1. It’s the most powerful Defender engine ever made
The HD10’s 82-horsepower Rotax V-Twin is the strongest engine Can-Am has ever installed in a Defender from the factory.
2. The engine is tuned for torque, not top speed
Unlike sport UTVs, the HD10 is built for low-end pulling power. It excels at towing, mud, hauling, and work. Many owners describe it as a “refined tractor engine.”
3. It runs cooler than earlier models
Can-Am redesigned the airflow and clutch cooling system, allowing the HD10 to stay stable even in high heat or slow-speed ranch work.
4. The PDrive clutch is a major improvement
The updated PDrive primary clutch provides:
smoother engagement
reduced belt wear
faster backshifting
This is one of the reasons the HD10 feels more refined than older Defenders.
5. The Rotax V-Twin has aviation roots
Rotax engines are used in light aircraft, snowmobiles, and watercraft. The HD10’s motor comes from a long-standing engineering lineage known for reliability.
6. It’s built to handle heavy use
Many owners report HD10 engines running well past 5,000 hours with basic maintenance, which is exceptional for a utility UTV.
7. It’s responsible for the Defender’s strong towing capability
The HD10 engine is what gives the Defender its 2,500-pound towing capacity, one of the highest ratings in the utility UTV class.
Intelligent Throttle Control (iTC™) with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
12 V (30 amp/h)
Selectable Turf Mode/2WD/4WD with Visco-Lok auto-locking front differential | Driving Assistance: Electronic Hill Descent Control ECO™/ECO™ Off/Work modes
PRO-TORQ CVT Transmission with Quick Response System (QRS), high-airflow ventilation and Electronic Drive Belt Protection, Extra L/H/N/R/P
Power: Dynamic Power Steering (DPS™)
Arched double A-arm with sway bar
12 in. (30.5 cm)
Twin tube gas-charged shocks
Arched TTA with external sway bar
12 in. (30.5 cm)
Twin tube gas-charged shocks
Dual 220 mm disc brakes with hydraulic twin-piston calipers
Dual 220 mm disc brakes with hydraulic single-piston calipers
Brake holding mechanism
14 in. cast-aluminum | Steering: Adjustable tilt steering
XPS Trac Force 30 x 9 x 14 in.
XPS Trac Force 30 x 10 x 14 in.
Cargo box: 38 x 54.5 x 12 in. (96.5 x 138.4 x 30.5 cm)
126 x 65 x 81 in. (319 x 165.1 x 252 cm)
83 in. (211.5 cm)
14 in. (35.56 cm)
Total: 12.7 gal (48.1 L)
Box: 1,000 lb (454 kg)/California only: 600 lb (272.2 kg)
2,500 lb (1,134 kg)
1,200 lb (544 kg)
10.6 gal (40 L)
Tailgate: 250 lb (113.4 kg)
3
1,976 lb (896 kg)
Winch: 4,500-lb (2,041 kg) winch with roller fairlead
DC outlet (10-A), USB Port (10-A) x 2
Profiled cage, ROPS approved
XT front bumper, HMWPE full skid plate, full hard roof with liner and interior dome light, full color match doors with electric opening windows, 3-position full glass tilt-up windshield with wiper/washer kit, rear glass window, panoramic mirror