Each year, the Snow Goer team of testers rides and evaluates a broad cross-section of snowmobiles. A large part of that process is critically analyzing how each machine serves its intended market.
It’s a responsibility we don’t take lightly because we realize our unique access to the pre-production machines means that some folks might base their buying decisions on our opinions.
That’s why our annual Top 10 list is so focused. While the annual Snowmobile Of The Year award is heavily based on technology and innovation, the Top 10 list concentrates on various niches within the snowmobile market, and meeting the needs of riders in each segment.
These are the Top 10 snowmobiles for model year 2025, shown in no specific order.
(Editor’s Note: This story first appeared in the November 2024 cover date issue of Snow Goer, which mailed to subscribers in early October).
Best Crossover
2025 Ski-Doo Backcountry X 850 E-TEC 146
The Backcountry X didn’t change much for 2025. In truth, it didn’t need to in order to easily hold onto its title as the best true 50/50 crossover. Sure, its sibling Backcountry X-RS now has a 43-inch-wide version, but this sled goes down the trail just fine, with amazing stability and decent cornering for a sled with a 39-inch stance. The payoff comes when a snow-filled field, slope or playground presents itself. That’s where the Backcountry displays its awe-inspiring agility that can make a flatlander feel like a powder-carving pro. Is it as sharp handling as an MXZ? Nope. As mountain capable as a Summit? Nope. Instead, it’s perfectly placed between the extremes.
Best Basher
2025 Polaris 9R Indy XCR 136
Some fans pine for the days of highly modified Pro Open race sleds; little did they know such monsters would actually first return for trail and ditch riders. For 2025, the startlingly responsive Patriot 9R “factory mod” engine that was first introduced for mountain riders has been paired with the Indy XCR package in the Matryx chassis to create the ultimate big-bore ditchbanger. The Walker Evans Velocity shocks plus all of the XCR’s chassis and suspension reinforcements are put to the test when this combination is in the gloved hands of a capable rider. Off a field approach, rise or off-trail mogul, the 9R Indy XCR launches itself into another stratosphere while flying straight and true.
Best Four Stroke
2025 Yamaha Sidewinder SRX LE
It’s hard to accept that there’ll never be another Yamaha snowmobile, but it’s absolutely devastating to say goodbye to the SRX. Since its founding during the Nixon Administration, that three letter combination has stood for outstanding fun in our world. The current, and last, iteration – the Sidewinder SRX LE – is a luxurious rocketship. Its turbocharged, high-output, four-stroke engine bellows a primal scream when the throttle is pinched and it generates a rush of acceleration that tickles every sense. Yet with its power steering, heated seat, onboard luggage and other premium features, it’s also amazingly civilized. It’s bathed in blue for its final year – maybe that’s appropriate because we’re singing the blues knowing that it’s gone forever.
Most Awaited Snowmobile
2025 Arctic Cat ZR 858 ATAC 137
The sled many hardcore Cat fans have been awaiting has finally arrived. After being teased last year by the spectacular new Catalyst chassis that was only available with 600-class power, the new-for-2025 ZR 858 model will please a broader cross-section of riders. It starts with a new, high-tech, compact powerplant that runs cleanly and spits about 165 horsepower off the end of the crankshaft. With all that power, riders can take full advantage of the agile, lightweight Catalyst platform, whether bombing ditchlines or followed a twisting path through the woods. The highly informative, easy-to-read G8 touchscreen gauge with on-screen mapping makes the ATAC version the pick of the litter.
Best Mountain Muscle
2025 Ski-Doo Summit X with Expert Package 850 E-Tec Turbo R 165
Ski-Doo’s intense fixation on the exacting needs of mountain riders shines through once again with the 2025 Summit X with Expert Package. Its lightweight design, narrow profile and quick-hitting engine make it a favorite weapon in steep and deep territory. With the Turbo R engine and 165-inch PowderMax X-Light track spinning 3-inch lugs, it’s a fabulous playmate whether slicing between trees on a powdery slope, carving a pristine meadow or climbing to a previously unreachable peak. New for 2025, three-position KYB Pro 36 EA-3 shocks now adorn the front suspension, plus the high-tech 10.25-inch touchscreen gauge gained more usable features, including built-in GPS mapping.
Best Deal, Crossover
2025 Arctic Cat Riot 600
A wonderful way to experience the many benefits of the Catalyst chassis without breaking the bank is on a Riot 600. For as little as $13,999, a sledder can enjoy the lightweight design, rider-focused ergos and ideal balance when on or off the trails. Whether hucking it through turns on a groomed path, carving in untouched powder or picking your way up a tree-lined hill in the Upper Midwest or Northeast, the reactiveness of the powerplant and chassis to rider inputs makes it a riot (pun intended) to throw around. And you don’t need a large displacement engine or a bottomless bank account to get in on the fun.
Best Trail Cruiser
2025 Ski-Doo MXZ X-RS 850 E-TEC 137
If somebody were to start a “Millimeters Matter” support group, they could use 2025 MXZs as their mascot. The taller spindles, raised upper and lower A-arms, revising steering arm positioning, adjusted sway bar linkage and new ski mount position – all altered by mere millimeters – that create the RAS RX front suspension notably improve the handling of an already tremendous snowmobile. Add the stepped-keel Pilot RX skis plus running improvements to its digital display on top of a returning REV Gen5 chassis, rMotion X skid and proven 850 E-TEC twin and you’ve got a recipe for trail riding at its very finest.
Best 600 Trail
2025 Polaris 650 Indy Adventure 137
There’s something special about sporty 600-class snowmobiles for folks who ride on tight, twisting trails. With the 650 Indy Adventure, enthusiasts can go it alone or enjoy the sport in pairs. It uses the sport’s most responsive 600-class engine and an ergonomically brilliant Matryx chassis. The Adventure package adds Fox QS3 shocks, a choice between two great tracks, a removable passenger seat, luggage, mirrors, a sturdy front bumper and the 7S digital display with best-in-sport on-screen mapping. Whether plans include ripping around with buddies for a spirited Saturday afternoon or doing a multi-day, cross-state adventure with a loved one, this machine is ready for action.
Most Unstoppable
2025 Lynx Brutal RE 850 E-TEC
Over the years, several people have openly doubted us after we’ve selected a utility-crossover sled for our Top 10. We always ask, “Have you ever ridden one?” In the case of the rebadged Lynx Brutal RE, one ride is all that’s needed to get a sense of its immense capabilities. It’s adept at rowdy buffoonery, thanks to massive KYB clicker shocks, an EasyRide+ uncoupled rear suspension and its responsive 850 E-TEC twin. It’s highly proficient at busting its own path, thanks to a huge 20- by 154- by 2.4-inch PowderMax track and wide Radien-X skis. And it’s capable of handling big tasks, whether towing or attaching accessories to its tunnel-top Multi-LinQ plate.
Best Entry-Level
2025 Ski-Doo MXZ Neo+
Virtually every class within snowmobiling is highly competitive, with a relatively slim gap between first, second and even third place. In the entry level segment, though, the MXZ Neo+ obliterates its competition. It’s a diamond in a sea of agates; a 10 in a land of 5s. With its modern REV Gen4 chassis, smooth-running twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, advanced RAS X front suspension and legit RipSaw track with 1.25-inch lugs, it goes down the trail with ease. But its lightweight design and downsized yet comfortable ergonomics make it unintimidating and approachable. Plus, at just $7,649, the up-power Neo+ is an amazing $1,750 cheaper than the only other sleds in the class worth considering.
Editor’s Note: Every Snow Goer issue includes in-depth sled reports and comparisons, aftermarket gear and accessories reviews, riding destination articles, do-it-yourself repair information, snowmobile technology and more. Subscribe to Snow Goer now to receive print and/or digital issues.
Glad to see the 9R on here! It is such a fun and capable engine. I ride a 9R khaos mountain sled and it is my favorite sled I’ve ever ridden.
Please have a most reliable dependable fun performance and versatile affordable sled category. Eg. like in 1994 the Polaris XLT 580 triple single pipe.
Why neglect the 2-up touring catagory? With premium touring machines like the ski-doo Grand Touring with 900 ace engine options, premium comfort and nearly 20 mpg, this machine allows two people to enjoy this sport at a much lower overall cost and environmental footprint.
The Polaris Adventure is a 2-up sled.
Polaris needs to have a much lower priced liquid cooled sled similar to the Indy 440-500 of years ago. I don’t need 135+ horsepower to enjoy snowmobiling. People are riding like they are racing all the time. To many near misses. Simple gauges , simple hand warmers , simple gas shocks , mechanical tank fuel gauge , and no variable exhaust valves that need cleaning. Ski Doo has a sled that is reasonably priced and I might consider one but I am die hard Polaris. With the way the weather has changed and the prices in the twilight zone for sleds people are and will continue to question whether buying a sled is cost effective considering the short period to ride along with weather changes that make it iffy to ride at all. It’s tough yo buy something and watch it set with no or low snow. I’ve done that but those days are over.
Both doo and arctic cat build sleds like that, and neither sell very well. The cost of manufacturing them is the same or more than that of a 600, because of the low sales numbers.
People complain that they want a sled like that, but when a company releases one those people don’t buy.
Ratings should be done at year end for a real full season riding. Dependability and reliability would be a factor.
Imagine leaving the Polaris dynamix out of this list. Fools
A VR1 with Dynamix was our 2025 Snowmobile Of The Year (https://snowgoer.com/top-stories/2025-snowmobile-of-the-year-polaris-850-indy-vr1-dynamix/32864/ ) and our Snowmobile Of The Year has never included in the Top 10 — admittedly seems odd if you reason it out, but that’s the way the program was originally set up, basically honoring 11 sleds.
I’m surprised polaris made any of the lists because they are always back at the dealers getting the recalls done and then sit at the dealers for weeks waiting for parts to come. Oh did I type that out loud .