The UTV market has recently welcomed the Can-Am Defender. Can-Am has unquestionably done a tremendous job of enabling everybody to receive what they desire. though. There are up to 18 options available. For growers, herders, and shooters, The Defender is a useful design. It’s a flexible workhorse. Its engine and frame are strong enough to withstand a variety of circumstances.
The Kawasaki Mule, on the same hand offers great versatility and is also a powerhorse. The two machines offer similar options and are made to get similar works done, though their capacities are different.
The main differences between the Kawasaki Mule Vs Can Am Defender are the engine powers, engine braking option, fuel capacity, cargo dimensions, cargo and general load capacity, their weight, warranty and price points. They are meant to perform the same tasks, but their power levels are different.
Kawasaki Mule vs Can Am Defender : Quick Comparison
We are summarizing the main differences and similarities between the Kawasaki Mule Vs Can Am Defender in the table below, so that you can compare them with your own eyes.
| Factor | Kawasaki Mule | Can Am Defender |
| Engine | 4-stroke, single-cylinder, OHV, air-cooled | 52 hp (41 lb-ft torque) Rotax single cylinder HD7 engine / 65 hp (59 lb-ft torque) Rotax V-twin HD9 engine |
| Bore x Stroke | 3.23 x 2.99 in | 3.58 x 2.95 in |
| Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 12.5:1 |
| Engine Braking | Not Available | Available |
| Fuel Capacity | 4.2 gal | 10.6 gal |
| Cargo Bed Dimensions (LxWxH) | 35.6 x 40.9 x 9.6 in | 38 x 54.5 x 12 in |
| Cargo Bed Capacity | 399 lb | 1,000 lb |
| Load Capacity | 926 lb | 1,500 lb |
| Towing Capacity | 1100 lb | 2,500 lb |
| Curb Weight | 967.6 lb | 1,456 lb |
| Warranty | Kawasaki Strong 3-Year Limited Warranty | 1 year BRP limited warranty |
| Price | 7,799 USD | 12,399 USD |
Kawasaki Mule vs Can Am Defender: What are the Differences?
There are a bunch of models available from both these companies under these branding. So, we’ll be comparing the base models from both these brands. If you can increase the budget, you can avail more options.
Engine
Both the ATV’s are featuring single cylinder engines from their respective companies. Although some minimal power differences can be noticed, their overall performance should not differ much from one to another.
Bore x Stroke
The Kawasaki Mule engine has a Bore x Stroke of 3.23 x 2.99 in.
The Can Am Defender engine offers a Bore x Stroke of 3.58 x 2.95 in.
Powerful engines consist of bigger bores, and shorter strokes. The Can Am Defender has a bigger bore but a slightly shorter stroke. So, the Can Am Defender engine is the winner in terms of Bore x Stroke.
Compression Ratio
The Kawasaki’s engine offers a compression ratio of 8.3:1 while the Can Am Defender’s engine offers 12.5:1.
Can Am Defender’s engine is clearly ahead in this segment. Although high ratios encourage efficiency it could result in engine knock.
Engine Braking
The engine braking technology is not available on the Kawasaki Mule models.
But you can get engine braking technology in the Can Am Defender models.
There are debates about whether the engine braking technology is actually good for your ATV or not, having an extra option in your hand will surely not hurt. So, the Can Am Defender has the upper hand on overall engine powers.
Fuel Capacity
Kawasaki Mule has a fuel capacity of 4.2 gallons. On the other hand, Can Am Defender offers a fuel capacity of 10.6 gallons.
So, the Can Am Defender is the clear winner in this segment as it will offer you more security to not run out of fuel in the middle of something.
Cargo Bed Dimensions
The cargo bed dimension of the Kawasaki Mule is 35.6 x 40.9 x 9.6 in. The dimensions are 38 x 54.5 x 12 in for the Can Am Defender.
The Can Am Defender is the winner in this segment as well as it has a bigger cargo bed. If you need to have a lot in your cargo bed, then Can Am Defender should be one you purchase.
Cargo Bed Capacity
It is not enough if you just have a bigger cargo bed, it should have the capacity to take more weight as well. The Kawasaki Mule cargo bed can only handle 399 lb.
On the other hand, you can have upto 1000 lb of things in the cargo bed of the Can Am Defender.
You should prefer the Can Am Defender if you have to carry more weight in your cargo bed.
Load Capacity
The Kawasaki Mule has a load capacity of 926 lb and the Can Am Defender can have upto 1500 lb of overall load.
The Can Am Defender wins this round as well as it can take up more load.
Towing Capacity
How much the ATV can tow is a big factor while selecting an ATV. The Kawasaki Mule can tow up to 1100 lb of weight.
The Can Am Defender can tow up to 2500 lb.
If you have to carry a lot of weight in your tailgate and the ATV has to tow all of it, then go for the Can Am Defender. If you will not use the ATV in towing heavy loads, then the Kawasaki Mule should be enough for you.
Curb Weight
If the vehicle weight is too much, it can sometimes become a burden for itself. The weight of the Kawasaki Mule is 967.6 lb. On the other hand, the weight of the Can Am Defender is 1456 lb.
The Can Am Defender has more power and has a bigger cargo bed which can eventually carry more weight. The Kawasaki Mule is relatively lighter, but it can carry less weight.
Warranty
The Kawasaki Mule will give you 3 years of tension-free drive.
The Can Am Defender offers a warranty of only 1 year like all other ATVs.
The Kawasaki Mule is clearly the winner when it comes to warranty. But again, this is a relative thing. If you want to be tension-free for as much time as you can get, go for the Kawasaki Mule.
Price
The base price for the Kawasaki Mule is 7,799 USD.
The Can Am Defender ATV starts at 12,399 USD.
This is the biggest difference in these two ATVs. The Kawasaki Mule is priced low like it should be, as it has less power and handles less weight. On the other hand, the price of the Can Am Defender is higher and it offers more power.
Which One Is Better For You?
As we said earlier, the two ATVs from Kasasaki and Can Am are made to accomplish the same tasks from their respective places. But the amount of work getting done by them can differ greatly. The Kawasaki Mule models are meant for slightly lighter works. On the other hand, the Can Am Defender will handle slightly heavier tasks.
The Can Am Defender will be able to tow more and carry a more weight on its back regardless of having almost the same engine.
So, it depends on you and your budget. If you have to get heavy work done and can afford a slightly higher budget, go for the Can Am Defender, you will be delighted. But if you are running on a tight budget and will not do heavy tasks with the ATV, go for the Kawasaki Mule. The Kawasaki Mule will also be upto the mark when getting things done.
Conclusion
When selecting between the Kawasaki Mule and the Can Am Defender, it will be better if you just fix your budget and requirements first. When you have your budget clearly in your mind and know exactly what you will get done by the ATV, it will be much easier for you to choose from the two.