2025 Arctic Cat
ZR 600 137 ATAC
The Many ZR 600s
Other than some ongoing refinements, the ZR 600 Sno Pro( 129 and 137), ZR 600 ATAC and ZR 600 R-XC return unchanged for 2026. Considering the recent debut of the Catalyst chassis, that likely would have been the case anyway. But after Textron’ s pullback in its final year with the brand, we’ re just happy the machines are back with fresh graphics packages.
All four machines come in the lightweight and minimalist Catalyst layout, with its centralized mass and aggressive ergonomics. Each uses the AWS 42 front suspension design, with its trademark widely spaced A-arms, and all are powered by a punchy 599cc liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine that was reengineered to fit into the tidy Catalyst layout. Importantly, the engine kept its laydown design, which has the intake and exhaust on the same side of the engine. That allows it to mount deeper in the chassis than competitive designs. Power is sent through narrow ADAPT clutches and through a final belt drive en route to the track.
Each machine utilizes a version of the Slide-Action rear suspension, but there are key differences between them. The ZR 600 Sno Pro with the 129-inch track has an uncoupled skidframe design, which makes it quicker to wheelie but not as smooth in stutter bumps. The 137-inch Sno Pro and ATAC models rely on a coupled design, while the rugged R-XC version employs unique geometry and various reinforcements designed for the rigors of cross-country racing.
Beyond that, shocks and gauge packages primarily separate the sub-brands. All ZR 600 Sno Pro models feature Cat-exclusive five-position AC5S clicker shocks at all four corners. Riders are able to manually choose between five positions for their preferred compression rates. The ZR 600 Sno Pros come with the baseline Sport gauge and retail for $ 14,899 to $ 15,099.
The ZR 600 ATAC steps up to Fox iQS3 shocks above the skis and on the rear suspension’ s rear arm. They allow riders to remotely change settings between soft, medium and firm through the G8 digital display and handlebar controls. That G8 gauge is impressive – it’ s bright, bold and packed with features like on-screen mapping, Group Ride functions, vehicle diagnostics and more. The ZR 600 ATAC retails for $ 17,099.
Also returning is the ZR 600 R-XC( MSRP: $ 16,399 or $ 16,799 with electric start) has higher-end Fox Zero QS3 shocks, a sport gauge, a Cobra track and stiffer settings.
The newly released ZR 600 EPS is an intriguing hybrid of features. It has the AC5S shocks and Sport gauge from the Sno Pro but with a 137-inch RipSaw II track and – most importantly – electronic-assist power steering( EPS). Like on the four-stroke models before it( and now the 2026 EXT model) the EPS system is speed- and torque-sensitive, providing a lot of assistance at low speeds or under heavy load within the steering system and then tapering off as speeds increase. Its MSRP is a surprisingly civilized $ 15,899.
On The Trail
Overall, our test team really liked past ZR 600 models in the Catalyst layout. Rider comments included,“ I love where I sit on this machine, I feel like I’ m 100 % in control” and“ The new G7 gauge is freaking awesome; the resolution is amazing.”
Another rider, though, said the seat“ puts you in a great spot, but it certainly doesn’ t have all-day comfort.”
We’ re as intrigued as anyone to get on the ZR 600 EPS in particular. About 20 months ago we rode one EPS-equipped two-stroke Cat and came away very impressed with its ease of handling. Word on the street is that one is headed our way this winter as a full-season demo unit. So, check our website for in-season rider impressions.
JANUARY 2026 / SNOWGOER. COM / 27