At the time of writing this article, spring sales are in full swing for Lynx, Polaris, and Ski-Doo. Each of these manufacturers offers a wide range of snowmobile models. Most of them allow riders to choose the engine best suited to their usage and riding style.
In this article, I’ll introduce the different two-stroke engine options available in 2026 snowmobiles. Although Arctic Cat hasn’t announced any new models this year, dealers are currently offering 2025 models. What’s more, with ongoing rumours of a sale involving the manufacturer and a potential resumption of production over the coming year, I’ve decided to include it in this list.
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2026 Arctic Cat Two-Stroke Engines
The American manufacturer offers an interesting range of two-stroke engines, designed and built directly at its Saint-Cloud facility. A few years ago, Arctic Cat invested heavily in this facility to install a second assembly line.
What’s more, for its 2025 models, Arctic Cat also introduced the successor to the 800 C-TEC2 engine—the 858, which I’ll detail below. It’s worth noting that the 800 C-TEC2 engine is no longer offered in the Arctic Cat lineup.
Arctic Cat 4000: Entry-Level Two-Stroke Engine
The 397 cc engine was introduced in 2020 with the launch of the new Blast lineup. To design it, Arctic Cat essentially split its 794 cc twin-cylinder engine (C-TEC2) in half, creating an entry-level motor. It delivers 65 hp, a power output well suited to the Blast platform, which stands out for being slightly more compact than full-size sleds.
And it’s not just teenagers who enjoy riding Blast snowmobiles. Even our contributors were impressed, as shown in this article by Paul.
The 4000 engine is only available in the Blast family of snowmobiles.
600 C-TEC2
Launched in 2014, the 599 cc 6000 C-TEC2 twin-cylinder engine delivers around 125 hp. It stands out for solid performance in its class and has proven to be highly reliable over the years.
858
At the 2023 Hay Days, Arctic Cat unveiled its brand-new engine for the 2025 snowmobile lineup.
Named the 858, this engine replaces the 800 C-TEC2 in all models built on the Catalyst chassis. While it uses the same C-TEC2 technology found in Arctic Cat’s 600 cc and 800 cc engines, the 858 is a completely new powerplant developed from scratch specifically for the Catalyst platform.
This engine features a new exhaust control system that is highly innovative and very promising.
2026 Lynx and Ski-Doo Two-Stroke Engines
All two-stroke engines for Lynx and Ski-Doo snowmobiles are designed and built by Rotax. The variety of powerplants available meets the needs of every rider profile. Beginners can opt for models offering 40 horsepower, while performance enthusiasts can choose engines delivering up to 180 hp. Of course, many other options are available between those extremes.
600 EFI NEO/NEO+
In 2023, Ski-Doo catered to new snowmobile enthusiasts by launching the NEO and NEO+ models. These sleds are equipped with adapted versions of the well-known 600 EFI engine, introduced in 2021. The NEO delivers 40 hp, while the NEO+ bumps it up to 55 hp. It’s important to note that these engines cannot be modified to increase power, unlike Polaris’ EVO models.
The NEO and NEO+ are available in two versions: MXZ and Summit. Unlike some competitors, such as Polaris EVO and Arctic Cat Blast, the NEO retains a full-size sled format.
600 EFI
In 2021, Ski-Doo made a major shift in its entry-level two-stroke lineup by replacing all carbureted engines with the new 600 EFI.
Producing 85 hp, this engine offers better fuel economy, improved performance, and cleaner emissions, while meeting EPA environmental standards.
Today, this engine is found in the “Sport” trim across the entire Ski-Doo lineup.
600R E-TEC
Launched in 2009, the 600 H.O. E-TEC was a major milestone for Ski-Doo, as it was the industry’s very first direct-injection engine. This technological breakthrough allowed the brand to offer cleaner, more efficient, more economical, and, above all, more reliable engines.
In January 2018, Ski-Doo unveiled the 2018 MXZ 600R E-TEC, introducing the second generation of this engine: the 600R E-TEC. This is the version still featured in the 2026 Ski-Doo lineup. With a 5 hp increase over its predecessor, this engine now delivers 125 hp to 126 hp, along with improved overall performance.
It now powers most of the brand’s models.
850 E-TEC
The 850 E-TEC engine took over from the popular 800 E-TEC introduced in 2010. In 2017, Ski-Doo launched the second generation of E-TEC engines in the 150 hp to 170 hp category by increasing displacement from 800 cc to 849 cc. This new engine produces 165 hp.
Over the years, the 850 E-TEC has completely replaced the 800 in Ski-Doo’s lineup. In addition to delivering 10 more hp, it stands out for quicker acceleration, snappier throttle response, and improved long-term reliability.
850 E-TEC Turbo R
In 2020, Ski-Doo revolutionized the industry by launching the very first turbocharged two-stroke engine. Initially reserved for mountain snowmobiles, this engine delivers 165 hp, maintained up to 8,000 ft of elevation—a true game changer for high-altitude riders.
Then, in 2023, Ski-Doo upgraded this powerplant with an additional 15 hp. It now delivers 180 hp, still up to 8,000 ft of elevation.
First limited to mountain models, Ski-Doo now offers it in the MXZ Competition package.
Traditionally, Polaris has only offered snowmobiles equipped with two-stroke engines. This has allowed the manufacturer to offer a wide variety of powerplants. Here are the engines currently offered by the Roseau-based company.
Liberty 550
The Liberty 550 engine has proven its reliability and versatility over the past two decades. It remains the last carbureted two-stroke engine available in the industry. It is also the only air-cooled engine still on offer.
This engine saw renewed interest when it was integrated into the INDY platform. Polaris also adapted it to power its EVO lineup, with modifications aimed at limiting top speed.
In EVO models, the Liberty 550 delivers around 55 hp. However, it reaches nearly 60 hp in other full-size sleds. It therefore represents Polaris’ entry-level engine.
Patriot 650
Launched in 2021, the 650 Patriot engine features the same technologies as the 850, which Polaris claims provides greater reliability. It also offers reduced fuel and oil consumption. Performance-wise, this engine truly impressed us—to the point where you might find yourself checking under the hood to make sure it really is a 650!
With an estimated 131 hp, it often feels as if it delivers even more.
The 650 Patriot is offered in several Polaris models and represents an excellent choice. For many riders, it’s a very appealing alternative to the 850 Patriot, depending on their needs.
850 Patriot
This engine was highly anticipated when it joined the 2019 lineup.
At the time, there were plenty of industry rumours. And Polaris did not disappoint its loyal fans. With an estimated 168 hp, this engine quickly stood out thanks to its aggressive performance, surpassing what the competition had to offer.
Today, it’s widely used across the entire Polaris snowmobile lineup and has completely replaced the 800 Cleanfire.
Patriot 9R
The latest addition to the Polaris engine family, the Patriot 9R, made a dramatic and unexpected debut. In fact, it was believed that the Patriot Boost would be the manufacturer’s go-to solution for any situation where the 850 Patriot wasn’t enough.
Born from the racing world, the Patriot 9R was initially intended solely for mountain use. However, in the years following its release, it has been introduced to several trail and crossover models.
It delivers more punch than the 850 Patriot, while avoiding the extra 20 lb of weight that comes with the 850 Boost. Its estimated power output is 180 hp at sea level. As a naturally aspirated engine, its performance decreases with elevation, unlike the 850 Boost.
That said, for riding below 2,000 m, the Patriot 9R offers an excellent power-to-weight ratio. It’s a very popular choice among those seeking maximum performance without the weight of a turbocharged engine.
850 Patriot Boost
Launched in 2022, this engine was initially reserved for mountain models. However, as early as the following year, Polaris also integrated it into the INDY VR1 and Switchback Assault—great news for trail and crossover enthusiasts.
Its estimated output is around 185 hp. If accurate, the 850 Patriot Boost would then be the most powerful production two-stroke engine currently offered in the snowmobile world. Since Polaris doesn’t officially release horsepower figures for its engines, this number is based on the average of estimates provided by independent sources.
