By the Rims & Tires Team
Compiled & reviewed by our West Georgia tire & wheel research team · Updated 2026-07-24
The Can-Am Defender is BRP's utility side-by-side line — positioned as a working UTV for farming, hunting, and property maintenance. The Defender series runs from the HD5 (38 hp) to the HD10 (82 hp) and is used extensively across rural West Georgia properties. Tire selection directly impacts the Defender's effectiveness in the clay soil and wooded terrain common in this region.
Can-Am Defender Tire Sizes
Stock tire size varies by Defender package and model year — factory fitments range from 25x8-12 front / 25x10-12 rear up through 27x9-14 front / 27x11-14 rear, depending on trim (base, DPS, XT, Limited, MAX) and wheel diameter (12-inch or 14-inch). Check your tire sidewall or owner's manual for your exact stock size.
Can-Am Defender HD10 and Defender MAX HD10: tire and wheel sizing follows the same package-dependent pattern as HD5/HD7 above — the larger engine alone does not dictate tire size.
Some Defender packages from the factory include optional 28-inch tires — verify your specific build.
Like the Polaris Ranger, the Defender uses UTV inch sizing: height x width - rim diameter.
Best Tires for the Can-Am Defender
Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 in 27x9-12 / 27x11-12: consistently recommended for Can-Am Defender owners. All-terrain tread that handles farm roads, trail use, and mild mud without aggressive lug noise on gravel.
Kenda Bearclaw HTR in 27x9-12 / 27x11-12: a popular value all-terrain UTV tire with good traction in mixed terrain and wide availability. A solid budget-friendly choice for Defender owners.
ITP Mud Lite XL in 27x11-12: for Defender owners who use the vehicle primarily in muddy conditions, think hunting land, wet pastures, or Georgia clay in wet weather. Self-cleaning lug design handles sticky clay better than all-terrain tires.
Maxxis Carnivore in 30x10-14: for Defender owners who want maximum mud and terrain aggression on a lifted build. The 14-inch rim requires aftermarket wheels. Very popular in the Southeast for serious-use UTVs.
Frequently asked
What size tires does the Can-Am Defender use?
Factory sizing varies by package and wheel diameter — commonly 25x8-12/25x10-12 on 12-inch-wheel base packages, or 27x9-14/27x11-14 on 14-inch-wheel DPS/XT/Limited/MAX packages. Verify your specific build on the tire sidewall or owner's manual.
What are the best mud tires for the Can-Am Defender?
ITP Mud Lite XL for standard mud riding. Maxxis Carnivore for maximum aggression (may require a lift and wheel swap for larger sizes). Georgia clay packs into mild A/T tires quickly — go more aggressive than you think you need.
How do I choose Defender tires for West Georgia land?
Match the tire to your ground. If you're mostly on farm roads, food plots, and packed trails, an all-terrain keeps things quiet and smooth. If you're working wet pastures, creek bottoms, or sticky red clay, a mud tire with a self-cleaning lug pattern saves you from getting bogged down. When in doubt around here, go a step more aggressive than you think you need.
How long do Can-Am Defender tires last?
It depends entirely on use. A work Defender on gravel and dirt roads can wear tires down over a few seasons, while aggressive mud riding chews them faster and rocks can cut a sidewall in a day. Rotate when you can and check for cuts and chunking after hard runs. A local UTV shop can tell you when a tire's done.
Can a shop mount UTV tires like the Defender's?
Yes, plenty of West Georgia tire and powersports shops mount and balance UTV tires, and it's worth it for the bigger, stiffer sizes that are tough to seat at home. If you're going up a size or to a larger wheel, a shop can confirm clearance and whether you need a lift. Bring your current size and wheel info.
Keep reading
Last updated 2026-07-24. General guidance only — confirm specifics with a local shop for your exact vehicle.