The Landscaper sent Chris Bennett along to Spain to test the latest 2026 Can-Am off-road machines, and what an unforgettable 24 hours it proved to be. From navigating the rolling Catalonian hills to pushing the machines to the limit, Chris put the new lineup through its paces, discovering first-hand how these vehicles combine powerful performance, accurate handling, and practical utility for professional tasks in landscaping and grounds management.
An action-packed 24 hours in Spain, great company, fantastic machines and superb food – not a bad way to mark our first press trip since GroundsFest acquired The Landscaper. Set against the rolling Catalonian hills, cruising through rugged countryside with a throttle under my thumb, it’s safe to say this was one trip I won’t forget in a hurry…not least because I may (briefly) have pushed one of the machines a little too far. More on that later.
It all started, as these things often do, with a brutally early 3am alarm. What should have been a straightforward hour’s drive to Heathrow quickly turned into a two-hour ordeal thanks to M25 road closures, with Google Maps deciding to give me an unplanned sightseeing tour through central London. Big Ben, the London Eye and Harrods all ticked off before I’d even checked in, not quite the pre-flight routine I had in mind.
Touchdown in Spain
A frantic dash through departures later, and I was airborne with British Airways, fuelled by a flapjack and a much-needed coffee. Touching down in Barcelona, I was greeted by a large Can-Am sign before being transferred to Súria, home to one of the region’s most impressive off-road centres.
Spanning more than 500 hectares and boasting over 70 kilometres of tracks, the site is something else entirely. Rugged, raw and undeniably beautiful, it captures that untamed Mediterranean character perfectly. One moment you’re taking in panoramic views across the Bages region, the next you’re ducking beneath pine canopies, navigating tight, technical trails that demand your full attention.
Before any of that, though, came lunch, and what a lunch it was. Tapas in the Spanish sunshine (thankfully I’d packed factor 50), with standout performances from the paella and croquetas. It set the tone nicely for what followed: a deep dive into the latest innovations from Can-Am and its 2026 off-road line-up, which places a clear focus on electric power, heavy-duty capability and smarter technology.
Then it was time to get up close and personal.
Can-Am Outlander Electric
First up, the all-electric Outlander, and I’ll be honest, this one caught me off guard (in a good way). Smooth, quiet and deceptively powerful, it delivers instant torque the moment you tap the thumb throttle. No noise, no fuss, just effortless acceleration.
Out on the trails, that silence completely changes the experience. Instead of engine noise, you’re taking in everything else, the crunch of gravel, the fresh hit of pine in the air, the sheer scale of the landscape around you. It felt refined but still more than capable when the terrain got technical. The direct drive and regenerative braking made it incredibly easy to handle, even for someone like me who wouldn’t claim to be an off-road expert.
If anything, it gave me confidence to push a little harder and it never once felt out of its depth.
Can-Am Traxter HD11
Next up was the Traxter HD11, and this is where things got interesting.
Built with strength, reliability and versatility in mind, the Traxter feels every bit the workhorse you’d expect. The redesigned engine pulls strongly, and the selectable drive modes make a noticeable difference depending on what you’re tackling. Whether crawling over uneven limestone or powering through muddy sections, it just gets on with the job.
It was also in the Traxter that I had my moment.
Rather than taking the sensible route through a muddy puddle, I opted for two narrow wooden ramps with gaps in between, perfectly manageable if you line it up properly… which, as it turns out, I didn’t. In hindsight, perhaps not my finest decision. A little too much throttle, a slight misjudgement, and suddenly I found myself suspended awkwardly over a ditch with the wheels off the ground.
Not ideal.
Thankfully, the Can-Am team were quick to step in and get me back on solid ground. Slight embarrassment aside, the real takeaway? The machine handled it brilliantly. No damage, no drama; just a quick recovery and back on track as if nothing had happened. Solid doesn’t quite cover it.
Can-Am Outlander 6×6
Finally, the Outlander 6×6, and this is where utility really comes to the fore.
With serious towing capacity and a sizeable dumping box, this is less about finesse and more about getting the job done. It feels planted, capable and ready for heavy-duty tasks, whether that’s hauling materials, equipment or anything else you can throw at it. Across rough terrain, the added traction gives you that extra level of confidence, particularly when conditions aren’t on your side.
In short: an absolute workhorse.
A landscape that tests everything
What really stood out throughout the day was how well the machines matched the terrain. The site itself throws everything at you; tight twists, steep climbs, uneven rock, mud-filled dips and each vehicle responded in its own way.
You feel the suspension working beneath you, the tyres gripping and adapting, the constant balance between control and power. One minute you’re stopping to take in the silence of the valley, the next you’re fully focused, picking your way through a technical section.
It’s that blend of tranquillity and adrenaline that makes it so memorable.
So, which stood out?
For me, the Outlander Electric just edged it.
There’s something about that smooth, near-silent ride that elevates the whole experience. Gliding through those Catalonian hills with instant power on tap felt both effortless and engaging – a rare combination. It’s easy to see how that kind of performance could translate into real-world benefits, particularly in environments where noise, efficiency and ease of use matter.
Why should landscapers care?
This wasn’t just a playground; it was a glimpse into how these machines could fit into day-to-day landscaping operations.
Efficiency on site: Vehicles like the Traxter HD11 and Outlander 6×6 can transport tools, materials and teams quickly across large or hard-to-access areas, saving both time and effort.
Versatility: From towing and carrying to navigating difficult terrain, they’re built to handle a wide range of tasks.
Reduced fatigue: Covering ground in a vehicle rather than on foot makes a noticeable difference over the course of a working day.
Electric advantage: The Outlander Electric offers a quieter, lower-maintenance alternative – ideal for noise-sensitive environments such as residential areas, schools or public spaces.
Year-round capability: Designed to perform in varying conditions, they’re as useful in wet, muddy winters as they are in dry summer months.
The perfect finish
We wrapped up the day with barbecued meats and a couple of cold Estrella Damm lagers – well-earned after a full day behind the wheel. The following morning brought more stunning views, a chance to say our thanks to the Can-Am team, and a transfer back to the airport (complete with a packed lunch for the journey home).
Final thoughts
For a first press trip with The Landscaper, this one set the bar high.
It had everything; early starts, scenic drives, great conversations, exceptional food and, most importantly, machines that genuinely impressed. Huge thanks to the Can-Am team for the invitation and hospitality.
Now I’ll throw it over to you. Could machines like these play a role in your day-to-day work? We’d love to hear your thoughts.
Machine Specs Box-Out
Can-Am Outlander Electric
- Powertrain: 47 HP Rotax E-Power unit, 53 lb-ft torque
- Transmission: Direct drive, regenerative braking
- Charging: Level 2, 80% capacity in 50 mins
- Capabilities: All-season operation (-20°C to +40°C), smooth and quiet, instant torque
- Highlight: Effortless acceleration and quiet operation – ideal for noise-sensitive sites
Can-Am Traxter HD11
- Engine: Redesigned HD11, 95 HP, 70 lb-ft torque
- Transmission: CVT with pDrive primary clutch
- Drive Modes: Normal, Work, Sport
- Suspension: 5 cm travel, 35.6 cm ground clearance
- Utility: Best-in-class payload, towing and cargo capacity; over 200 accessories available
- Highlight: Strength, reliability, and versatility – perfect for demanding landscaping tasks
Can-Am Outlander 6×6
- Engine Options: Up to 101 HP
- Towing Capacity: 830 kg
- Dumping Box: 454 kg, modular configuration
- Capabilities: Heavy-duty utility with excellent traction, stability, and control
- Highlight: Absolute workhorse for transporting tools, materials, or equipment across tough terrain
