BRP is taking a two-pronged approach to the future of powersports. On one side, the company is pushing ahead with electrification through the launch of the 2026 Can-Am Outlander Electric, its first electric ATV. On the other hand, it’s doubling down on internal combustion power with a ground-up redesign of the Can-Am Defender, one of its most important utility side-by-sides. Together, the announcements highlight BRP’s strategy of addressing both emerging technology trends and the core demands of its traditional customer base.
Outlander Electric
The new Outlander Electric is built around the in-house Rotax E-Power modular powerpack already used in Can-Am’s electric motorcycles and Ski-Doo/Lynx snowmobiles. The machine produces 47 horsepower and 53 lb-ft of torque, with a claimed range of 50 miles in ideal conditions.
Other key specs include
Positioned for ranchers, farmers, and outdoor enthusiasts, the Outlander Electric is designed to offer serious utility to customers while appealing to riders seeking a quieter, lower-maintenance, and more sustainable option. More than 120 accessories will be available at launch, allowing dealers to tailor the machine for work or recreation.
“With the Outlander Electric, we’re not just launching a new ATV — we’re introducing a new way to experience the outdoors and get the job done,” says Julie Tourville, director of global marketing at Can-Am Off-Road.
Defender HD11
While EVs capture headlines, BRP hasn’t taken its eye off the gas-powered workhorse segment. The 2026 Can-Am Defender HD11 introduces a new engine, chassis, suspension, and technology package, reaffirming the Defender’s reputation as a benchmark in the utility-rec category.
The new 999cc three-cylinder Rotax ACE engine produces 95 hp and 70 lb-ft of torque, paired with an updated CVT and pDrive primary clutch for stronger low-speed performance. Drive modes (Normal, Work, Sport) help operators adapt to various tasks, including jobsite work, towing, and trail riding.
The chassis is more robust, featuring a 65-inch-wide suspension geometry, 50% larger A-arms, 15 inches of ground clearance, and 12 inches of suspension travel. Double-bonded bushings reduce maintenance and noise, and reinforced ROPS add safety and durability.
Comfort and technology upgrades are also front and center. The Defender boasts the largest cab in its class, improved HVAC systems on Limited and Lone Star trims, and new seating ergonomics. A 10.25-inch touchscreen with GPS, backup camera, and BRP GO integration is standard on upper trims and optional on others, supporting over-the-air updates for future features.
Best-in-class payload, towing, and cargo capacities are maintained, while a larger 11.9-gallon fuel tank extends time between fill-ups. The charging system has also doubled its output, producing 1,700 watts to power accessories, tools, or electronic add-ons.
Electrification momentum?
The Outlander Electric joins BRP’s expanding electric portfolio, which includes the Can-Am Pulse and Origin motorcycles, Ski-Doo and Lynx electric snowmobiles, and the Rotax E10 racing powerpack for karting.
Importantly, BRP is the only powersports OEM developing a fully integrated electric powertrain in-house — covering the battery pack, inverter, motor, charger, and control software. This vertical integration allows BRP to maintain control over performance, consistency, and scalability as it grows its EV lineup.
While the EV segment has struggled with consumers in recent years, president and CEO José Boisjoli underscored that electrification at BRP is “intentional and strategic,” and it has been rolled out in applications where it provides clear value. The Outlander Electric, with its blend of quiet operation and hard-working performance, is positioned as one of those high-value applications. And the price point is also in line with ICE products — albeit at a 20% premium.
What it means
For dealers, the dual product launches represent both opportunity and complexity. EV curiosity is growing, and the Outlander Electric provides showrooms with a conversation starter for landowners, outfitters, and eco-conscious riders seeking a lower-maintenance ATV. At the same time, the Defender remains a cornerstone. Its redesigned platform ensures BRP maintains a stronghold in the utility and recreational segments, where dependability and performance drive sales volume.
With more than 120 accessories for the Outlander Electric and over 200 for the Defender, dealers also have strong aftermarket opportunities to boost margins. Together, the two launches demonstrate that BRP is willing to push forward with electrification while also defending its base with combustion-powered innovations. For powersports dealers, it means having strong new talking points in both future-focused EV discussions and traditional utility sales.
American Honda upgraded its popular Pioneer 700 side-by-side for the 2026 model year, adding features like additional storage and other convenience-focused updates.
In the same Aug. 12 press release, Honda announced the return of its smallest side-by-side, the Pioneer 520. The FourTrax Rubicon 700 4×4 and FourTrax Recon will also be returning for the 2026 model year, as well as the TRX250X. All models are available, except the Recon, which will be available in October.
Pioneer 700
Designed and manufactured in the U.S. using domestic and globally made parts, the Pioneer 700 offers convenience features, more accessory options, and increased storage capacity across multiple trim levels. Engineered to handle both work and recreation, the Pioneer 700 platform includes six different trim levels (three two-seat and three four-seat), all featuring a 675cc fuel-injected engine, automatic transmission, and long-travel suspension. MSRP starts at $12,899.
Pioneer 520
Honda’s Pioneer 520 is the smallest multipurpose side-by-side in Honda’s lineup. It features a dump bed and a 1,000-lb. towing capacity, a 518cc engine, and a narrow 50-inch width that enables legal access to ATV trails. MSRP starts at $10,999.
FourTrax Rubicon 700 4X4
Honda’s most powerful ATV, the FourTrax Rubicon 700 4×4 Automatic, is developed for riders who need a machine that can handle both utility and recreation. A three-speed transmission with automatic and manual shifting modes — along with Honda’s TraxLok 2WD/4WD system — gives riders more control over technical terrain. Long-travel independent front and rear suspension contribute to a stable, comfortable ride on trails, while an 848-pound towing capacity and integrated storage make this model a practical choice at any worksite. MSRP starts at $9,999.
FourTrax Recon
The FourTrax Recon is Honda’s smallest multipurpose ATV. Its 229cc engine is powerful enough to tow up to 500 pounds. The Recon has an automatic clutch and is offered in two trim levels — one with a foot shifter and one with a handlebar-mounted push-button electric shifter. It starts at $4,849 and will be available in October.
TRX250X
The TRX250X is a versatile entry-level sport ATV. Pairing Honda’s unique SportClutch system with a capable 229cc air-cooled engine, the model is an appealing option for customers seeking performance and value. With a lightweight double-cradle steel frame, independent double-wishbone front suspension, and a rear swingarm with a single shock absorber, the TRX250X delivers solid handling and comfort on the trail. MSRP: $5,099.
AI-powered stock analysis website AInvest has pegged U.S. off-road vehicles as an emerging market in 2025, driven by surging demand for specialized hunting vehicles and recreational off-road equipment.
Global Market Insights’(GMI) 2025 Off-Road Vehicle Market Growth Forecast projects the U.S. ORV market to grow from $11.82 billion in 2025 to $17.72 billion by 2034, at a compound annual growth rate of 4.6%. Data from the GMI shows the major contributors to the ORV growth are from the regions where hunting and outdoor recreation intersect with robust economic activity.
Regional demands
States with high hunting activity, such as Alaska, Texas, Wyoming, and others, are experiencing significant off-road vehicle market growth. With two-thirds of its state open to hunting, Alaska leads in hunting participation, with 12.3% of its residents holding licenses in 2020. Texas, on the other hand, accounts for 10% of the national off-road vehicle market revenue share, making both regions an ORV hotbed. This is all according to the World Population Review.
Dealer strategies
The Southwest and Pacific Northwest are especially attractive for ORV use, with UTVs accounting for 60% of the U.S. off-road vehicle market share in 2024, according to GMI. Dealers in these regions and in high-hunting areas are meeting the demand, offering vehicles with features such as high ground clearance, durable suspension, and noise-reduction components tailored for hunting. Accessories such as LED lights, winches, and camouflage covers are also in demand, with dealers pushing these modifications to enhance the outdoor experience.
The market is also being reshaped by technological innovations. Electric and hybrid off-road vehicles, such as Polaris and Can-Am, are gaining traction due to fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact. These models align with growing consumer preferences for eco-friendly alternatives, particularly in regions like California, where environmental regulations are stringent. For instance, Honda’s new FourTrax Rubicon 700 4×4 Automatic will be available this fall in 49 states, excluding California, due to emissions regulations.
Recent data suggest Texas, Alaska, and Wyoming present strong opportunities due to their existing infrastructure, tourism industries, and regulatory environments that support off-road recreation. For example, Texas’s $1.2 billion annual hunting equipment market underscores the potential for cross-selling off-road vehicles and accessories, per the USA Hunting Equipment Market Size & Forecast 2025-2035.
AInvest concludes that the U.S. ORV market is poised for sustained growth, driven by recreational hunting, industrial utility, and technological innovation. By targeting high-demand regions, adopting customer-centric strategies, and embracing sustainability, powersports dealers can unlock significant value.
Yamaha Motor Corp. announced its 2026 lineup of off-road vehicles, highlighted by special edition sport ATVs honoring Yamaha Motor’s 70th anniversary, a range of versatile Wolverines, and a number of sport and utility youth models aimed at inspiring young enthusiasts.
The 2026 sport ATV lineup includes the YFZ450R, a premium choice for ATV racers, and the Raptor 700, which delivers big-bore sport performance through a variety of terrain. The utility ATV lineup features the recreational-focused Grizzly and utility-focused Kodiak ATVs.
Yamaha also shows its versatility in its multipurpose side-by-side lineup, featuring an array of Wolverine models built for durability, reliability, and off-road prowess. While the Viking offers work-ready solutions for tackling demanding utility tasks.
Sport ATV lineup
The YFZ450R is engineered with a race-ready titanium-valved 449cc engine and an aggressively tuned chassis. Its high-performance assist-and-slipper clutch reduces clutch lever effort while improving cornering precision. The YFZ450R’s weldless aluminum frame and fully adjustable long-travel suspension deliver precision handling over rough terrain and rutted tracks. MSRP: $10,899.
Yamaha’s YFZ50 is also available for aspiring racers 6 years old and over, with a beginner-friendly package available. MSRP: $2,499
The 2026 Raptor 700 lineup delivers big-bore sport performance with a combination of aggressive power and advanced handling. Built around a quick-revving 686cc engine and lightweight hybrid steel-aluminum frame, the Raptor 700 works across a wide range of terrain, from open dunes to technical trails. It also offers increased comfort for riders seeking fine-tuning capability with fully adjustable piggyback shocks and upgraded suspension components. MSRP: $9,999
Younger sport ATV riders ages 10 and up can practice the fundamentals on the 2026 Raptor 110 and its beginner-friendly CVT transmission. MSRP: $3,599
For 2026, in celebration of Yamaha’s 70th anniversary, special edition models of the YFZ450R and Raptor 700R will be available in red and white livery and equipped with dealer-installed GYTR accessories.
All full-size Sport ATVs optimize off-road performance with the following features:
Utility ATV lineup
The 2026 Grizzly combines big-bore power with rugged capability, with a 686cc liquid-cooled engine that delivers optimized midrange torque for technical terrain. Additionally, the electric power steering optimized with speed-sensitive steering assist tackles a wide range of conditions, while the Maxxis tires, four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes, and fully independent long-travel suspension add to the Grizzly’s off-road credibility. MSRP starts at $10,399. For younger trail riders, the 2026 Grizzly 110 combines adventurous styling with confidence-inspiring performance for riders ages 10 and up. MSRP: $3,599.
The 2026 Kodiak 700 and 450 offer hard-working utility with a focus on value, compact handling, and durability. The 700 shares the same 686cc engine as the Grizzly, tuned for smoother, low-rpm performance and a more compact chassis ideal for tight trails or job sites. MSRP: $7,899.
The 450 delivers full-size capability in a mid-size platform, powered by a 421cc engine. Built-in utility includes steel cargo racks and a 2-inch receiver for cargo and towing capacity, while optional EPS elevates comfort and performance. MSRP: $6,699.
All of Yamaha’s full-size utility ATVs feature the following:
Wolverine SXS
Available in two- and four-seat configurations, the 2026 Wolverine RMAX 1000 range excel in both recreational and practical use. Powered by a 999cc DOHC, eight-valve, parallel-twin engine, all RMAX 1000s feature Yamaha’s Ultramatic transmission with a 10-year belt warranty. The RMAX series has on-command four-wheel drive, torque- and speed-sensitive electric power steering, a 2,000-pound towing capacity, and a 600-pound bed capacity.
The 2026 Wolverine X2 and X4 models feature an 847cc twin-cylinder engine in a compact, agile chassis. The X2 includes a hydraulic piston-assist dump bed, while the Wolverine X4 has stow-and-go rear seats.
The Wolverine X2 1000 merges the X2 platform with premium RMAX2 1000 enhancements. This includes a 999cc parallel-twin engine, automotive-style interior, and prewiring for D-Mode to match driver mindset and terrain.
Viking SXS
The 2026 Viking delivers dependability and utility with a 700-class engine and a cabin for up to three occupants. The Viking also includes Ultramatic CVT with a 10-Year belt warranty, on-command 4WD, speed- and torque-sensitive EPS, a 1,500-pound towing capacity, and a 600-pound hydraulic piston-assist dump bed. The Viking Ranch Edition is further equipped with premium accessories for added comfort and durability.
Yamaha retires YXZ1000R after a decade
Yamaha has announced that the YXZ1000R, YXZ1000R SS, and Viking VI will roll out of the side-by-side lineup after the 2025 model year, with no return for 2026.
First launched as the industry’s only true manual-transmission SxS, the YXZ1000R carved its own lane with a high-revving three-cylinder engine and precise gearbox that gave riders an unmatched connection to the trail. Built for enthusiasts who wanted the full driving experience, the YXZ built a loyal customer base and a championship-winning reputation.
Dealers still have an opportunity to move the final 2025 models, available while supplies last.