The Can-Am Outlander 1000 and 850 are two brothers sharing a family bloodline, but their personalities are very different. Built on the same platform as the incredible Outlander 1000, and even sharing most engine parts, we expected the 2025 Can-Am Outlander 850 to offer a very similar feel, albeit with a slightly more subdued ride. We were wrong; It’s another Can-Am thrill machine.
FIVE MODELS TO PICK FROM
The 2025 Can-Am Outlander 850 is available in five model configurations, the DPS, XT, X mr, Max DPS and Max XT. Highlights of each package are:
- OUTLANDER 850 – The base package. All the great performance and handling features in a streamlined package. MSRP: $11,199
- DPS – Our pick as the one to own, with Tri-Mode power steering, and the Visco-Lok QE auto-locking front differential. MSRP: $12,499
- X mr – A favorite for all mud riders, featuring modified racks and foot rests, relocated radiator with high-flow fan, snorkeled CVT/Engine intake and exhaust, a 3,500 lb. winch with synthetic rope, and 30 in. XPS Swamp king XL tires. MSRP: $14,999
- XT – Upgraded tires and wheels, hand guards, exterior protection, upgraded bumpers, and winch. MSRP: $13,649
- MAX DPS and MAX XT – All the features of the DPS and XT, but built for 2! MSRP: $13,849 and $14,999
DETAILS ON THE OUTLANDER 850’s
We were more than impressed with the fit and feel of the Outlander 850 and 1000, and it starts with a new chassis.
Can-Am had long favored their trailing arm style chassis, and scrapping it must have been a hotly contested topic at design concept meetings. The new Gen-3 chassis and its dual A-arm suspension is even better. It’s a radical departure from its predecessors, featuring over 95% new components, but the new Gen-3 chassis performs superbly over a wider variety of terrain and riding styles. Constructed with high-strength steel tubing, it prioritizes both performance and rider comfort. The new suspension system, coupled with refined shock packages and sway bars, delivers a smoother and more controlled ride. Furthermore, innovative double-bonded pivot bushings enhance durability, reduce vibration, and eliminate the need for maintenance. Innovation was not limited to just the chassis, however. A new engine was in the works as well.
The 2025 Outlander 850 boasts a powerful V-twin engine optimized for performance with high-compression pistons and carefully designed intake and exhaust systems. To maximize airflow and minimize heat buildup, the air intake is strategically positioned ahead of the instrument pod, while the exhaust system and bodywork are engineered to efficiently dissipate heat. The engine is paired with Can-Am’s advanced CVT transmission featuring a pDrive primary clutch and dual-roller-driven secondary clutch, delivering rapid throttle response and smooth engagement. To keep grit out of the CVT system, the air intake is also located under the center pod just ahead of the handlebars. It’s all part of Can-Ams relentless attention of detail.
Attention to detail is what makes Can-Am the premier brand in powersports, and the 2025 Can-Am Outlander 850 boasts a visually impressive, refined design with high-quality materials and impeccable fit and finish. From the sleek LED lighting to the thoughtfully integrated storage compartments and composite racks, every detail oozes premium craftsmanship. The ergonomically spacious bodywork, sculpted for unrestricted rider movement, features large floorboards and integrated foot pegs for comfort and excellent control. Maintenance tasks were not overlooked, and panels are easily removed without tools for quick oil and filter checks or servicing. And speaking of oil checks, Can-Am claims you can forget the standard break-in session. Ride as you normally would and change the oil at a whopping 1900 miles! Admittedly, it’s a feature we’ll have a hard time getting used to, and we’ll do oil and filter changes just as we’ve always done, mainly out of habit, or fear.
Key Details of all 2025 Outlander 850’s are:
- POWER – New 82 hp Rotax® 850 V-twin engine with DOHC, Intelligent Throttle Control (iTC™️) with riding modes
- TRANSMISSION – New pDrive primary Clutch with Dual-Roller secondary clutch and revised CVT for more low-end torque and longer belt life.
- SUSPENSION – New dual A-Arms front and rear with improved suspension geometry designed to ride up and over obstacles. Rubber bushings used on pivots for reduced maintenance.
- CONTROL – Intelligent Engine Braking (iEB) and three driving modes
- DIFFERENTIAL UPGRADES – New Visco-Lok† auto-locking front differential with revised gear cut for less noise and maximum life
- ACCESSORY INTEGRATION – Full integration with LinQ accessory lineup
Rather than cover the same trail twice on all the 2025 Outlander 850 and 1000 features, check out our review of the shared details: https://atvillustrated.com/content/2025-can-am-outlander-1000r-atv-review-unmatched-speed-power-style/
A SHARED PLATFORM
Efficient manufacturing hinges on part-sharing across different models. This strategy leads to a more streamlined design process, better resource allocation for engineering teams, and significantly lower tooling costs. It also simplifies the supply chain, benefiting everyone from parts suppliers to dealers. It’s just a smart way to organize your model lineup. Can-Am’s third-generation chassis fully embraces this concept, with multiple models built on the same platform. The 2025 Can-Am Outlander 850 and 1000 engine take that concept even further.
The exorbitant costs associated with engine development has compelled Can-Am to explore innovative avenues for efficiency. Both the Outlander 850 and the 1000 share a nearly identical engine, and almost every part of the 1000 engine is also found on the 850, although the 1000 cranks out a whopping 101 hp. And you just know the next question we had for the Can-Am engineering team was, what modifications are needed to unlock the 1000’s full potential in the 850? It’s a question nearly every 850 owner will ask as well. While a simple ECU reflash seemed like the obvious answer, not so fast. The reality is a little more involved.
POWER UPGRADE – HOW TO UNLEASH THE FULL 101 HP
While an ECU reflash can unlock more power, it’s pointless without reliability. And that comes through additional cooling. Can-Am engineers made it clear there are differences in the cooling capacity, and the fan operating parameters. And additional power creates added load to the driveline as well. Revised clutch settings are crucial to harness the extra power without sacrificing belt life. Upgrading an 850 to 1000-level performance is possible, but it requires careful planning and a willingness to accept potential risks.
SO HOW DOES THE 850 PERFORM?
Given the shared chassis, we anticipated a similar experience to the 2025 Outlander 1000, albeit with slightly less grunt. However, 82 horsepower is no slouch, and with a flick of your thumb, the Outlander 850 will still blow pretty much every other ATV into the weeds. Make no mistake, with a weight that exceeds its displacement, (approaching a portly 1000 lbs. on some models) it weighs more than some early model Side x Sides! Still, on the trail, there is no top-heavy feeling. It’s got an entirely different disposition.
The 2025 Outlander 850 strikes a balance between comfort for longer rides and support for aggressive riding. Handlebars vary by model, offering relaxed backward-swept options for general riding and more aggressive bars for charging down the trail. The easy to read, user-friendly digital display provides essential ride information, while the right handlebar houses controls for Intelligent Throttle Control (iTC) with multiple driving modes and Intelligent Engine Braking (iEB). Speaking of braking, while the 1000 gets four disc brakes, the 850 features three, with a shared brake on the rear axle. Still, it has plenty of stopping power and it always got the job done. We were a little concerned about a very light throttle feel from the electronic throttle initially, but on the trail, it was no problem. One feature we really love is the easy shifting gearbox. It was always easy to find the right gear.
A SPORTY 850? FOR REAL!
We never thought there would be a day we described an 850 lb., 850 class ATV as “sporty” but that’s the feeling it delivers. From the seat, it feels nimble thanks to excellent weight distribution, a very rigid chassis, and precise steering. We’re also impressed with the shocks that do an excellent job of soaking up small trail bumps and hard hits with equal ease. The suspension held its line whether on loose rock or sand, even under aggressive cornering, with no tire sidewall flex that sometimes gives a spongy feeling. The slightly shorter tire also contributes to the sporty, precise feel, and while some riders change tires, we would stick to the stock tire for the excellent feel they deliver. Whether on steep, rocky mountain climbs or slogging through muddy sections of trail, they provided great traction. Can-Am engineers were quick to point out the new steering geometry is a big factor in the 850’’s precise feel and high-speed stability, as well as a very tight turning radius.
A FAVORITE?
As much as we were blown away by the outstanding performance, impressive features, and incredible build quality of the Outlander 1000, the 2025 Can-Am Outlander 850 measures up to those same high standards in every way. It delivers on Can-Am’s promise of performance and quality, and although you can’t go wrong with either, it just may be our favorite.
https://can-am.brp.com/off-road/us/en/models/all-terrain-vehicles.html
