In this article, you’ll discover that there are many choices when it comes to choosing a performance snowmobile for the trail. Don’t worry, this article will help you navigate the manufacturers, models, lengths and 2 or 4-stroke engines for 2023.
AT BRP SKI-DOO SNOWMOBILES
2 STROKE ENGINE
-850 E-TEC 165 HP (GEN 5 PLATFORM)
RENEGADE X-RS 137
The 2023 Renegade X-RS offers race-approved performance for riders who want to dominate. With the unmatched performance and control of the new REV Gen5 platform, every trail is fair game. Optional SMART-SHOX suspension (semi-active) available. Available with 3 track choices.
RENEGADE X 137
The 2023 Renegade X offers unmatched winter experiences with high-performance Rotax power, responsive handling of the REV Gen5 platform and the latest innovations in snowmobile suspension. Available with 3 track choices.
RENEGADE ADRENALINE 137
The Renegade Adrenaline has impressive power and instant agility that allows us to enjoy every ride.
MXZ X-RS 129
The 2023 MXZ X-RS continues to raise the bar for pure trail performance with the all-new REV Gen5 platform offering enhanced performance and control on snow. Optional SMART-SHOX (semi-active) suspension available. Available with 2 track choices.
MXZ BLIZZARD 129
The legendary MXZ Blizzard is back. Fresh off the REV Gen5 platform, it combines incredible response, inspiring power and exceptional handling in all conditions to provide riders with the ultimate seasonal snowmobile to conquer any trail. Available with 2 track choices.
-850 E-TEC 165 HP (GEN 4 PLATFORM)
BACKCOUNTRY X-RS 146 and 154
With extreme off-trail and trail performance, the Backcountry X-RS redefines the very notion of a 50-50 hybrid snowmobile. On this sled, the transition from off-trail to a fast-paced trail is made in an instant. Available with 5 track choices.
BACKCOUNTRY X 146
A quality 50/50 hybrid snowmobile that is accurate and dynamic on the trail and easy to ride off-trail. Capable of attacking trails with precision, zigzagging between trees and tackling fresh powder. Available with 3 track choices.
BACKCOUNTRY 146
A must-have companion, the Backcountry combines precise trail riding with deep snow skills, allowing the snowmobiler to get off the trail. Available with 2 track choices.
4 STROKE ENGINE
-900 ACE TURBO R 180 HP (GEN 4 PLATFORM)
RENEGADE X-RS 137
Whether seeking race-proven performance or epic adventures, Renegade drivers have one goal: to get as many miles as possible in maximum comfort. In addition to 3 driving modes, Launch mode and SMART-SHOX suspension (semi-active) are available as an option.
RENEGADE X 137
The narrower design of the REV Gen4 drivetrain allows for greater centralization of the snowmobile’s heaviest mass, which results in a better response to your commands. Launch mode is also available as an option.
RENEGADE ADRENALINE 137
With this ultra-responsive Rotax engine that offers unmatched performance, economy and reliability, riders enjoy their rides even more.
EXPEDITION XTREME
Ready to hit the road as soon as the job is done, the Expedition Xtreme offers rugged off-trail riding and trail handling to give riders exceptional capability and performance wherever they go. With 154″ x 20″ x 1.8″ Cobra WT track.
AT BRP LYNX SNOWMOBILES
2 STROKE ENGINE
-850 E-TEC 165 HP (RADIEN PLATFORM)
RAVE RE 137
Everything you want from a sporty ride. The Lynx Rave is a true sport snowmobile with a 137″ x 15″ x 1.5″ Ice Cobra studded track and features designed for the northern climate that make it superior on demanding trails and paths.
For those who thrive when the trail gets rough. With the Lynx Rave RE, excellence has been exceeded.
XTERRAIN RE 146
The extreme hybrid snowmobile is for challenging trails and off-trail riding. The PPS³ rear suspension and LFS+ front suspension with high-quality KYB 46 Kashima HLCR shocks ensure maximum control in aggressive riding. Plus, it comes with a 146 x 16 x 2.0-inch PowderMax track.
XTERRAIN BRUTAL 154
This hybrid snowmobile eliminates the idea of the impossible. Its 154 x 20 x 2.5-inch track offers incredible grip. The sporty suspension with KYB shocks tames the most demanding trails. There’s no way to stop it.
4 STROKE ENGINE
-900 ACE TURBO R 180 HP (RADIEN PLATFORM)
XTERRAIN RE 146
The 900 ACE Turbo R has endless power. Equipped with the iTC throttle, we can choose between 3 driving modes.
AT ARCTIC CAT
4 STROKE ENGINE
– 998 C-TEC4 TURBO 200 HP (A LITTLE MORE)
ZR 9000 THUNDERCAT 137
This is a fast and ferocious snowmobile with the option of electronic power steering, a big plus in my opinion. Improved handling, optional ATAC adjustable suspension on the fly, for the best ride ever. Equipped with a 1.25″ RIPSAW II track.
RIOT 9000 146 HYBRID
The Riot 9000, now available with this powerful turbocharged 4-stroke engine, remains a hybrid snowmobile. The lightweight, narrow ADAPT CVT drive system enhances performance and belt life, and provides better engine response and smooth power output. With optional EPS power steering.
All the other features of the RIOT 8000 can be found on this one. (see below).
2 STROKE ENGINE
-794 C-TEC2 ENGINE WITH 165 HP
ZR 8000 137
The ZR Limited is for those who want to dominate the trail. With advanced features like the optional ATAC adjustable suspension. It’s Arctic Cat 8000 Series C-TEC2 two-stroke engine offers unmatched precision and responsiveness. It is equipped with a 1.25″ RIPSAW II track.
RIOT 8000 146 HYBRID
The Riot is a 50/50 hybrid snowmobile for riders who like to ride on the trails, but venture off-trail when there’s fresh snow!
It offers versatility and features such as ARS II front suspension, CROSS-ACTION rear suspension and the option of ATAC suspension with on-the-fly adjustment. Equipped with a 1.6″ COBRA track.
YAMAHA
4 STROKE ENGINE
-998 TURBO GENESIS 200 HP (AND A BIT MORE)
SIDEWINDER SRX LE 137
The Sidewinder SRX LE is ready to defend its title as the fastest-production snowmobile. With its Genesis 998 Turbo engine and specially tuned electronically controlled suspension, the SRX is sure to take you to the end of the trail first! Equipped with a 1″ low profile Ripsaw track.
SIDEWINDER X-TX LE 146
The Sidewinder X-TX LE stands out from the crowd. The decoupled ‘VersAttak’ rear suspension has the versatility to provide a smooth feel. Fully adjustable shocks offer superior performance while the front suspension provides increased ground clearance and better handling.
Its single-keel skis work equally well on and off the trail. Equipped with a 1.6-inch Cobra track.
SIDEWINDER L-TX-LE 137
This Sidewinder L-TX LE is a total assault on rough terrain. Front suspension features top-of-the-line FOX shocks, while the dual-shock rear suspension has a Kashima center shock and a beefy 2-inch rear shock.
The single-keel skis let you get where you want to go. With a 1.25″ Ripsaw II track.
SIDEWINDER L-TX-SE 137
The Sidewinder L-TX SE has all the performance and trail capabilities of the LE models but at a lower price. The front suspension is equipped with adjustable shocks. It has a 1.25″ Ripsaw II track.
The racing chassis keeps you forward, ready for whatever the trail throws at you.
SIDEWINDER L-TX GT 137
The Sidewinder L-TX GT EPS has made a name for itself among experienced, multi-mile snowmobilers. It stands out for its rock-solid performance and practical comfort.
Note that these models are very similar to the Arctic Cat ZR 9000 Thundercat, which I mentioned earlier, and can also be equipped with power steering.
AT POLARIS
-850 PATRIOT 165 HP
-850 PATRIOT BOOST 180 HP (AND A BIT MORE)
INDY VR1 850 129 AND 137
The Indy VR1 is rider-centric, with a Matryx platform that gives the rider complete control. Its lightweight, rigid carbon fibre and aluminum frame are designed to offer an unmatched power-to-weight ratio thanks to the Patriot 850 engine. With 3 track choices Ice Ripper XT 1.25″ Cobra 1.35″. Storm 1.5″.
SWITCHBACK ASSAULT 146
This ultimate 50/50 multi-segment snowmobile offers pure domination on and off the trail. Built on the rider-centric Matryx platform, the Switchback Assault combines superior trail handling with off-trail capability thanks to the high-performance Patriot 850 engine. With 4 track choices: Cobra (1.35″); Cobra (1.6″); Ice Cobra (1.6″); Crossover (2.0″)
-850 PATRIOT 165 HP
INDY XCR 128 AND 136
The XCR is equipped to handle the toughest terrain. Its shocks are adjustable in compression at high and low speeds to adapt to the driving conditions. With 3 track choices: Ice Ripper XT 1.25″, Cobra 1.35″ and Cobra 1.6″.
INDY XC 129 AND 133
The XC 129 offers precise cornering and the XC 137 offers versatility and comfort. The race-inspired independent front suspension and rear suspension combine to create great handling on the trail. With 3 track choices: 1.25″ Ice Ripper XT Cobra and 1.5″ Storm.
SWITCHBACK XC 146
The Switchback XC joins the Assault in the 50/50 crossover lineup as the industry benchmark for on- and off-trail ride and handling. With 2 choices of 1.35″ or 1.6″ Cobra tracks.
IN CONCLUSION,
As you can see, there is no lack of choice when it comes to choosing a snowmobile that combines performance, comfort, versatility and handling on the trail. I hope this article will help you make a more informed choice.
Also, you should know that 50/50 hybrids are versatile machines and that you should not expect to have the same behaviour as machines entirely dedicated to trail riding. They are still a good compromise when you do both.
For more details, I invite you to consult our several articles written on many of these models.
Have a nice season of rides!
Pascal
