For the 2025 season, Ski-Doo is back with some improvements on some of their sporty snowmobiles. In this case, the unit I tried was, in my opinion, the model of choice for performance enthusiasts. I’m talking about the 2025 MXZ X-RS with Competition Package. At first glance, this snowmobile looks identical to the previous model. Ski-Doo didn’t redesign the model this year. The same turbocharged 850 E-TEC engine is back, the ergonomics remain the same as well as the rear suspension. So what are the changes?
First change:
Unless you’re a savvy expert, it would be easy to miss the changes being made. Ski-Doo adds an “R” to their front suspension nomenclature. This changes the RAS X to the RAS RX. Does the R stand for “racing”? I don’t know, but this all-new front suspension is inspired by their cross-country models.
Without going into technical details, by changing the front suspension, Ski-Doo engineers have reduced the body roll centre by 20 percent. This new technology also increases travel and improves driving precision. As a result, greater stability and fewer ski-lift tendencies can be observed. These changes can be seen on the 2025 models of the MXZ X-RS, MXZ X, and Backcountry X-RS. To get all the information about these changes, I suggest you check out Denis Lavoie’s recent article.
Second change, the skis:
On paper, thanks to the change in front suspension and increased stability, it is now possible to install much more aggressive skis without compromising the overall ride on the trail. The 2025 MXZ X-RS I tried was mounted on Pilot RX skis. These more aggressive skis would be less likely to escape in softer snow conditions. Pilot RX skis are available on the 2025 MXZ X-RS (with or without the Competition Package), MXZ X and Backcountry X-RS (43″ model).
Now, can we see the difference?
Immediately! From the first curves, the difference is noticeable. On the 2024 models, I’ve always felt the front is pretty solid. But I thought it lacked bite at the front in the corners and required a more physical ride. Braking in curves to transfer weight forward and inside curve swaying to the front to give even more bite to attack corners.
This year, I tried to ride the MXZ X2025—RS more smoothly by letting the skis do their job. Even in soft snow conditions, you simply had to angle the handlebars in the desired direction and the combination of RAS RX suspension and Pilot RX skis did its job.
Unchanged aspects that make the 2025 MXZ X-RS, with Competition Package, a special snowmobile.
The suspension with Smart-Shox KYB Pro… This snowmobile is Ski-Doo’s go-to model for going full throttle over bumps. It is also the model available to everyone exclusively for spring. It’s really amazing that it can load the most rutted trails while controlling while remaining one of the most comfortable snowmobiles on the market by playing with the suspension modes. However, some models considered 100% “touring” must be excluded. As a general rule, at the end of the day on Sunday, the snowmobiler tries to return to the trailer as comfortably as possible. It’s fun to want to sit on the sportiest snowmobile designed for bumps. I’m talking about the 2025 MXZ X-RS with Smart-Shox. It’s truly a do-it-all snowmobile with all three suspension modes: Comfort, Sport and Sport+.
Points forts:
- The new changes to the RAS RX front suspension combined with the Pilot RX ski that improves steering behaviour in corners.
- The 180 horsepower 850 E-TEC Turbo R engine.
- The quality of the materials in general.
- The comfort of Smart-Shox KYB Pro suspensions.
What to look out for:
- Ski-Doo has to put the level selector of its separate suspensions back on an independent knob like on the Polaris with Dynamix suspension. Much easier to manage without having to take your eyes off the trail.
- The Smart-Shox suspensions do the job really well, but will the technology and sensor age well?
- It is time, in my opinion, to integrate the central shock into a new Smart-Shox system. This allows you to change the damping and preload independently, in addition to being able to easily adjust the track/ski weight transfer.
- How will the new Polaris with Dynamix suspension fare compared to the Smart-Shox? I can tell you that it will be hot on the trails in 2025 with these two models in direct competition!
