For several years now in the industry, manufacturers have been following a well-established trend. They bring in the big new models on just a few models for the first season, and then gradually add them to the line-up. This approach ensures the reliability of the new elements, and that corrective action can be taken if necessary, without impacting the entire lineup. This strategic strategy enables manufacturers to minimize risk while introducing innovations. By limiting new technologies to a few targeted models, they can test their durability in real-life conditions and gather feedback from early adopters. Good or bad, you be the judge.
New G3 platform
The Outlander XT 850 2025 is built on the new GEN3 platform. This chassis includes a number of features to enhance its owner’s ride. These include improved engine heat management. With the rider’s comfort in mind, the engineers developed this chassis with an eye to the distribution of heat from the powertrain, so that it is diffused completely towards the rear of the vehicle, rather than flowing up through different parts of the chassis.
The various body parts fit together perfectly, limiting the rise of hot air along the legs for greater comfort. And, of course, a better arrangement of parts means less space for water, snow and mud to pass through. Combined with the new design of the footrests, this platform offers you a clear improvement in foot and leg comfort that will keep you drier!
Standard on the XT 850 version, you’ll find, among other things, stronger upgraded bumpers, an integral skid plate, running boards offering greater protection and a 3500-lb. capacity winch. And all these features are factory-installed and play a key role in your next adventure.
Suspensions…
Here, too, there are changes for 2025! On the XT 850 version, the front stabilizer bar present in 2024 has been removed, and total travel has been increased by 9.9 inches to 10.8 inches. At the rear, the independent longitudinal torsion arm (TTI) suspension with 9.9 inches (25.1 cm) of travel introduced in 2024 has been replaced by a new double-arched wishbone suspension with 12 inches (30.5 cm) of travel.
New downhill brake assist limiter
This new engine brake regulates downhill speed, which is particularly useful when towing a load, for example. Working in tandem with the motor’s compression, it allows descents without touching the brake, or only slightly, depending on the three available modes offering more or less assistance.
New tires
For 2025, engineers have ditched the ITP Terracross tires for Can-AM’s trademark XPS Trail King. The 14-inch wheels are aluminum and well styled. This new duo is sure to be a hit, both in terms of style and efficiency!
LED lighting!
This new platform also comes with high-performance LED front lighting. And what about the rear, which features an all-new red LED signature that adds to the Outlander’s style. And when it comes to manufacturing costs, those with a discerning eye will notice that these front lights are identical to those on the Maverick R and snowmobiles (equipped with the Gen5 chassis).
Cargo space…
Definitely, the Outlander range is really focused on touring. It offers many interesting features, including around 40 liters of cargo space, including a standard watertight front trunk and a removable rear trunk that you can take with you when you arrive at the hotel for long rides.
To make things even more practical, there’s also a small central trunk between the seat and handlebars, where you can store small personal effects or your cell phone. And the designers thought of it: a USB-C charging cable comes as standard in the little box! For those with Apple iPhones 14 and under, you’ll need an adapter to switch from the old iPhone Lightning plug to USB C.
850 engine
It’s interesting to see BRP play with displacement to optimize the performance of the Outlander XT 850. Although it retains its 850 designation, it’s now actually a 1000 CC. Going from 850 to 1000 cc to get 4 additional horsepower and reach 82 hp is an approach that relies more on the engine’s torque and flexibility than on a drastic increase in raw power. With 66 lb-ft of torque, it offers better response at low revs, ideal for touring and more technical passages.
On the track…
This new version undoubtedly enhances its owner’s touring experience in a number of ways. The new 7.5” digital display, while not new in itself, makes it easier to read the various information and adds a significant safety aspect.
Nevertheless, our winter test showed that splash protection at the running boards is much improved. We encountered a few passages flooded by rain, and I stayed dry – in fact, hardly any splashes at all!
The addition of front and rear luggage compartments as standard is truly brilliant, and it has to be said, this aspect is often neglected on ATVs. And despite the addition of the trunk, the LinQ system is still very useful, allowing you to add various options that have been well known for several seasons.
I was pleasantly surprised by the ATV’s handling on the trails. Despite wintry conditions, the XPS Trail King tires offer very good grip on snow, and above all good lateral resistance on asphalt roads, thereby improving safety.
The absence of a front stabilizer bar allows the vehicle to dive towards the opposite side of the bend. This roll is not so pronounced as to qualify as a fault, but it’s worth noting.
With the winter conditions we encountered, the traction offered by the XPS Trail King tires seemed very adequate for the conditions, but this remains an aspect that will need to be tested in the longer term.
This new engine offers plenty of torque at low revs. Pick-up is spirited and powerful, especially at low revs. The 66 pounds of torque are well exploited by the variable transmission. Fuel consumption remains to be seen, but to date it looks very respectable.
The future…
Could we be betting on a big screen in the near future, allowing us to use the BRP Go application that’s being democratized in XT versions? This large screen, already available only on the MAX Limited version, would be a logical next step, especially when we see the trend towards larger, connected screens in recreational vehicles. With integrated GPS and better connectivity, it could really transform the trail riding experience.
In closing, the Raven Media team would like to thank BRP Off Road for the loan of the vehicle, and the dealer Génération Sport for its preparation.
