2026 Model Year
Can-Am Defender
Can-Am's proven Gen 1 work platform, offered across the HD7, HD9, and HD10 engine tiers — built for farm work, hauling, and utility jobs, with over a decade of real-world reliability and a lower cost of ownership than the redesigned HD11 lineup.
Shop Defender For Sale- Horsepower
- 52–82 hp
- Engine
- 650cc Single / 976cc V-Twin
- Transmission
- QRS / PRO-TORQ CVT
- Ground Clearance
- 13 in.
Engine & Transmission
The Defender lineup covered here is built around three proven Rotax engine tiers: the HD7's 650cc single-cylinder ACE engine (52 hp / 42 lb-ft), the HD9's 976cc V-twin (65 hp / 59 lb-ft), and the HD10's higher-output tune of the same 976cc V-twin (up to 82 hp), which adds the extra torque needed for towing, cab configurations, and heavier loads. Power runs through a CVT tuned for engine braking and high-airflow ventilation, with a Visco-Lok auto-locking front differential and a rear differential Turf mode standard across the range.
| Engine | 650cc single-cylinder ACE (HD7) / 976cc V-twin (HD9, HD10), liquid-cooled |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 52 hp (HD7) / 65 hp (HD9) / up to 82 hp (HD10) |
| Transmission | CVT with engine braking; PRO-TORQ CVT with QRS technology on HD10 |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Drive Modes | 2WD / 4WD, rear differential Turf mode |
| Front Differential | Visco-Lok™ auto-locking front differential |
Suspension & Chassis
The Defender runs independent double A-arm front suspension paired with independent rear suspension using Trailing Torsional A-arms (TTA-HD), giving a composed ride over rough terrain at a 13-inch ground clearance. The steel-frame chassis is built around a VERSA-PRO bench seat with flip-up passenger seating and, on CAB models, full weather protection.
| Front Suspension | Independent double A-arm |
|---|---|
| Rear Suspension | Independent, Trailing Torsional A-arms (TTA-HD) |
| Ground Clearance | 13 in. (33 cm) |
| Frame | Steel frame with aluminum wheels |
| Seating | VERSA-PRO bench seat, passenger seats flip up; 3-seat standard, 6-seat MAX available |
Defender Trim Lineup
The Gen 1 Defender covers three engine tiers across a range of trims, from an affordable entry point to enclosed-cab and heavy-duty work configurations.
Defender HD7
The most affordable Defender, powered by the 52-hp single-cylinder engine — built for lighter-duty farm and property work with a lower cost of ownership.
Defender HD9
Steps up to the 65-hp V-twin for a meaningful jump in power and torque over the HD7, while keeping the same proven, easy-to-service Gen 1 platform.
Defender HD10
The most powerful engine in the Gen 1 lineup at up to 82 hp, suited to towing, elevation, and heavier loadouts — and the tier used in specialized builds like the Defender PRO, 6x6, and full-cab configurations.
Defender DPS CAB
An enclosed-cab configuration with a hard canopy, doors, and HVAC options, built on the HD9 or HD10 engine for all-season work in the field.