9 Predictions for 2026 Snowmobiles
Posted by Christopher Weiland on
2026 Snowmobile Predictions: What We Got Right (And What We Totally Missed)
From Arctic Cat's shocking comeback to Yamaha's final chapter - our complete prediction scorecard
đŻ What's Inside This Prediction Review
Last year was rough for snowmobiling. Crappy snow on top of way too much leftover inventory meant everyone was playing it safe with new stuff, and sales dragged. But hey, things flipped this seasonâinventory's sorted out, snow's dumping everywhere, and February's looking epic. Trails are buzzing, guys are racking up miles, and with demand picking up, the big brands might finally drop those upgrades they've been holding back.
We threw out some predictions last time, and like always, some hit the bullseye, others... not so much. Let's break it downâwhat we thought was coming, and what actually showed up.
Arctic Cat: The Waiting Game
Textron basically confirmed the whispersâ they're out of the production game. They axed contracts for 2026 models, and everyone's buzzing about a buyer stepping in quick.
Hold up though, ignore the crap saying the deal's already sealed. Textron's public, so they'd have to announce if it was doneâ nada so far. Here's how these sales usually go: Deal gets announced, due diligence happens, then it closes for real.
Fingers crossed a private outfit grabs itâthat could hustle the timeline and get 2026 sleds built. The Catalyst was building steam before they yanked the plug, and this killer snow year's got folks interested again.
Arctic Cat got sold off by Textron, and yeah, there's a 2026 lineup. Asset sale to a private buyer who didn't mess around. Catalyst sticks around, supply chain's cranking, and the shockerâthat Yamaha 998cc turbo? It's in the Thundercat now. Cat's roaring back, no doubt.
Lynx: Refinements and Trail-Ready Updates
- New RAS RX Front Suspension: Ski-Doo rolled this out, so Lynx 2-strokes probably get it too.
- Spring Check 2-Ply Track Option: Been waiting forever for this tougher track for hard chargers.
- Trail-Friendly X-Terrain Model: X-Terrain 2-stroke's stuck with 2" lugs so far. Maybe a trail version finally?
Got the new front end, but no 2-ply tracks, and the 2-stroke X-Terrain keeps the 2" lug. RAS RX on 2-strokes sharpens up the turns, but that durable track and trail tweaks? Still waiting. Decent tweaks, but could've been more.
Polaris: A Big Year Ahead?
- New Chassis Incoming? Polaris usually swaps chassis every 5-6 years, and Matryx is at year six.
- 4-Stroke Turbo â Time to Fill the Gap: Yamaha bailing leaves a huge hole in 4-stroke turbos.
- New Rear Suspension: Buzz says they've got something new to take on Ski-Doo's rMotion.
- Dynamix Expanding to XCR and Assault? That active suspension rocked last year, might hit more models.
No new trail models, they're waiting till 2027. No chassis switch, no turbo plug, no fresh rear skid or wider Dynamix. Playing it cool, saving the big stuff for later.
Ski-Doo: Big Moves on the Horizon?
- 4-Stroke RAS RX Front Suspension: Should spread past the 2-strokes.
- Spring Order 2-Ply Track Option: Rumors say this might happen.
- Weight Reduction: Maybe back to lighter builds like old times.
- Smart Shox Expansion: Probably add front track shock for full auto.
- A 900-Class 2-Stroke? Polaris' 9R stirred the pot, Ski-Doo might clap back.
New front end on 4-stroke trail sleds. But no 2-ply options, no weight drops, no 900, no Smart Shox upgrades. RAS RX boosts handling without extra bulk, but the flashy stuff didn't drop. Keeps 'em in the game, though.
Yamaha: The End of an Era
2025 was Yamaha's last hurrah. Only shot at sticking around is if Polaris or Cat licenses the motors, but nahâCat was building their own 4-stroke turbo before Textron killed it, and Polaris does engines in-house.
That 998cc turbo was a beast, but figure it'll stay in old Sidewinders. Sucks for the sport, but we keep riding.
The 998cc turbo keeps going in the 2026 Arctic Cat Thundercatâblue's not dead, just tucked under the hood! No Yamaha sleds anymore, but the engine's legacy rides on without fancy deals.
Final Thoughts & Industry Outlook
Snow's been killer this year, demand's through the roof, so 2026 should've been prime for big upgrades. Arctic Cat hung on new owners, Polaris eyed a chassis refresh, Ski-Doo teased lightweight comebacks, and Yamaha's dip out opened the 4-stroke turbo door wide.
Reviewing our guesses, we nailed Arctic Cat's comeback and the engine handoff, but whiffed on Polaris overhauls and Ski-Doo extras. Industry's rebounding hardâstock's good, snow's deep, folks are out there.
Prediction Scorecard
What's Your Take on 2026 Sleds?
Did our predictions match your ride? Drop a comment and let us know what you think about next year's lineup!
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4 comments
Letâs hope a deal gets done with someone whoâs willing to bring the talent back that textronâs cooperate mentality either force to leave or bailed because of the atmosphere
With most brands of 4-wheelers and side by sides having electric power steering, its a shame Arctic Cat is the only one offering it on a Snowmobile. It is amazing on trails.
My guess with whoever buys Arctic Cat will sell off any remaining inventory and 2026 would would be minor updates on 2025. Maybe a 2026.5 turbo 858.
I hope BRP tries to lose weight in the 4 stroke department. As well as weight distribution.
Wonder if they could make a turbo Ace 600. Wouldnât be a rocket, but zippy and light.
Hopefully someone will develop aftermarket suspension to compete with Polarisâ.
1. If Arctic Cat is bought soon, they should just Refine 2025s and maybe a turbo 858. Otherwise, they might be broke before they even start.
I hope BRP makes a competitive 4 stroke. That is competitive with 2 strokes. (Balance weight, and weight distribution)