AJ, nice review I think the one thing I would say on this is to have consumers understand that BRP came out with the first AC system in a UTV with a compressor just like your Truck/SUV has. North Stars AC is purely run off of engine RPM and will not be as cool (temp) as a Defender. Also the maintenance on the Defenders HVAC system is way more reliable just ask any Polaris dealer. Anyway great video your honest feedback is always good.
Something wrong here when this Defender has more options than my Subaru Forester. Love the covert beer cooler under the passenger seat but we don't drink and ride. Great vid.
We actually did the Northstar last season or the one before that. Wish we had them both on hand. Spoiled us with the AC in the summer and heat in the cold weather.
In ref to the push out tilt up windshield, it’s awesome for farming and ranching, I have one on my northstar and it works great and allows for easy communication
Ok, great review and I Love you fellas in a totally weird way... BUT you made HUGE mistake AJ!! "Set it and forget it" is the Showtime Rotisserie tag line, not the George Forman Grill.. I'll get over it, but I'm gonna need some time.. Great review 👏 👌 👍
I agree with you, my humble opinion needs 110 horse 🐎 power and higher transmission torque. I am waiting hopefully by 2022 and will order the Can Am limited. Excellent video Thank you very much 😊
I use that box to carry fishing tackle I love my limited defender it’s way better then my buddies Polaris North Star his cab leeks and the motor revs so hight just to put along we use these for hunting and fishing and we both agree can am is better than the Polaris up to now just need to see what the future holds
Can Am missed the mark on this and I LOVE Can Am's - we have two already. The Polaris Premium has the ride command screen with radio, Bluetooth and GPS already in the dash. Its a much cleaner look and should be standard for the price tag. I wish Can Am would drop the Big Horn 2.0's and put better / larger tires on it like they did for the Outlander's and X3's. Base model is fine but a premium model should get premium rubber.
Darryl Kremer now with covid we paying the pdsf price no rebate .... 36000 plus tax for the northstar ultimate crew .... and we can update the radio for another 2500$ lol
Good Review, would be cool if you guys got your hands on an Defender HD5. Doesn't seem to be much content on them, and I've heard they are actually quite a over-achiever.
Agreed! we actually tried to get one a couple seasons ago, but none were available. Settled on an HD8. Think this would be a good unit to evaluate and showcase a bit more.
I purchased this exact same model just a few weeks ago and I am loving it so far. Although, for some reason mine did not come with the underseat bucket storage and I thought at least one was included on every Defender. I am wondering if the dealership forgot to give that to me before taking it off the lot.
After leaving my previous comment, I called up my dealership and told them the situation. They confirmed that it is supposed to be included with the machine and that sometimes, although rarely, they get machines from the manufacturer that is missing factory accessories that should be included, in my case a missing storage box I guess. Anyway, after some apologies they said they would order one and have it shipped to my home free of charge.
Wouldn't have called without this video. Now I just saved myself $80 U.S. Thanks. I would agree with the flaws that was pointing out in the video as well, it does feel a little top heavy and a radio would be nice. I would also add that a mirror and back-up lights should be included. I cannot see anything behind me while reversing at night and having to twist my head a full 180 like a demon to look behind me gets tiring after a while. I have to hit the brakes every few feet and use the somewhat dim red brake lights as reverse lights at night as well.
The wind shield needs adaption. Not good up like that. It's awkward and could catch branches. How about a stationary with smaller vent windows in the windshield on both sides?
You can definitely change the fan speed in heat and cool mode individually. There is a Min, Med, and Max setting in each mode. It’s frustrating when a channel with this much influence on the ATV/UTV market doesn’t take the time to pass on correct information.
Do you have any comments on how well the cab is dust sealed? I currently have the competitors machine and I feel like I should not have had to spend as much time as I have sealing up the cab so I can enjoy a ride. I fully understand the machines use and environment but when you pay that price, I was expecting more.
It's an excellent question. The doors and the window seem to seal tight and we didn't note any really noticeable dust getting in. Something we will pay closer attention to as we continue to drive it.
How is the quality of this unit and will it hold up for 10 years worked every week.? What is the cost of maintenance per year? What engine is in this can ?
You can increase the fan speed by pushing the hvac dial twice. Push once and you select between heat and cool. Push again and you can adjust the fan speed
What is the warranty? If I’m paying car prices I would like to know that and it’s not on the can am website. Other than that it was a very informative video.
Any hints/thoughts on the cab engine heat? I have a 2020 Mossy Oak Hunting edition and w/ the windshield the cab heat is unbearable in the summer. I cannot believe these things leave the factory like this. They should have better heat shields in the engine compartment against the back wall.
I have the hunting edition. No AC. Front and back glass and half doors. I take off the back glass in the summer but it is still an absolute furnace. I actually dislike driving it in the summer. I'm going to experiment with removal of the doors next. But I bought them for protection and intended on using them....not having to remove them for half of the year.
@@brianfraser1038 you bet! From the looks of the updated heat shielding from can am it is not very robust. More like tinfoil. But you can purchase rolls of much thicker heat shielding from Amazon. I would put a layer of the shielding on the firewall behind the seats on the inside and then put the insulated cab panel over it. Best of luck!
That arm rest pad on the drivers side of the center section of the seat is useless. I'm short and rest my arm on it its so low, budys hudge he couldn't use either. But nice machine
What would it take to make a car like this road legal? I guess if the year was 1980 most probably not much besides indicators. Today most probably a list of requirements a mile long.
Nice. I don't like auto climate control in ANYTHING. I hope they make a performance SxS with A/C I live in the desert so my SxS sits all summer. Too hot.
How many years would you have to own this Unit for it to feel like you got your money's worth? Spending that much 💲 on a SXS looks more like a wealth statement than an informed buying decision.
@@dirttraxtv I would not spend that kind of cash. However, I am admittedly a cheap ass. When it comes down to best bang for the buck, you guys at Dirt Trax have done a great job providing insight towards quads like the Sportsman 570 for example. I am hoping the hot market cools off by the end of the year so I can make a cash offer on a 2021 570 or a leftover 2020 Grizzly 700
Both good choices. In around the same power. The market is just red hot at the moment. Makes those deals tougher to find but they've gotta be out there.
Geez its nice but to blow all that bling for the trail you may as well get an older sidekick .To me its not 4 wheeling anymore when when you got hvac and wipers
@MrTylerg506 I would beg to differ. Almost everyone I ride with is on a Can-Am. All of them have issues weekly. The last ride ones gas gauge died, the others display completely died. Both are less than 4 years old. Add that they all have play in their bars and have been to the dealer multiple times, things wear fast. Great machines but expensive on maintenance.
@Par Shath Lots of different experiences with brands. Unfortunate that yours were poor with Can-Am. Curious to know who here sees Can Am's quality and reliability as HIGH vs LOW? Would be an interesting poll.
AJ, nice review I think the one thing I would say on this is to have consumers understand that BRP came out with the first AC system in a UTV with a compressor just like your Truck/SUV has. North Stars AC is purely run off of engine RPM and will not be as cool (temp) as a Defender. Also the maintenance on the Defenders HVAC system is way more reliable just ask any Polaris dealer. Anyway great video your honest feedback is always good.
Right on!
Id love to see you do a review of a defender max limited and polaris ranger north star crew side by side.
Something wrong here when this Defender has more options than my Subaru Forester. Love the covert beer cooler under the passenger seat but we don't drink and ride. Great vid.
I guess any container could pass a beer cooler if you put ice in it LOL
Just got a 2024 defender limited HD10 last week it's pretty dang sweet.
An i agree a basic stereo would go a long way with that price.
Yes like ride command displays
Thank you for a straightforward honest opinion
I agree! They do a good job of that...
Thank you!!
You should follow this review up with the polaris Northstar. Really like you content and how you express your opinion. Keep up the good work!
We actually did the Northstar last season or the one before that. Wish we had them both on hand. Spoiled us with the AC in the summer and heat in the cold weather.
In ref to the push out tilt up windshield, it’s awesome for farming and ranching, I have one on my northstar and it works great and allows for easy communication
Good point!!
Ok, great review and I Love you fellas in a totally weird way... BUT you made HUGE mistake AJ!! "Set it and forget it" is the Showtime Rotisserie tag line, not the George Forman Grill.. I'll get over it, but I'm gonna need some time.. Great review 👏 👌 👍
LOL!!! I should've caught that. Spent enough nights watching those shows at 2am when I was a teenager.
Brp makes the best products! I love my Skidoo, Can Am Maverick, and Sea Doo. Can’t beat a Rotax engine. #TeamBRP #1
Thought that you push the temp adjustment knob in for fan speed selection
I agree with you, my humble opinion needs 110 horse 🐎 power and higher transmission torque. I am waiting hopefully by 2022 and will order the Can Am limited. Excellent video Thank you very much 😊
Thank you!!
Great review on this thanks
I use that box to carry fishing tackle I love my limited defender it’s way better then my buddies Polaris North Star his cab leeks and the motor revs so hight just to put along we use these for hunting and fishing and we both agree can am is better than the Polaris up to now just need to see what the future holds
Can Am missed the mark on this and I LOVE Can Am's - we have two already. The Polaris Premium has the ride command screen with radio, Bluetooth and GPS already in the dash. Its a much cleaner look and should be standard for the price tag. I wish Can Am would drop the Big Horn 2.0's and put better / larger tires on it like they did for the Outlander's and X3's. Base model is fine but a premium model should get premium rubber.
What tires would you put on this model?
Tires are perfect, a lot of people are getting the big horns for their XMR for trail riding.
Dirt Trax TV Something 8 ply rated. It would help with some of the roll.
In Canada the Ranger with ride command is $2,000 more than the Can Am Limited. That's getting up there. $33,000😳
Darryl Kremer now with covid we paying the pdsf price no rebate .... 36000 plus tax for the northstar ultimate crew .... and we can update the radio for another 2500$ lol
Good Review, would be cool if you guys got your hands on an Defender HD5. Doesn't seem to be much content on them, and I've heard they are actually quite a over-achiever.
Agreed! we actually tried to get one a couple seasons ago, but none were available. Settled on an HD8. Think this would be a good unit to evaluate and showcase a bit more.
I purchased this exact same model just a few weeks ago and I am loving it so far. Although, for some reason mine did not come with the underseat bucket storage and I thought at least one was included on every Defender. I am wondering if the dealership forgot to give that to me before taking it off the lot.
Head back in there and follow up.
After leaving my previous comment, I called up my dealership and told them the situation. They confirmed that it is supposed to be included with the machine and that sometimes, although rarely, they get machines from the manufacturer that is missing factory accessories that should be included, in my case a missing storage box I guess. Anyway, after some apologies they said they would order one and have it shipped to my home free of charge.
Wicked!! Good job for following up! Paid off...
Wouldn't have called without this video. Now I just saved myself $80 U.S. Thanks. I would agree with the flaws that was pointing out in the video as well, it does feel a little top heavy and a radio would be nice. I would also add that a mirror and back-up lights should be included. I cannot see anything behind me while reversing at night and having to twist my head a full 180 like a demon to look behind me gets tiring after a while. I have to hit the brakes every few feet and use the somewhat dim red brake lights as reverse lights at night as well.
Excellent points! Thanks for that. This is stuff we sometimes miss in our testing. Always good to get the perspective of owners.
It's a tool box! Not a lunch box! Lol! Gotta keep that handy!
Is there a possibility to lock the doors? Here in Brazil we only have the xt version: /
The wind shield needs adaption. Not good up like that. It's awkward and could catch branches. How about a stationary with smaller vent windows in the windshield on both sides?
You can definitely change the fan speed in heat and cool mode individually. There is a Min, Med, and Max setting in each mode. It’s frustrating when a channel with this much influence on the ATV/UTV market doesn’t take the time to pass on correct information.
I understand your point. But people make mistakes...the review was excellent in my opinion.
DUNE YXZ otherwise a great review, agreed!
Michael Zwilling 👍
@Battle22 365 Just watched your video. Thanks for posting that!!
Do you have any comments on how well the cab is dust sealed? I currently have the competitors machine and I feel like I should not have had to spend as much time as I have sealing up the cab so I can enjoy a ride. I fully understand the machines use and environment but when you pay that price, I was expecting more.
It's an excellent question. The doors and the window seem to seal tight and we didn't note any really noticeable dust getting in. Something we will pay closer attention to as we continue to drive it.
Great review! Thx Gents!
Awesome! Thank you!!
How is the quality of this unit and will it hold up for 10 years worked every week.? What is the cost of maintenance per year? What engine is in this can ?
You can increase the fan speed by pushing the hvac dial twice. Push once and you select between heat and cool. Push again and you can adjust the fan speed
Good tip! We got it figured out AFTER the video was produced...
I usually dont exceed 20mph with windshield open. Its kinda sketch after awhile.
What is the warranty? If I’m paying car prices I would like to know that and it’s not on the can am website.
Other than that it was a very informative video.
Ordered one! Can't wait! ☺️
Awesome!!
That little storage lunch box is where you put your weed!
😂
Any hints/thoughts on the cab engine heat? I have a 2020 Mossy Oak Hunting edition and w/ the windshield the cab heat is unbearable in the summer. I cannot believe these things leave the factory like this. They should have better heat shields in the engine compartment against the back wall.
Even with the AC on?
I have the hunting edition. No AC. Front and back glass and half doors. I take off the back glass in the summer but it is still an absolute furnace. I actually dislike driving it in the summer. I'm going to experiment with removal of the doors next. But I bought them for protection and intended on using them....not having to remove them for half of the year.
@@brianfraser1038 maybe you could add the additional heat shielding and the part of the insulated cab behind the seats?
@@kelly4112 thanks.
I will look into this. I actually didn't know they sold an additional heat shield.
Thanks for the suggestion
@@brianfraser1038 you bet! From the looks of the updated heat shielding from can am it is not very robust. More like tinfoil. But you can purchase rolls of much thicker heat shielding from Amazon. I would put a layer of the shielding on the firewall behind the seats on the inside and then put the insulated cab panel over it. Best of luck!
You guys are Polaris lovers that machine is the best in the industry can am dominating off road world
Did we crap on this machine? Not sure why you feel you need to Defend the Defender. It's a great machine and we all love it around here
It has fan settings and on high it blow hard than any vehicle
Yup, we figured out how to adjust it after we did this video.
Costs more than my car and isn’t even street legal from the factory. Smh
You can make em street legal but I understand it’s very expensive
That arm rest pad on the drivers side of the center section of the seat is useless. I'm short and rest my arm on it its so low, budys hudge he couldn't use either. But nice machine
What would it take to make a car like this road legal? I guess if the year was 1980 most probably not much besides indicators. Today most probably a list of requirements a mile long.
Not a huge sxs guy but it was worth watching for the random George Foreman reference!
When riding a tuff trail: Smart Schocks are totally different than Fart Schocks……
Are you trying to say, "Never trust a fart on a rough trail?" 😂
The tailgate needs to hold more weight. 250 lb is not enough for me. It should hold 2 people
Ok.... thats good news...whew. if it didn't have the squirter, there is no way I would buy this.....🤣🤣👍👍
Nice. I don't like auto climate control in ANYTHING.
I hope they make a performance SxS with A/C
I live in the desert so my SxS sits all summer. Too hot.
How many years would you have to own this Unit for it to feel like you got your money's worth?
Spending that much 💲 on a SXS looks more like a wealth statement than an informed buying decision.
As we mentioned, not for the average buyer.
@@dirttraxtv
Would you buy it for 30K?
@@fistcover3831 I'd consider myself an average buyer BUT if my wallet was fat with cash, then yes I would.
@@dirttraxtv
I would not spend that kind of cash.
However, I am admittedly a cheap ass.
When it comes down to best bang for the buck, you guys at Dirt Trax have done a great job providing insight towards quads like the Sportsman 570 for example.
I am hoping the hot market cools off by the end of the year so I can make a cash offer on a 2021 570 or a leftover 2020 Grizzly 700
Both good choices. In around the same power. The market is just red hot at the moment. Makes those deals tougher to find but they've gotta be out there.
Geez its nice but to blow all that bling for the trail you may as well get an older sidekick .To me its not 4 wheeling anymore when when you got hvac and wipers
This machine is definitely not for the average rider.
30k and no sterio! WTH
Where can I get the ac aftermarket haha
Can you do a Yamaha raptor 700 review
Would love to get a Raptor on site again. It's been a long time.
@@dirttraxtv ya
I would love to see that!
Disagree on air ride, not very reliable in winter
I you can change the fan speed
set it and forget it wasn't George… It was Ron P
Thank you!
🏆🏆🏆🤗
Jeep price!???
👍
30k Jesus christ....my truck was 24 lol
Yup, not for the average consumer that's for sure!
Climate control on a hd8 I'd buy in camo. however, it's not offered.
Audio sucks.
Brp is innovative but ill never trust their reliability
@MrTylerg506 I would beg to differ. Almost everyone I ride with is on a Can-Am. All of them have issues weekly. The last ride ones gas gauge died, the others display completely died. Both are less than 4 years old. Add that they all have play in their bars and have been to the dealer multiple times, things wear fast. Great machines but expensive on maintenance.
@Par Shath Lots of different experiences with brands. Unfortunate that yours were poor with Can-Am. Curious to know who here sees Can Am's quality and reliability as HIGH vs LOW? Would be an interesting poll.
Brp you cannot doing maintenance without remove a lot of body panel... for the price the nortstar is more loaded and have side door color match
middlehot CanAm has WAY more room than the Polaris does and that’s a big deal. Has a better HVAC system, and just overall built better.
jcollin810 i agree room is better in can am but look is not very nice with max crew in full black door
just buy a Jeep