Ski-Doo is putting a laser focus on select segments within the snowmobile market for 2026. Specifically, big and notable upgrades are being made to select mountain sleds, sport/utility crossovers and four-stroke powered trail cruisers, all in the name of creating better snowmobiling experiences for riders with specialized needs.
Some upgrades – like a new steering system, weight loss, fresh rear suspension designs and more – are truly new to the brand. Others – like expansion of the REV Gen5 platform, RAS RX front suspension geometry and ever-increasing functionality within the 10.25-inch digital display – build on or spread already proven Ski-Doo designs, although with unique twists.
Our team was able to test some of these advancements at a sneak-peek ride two weeks ago. Look for our feedback in a separate article. Here, we’ll go segment by segment and share what is new. Also, join us Thursday, Feb. 20, at 7:30 p.m. central time on Snow Goer Live, where we’ll be joined by top Ski-Doo officials explaining the benefits and thinking behind the updates.
Ski-Doo MXZ & Renegade Trail Sleds
A couple of years ago, Ski-Doo methodically separated its MXZ and Renegade snowmobiles into different buckets. Full-sized MXZs would be either 129- or 137-inch-tracked trail sleds powered by two-stroke powerplants with a slightly higher ride height and more aggressive ergos, while Renegades would be primarily four-stroke-powered (with one exception) 137-inch cruisers with a slightly lower nose, wider front tub and more relaxed ergos.
One year ago, for model year 2025 Ski-Doo unveiled new RAS RX front suspension geometry on most MXZs. It featured taller spindles, wider-spread A-arms, flatter-mounted shocks, revised steering arm mounts and altered sway bar linkage and ski mount positions. All changes were made to improve handing and reduce body roll in corners. On top of that, new Pilot RX skis with a more aggressive keel were added to spring-order models.
Now for 2026, the RAS RX package predictably has been expanded to spring-order Renegade models. However, thanks to Renegades’ lower ride height and the extra nose weight created by their four-stroke engines, it is not paired with Pilot RX skis. Frankly, they don’t need them. There are also very slightly revised steering arm and ski bolt positions aimed at easing the steering effort to reduce fatigue for all-day cruising riders.
Added together, Ski-Doo said the upgrades reduce chassis roll by 18 percent on so-equipped Renegade X and X-RS models, which results in sharper handling. We experienced it first hand on a sneak peek ride a couple of weeks ago and came away impressed with the new handling prowess.
There’s more big trail news:
- The Pilot RX skis are now standard on Adrenaline and Adrenaline with Blizzard Package models.
- The REV Gen5 chassis platform will now be the base for MXZ and Renegade Sport models, plus MXZ and Summit Neo machines, bringing with the upgraded bodywork and headlights, plus improved motor mounts for less vibration on two-strokes.
- Also, Ski-Doo continues to upgrade the capabilities of its 10.25-inch digital display. For 2026, a really cool new group ride function has been added where you can accurately track folks in your riding group and also, in the right conditions, virtually “see” other so-equipped Ski-Doo riders from other groups in your riding vicinity.
2026 Ski-Doo Mountain Sleds
Ski-Doo continues to push technology and fresh thinking into the deep snow/mountain segment. For 2026, that results in some significantly lighter, better handling, lighter steering and narrower machines.
It starts with the two machines at the top of the Summit lineup, which get further separated from each other for 2026 but both get very notable upgrades.
The Summit X leads the way in the diet department. It drops up to 12 pounds of dry weight and 14 pounds of wet weight thanks to a variety of changes. They include:
- A new “super short” tunnel is 1.8 inches shorter on sleds with a 155-inch track and 2.4 inches shorter on the 165 inch track. That tunnel is also made of a thinner-gauge aluminum that Ski-Doo officials say is just as strong, and is mated with a redesigned snowflap, taillight and crossmembers, saving up to 5 pounds.
- Beneath that tunnel is a more compact/shorter heat exchanger. It’s lighter on its own, but it also reduces the amount of antifreeze the vehicle carries and should create less ice/snow build-up under the tunnel.
- A new “tMotion with Coil-Over” skid frame strips away 2 more pounds while allowing the sled to pop out of the snow more efficiently.
- A new X-package-exclusive Powdermax Ultra Light 155- by 3-inch track with Flex Edge shaves 2 more pounds with a staggered lug design and reduced base thickness.
- New forged aluminum upper A-arms strip another half-pound.
Added together, a Summit X 850 155 now specs at 428 pounds dry and 509 pounds wet. Our mountain tester TJ Krob said he could definitely feel and appreciate the reduced poundage and the new rear suspension.
But wait, there’s a lot more to get excited about for extreme mountain riders, because the 2026 Summit X with Expert Package machines benefit from the same shorter tunnel/lighter and heat exchanger, but it also gets a MAJOR change up front.
Specifically, Ski-Doo is narrowing Expert machines even more, dropping the ski stance to an amazing 32 inches. Beyond that, there’s also a new Twin Link steering system that feels ultra-connected, with virtually all play or slop removed.
With the narrower stance and new steering, Ski-Doo says riders will need to tilt the machine less, allowing for more control on sidehills, particularly when crossing other tracks. Our mountain man TJ fell in love with this new, narrowed stance.
Elsewhere in the Summit lineup, the 850 Turbo R engine will now be available in full-season Summit Adrenaline models. Mid-sized Summit Neos move to the REV Gen5 chassis.
Not to be forgotten, Freerides with the 154- and 165-inch track lengths benefit from the same Super Short tunnels as found on Summit X models, but they keep their longer heat exchangers. And all Summits and Freerides with the 10.25-inch display get its upgrades, including the handy groupride functionality.
2026 Ski-Doo Expedition and Utility Sleds
One BRP official told us that the fastest growing segment in the snowmobile market right now – believe it or not! – is the 20-inch-wide sport/utility machines. With that as context, it’s not surprising that Ski-Doo took their top Expedition machines through a major overhaul for model year 2026.
First, all Expedition models move to the wide-body version of the REV Gen5 chassis platform, which provides more refined bodywork and switchwork, better lighting, improved wind protection and more.
Beyond that, though, a new uMotion rear suspension replaces the dated SC-5U ski on Expedition SE, LE and Xtreme models. It provides a much-improved ride quality, better control of weight transfer, 1 inch more suspension travel, better bottoming resistance and even more cargo carrying capabilities.
Meanwhile a new Crosscut 1.5-inch track (studden or unstudded) has quiet-rolling bands/humps for major sound reduction and less vibration. It matches up with new anti-ratchet drivers.
The front suspension was also updated on SE and LE models to reduce steering effort. There’s even a new cargo box and gauge capabilities.
We were lucky to get a test ride on a couple of 2026 Expedition models (an Xtreme and an SE). Wefound them amazingly capable yet quite easy to trail ride. The new skid frame is a big jump up – the machines aren’t nearly as wheelie-happy as in previous designs, and thus are easier to control.
Ski-Doo Backcountry, Others
The trend to offer both wide and narrow 146-inch crossovers that Ski-Doo started last season with its Backcountry X-RS expands for 2026. Now in-season Backcountry buyers will get this options as well.
A complete line of Tundra and Skandic utility buggies returns mostly unchanged. The Grand Touring lineup, meanwhile, sees more REV Gen5 upgrades and more capability from that 10.25-digital display.
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What are the prices?
How much of an increase?
How much is the Trump Tariff Tax (TTT) to hurt American sledders?
There will be lots of sales to smart Americans who will buy them in Canada to save tons of money big time ~$15,000+ , (43% on exchange rate) plus 25% TTT (Trump Tariff Tax).
Big boost in sales to Canadian dealers who will have record setting sales beyond their wildest dreams.
Be carefull what you wish for TTT,POLARIS AND ARTIC CAT ARE SMILING!
AC and Polaris are the opposite of smiling but crying losing market share every year since 2003 to Ski Doo and Lynx which has over 65% of total worldwide sales plus all of the AC and Polaris problems with models from 2021-2025. P22 clutches are ticking time bombs.
Canadians can keep their Ski Doos. With any luck the tariffs will have the effect that they are intended to have. Polaris and Arctic Cat will see orders rise and put their workers back in the factory. American sledders don’t really care to support folks that boo our national anthem anyways.
It is unfortunate that some people are booing other countries anthems. Canadians are upset and for good reason. We are being continually insulted by the current administration in the U.S. Just like I will speak up that it’s not cool to boo the U.S. anthem we need our ‘brothers’ in the U.S. to speak up against the ill treatment we are receiving. Many Canadians like myself have family in the states. And please don’t buy into the bullshit. The U.S. gets way more out of the relationship than we do. We shop at American owned retailers, sell our gas at a huge discount and it’s refined in the U.S. all the high paying head office jobs are in the U.S. and so on. This is all fine, it’s an open market. Just please stand up against those that would bully a friend. Now back to sleds!! Love my 850 will buy another this year. Polaris makes a great handling sled but in the long haul Ski doo is much more reliable from everything I have experienced. However different opinions have to be welcome and busting each other’s chops, (about sled’s) is part of the game!!
Glad you’re paying attention, but good luck, remember when none of your ideas pan out, you guys did all this harm to yourselves 🇨🇦STRONG #Ski-Doo owners this market
There are no 25% tariffs, Trump said that as a negotiating tactic then Canada back down two days later. That was approx 2 weeks ago, no need to spread fake news.
Trump’s word is meaningless, he lies and says Ukraine started the war not Russia. POTUS has no friends, treats his friendly countries very bad but does what ever Putin wants. TTT is real and he talks about it multiple times a day. TTT will cripple US sled sales. TTT is a tax on American consumers not Canadians. You voted for him so you support even more sky high prices for sleds hope you are happy, don’t complain. Like those $15 dozen eggs vs $<3.50 in Canada? Did Trump bring down the price of eggs as repeatedly promised or do the complete opposite?
It’s called the bird flu. Trump has nothing to do with it. If one bird in found positive of the flu, the whole flock has to be killed per epa. Think before you speak 🙊🗣️
Yet vast majority across all demographics support Trump.
But hey I thought this was a sled forum? Can you guys go back to blue sky or whatever platform likes you opinions on political bullcrap. And most of us Canadians donot support liberal politics.
Viking actually thinks Canadian dealers will sell to Americans at the risk of BRP yanking their franchises ?
My dealer in Canada already told me it’s not worth it.
At least Americans can buy Polaris & Cat tariff free.
Canadians will be stuck w/ one choice.
Anyways, the tariffs haven’t happened yet. Car Dealers in Canada are already hyping the need to buy now to avoid the tariffs. Anything to scare people into buying now.
There’s lots of ‘24 & ‘25 new stock at dealers and plenty of used sleds.
We’re getting tons of snow here , but I just don’t see anywhere near the trail traffic that I used to see. One good winter doesn’t make up for 5 garbage winters in my opinion.
No more youth sleds (120 and 200) due to Textron quitting production of Arctic Cat which made all the 120 and 200 cc youth sleds for Arctic Cat, Yamaha, Ski-Doo and Lynx.
The youth models in 2025 and 2024 both years AC made more of these than their own regular AC models.
Why does brp’s web site show them for 26, interesting 💭🤔. I personally got the 200 model for my grandkids last year. Although I wish brp manufactured their own. I have a funny feeling that brp bought a pile of them and they have them in stock, the pic’s online for next year are the same as the last two years.
There are all ready many Americans buying sleds in Canada for several reasons:
1. Favourable 43% exchange rate makes sleds so much cheaper in Canada and 95% of Canadian population (and sled dealers) are less than 100 miles from the border plus much better snow conditions in Canada and cheaper tourism (hotels and food).
2. TTT Trumps threatened 25% tariff on Canadian goods plus further 25% tariff on tariff for aluminum and steel (65% of all Aluminum the US needs comes from Canada).
3. Great deals on new leftover 2022-2025 sleds. Only basically BNG for all 2026 sleds due to poor previous season so smarter to buy new leftover than new 2026 model.
4. Canada has snow and more trails open to ride.
5. Less traffic on Canadian trails and are in better shape and more distance than US.
The tariffs are due to take effect at the end of February unless a deal is made. I don’t know if snowmobiles are specifically part of the tariffs, but if so, 25% is pretty hefty. And I sincerely doubt that buying a sled in Canada will save any money since US citizens have to declare purchases made out of the country when returning and pay the duty.
Plus Canadian sleds won’t have a US warranty.
Actually there is a warranty but you have to bring it back to a Canadian dealer, lots are doing this now but no where near as much as in the past when it was common place to do this due to exchange rates US dealers forced manufacturers to stop this but now with TTT manufactures will allow US citizens to not only buy sleds in Canadas but get their sleds repaired at US dealers, it will be a win win win.
1. Customers win getting the sled for incredibly cheaper prices in Canada.
2. Canadian Dealers win selling more sleds to US citizens
3. US dealers win being able to fix sleds under warranty in the US because US dealers will not be able to sell Ski-‘Doo’s competitively to US citizens due to the TTT with 40-80% increase in prices due to TTT.
TTT (for Ski-Doo buyers) hurts US citizens and US dealers and all US sled related tourism and restaurant and aftermarket sled related sales.
Duty are not tariffs. Duty is nothing or very low now due to NAFTA / USMCA.
Trump is saying a 25% tariff on ALL Canadian products except 10% on gas and oil. Pretty much all US gas and oil in Northern and Western US comes from Canada (i.e. Alberta, Saskatchewan, BC, Manitoba, , Ontario, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland / Labrador).
Tariff is new it is paid by the seller if they export it to a US retailer who of course pass it along and more as they up charge their usual markup on it as well to the final customer eg. 25% tariff + 15% markup (could be much higher) = 40% more expensive to US customer. A massive hit to US sledders.
Actually it will even higher as Trump says the 25% tariff on steel and aluminum is on top of the 25% general tariff (i.e. a tax on a tax). Since the chassis, motor, clutches and suspension are made of that plus say 15% markup = further 40% increase. In total in theory sleds may cost 80% more. That would mean likely at least 80% reduction in US purchases due to the massive hit. The end of new US sales of sleds basically.
All the Northern and Western governors (and many others) are telling Trump to not have any tariffs but he and Musk are not listening.
This TTT Trump Tariff Tax is the biggest threat the snowmobile industry ever had. New Sleds will go the way dinosaurs did. Hang on to all your old sleds as that is all you will have if Trump imposes his tariffs. If any new sleds will be made only the 1% wealthy will buy them and no land owners will allow trails on their land for just the 1%ers and there are no 1%ers who volunteer in snowmobile clubs to groom trails.
Pierre Poutine lost his huge 30 point lead and now is behind the Liberals, keep up on the news.
Forever Neighbours, never neighbors.
Replace MAGA with MAGNA. Make America a Good Neighbour Again.