UTVUtility
2027 Can-Am Defender DPS HD9
976cc V-twin (Rotax), liquid-cooled
$16,399
View full specsCan-Am Defender DPS HD9 vs Kawasaki Ridge
2027 Can-Am Defender DPS HD9 vs 2026 Kawasaki Ridge: 65 vs 116 hp, 976 cc vs 999 cc, 1545 lb dry vs 1910 lb dry, $16,399 vs $21,599. Full side-by-side specs: powertrain, drivetrain, dimensions, towing and price.
UTVUtility
2026 Kawasaki Ridge
999cc Inline-4, liquid-cooled
$21,599
View full specsAt a glance
More power65 hpvs116 hpRidge wins
Lower price$16,399vs$21,599Defender DPS HD9 wins
Weight1545 lb dryvs1910 lb dryDefender DPS HD9 wins
Bigger engine976 ccvs999 ccRidge wins
Ground clearance11 invs13 inRidge wins
Towing2,500 lbvs2,500 lbTie
Across measured specs the Defender DPS HD9 leads in 2 categories and the Ridge in 4. Comparing two utility UTVs, the Defender DPS HD9 uses a 976 cc v-twin (rotax) with about 65 hp, while the Ridge uses a 999 cc inline-4 with about 116 hp. The Ridge has the power edge (116 hp vs 65 hp). The Defender DPS HD9 is lighter at 1545 lb (vs 1910 lb). At $16,399 the Defender DPS HD9 is the more affordable of the two.
Full specifications
Defender DPS HD9 Can-Am · 2027 View | Ridge Kawasaki · 2026 View | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | ||
| Displacement | 976 cc | 999 cc |
| Engine configuration | V-twin (Rotax) | Inline-4 |
| Cylinders | 2 | 4 |
| Cooling | Liquid | Liquid |
| Power (approx.) | 65 hp | 116 hp |
| Fuel system | EFI | EFI |
| Starter | Electric | Electric |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | PRO-TORQ QRS CVT (Extra-L/H/N/R/P) | Automatic CVT |
| Drive system | Selectable 2WD/4WD | Selectable 2WD/4WD |
| Dimensions & capacity | ||
| Seating | 3 seats | 3 seats |
| Dry weight | 1545 lb (701 kg) | 1910 lb (866 kg) |
| Overall width | 62 in (157.5 cm) | 64 in (162.6 cm) |
| Wheelbase | 83 in (210.8 cm) | 90.7 in (230.4 cm) |
| Ground clearance | 11 in (27.9 cm) | 13 in (33 cm) |
| Fuel capacity | 10.6 gal (40.1 L) | 12.9 gal (48.8 L) |
| Towing capacity | 2,500 lb (1134 kg) | 2,500 lb (1134 kg) |
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP (base) | $16,399 | $21,599 |
| Model year | 2027 | 2026 |
Highlighted figures indicate the stronger spec in each row. Power is approximate crank output; confirm exact numbers with the manufacturer.