2017 Can-Am Outlander 1000 4x4 ATV Review

Can-Am's fit an finish gets better every year. There are a ton of appointments that make their machines stand out. This model has great storage options, a comfortable seat, comes with standard handguards and is offered with a learner or "work" key.ATV Rider
Performance Chart 2017 Can-Am Outlander 1000
Power Rating: 5
Suspension: 4
Steering: 4
Seating comfort/ergonomics: 4
Tires: 5
Brakes: 4
Engine Braking: 5 (2mph )
Overall Handling: 4
Fit N Finish: 5
Storage/racks: 5
Total: 45
ITP Terra Cross tires come standard mounted on nice looking aluminum wheels. The fact that the tires are a bit heavier than a typical stock Maxxis tire and they are mounted on a 14" wheel, comfort is reduced some. We also noticed the tires were so grippy under acceleration, you could feel feedback from them through the handlebars in any of the three (DPS) power steering modes.ATV Rider
Stock hand guards are a real nice touch. For tight trails and the bush whacking we like to do on a sport 4X4 quad they are a must. On the outer ends of the handlebars, large diameter grips vibrate some but not as bad a some quads we have ridden.ATV Rider
2017 Can-Am Outlander 1000 4x4 ATV ReviewATV Rider
Can-Am's steering is just as light in 2WD as it is in 4WD. The throttle is light and predictable.ATV Rider
All Outlanders handle much better than they have in years past. There is less body roll and less front end dive under braking. The steering is still less than perfect. It's not bad, we just can't ever find the DPS setting that works they way we want to. The EPS unit does do an excellent job controlling feedback and acts as a damper when you hit rocks or square edge bumps on the trail.ATV Rider
Can-Am offers the lowest cost 1000 and 850cc machines of the major brands. This one is just over the $10,000 mark. For most trail riding we can actually get by just fine with their 650cc engine. The 1000cc is a monster in stock trim, it does get up and go. Power is smooth, strong and predictable.ATV Rider
The Outlanders are the sportiest of the big 4X4s. The chassis is compact and easy to flick around. We like the stock suspension setting for aggressive riding, but we backed off the spring preload for normal trails and chores. Otherwise, the machine is a bit bouncy.ATV Rider
Engine braking kicks in and slows the machine down to a 2 mph crawl when needed. The learner or "work" key mellows out the power across the board but still leaves enough on tap for a brisk trail ride that doesn't feel at all slow.ATV Rider

Being there is a large range of engine and chassis sizes available in the 4x4 catagory we are in the process of looking at a group of our favorites from each brand. The comparison will be machines right at the $10,000 mark and not a specific displacement. Shear power will not have an advantage although we payed close attention to power feel, low range grunt and overall smoothness of operation. Each machine will be judged on usefulness and rideability for work and play. We rated them all using the same seat of the pants feel on technical and smooth trails as well as how they did around a working ranch. In the comparison we will explain why we rated each section as we did.