2026 Ski-Doo MXZ Neo +
more modern looking side panels, controls and bodywork.
Also for 2026, engineers tampered with the engine a little bit to improve the overall ride experience. A new exhaust pipe offers a smoother, more muted tone, plus a new electronic oil pump more precisely meters out the injection oil compared to the older mechanics system for optimum lubrication and reduced consumption.
Otherwise, our MXZ Neo + demo felt very familiar to previous models. The rider sits on a narrowed seat that is about 3 inches closer to the ground than standard, fullsized MXZ models, and turns a narrower handlebar that features smaller grips. The thumb throttle lever, meanwhile, is larger but less fatiguing.
Ride is controlled by a lowered and uncoupled rear suspension that features a single Motion Control gas shock cycling 8.3 inches of travel. It spins a 15- by 120- inch RipSaw track with 1.25-inch lugs. Up front is a narrowed version of the RAS X dual A-arm front suspension, with KYB 36 high-pressure gas shocks controlling 6.9 inches of travel. The Pilot 5.7 skis are set at a 39-inch stance, measured at their center.
Standard features include handguards, electric start, push-button reverse and a horizontal 4.5-inch digital display gauge. For the record, the more entry-level base MXZ Neo( without the“ plus” designation) makes just 40 horsepower, spins a 14- by 120- by 1-inch Cobra track and has lesser shocks.
The Ride
Parked with the other 600cc sleds in the staging area, the black and yellow MXZ Neo + didn’ t really stand out as being all that different. A discerning eye might catch its more low-slung nature, but at a glance it looked like just another modern snowmobile.
Throwing a leg over the seat, though, makes the ergonomics differences more apparent. When it was released for model year 2023, Ski-Doo engineers said the Neo layout was designed for riders around 4 feet, 8 inches tall. Yes, it feels compact, but all of our full-sized adult riders fit it just fine.
Its first really impactful difference, though, was noticeable when it was time to spark the engine. Instead of pushing a button, we needed to turn a key at the center of the driver-facing dash. It then exhibited what is called“ tip starting” in the automotive world – where the ignition system keeps cranking the engine until it starts running, and then some. It’ s an odd sound and sensation.
Once running, the fuel-injected 600 sounds nothing like an E-TEC twin. Instead
JANUARY 2026 / SNOWGOER. COM / 17