Can-Am vs. Polaris RZR: Which Buggy Should You Rent in Dubai?
December 28, 2025
8 min read
Buggy Dunes Team
If you're planning a desert adventure with Buggy Dunes, you've likely stared at our booking page and wondered: "What's the actual difference between the Can-Am Maverick and the Polaris RZR?"
On paper, they look similar. Both are high-performance, roll-caged beasts designed to eat sand for breakfast. Both have automatic transmissions (no shifting gears!). And both guarantee an adrenaline rush you won't forget.
But out in the deep red dunes of the UAE, they feel very different.
At Buggy Dunes, we maintain a premium fleet of both machines because we know that different drivers want different experiences. This guide will help you decide which key belongs in your pocket.
In a rush? Here's the quick breakdown to help you decide in seconds.
| Feature | Polaris RZR (XP 1000 / Turbo) | Can-Am Maverick X3 |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Beginners, Families, Sightseers | Adrenaline Junkies, Speed Lovers |
| Driving Feel | Agile, Upright, "Go-Kart" feel | Planted, Low, "Race Car" feel |
| Seating Position | High (Great visibility) | Low (Cockpit feel) |
| Suspension | Bouncy & Fun | Smooth & "Bottomless" |
| The Vibe | "I want to explore the desert." | "I want to conquer the desert." |
The Polaris RZR is the machine that started the sport-buggy craze.
How it feels: The RZR has a shorter wheelbase, which makes it incredibly nimble. In the desert, this means you can turn on a dime. It feels responsive and snappy, much like a powerful go-kart.
Why beginners love it: It offers an "upright" driving position. You sit higher up, giving you a commanding view of the dunes ahead. This visibility builds confidence quickly if you've never driven off-road before.
The Can-Am Maverick X3 was built with one goal: Speed.
How it feels: You don't just sit on a Can-Am; you sit in it. The low center of gravity and wider stance make it feel glued to the ground. When you hit the gas, the turbocharged engine delivers a surge of power that pushes you back into your seat.
Why thrill-seekers love it: It handles high speeds better. If your goal is to "surf" the big dunes and drift across wide-open flats at 80km/h+, the Can-Am offers unmatched stability.
The Dubai desert isn't just smooth sand; it's full of "whoops" (ripples in the sand) and drop-offs.
The Maverick X3 is famous for its massive suspension travel (up to 24 inches!). It soaks up rough terrain like a hovercraft. You can hit bumps hard, and the car just floats over them. If you have a sensitive back, the Can-Am is generally the smoother ride.
The RZR suspension is excellent, but it communicates more of the terrain to the driver. You feel the drive more. For many, this is a plus—it makes 40km/h feel like 80km/h, making the ride feel wild and exciting without actually needing to drive dangerously fast.
Interior: Practical and open. It's easy to hop in and out of, which is great if you plan to stop frequently for photos of the sunset or camels.
Vibe: Feels like an adventure vehicle.
Interior: Sleek and fighter-jet inspired. You sit low with your legs stretched out.
Vibe: Feels like a race car.
Note: Because it's lower, it requires a bit more effort to climb out of—but that's the price of looking this cool.
Starting from AED 850/hour
Starting from AED 1,100/hour
At Buggy Dunes, we don't just hand you the keys; we guide you. Whether you pick the agile Polaris or the powerful Can-Am, our expert guides will adjust the tour's pace to match your vehicle and your skill level.
Ask us when you book! Tell us your driving experience, and we'll recommend the perfect beast for your Dubai adventure.