Ski-Doo is putting a laser focus on select segments within the snowmobile market for 2026 . Specifically , big and notable upgrades are being made to select mountain sleds , sport / utility crossovers and four-stroke powered trail cruisers , all in the name of creating better snowmobiling experiences for riders with specialized needs .

Some upgrades – like a new steering system , weight loss , fresh rear suspension designs and more – are truly new to the brand . Others – like expansion of the REV Gen5 platform , RAS RX front suspension geometry and ever-increasing functionality within the 10.25−inch digital display – build on or spread already proven Ski-Doo designs , although with unique twists .

The team at Snow Goer magazine recently tested some of these advancements at a sneak-peek ride last month . The team also met with top Ski-Doo officials who explained the benefits and thinking behind the updates .

Ski-Doo unveiled its 2026 sleds in February .

SKI-DOO MXZ & RENEGADE TRAIL SLEDS

A couple of years ago , Ski-Doo methodically separated its MXZ and Renegade snowmobiles into different buckets . Full-sized MXZs would be either 129− or 137−inch-tracked trail sleds powered by two-stroke powerplants with a slightly higher ride height and more aggressive ergos , while Renegades would be primarily four-stroke-powered ( with one exception ) 137−inch cruisers with a slightly lower nose , wider front tub and more relaxed ergos .

One year ago , for model year 2025 , Ski- Doo unveiled new RAS RX front suspension geometry on most MXZs . It featured taller spindles , wider-spread A-arms , flatter-mounted shocks , revised steering arm mounts and altered sway bar linkage and ski mount positions . All changes were made to improve handing and reduce body roll in corners . On top of that , new Pilot RX skis with a more aggressive keel were added to spring-order models .

Now for 2026 , the RAS RX package predictably has been expanded to springorder Renegade models . However , thanks to Renegades ’ lower ride height and the extra nose weight created by their fourstroke engines , it is not paired with Pilot RX skis . There are also very slightly revised steering arm and ski bolt positions aimed at easing the steering effort to reduce fatigue for all-day cruising riders .

Ski-Doo MXZ & Renegade Trail Sleds .

Added together , Ski-Doo says the upgrades reduce chassis roll by 18 percent on so-equipped Renegade X and X-RS models , which results in sharper handling . Snow Goer experienced it firsthand on a sneak peek ride and came away impressed with the new handling prowess .

MORE TRAIL NEWS The Pilot RX skis are now standard on Adrenaline and Adrenaline with Blizzard Package models .

The REV Gen5 chassis platform will now be the base for MXZ and Renegade Sport models , plus MXZ and Summit Neo machines , bringing with the upgraded bodywork and headlights , plus improved motor mounts for less vibration on two-strokes .

Also , Ski-Doo continues to upgrade the capabilities of its 10.25−inch digital display . For 2026 , a really cool new group ride function has been added where you can accurately track folks in your riding group and also , in the right conditions , virtually “ see ” other so-equipped Ski-Doo riders from other groups in your riding vicinity .

2026 SKI-DOO MOUNTAIN SLEDS Ski-Doo continues to push technology and fresh thinking into the deep snow / mountain segment . For 2026 , that results in some significantly lighter , better handling , lighter steering and narrower machines .

It starts with the two machines at the top of the Summit lineup , which get further separated from each other for 2026 but both get very notable upgrades .

The Summit X leads the way in the diet department . It drops nearly 12 pounds of dry weight and 14 pounds of wet weight thanks to a variety of changes that include :

A new “ super short ” tunnel is 1.8 inches shorter on sleds with a 155−inch track and 2.4 inches shorter on the 165 inch track . That tunnel is also made of a thinnergauge aluminum that Ski-Doo officials say is just as strong , and is mated with a redesigned snowflap , taillight and crossmembers , saving up to five pounds .

Beneath that tunnel is a more compact and shorter heat exchanger . It ’ s lighter on its own , but it also reduces the amount of antifreeze the vehicle carries and should create less ice and snow build-up under the tunnel .

A new “ tMotion with Coil-Over ” skid frame strips away two more pounds while allowing the sled to pop out of the snow more efficiently .

A new X-package-exclusive Powdermax Ultra Light 155−by three-inch track with Flex Edge shaves two more pounds with a staggered lug design and reduced base thickness . New forged aluminum upper A-arms strip another half-pound .

Added together , a Summit X 850 155 now specs at 428 pounds dry and 509 pounds wet . Mountain tester TJ Krob said he could definitely feel and appreciate the reduced poundage and the new rear suspension .

But wait , there ’ s a lot more to get excited about for extreme mountain riders , because the 2026 Summit X with Expert Package machines benefit from the same shorter tunnel / lighter and heat exchanger , but it also gets a major change up front .

Specifically , Ski-Doo is narrowing Expert machines even more , dropping the ski stance to an amazing 32 inches . Beyond that , there ’ s also a new Twin Link steering system that feels ultra-connected , with virtually all play or slop removed .

With the narrower stance and new steering , Ski-Doo said riders will need to tilt the machine less , allowing for more control on sidehills , particularly when crossing other tracks . Test rider TJ fell in love with this new , narrowed stance .

Elsewhere in the Summit lineup , the 850 Turbo R engine will now be available in full-season Summit Adrenaline models . Mid-sized Summit Neos move to the REV Gen5 chassis .

Not to be forgotten , Freerides with the 154− and 165−inch track lengths benefit from the same Super Short tunnels as found on Summit X models , but they keep their longer heat exchangers . And all Summits and Freerides with the 10.25−inch display get its upgrades , including the handy groupride functionality .

2026 SKI-DOO EXPEDITION AND UTILITY SLEDS

One BRP official said that the fastest growing segment in the snowmobile market right now is the 20−inch-wide sport / utility machines . With that as context , it ’ s not surprising that Ski-Doo took its top Expedition machines through a major overhaul for model year 2026 .

First , all Expedition models move to the wide-body version of the REV Gen5 chassis platform , which provides more refined bodywork and switchwork , better lighting , improved wind protection and more .

Beyond that , though , a new uMotion rear suspension replaces the dated SC−5U ski on Expedition SE , LE and Xtreme models . It provides a much-improved ride quality , better control of weight transfer , one inch more suspension travel , better bottoming resistance and even more cargo carrying capabilities .

Meanwhile a new Crosscut 1.5−inch track ( studded or unstudded ) has quietrolling bands / humps for major sound reduction and less vibration . It matches up with new anti-ratchet drivers .

The front suspension was also updated on SE and LE models to reduce steering effort . There ’ s even a new cargo box and gauge capabilities .

Snow Goer test rode a couple of 2026 Expedition models ( an Xtreme and an SE ). They found them amazingly capable yet quite easy to trail ride . The new skid frame is a big jump up – the machines aren ’ t nearly as wheelie-happy as in previous designs , and thus are easier to control .

SKI-DOO BACKCOUNTRY AND OTHERS

The trend to offer both wide and narrow 146−inch crossovers that Ski-Doo started last season with its Backcountry X-RS expands for 2026 . Now in-season Backcountry buyers will get this options as well .

A complete line of Tundra and Skandic utility buggies returns mostly unchanged . The Grand Touring lineup , meanwhile , sees more REV Gen5 upgrades and more capability from that 10.25−digital display .