I’m Roberto Cameron—outdoorsman, mechanic, and entrepreneur with a passion for machines that can handle the wild and the workday. In 2023, I picked up the Can-Am Defender HD10 6x6 SXS from F&T Valley Motor Sports, and over the past two years, this rig has exceeded every expectation I had. From scaling 14,000-foot peaks in Colorado to conquering sand dunes in Utah, tearing through mud at Mud Nationals 2025, and serving as a workhorse at my South Texas shop, the Defender 6x6 has proven itself a standout in the side-by-side (SXS) world. This is my honest review—a 5-star endorsement of a machine that’s as fun as it is functional, blending trail-dominating power with practical utility. Here’s why Can-Am has outdone itself with this one.
First Impressions: Colorado’s High Country
Straight from F&T Valley Motor Sports, I took the Defender 6x6 to Taylor Park, Colorado—an off-road paradise with rugged trails and thin air. Powered by an 82-hp Rotax 976cc V-twin engine and a 6x6 drivetrain with lockable rear differential, it tackled the Rockies with stock tires like a champ. We climbed to 14,000 feet, crawling over rocky outcrops and racing across alpine meadows alongside friends in Polaris RZR Turbo Rs and XP models. The Defender didn’t just keep up—it thrived. Its 14 inches of ground clearance and 64-inch stance gave it stability where sportier SXSs faltered, and the 2,500-pound towing capacity meant I could haul gear without breaking a sweat. From the jump, this machine showed it was built for more than showroom flexing.
Sand Hollow, Utah: Roxxzillas Unleash the Beast
A few months later, I swapped the stock tires for Maxxis Roxxzilla 30-inch—sticky, aggressive rubber designed for extreme terrain—and headed to Sand Hollow, Utah. The dunes there are a proving ground, and the Defender 6x6 didn’t disappoint. It powered up steep inclines that had other rigs spinning out, its six-wheel traction digging in where 4x4s bogged down. On the flats, it traversed sand with ease, the 976cc engine’s 69 lb-ft of torque delivering smooth, relentless pull. Compared to the RZRs, which excel at speed, the Defender’s blend of crawl and carry made it the king of versatility—hauling coolers and camp gear while still ripping through the desert. The Roxxzillas turned an already capable rig into a dune-dominating monster.
Disney, Oklahoma: Holding Its Own
Next stop was the off-road park in Disney, Oklahoma—a mix of trails, rocks, and open runs where SXS enthusiasts gather to test their machines. The Defender 6x6 hung tough with the pack, its 1,750-pound payload capacity letting me load up tools and supplies while others traveled light. We climbed ledges, crossed streams, and powered through tight wooded sections, the Visco-Lok QE front differential locking in traction on demand. Against flashier sport models like the Polaris RZR XP, the Defender stood out for its do-it-all grit—capable of incredible feats without sacrificing utility. It’s not just a plaything; it’s a partner that doesn’t flinch at the tough stuff.
Mud Nationals 2025: Conquering the Slop
Last week, I returned from Mud Nationals 2025 at Sabine Offroad Park in Texas, where the Defender 6x6 faced its nastiest test yet—deep, soupy mud holes that swallow lesser rigs whole. With the Roxxzillas still mounted, it plowed through the muck like a tank, the six-wheel drive distributing power to keep me moving where 4x4s got stuck. Other units—like Polaris RZRs and Yamaha Wolverines—threw up impressive roost, but the Defender’s 13 inches of suspension travel and 6-foot cargo bed made it a standout. I hauled a buddy’s bogged-down rig out with the 4,500-pound winch, then loaded the bed with gear for the trek back to camp. Mud Nationals proved this SXS isn’t just capable—it’s a beast that thrives in the worst conditions imaginable.
Workhorse Duty: Shop and Field
What sets the Defender 6x6 apart from sport-focused SXSs like the RZR Turbo R is its dual nature. After a weekend of trail-blazing, it transforms into a workhorse at my shop in South Texas. With a 6-foot bed—longer than most competitors—I’ve hauled round bales of hay, towed trailers loaded with equipment, and carried feed to the horses without a hitch. The 2,500-pound towing capacity and 1,750-pound payload make it a utility king, effortlessly shifting from play to labor. Unlike pure sport models that sit idle between rides, the Defender earns its keep daily—pulling its weight around the property with the same gusto it brings to the trails. That versatility is a game-changer for anyone balancing adventure and real-world demands.
Hunting Season 2024: Arkansas Proving Grounds
This past 2024 hunting season, I took the Defender 6x6 to Arkansas, where it tackled the Ozarks’ rugged terrain with ease. Hauling deer stands through thick brush and over steep hills was a breeze—the 6x6’s low-range gearing and traction control chewed up the landscape without hesitation. The 6-foot bed swallowed stands, gear, and game, making the trek back to camp smooth and efficient. Compared to ATVs or lighter SXSs, the Defender’s stability and load capacity shone—especially when dragging a buck out of the woods. For hunters, this rig’s a dream: quiet enough in low gear to stalk, tough enough to haul, and roomy enough to carry everything you need for a successful season.
Why It’s a 5-Star Machine
Can-Am outdid itself with the 2023 Defender HD10 6x6 SXS—it’s a machine that redefines what an SXS can be. The 82-hp Rotax engine delivers power where it counts, and the 6x6 drivetrain offers traction that leaves 4x4s in the dust. Its 14 inches of ground clearance and 13 inches of suspension travel handle any terrain—mountains, dunes, mud, or forest trails—while the 6-foot bed and massive payload turn it into a shop staple. I’ve pushed it to 14,000 feet in Colorado, raced it across Utah dunes, slogged through Texas mud, and worked it hard at home, and it’s never let me down. Compared to the Polaris RZR Turbo R (faster but less practical) or the RZR XP (agile but light-duty), the Defender 6x6 is the total package—fun, functional, and built to last.
Other owners echo this praise. A 2023 review on ATV.com called it “a Swiss Army knife on wheels,” while a Mud Nationals attendee on Can-Am’s forums raved about its mud prowess with aftermarket tires. For me, it’s the rare machine that exceeds every expectation—stock or upgraded with Roxxzillas. Whether you’re an off-road junkie, a hunter, or a rancher, this SXS delivers.
The Verdict: Highly Recommended
After two years with the 2023 Can-Am Defender HD10 6x6 SXS, I’m sold—5 stars all the way. From Taylor Park’s peaks to Sabine’s slop, it’s conquered every challenge I’ve thrown at it, then come home to haul hay and tow trailers like it’s nothing. Can-Am has crafted a machine that’s as enjoyable on the trails as it is indispensable at work—a rare feat in the SXS world. If you’re in the market for a side-by-side that blends adventure with utility, skip the sport-only rigs and head to F&T Valley Motor Sports for a Defender 6x6. It’s a hell of a rig, and I couldn’t be happier with mine. Highly, highly recommended.