In Side-by-side vehicles, the Can-Am Commander vs Polaris General are two of the most representative and popular options. They look similar, both having strong power with off-road fun. But the real difference lies in the details. Before buying, read this article to get the key information you need to know, from quality and comfort to performance. Help you find which one is more suitable for your riding style and usage needs.
Polaris General vs. Can-Am Commander Specs
Let’s start with the basics by comparing the latest models in 2025, Polaris General XP 1000 and Can-Am Commander XT-P 1000R. We’ll use their specs to give us a baseline for comparison, but the numbers only tell part of the story.
| Feature | 2025 Polaris General XP 1000 | 2025 Can-Am Commander XT-P 1000R |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 999cc ProStar, DOHC Twin Cylinder | 976cc Rotax, V-Twin |
| Horsepower | 100 HP | 100 HP |
| Front Suspension Travel | 14 in (35.6 cm) | 12.5 in (31.8 cm) |
| Rear Suspension Travel | 14 in (35.6 cm) | 13 in (33 cm) |
| Ground Clearance | 13.5 in (34.3 cm) | 13 in (33 cm) |
| Wheelbase | 83 in (211 cm) | 90.6 in (230.1 cm) |
| Front Differential | On-Demand True AWD (True Locker) | Visco-Lok QE (Auto-Locking) |
| Key Utility Feature | VersaTrac Turf Mode (Unlocks rear diff) | Dual-Level Cargo Box (Versatile storage) |
| Standard Wheels | 15-inch | 15-inch |
| Standard Tires | 30-inch Pro Armor Crawler | 30-inch Maxxis Carnivore |
Polaris General vs. Can-Am Commander Differences Explained
Besides driving experience, the Can-Am Commander and the Polaris General are the most representative UTVs in their current class, making comparisons truly meaningful. Before the introduction of the Polaris General, the Commander practically dominated this segment. A machine’s true character is revealed on the road, in the garage, and over hundreds of miles of driving. Based on extensive owner feedback and our own analysis of their designs, here’s a comparison of the two UTVs in the most crucial areas.
Comfort
Long-time driving has higher demands on comfort. The Can-Am Commander’s fit and finish of body panels, the quality of the materials, and the overall workmanship are taken to the next level. Many owners think so. This attention to detail also applies to the seats. The original seats are generally considered more supportive and more suitable for long-distance driving. In contrast, the seats in the Polaris General are a common point of criticism, with many owners finding them firm and lacking support. It’s one of the first things many General owners upgrade, which is an important consideration, as a quality set of aftermarket seats can easily add $800-$1,000 to your total cost.
However, the Commander’s comfort comes with a significant trade-off: heat and noise. It places the powerful Rotax engine directly behind the driver, producing a lot of heat and sound in the cab. On hot summer days, this can be unpleasant. On the other hand, riders in colder areas might welcome the extra cab heat. The Polaris General, with its engine placed further back, runs greatly cooler and quieter. It also offers more in-cab storage compartments, which is a definite plus for stashing gear.
Performance
On paper, the Polaris General holds a slight edge with its 100-horsepower ProStar engine, compared to the Commander’s 92-horsepower Rotax V-twin. In a straight-line drag race, they are both incredibly quick and will put a smile on your face. However, the on-trail feel is more nuanced. The Commander is geared higher, which gives it a slightly higher top speed. This makes it feel fantastic when ripping down open fire roads or across wide-open desert flats.
The General, while powerful, has gearing that is more focused on low-end and mid-range grunt. For most recreational riding, the performance difference is negligible. Both machines have enough power to get you into and out of trouble. The point is not which one is “faster”, but how to deliver the power. The Commander had the advantage at high speeds. The General had an unusually strong response when accelerating out of corners or climbing.
Suspension
Once again, the spec points to a clear winner, with the Polaris General having greatly more suspension travel (14″ front / 14″ rear) than the Commander (12.5″ front / 13″ rear). This extra travel makes the General deal with big hits and whoops more effectively, offering a more comfortable ride. The Commander’s suspension design is good for cornering. When going through fast, sweeping turns, the Torsional Trailing Arm (TTI) rear suspension keeps the tires planted and maintains traction excellently. Some riders say the Commander feels a bit bouncy over repeated bumps, where the General’s longer suspension travel smooths things out.
Another difference is the power steering. The Commander’s Tri-Mode DPS stands out for offering better feedback and more adjustability than the General’s standard system. For most riders on trails, both suspension systems perform well, but the General is better in extreme roughness. The Commander feels more planted in high-speed turns.
Price and Affordability
Let’s talk about the price. The price difference between the two depends on the configuration and interior. The price starts at US$15,699 for the 2024 Can-Am Commander. The top four-seat version can go up to US$28,599. The 2025 Polaris General starts at a slightly higher cost, with the base General 1000 priced at around $17,499 and the high-end XP version almost $23,999. Of course, you can get a good bargain when buying a previous car. Overall, the Commander had a lower entry threshold. The General’s price reflected its stronger suspension and engine performance.
Customization and Additional Features
Both Polaris and Can-Am offer a wide range of accessories. They have different strengths out of the box. The Commander features an innovative dual-level cargo box. This gives you a standard dump bed on top and a separate, water-resistant storage underneath, perfect for putting tools.
The General has superior in-cab storage with numerous cubbies and a large center console. When it comes to maintenance, the General has a clear advantage. The engine and clutch are more easily accessible, so oil changes or belt inspections are much simpler. On the Commander, you have to remove seats and body panels to access these components. Whether you’re doing basic service or installing upgraded Can-Am parts, the General’s design will save you time and headaches in the garage.
Can-Am Commander vs Polaris General Recommended Use
So, with all these differences, which machine is right for you? It all comes down to where you ride.
Forest road, Desert, non-technical riding
If your adventures consist mainly of graded forest roads, open desert trails, and fast, non-technical terrain, we believe the Can-Am Commander is the superior choice. In this environment, its “fatal flaws” for technical riding are irrelevant. You get to fully enjoy its higher-quality build, more comfortable stock seats, and excellent high-speed handling. The hot and loud cab is a more manageable trade-off when you’re cruising at speed and not crawling over obstacles. For pure, fast-paced fun on open trails, the Commander delivers a premium experience.
Trail and Technical riding
When the trail gets tight, rocky, and technical, the tables turn dramatically in favor of the Polaris General. This is where the Commander’s two critical flaws become deal-breakers for serious trail riders: its front differential and its high gearing. The Commander uses the Visco-Lok QE system, which is not a true locking differential. On a slippery obstacle, a wheel must spin two or three full rotations before the system engages. By then, you’ve often lost all momentum.
The Polaris General, in contrast, uses a true On-Demand AWD system. The moment it detects a slip, the front differential locks instantly, providing immediate four-wheel traction. Combined with its lower stock gearing, the General can crawl over logs, rocks, and ruts with ease. The Commander’s high gearing makes it struggle for the low-end torque needed for this kind of work. On a technical trail, the General will confidently walk over obstacles while the Commander rider is reaching for the winch cable.
To Summarize
The Can-Am Commander vs the Polaris General offers valuable opinions about each vehicle. If you’re looking for good craftsmanship and comfort, and often high-speed trails, choose the Can-Am Commander. For challenging mountain roads and technical climbs, the Polaris General is a better choice. For years, Commander parts have often had a slight premium. General parts are easier to get and more affordable. However, you can find high-quality parts with lower prices at FridayParts. They are compatible with a wide range of models, like oil, filters, belts, and more. Browse our classifieds now to easily find the parts you need to keep your vehicle in top condition.
