Polaris, is definitely #1 in that category. IMO! That is why I chose the 2023 General over the Yamaha. I added factory Tilt out windshield, Upper doors and rear glass and of course because it only comes with a 6 month warranty, I added a 4 year warranty. I truly believe that Factory accessories should be one of your categories going forward. The best hands down unbiased review on these three machines. All information was accurate IMO! 🍀👍🙏🙏💪💪👏👏

[winfieldholbrook]

Having sold Polaris for 15 years while listening to my customers complain and dealing with the Polaris warranty department I have to say this. Polaris has a genius design market for making what most everyone wants in all department’s. Now the other side of them, with out any doubt they have the worst quality control of any company in the world. They put the parts up for the lowest bids all across the world. They have zero interest in durable long lasting machines, and it’s proven by the 6 or 12 months warranty. Ask anyone that owns a Polaris sxs or atv how often they replace A arm bushing, u joints, drive belts, wiring harness trouble, tps sensor, broken shocks. They are the worst built machine made. But they are nice what time they are not broken down. I’m just saying!!! Oh I almost forgot they do build a fairly durable engine but they take away from that with the weakest differential and axles in the industry. In case you are thinking that I’m selling some other brand, I’m not I no longer deal with any power sports whatsoever. Good luck and ask a lot of honest Polaris owners before buying.

[markflaugh]

Goes to show that competition is king and keeps pushing the manufactures to keep improving, so we the consumers win! Great review of these machines. Thank You

[G-Man-kcnm]

I’m very impressed on how unbiased this review was. Thanks for the hard work and evaluation of these three units.

[adampierce]

Great job removing Bias from the review. Hard to find unbias opinions. I did a lot of research before I ordered my Rmax but without being able to drive them all it is hard to choose. There are no other videos comparing the three models like this. Glad to see the Rmax scored highest where I needed it too and confirmed my decision. Now it just needs to arrive.

[Jas-wdzh]

The 4 seater test would be cool! Thanks for the information 👍

[MassiveOverkill]

Please please please follow up with the 4 seater versions from each in the same test environment ;)

[sparky]

I don't think you'd of made a terrible choice going home with any of the 3 on the trailer. Who'd of dreamed the selection of machines would of been this diverse 10 years ago. It's almost hard to decide which type of machine to go with, let alone which model!

[turbolq]

Very nice shootout! Historically, Yamaha has far better reliability than the other two but that Can Am looks good too. We're looking into 4seaters and the Rmax keeps it's short wheelbase. Still difficult to swing mid 20k for an off-road toy!

[robertwood]

Great review of these three machines. I have owned 2 CanAms in the past and currently have a RZR XP1000 Trail & Rock, which I love. Never had the opportunity to even ride in a Yamaha so I have to trust your judgement about the RMAX. At 74 years old and a wild driver, my wife FINALLY convinced me to slow down, sell the Rock & Trail and buy something she would be more comfortable riding in. One of the deciding factors for me was the availability of service and parts. I, or I should say WE, decided on the General XP1000 Deluxe with Ride Command. So all that being said I appreciate your thorough evaluation and now I will " slow down", enjoy the General and keep the tires on the ground ( well most of the time anyway :).

[brtjones]

Wow that was an awesome review. This has been a long awaited shootout. It was surprising how well the RMAX did. Just goes to show they all have their strengths and weaknesses. Any of these machine well get you anywhere and back. I think really it comes down to looks and comfort for the individual. Good job guys keep the great content

[novascotiaboy.]

I’ve been waiting for a while. Just received my new 2022 Rmax 2 wolverine 1000 SE. I would be proud to drive anyone of the three of these Rigs, there is no wrong choice just an individual preference. Watched most of your videos in the last little while they are very informative and of exceptionally quality. Keep them coming.

[Travisj]

Let's not leave out RELIABILITY! Yamaha ftw!

[deborahchesser]

I’ve never had any reservations buying a Yamaha, dirt, street, whatever. They may not be at the top of any one category but they always score good acres the board. Great vid it wouldn’t upset me to own any of them. After riding bikes for years I drove my cousins side by side and that sold me, radio, cooler, fishing poles, lawn chairs, yeh I’m in lol, especially the older I get.

[carlosandrade]

The looks of the yamaha can't be beat! I watched your videos and test drove the machines out here in Arizona, I came home with a 2022 Yamaha Rmax4 and I couldn't be happier! The can am was my second choice while the Talon was 3rd. I couldn't risk a fire in the garage with a Polaris so I stayed away! lol

[jbcowherder]

one thing: noted at the Can-Am and Polaris both use belt slippage as their "clutch" as my friends have experienced in their machines.... this can leave you stranded in a deep water crossing once the belt starts to wear as the belt will then be really slippy in the water... both their machines got stuck in the deep water while my Kawasaki just motored on through it (Kawi also runs a transmission internal clutch and constant belt engagement similar to the R-Max), this is also why the Yamaha and Kawasaki machines are the only belt driven machines to have "engine braking" as they employ a one-way cluch in the transmission to keep the belt engaged at all hence why you also don't hear of belt problems in these machines and why they offer such long warranties on the belt drive they know they aren't going to break or have problems very often, where in a Polaris you better bring a spare belt and all the tools to change it on the trail. speaking of the engine braking, at 7:00 when you see the Polaris descending a slippery hill, you can hear the driver riding the brake and somewhat struggling to keep control- in the Yamaha and Kawasaki machines you don't have to worry about this as you can just let off the gas and the engine braking is much easier to descend slippery hills in. Finally for those that want to call me out, I own two machines currently a Yamaha Wolverine and a Kawasaki KRX, and have owned a Polaris Ace in the a reason i sold that POS Polaris.

[UTVonDemand]

We had a blast testing the Can-Am Commander, Polaris General and Yamaha RMAX individually then putting them head to head for three days to produce this shootout. We look forward to your questions and comments.

[Mubvekhar]

As an RMax owner, I’d agree with everything said in this review. Sometimes, the rear suspension does want to get air when you might not want it to, and you have to be able to correct for that on the landing. But it is fast, and it’s so good on the tough trails and rock climbing that I like to push to see what I can do before switching into four wheel drive or other drive modes. I typically keep it in sport mode, even on tight, technical mountain trails in Montana. It’s a great machine.

[MassiveOverkill]

Congratulations on Kyle Anderson winning the Pro Stock NA class for 2023 King of Hammers and finishing 34th overall. That's right, the Yamaha 'golf cart' beat out many highly- modified sport SxS, including 2 KRXs and a Honda Talon in his class. No Generals or Commanders anywhere in sight of KOH.

[Guovssohas]

Overall, you couldn't go wrong with any of these machines. But for me personally, i'd definitely choose the Yammie because for me reliability is very important. All our past Yammies have been rock solid. Our other brands, not so great tbh.