Polaris RZR XP vs Can-Am Maverick: Who is the King of the Dubai Desert?

Every time people ask the same question when booking a desert safari ride in Dubai: “Which is better for Dubai’s dunes,the Polaris RZR XP or the Can-Am Maverick?” It’s a fair question. These vehicles are the top choices for dune bashing and both look like they belong in Hollywood movies. To give you a fair idea of the best desert buggy tour option, we’re going beyond numbers to talk about real-world off-road performance. What matters in Dubai isn’t just horsepower, it’s how these machines handle extreme heat, sharp ridges, and endless soft sand. This blog dives deep into the Can-Am vs RZR debate and aims to end it once and for all..

Here is a brief introduction to let you decide the real champion of the Dubai desert. 

Polaris RZR XP

The Polaris RZR XP has long been a leader in off-road vehicles, especially in Dubai. Built with a ProStar Turbo engine, advanced Dynamix Active Suspension, and high-clearance A-arms, it delivers exceptional stability. The 2024 upgrade added better cooling and ride control, both critical for desert safari Dubai conditions.

Can-Am Maverick X3

The Can-Am Maverick X3 Turbo RR is a powerful dune buggy, known for its Rotax Turbo RR engine producing up to 200 horsepower. It’s fitted with Smart-Lok™ differential and FOX Racing Shocks, making it ideal for high-speed desert dune bashing and steep sand climbs. It’s a favorite for thrill-seekers.

Can-Am Maverick vs. Polaris RZR

Performance in the Dubai Desert

Dubai’s desert demands more than just speed. In the battle of Can-Am vs Polaris RZR, both shine. The Polaris RZR delivers smooth torque and throttle control, perfect for long-distance safari tours. The Can-Am Maverick, with its higher horsepower-to-weight ratio, dominates on steep dunes and in deep sand. If you’re into desert adventures with extreme conditions, the Maverick might give you more adrenaline-pumping fun.

From pro riders, the Maverick tends to power through dunes more easily, especially with less chance of bogging down. But the RZR XP scores high on stability because it rarely surprises you, even when you’re pushing it hard.

Suspension Showdown: Comfort vs Control

Polaris RZR XP:

Equipped with FOX Live Valve Shocks and Walker Evans needle shocks, the RZR’s adaptive suspension is built for mixed terrain. It delivers a consistent, controlled ride—perfect for longer desert safari rides.

Can-Am Maverick X3:

With up to 24 inches of suspension travel, Trophy Truck-inspired suspension, and TTX trailing arms, the Maverick X3 is made for big dune jumps and extreme off-road conditions.

Verdict: Can-Am wins in suspension travel, but Polaris provides a more predictable ride on varying terrain.

Speed, Acceleration & Handling

In raw acceleration, the Can-Am Maverick X3 is unmatched—hitting speeds over 85 mph. The Polaris RZR XP, though slightly slower, shines in cornering stability and tight trail maneuvering.

• Can-Am for top speed and thrill rides
  
• Polaris for balance and control over long distances
  

Interior & Rider Comfort

Let’s be honest, comfort matters in the desert. You’ll be strapped in for hours, baking under the Dubai sun. Inside the RZR XP, you get a very driver-focused layout. The seats are upright, visibility is great, and everything is within arm’s reach.

The Maverick feels more like a cockpit than a cabin. It’s lower to the ground, with deep bucket seats and a slightly more “race-ready” vibe. Both machines come with four-point harnesses and good ventilation, but the Maverick x3 has better seat cushioning and more adjustable ergonomics. For tour operators doing full-day runs, the Can Am gets more love here.

Tech & Customisation Options

Both vehicles offer GPS, digital dashboards, and smart ride modes. But:

• Can-Am Maverick X3 has stronger aftermarket support, especially for custom builds.
  
• Polaris RZR is easier to mod for reliable tour operations.
  

From beadlock wheels to LED light bars, both are off-road customization kings, but Maverick edges ahead in mod flexibility.

Maintenance & Durability in UAE Conditions

Dubai’s heat and sand are brutal on vehicles. Here, we talk about how Polaris Rzr Vs Can Am survive, not just how they perform. Polaris has an edge in simplicity and easier to service, with parts that are widely available across UAE service centres. It’s a practical machine.

The Maverick requires more attention. Its turbocharged system is powerful but needs more cooling and occasional tweaks. However, many rental companies still prefer it because it rarely breaks down under pressure, if you keep up with maintenance.

In the long run, Polaris is slightly more forgiving, but Can-Am’s performance holds up impressively when cared for properly.

Can-AM Vs Polaris RZR: Prices And Packages Difference

Here is Can Am X3 Vs Rzr  price and packages of which one provides best value for money. If you're planning an off-road adventure in Dubai and considering renting a Polaris RZR XP or a Can-Am Maverick X3, here's a breakdown of current rental packages and prices from various providers. 

Vehicle Model	Duration	Price (AED)	Seating Capacity	Notable Inclusions
Polaris RZR XP4	1 Hour	800	4-Seater	Hotel pickup, tour guide, safety gear
Polaris RZR 1000cc	1 Hour	900	1-Seater	Tour guide, unlimited water, safety gear
Can-Am Maverick X3 RR	1 Hour	1,500	2-Seater	Experienced guide, safety gear, refreshments
Can-Am Maverick X3 RR	2 Hours	2,250	2-Seater	Hotel pickup, safety gear, guided tour
Can-Am Maverick X3 1700cc	30 Min	900	4-Seater	Tour guide, hotel pickup, refreshments, sandboarding, camel ride

Final Verdict: Polaris RZR XP vs Can-Am Maverick

So, who takes the crown?

• Performance: Can-Am
  
• Handling: Polaris
  
• Comfort: Can-Am
  
• Customisation: Can-Am
  
• Durability: Polaris
  
• Price-to-Value: Draw
  

If you’re new to desert rides or want a balanced, dependable machine, go with the RZR XP. If you want raw speed, smarter tech, and a smoother ride, the Can-Am Maverick is your king.

Can-Am X3 vs RZR XP – Who’s Better to Ride in 2025?

Looking into 2025, the Can-Am Maverick X3 has refined its already strong base. With new Smart-Lok differentials and updated cooling systems, it’s becoming the standard for extreme desert driving. The RZR XP has focused on rider safety and control, making it more beginner-friendly.

For pure desert thrill in 2025? The Maverick X3 edges ahead. But if you want something solid, simple, and easy to maintain, the RZR XP is still in the fight.

Conclusion

Both the Polaris RZR XP and Can-Am Maverick X3 are incredible machines built to dominate the desert. But out in Dubai’s dunes, it’s not just about horsepower or specs—it’s about confidence. The Can-Am Maverick, with its speed, comfort, and tech, feels more like the desert’s natural ruler. The razor atv, reliable and tough, remains the smart, steady workhorse. Who’s the real king? That depends on what kind of rider you are. But if the desert had to choose, it would probably pick the Maverick. So what are you waiting for, Book With ESA Tours Dune Buggy Dubai and hit the sand dunes with your favorite vehicle and have fun with friends and family.