What to look for when trying to decide if you need a Can-Am Outlander with or without XMR?
What does “XMR” mean?
“XMR” is a trim/package on the Outlander designed for extreme off-road / mud / deep terrain use. The standard Outlander models are more general-purpose (trail, utility, mixed terrain). Some of the defining features of the XMR trim:
Larger/more aggressive tires (e.g., 30-inch ITP Cryptid tires) to handle deep mud and big obstacles.
Higher ground clearance and / or more robust air/intake/exhaust routing (e.g., snorkels) so the vehicle can go through deeper water/mud without sucking up water or clogging.
Gearbox / gearing tuned for low-speed torque/having “extra low L-gear” rather than top speed.
Possibly wider stance, heavier weight, maybe less nimble in some trail situations.
Some users report that the XMR is basically the same engine/transmission in many cases as non-XMR, but the package adds the off-road specific bits.
Key differences between XMR vs non-XMR Outlander
Here’s a summary of the major differences to look out for:
| Feature | XMR version | Regular/Non-XMR version |
|---|---|---|
| Tires & Wheels | 30″ mud-focused tires (e.g., ITP Cryptids) and beadlock wheels in some years. offroadofficial.com+1 | More modest 26″ tires (or whatever the standard for that year) more balanced for mixed terrain. offroadofficial.com+1 |
| Ground Clearance & Size | Typically greater clearance; might have larger vehicle dimensions/weight. offroadofficial.com | Slightly lower clearance; lighter; maybe more agile on trails. |
| Gearing / Drivetrain tuning | Lower gearing to pull through thick mud / deep terrain; less focus on high-speed gearing. offroadofficial.com+1 | Balanced gearing, more trail/utility oriented; top speed more feasible. |
| Intake/Exhaust / Snorkeling | Snorkeled airbox/relocated radiator in many XMRs to handle deep muck/water. offroadofficial.com+1 | Standard intake/exhaust routing; fine for trails and moderate water. |
| Weight / Size / Maneuverability | Heavier, longer/wider chassis in some years; trade-off is less nimble. offroadofficial.com+1 | More nimble, possibly easier to maneuver in tighter trails, woods. |
| Use case / terrain | Extremely muddy terrain, deep water, heavy off-trail, “go big” adventures. | Trail riding, mixed use (woods, utility, maybe lighter mud), more general. |
What questions to ask yourself before deciding
To decide whether you need the XMR or whether a non-XMR is sufficient (and perhaps more versatile/better value), ask:
How deep/muddy/rough is your terrain?
If you’re going into very deep mud, water crossings, back-woods with lots of muck, the XMR’s extra clearance, snorkels, mud tires will pay off.
If you’re mostly on trails, woods, moderate mud, utility use (hauling, hunting, etc.), a non-XMR could be more practical.
How much do you value agility & ease of maneuvering vs “go anywhere” capability?
XMR = somewhat heavier, maybe less nimble in tight woods or switchbacks.
Regular = more trail friendly, easier to use day-to-day.
What will be the vehicle’s primary role?
Is it hunting (where maybe you need utility, storage, passing through woods, maybe fewer deep mud runs)?
Or is it “mud beast” / deep off-road fun machine?
For hunting/utility, the regular trim might be well suited (unless your hunting terrain is extremely muddy/back-country).
For extreme off-road, deep muck, XMR wins.
Budget & cost of ownership
The XMR may cost more (premium trim) and may carry higher maintenance or accessories cost (e.g., bigger tires, heavier usage).
Also resale/maintenance of more aggressive components might differ.
If you don’t need the extra capacity, you might be paying for features you rarely use.
Tires and versatility trade-off
The XMR comes with aggressive mud tires — great in muck, but they may be less ideal for hardpack, gravel, street/road or mixed terrain. Some owners say they are too “mud‐centric”. reddit.com+1
If you ride across different terrain (gravel, pavement, mixed woods), you may want a tire setup that’s more all-terrain rather than specialized mud.
Future upgrades & modification
If you pick a regular model but you anticipate maybe doing deeper mud runs later, can you upgrade it with snorkels, tires, etc? Possibly yes.
If you pick XMR, ensure you’re comfortable with its trade-offs.
My recommendation (based on your use)
Since earlier you mentioned hunting — you might be doing woods/back-country, possibly hauling gear, maybe not full “deep swamp/muck” runs constantly — here’s how I’d steer:
If your hunting terrain is moderate (woods, brush, trails, maybe occasional muddy patches, game hauling, mid-depth water) → go with a non-XMR Outlander. You’ll get a good mix of utility, agility, and maybe lower cost.
If your hunting terrain is extreme (very muddy, swampy, deep water crossings, remote back-country where every bit of extra clearance, snorkel, mud tire matters) → go for the XMR so you won’t get stuck or limited by the machine.
Things to check / clarify when you inspect a specific machine
When you’re looking at a specific Outlander (XMR or non-XMR), make sure to check:
Condition of tires (especially if XMR’s mud tires are worn or the original tires have been changed)
Any signs of wear from deep water/muck (for XMRs) or heavy use
Maintenance history (mud machines can get abused)
Are the snorkels/intake/exhaust in good shape (for XMR)
Is the gearing/drive behaving properly (no belt slip, especially in kids of heavy load or mud)
How it handles the kind of terrain you will use it in – if possible take a test ride in similar terrain
Accessories needed for hunting (cargo racks, winch, storage) which might matter equally for non-XMR or XMR.