Polaris has taken the wraps off of its 2026 snowmobile lineup, and it includes something new and intriguing within each notable segment.
Aggressive trail riders get a renewed XCR package, thanks to new rear suspension geometry that makes the sled more capable and compliant in big bumps.
Crossover riders get a brand-new option, with both “wide” and “narrow” versions of the Switchback Assault platform.
Mountain riders can opt into new Limited Edition versions of the Pro RMK and RMK Khaos, with new accessories as standard equipment plus truly dynamic colors and graphics.
Even utility and sport/utility buyers get some new things to consider for 2026, thanks to a new line of Voyageur 155 machines, upgraded wide-track Titans and a new Adventure Ultimate package.
On top of all of that, Polaris is also bringing back a handful of in-season sleds for 2026 that it “parked” for model year 2025.
XCR Revival Leads Trail Sleds
Polaris has long said its Indy XCR platform features components straight out of the race shop, including reinforced and stronger rear suspension components, brakes, axles, handlebars and shocks. That’s made it a popular choice for aggressive riders, yet many folks have been surprised at how easy it has been to bottom-out the Pro-CC rear suspension – even with higher rate springs and the clickers turned in quite a ways.
Company officials say they have fixed that problem with the new Long-Tail Rear Suspension on XCRs with a 137-inch track. And, after having the unique opportunity to literally test a 2025 and 2026 XCR 650 side-by-side repeatedly through a mogul field, our test team agrees.
The Long-Tail geometry is basically a Pro-CC skid frame with a significantly more-forward lower mount for the rear torsion spring. In fact, that mounting position is physically in front of the rearward mount of the front torque arm. Polaris says that overlap provides a “shocking improvement” in anti-bottoming and throttle-on steering because the two arms work more in tandem. It’s a system that’s been used in Polaris’ cross-country racing effort the last couple of years. The new geometry is paired with 20 percent more aggressive suspension calibration.
In the field when riding the sleds back-to-back at the recently completed 2026 Rode Reports, our test team thought the 2026 model was an iota better than the 2025 in common trail conditions. But in oversized whoops and moguls, the difference was dramatic. The 2026 XCR tracked straighter, bottomed far less frequently and delivered more consistent feedback. And that made it more fun!
The Indy XCR will be available with either a 650 or 9R engine and will feature 2-inch-bore Walker Evans Velocity clicker shocks. There are also new anti-ratchet drivers that enable tracks with a 2.86-inch pitch, so the track options with be 129- or 137-inch instead of last year’s 128 and 136.
Elsewhere in the trail lineup, changes are more muted. The popular VR1 returns as the top handling weapon, especially when the three-mode Dynamix semi-active suspension system is included. It’s again available with a Patriot Boost, 850 or 650 twin. VR1s also include the 7S digital display.
The price-focused 650 Indy SP is back, but now it has a new engine option: The 90ish HP Polaris ProStar S-4 four-stroke engine. It gets base-level shocks and limited features. With either engine, the MSRP will be $13,999 (U.S.).
After being “parked” for model year 2025 due to high inventory levels, Polaris is bringing back the mid-level Indy XC. This package includes three-position Fox QS3 shocks on the 850-powered two-stroke or adjustable Polaris TS shocks on the ProStar S-4 model. Also returning unchanged is the Indy Adventure – a touring crossover machine.
Polaris 2026: Switchback Assault Changes For Crossover Customers
When it comes to so-called 50/50 crossovers, Polaris has traditionally offered a Switchback Assault with a wide, trail-width front end while Ski-Doo offered a narrower ski stance on its Backcountry for better off-trail agility.
For 2025, Ski-Doo for the first time offered its Backcountry X-RS model with either its traditional 39-inch stance or it could be ordered with a 43-inch-wide trail front end.
For 2026, Polaris is doing the same but in the opposite order: It’s offering a Switchback Assault with its traditional 42.5-inch stance between trail-focused Pro-Steer skis, or for the first time in the current era it can now be ordered the 2026 Escape Front Suspension featuring a stance adjustable between 39 and 41 inches based on forged RMK React spindles, forged aluminum A-arms and wide Gripper skis from Polaris’ RMK lineup.
We also evaluated these machines back-to-back and found the results dramatic yet predictable. The traditional, wide version of the Switchback Assault was much more stable and flat-cornering on the trail but a bit clumsy on a deep-snow hillside. The new narrow SBA was easier to carve with on powdery slopes but on the trail it was more sketchy. Both sleds come with Walker Evans Velocity shocks, though they have a larger bore on the wide model.
Aside from choosing their preferred front end, SBA spring buyers can also pick between a 9R, Patriot Boost or naturally aspirated 850 engine. In-season Switchback XC models with Fox QS3 shocks and a Switchback SP with base-level IFPs are also available.
Polaris RMKs: New Limited Package
Within the mountain segment, Polaris is offering a new Limited Edition version of select Pro RMK and RMK Khaos machines for model year 2026, featuring three new accessories plus an exclusive custom paint and graphics package aimed at making the sleds more appealing.
Functionally, however, the Pro RMK, RMK Khaos and RMK SP lineups returns largely unchanged.
Included on the Limited Edition package is a compact Burandt Edition front bumper/skidplate combo, an even more sturdy-looking Burandt Edition rear bumper and a Burandt Edition handlebar bag.
Polaris officials stressed the lightweight design of the front bumper, while the focus of the rear bumper was strength and protection, especially for tail landings. In fact, Snowmobile Product Manager Nels Eide said the rear bumper is 40 percent stronger than stock. The bag, meanwhile, has a Fidlock attachment system for relatively easy-on/easy-off capabilities.
Throw in some custom colors and graphics (including chrome decals), add the 7S display as standard equipment and you’ve got the making of a Limited Edition package on a 9R or Boost Pro RMK or RMK Khaos, all with 155-inch tracks spinning the buyer’s choice of 2.75- or 3.25-inch lugs. All are Snow Check exclusive models.
Standard Pro RMK and RMK Khaos models with either the 9R or Patriot Boost engine are also spring-order-only models, though similar models with the naturally aspirated 850 Patriot will be available in season.
The Pro RMK package is typically more appealing to riders who prefer precision, whereas the RMK Khaos has a more radical attitude and likes to carry its skis in the air.
The pricepoint-focused RMK SP is back for its second season without a price increase: $14,999 for an 850 RMK SP 155 with a QuickDrive2 belt drive, a full-length tunnel, IFP shocks and a 15- by 155- by 2.75 Series 8 track. The 650 version retails for $13,999.
The downsized RMK EVO returns with its lowered ProRide chassis, a 550ccd fan-cooled engine and 144-inch track.
Polaris Upgrades Voyageur, Titan Lineups
When historians look back at model year 2026, will they consider this the year of the utility or sport/utility explosion? Odd question. But considering Ski-Doo’s Expedition upgrades, Lynx’s North American introduction of the Commander line and now Polaris’ renewed and expanded Voyageur and Titan lines, something’s going on here!
For 2026, Polaris is introducing the new 650 Voyageur 155 line of liquid-cooled sleds. They feature a new BackTrak 15 articulating rear suspension, new TrailBreaker skis, a high-clearance front suspension, new rack system and an easily removable snow flap. Previous liquid-cooled Voyageurs carried a 146-inch track, but these new ones spin a 15- by 155-inch shoe.
There’s even a premium version called the Adventure Ultimate package that comes standard with a removable 2-up seat, 7S digital touchscreen display and a Fox QS3 shock on the rear arm. Further downstream are Voyageur XC and SP 155 models, plus a returning but unchanged Voyageur SP 146.
Polaris is also bringing back the 550 Voyageur, 550 Voyageur Adventure and 550 Voyageur LXT, all powered by the rudimentary but time-proven 550 fan-cooled twin.
Those seeking ultimate floatation and off-trail capability, though, may want to step up to one of the big dog Titan 155 models. They spin a jumbo 20-inch wide track around a BackTrak20 rear suspension. Titans are the ultimate workhorse and have features reflecting that – including a high/low/neutral/reverse transmission, a rear work light, a rear hitch, wide skis and more.
The Titan also has a new Adventure Ultimate package at the top of its lineup featuring a 2-Up seat, big cargo box, special paint, the 7S display and a rear Fox QS3 shock, with 850 Patriot or ProStar S4 engine options. The Titan Adventure 155 and Titan SP 155 are the other options.
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Polaris can update everything they want it will still be a Polaris and subject to a million recalls, why don’t they put the time ,effort,and money to building them SO THEY DONT HAVE TO RECALL THE THINGS EVERY WEEK HMMMMMMM!!!!!! Just saying.
I’d really like to know what ever happened to the external mount rear shock suspension that ALL of the magazines claimed for years that was revolutionary and eventually we all would be riding on a rear skid of that nature? It faded into oblivion a couple years back without even a mention.
Looks like maybe 2027 will have some anticipated changes, maybe new chassis and 7R (replace 650) 9R boost.
Did the 55 or co changes to correct problems in MY25 work except the P22 clutch cracking still per social media?
Why in the world knowing Yamaha and Cat are out, would Polaris not try to captivate the 4-Stroke Turbo market. The 998 turbo has always been King but nobody including Doos 900R is even close!