The side-by-side utility vehicle market is a competitive one. While the sale of those traditional straddle-ride, all-terrain vehicles has slipped some, side-by-sides remain strong. That's evident in recent launches, including the latest from Can-Am Off-Road.

The company isn't leaving the traditional ATV behind, but there's significant news for the UTV line. And it starts with the rollout of the most powerful factory-built side-by-side vehicle on the market. For 2018, the company has pushed horsepower up for the new Maverick X3 Turbo R model to 172 hp.

The company's Rotax ACE engine was reconfigured to push more power. In addition, there are more options for utility and recreational use, and new specialty packages.

That Maverick X3 machine delivers 12% more horsepower and 10% higher torque than the previous model. And Can-Am is calling it the new flagship super-sport, side-by-side vehicle that can go from 0 to 60 in just 4.4 seconds. This is not a work machine utility vehicle, but more of a speed racer; yet it offers off-roading capability for hunting and other recreation.

If you want a little less power, you can choose the Maverick X3 Turbo with a 120-hp engine. The machines come in two- and four-seat packages with prices that start under $20,000.

The company also markets the Defender line of side-by-side machines. This is a workhorse line that gets an upgrade for 2018, too.

New for 2018 is the Defender Max HD8 package with a $12,399 suggested list price, providing performance for an entry-level investment.

Another side-by-side in the line is the Commander 1000R, which gets a performance bump to 92 hp, a wider stance and larger brakes. The Commander 800 side-by-side vehicle also gets a $1,000 price drop for the new model year.

ATV attention
On the ATV side, Can-Am is raising the stakes with the Outlander X xc 1000R, which returns to the line with a crossover-type sport-recreational performance profile. The Outlander line is powered by a Rotax V-Twin 650 or Rotax V-Twin 850 engine. The all-new North Edition ATV is available in one-up, and Max platforms also have an exclusive equipment package for cold weather and a super-low gear for hard work.

Also, there are now three Outlander Mossy Oak Hunting editions with three engine packages — the Outlander 450 (starting at $8,999) joins the 570 and 1000R Rotax V-twin offerings.

You can learn more about the new line by visiting brp.com.