Arctic Cat has come a long way. Its owner, Textron, had announced the end of production before selling the brand in April 2025 to the former CEO of Arctic Cat and an investment group. Fortunately, the new management had time to get organized. Arctic Cat’s 2026 snowmobile lineup is diverse and retains several familiar models in the mountain, trail, hybrid, and utility categories while adding new elements that add value to the model year. The focus is on the versatile Catalyst platform with the powerful 858 two-stroke engine, with the ATAC model featuring electric power steering (EPS). New mountain models are introduced with the HCX (Hardcore Extreme) and HCR (Hillclimb Racer), not to mention the return of the Pantera 9000 touring model, as well as the improved ZR, Riot, and M Series models. The 400cc (Blast) models are also back, featuring significant updates with reduced weight and improved braking.
Production has resumed in the company’s hometown of Thief River Falls, Minnesota. Arctic Cat’s new president, Brad Darling, knows the company well, having started working for Arctic Cat in 2000 and then serving as vice president and general manager of the snowmobile division from 2011 to 2016. He then took over as president of Argo in 2020. He now holds both positions.
Arctic Cat’s unique technical features
The new management team quickly responded by offering a 2026 catalog with improvements and new features.
- The Catalyst platform lowers the center of gravity and centralizes mass.
- The 858 C-TEC2 engine is enhanced with the addition of electric power steering (EPS), a first for a two-stroke snowmobile.
- The Mountain series is equipped with HCX (146“) and HCR (154”) dual-rail skis, which are more efficient than Alpha skis.
- The Pantera 9000 high-performance touring snowmobile makes its comeback.
- The entry-level Blast ZR 400, Riot 400, M 400, and Norseman 400 models return to offer an economical alternative.
- Some models feature a new braking system consisting of a master cylinder and Haze 88 caliper.
- Weight reduction has been achieved through lighter rotating parts, brake discs, and drive shafts.
The appealing 2026 catalog of models offered
The 2026 range is quite comprehensive and includes both new models and older ones with improved features.
Performance Trail Models
ZR 400: Features the brand’s classic black and green color scheme on a compact chassis. This model is designed for trail riding, offering an entry-level option into the ZR family.
ZR 600 / 858 Sno Pro: This snowmobile is powered by the 600 or 858 C-TEC2 engine and features AC5S shocks and electric start. It offers a choice of 129-inch or 137-inch tracks and is equipped with a sport dashboard or Arctic Cat G8 display.
ZR 600/858 ATAC: This model is equipped with the ATAC suspension system, using Fox iQS/IFP/Fox iQS shocks for electronic adjustment. It features electric start and the Arctic Cat G8 digital display. It is mounted on a 137-inch x 1.25-inch Ripsaw II track.
ZR 600 / 858 R-XC: This snowmobile is equipped with the 600 or 858 C-TEC2 engine, AWS 42 suspension, and Fox QS3R/QS3/QS3R shocks. It is mounted on a 137“ x 1.352” Cobra track and features electric start.
EXT Special 858 ATAC: This snowmobile is equipped with electronic power steering, AWS 42 suspension, and a 137-inch Ice Ripper XT track. It features electric start and Arctic Cat G8 display.
ZR 7000: It is powered by a 1049 cc 3-cylinder 4-stroke engine. It is equipped with a 137-inch Ripsaw II track and IFP shock absorbers.
ZR 9000 Thundercat EPS ATAC: This model is back in the catalog, powered by Yamaha’s powerful 998cc turbocharged engine and featuring an upgraded ATAC electronic suspension system and G8 touchscreen display.
Hybrid and crossover models
Riot 400: It features a single-seat saddle and rear slide rail suspension. It is mounted on a 15 x 146 x 1.25-inch Ripsaw track and is equipped with an electric start.
Riot 600 and 858 Sno Pro: These Riots are equipped with the Catalyst chassis, have 146-inch Hurricane tracks, and offer the option to upgrade to the G8 display.
Riot 858 ATAC: This model also features electronic adaptive suspension technology to adjust the suspension in real time.
Riot 9000 ATAC: it is powered by a 998 cc turbo engine and features the ATAC electronic suspension system. It is equipped with electronic power steering, a heated seat, and a 146-inch Cobra track.
Mountain models
M 400: This snowmobile features AMS front suspension with a 36-inch track and ALPHA ONE rear suspension. It comes with electric start, a 15 x 146 x 1.25-inch Challenger track, twin-tube shock absorbers, and a Powersport display.
M 858 Sno Pro & ATAC: These models are equipped with a recalibrated 858cc engine with reduced vibration. They also benefit from weight reduction efforts, thanks to an aluminum drive shaft and a lighter braking system.
HCX 858: Designed for aggressive mountain riders, this Hardcore Extreme model features a 146-inch PowerClaw track and Fox FLOAT QS3 shocks.
HCR 858: intended for hillclimb racing, this Hillclimb Racer model is equipped with Fox QS3 spring shock absorbers, a vertical steering column, and a 154-inch PowerClaw track.
Touring models:
Riot Touring 400: this is the touring version equipped with a two-seater saddle. It shares the 15 x 146 x 1.25-inch Ripsaw track and electric start with the single-seater model.
Pantera 7000: These existing models are powered by Yamaha’s 1049cc naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine, which delivers reliable performance for touring and backcountry riding.
Arctic Cat Pantera 9000: This high-performance touring snowmobile also reappears in the lineup. It features the same Yamaha turbocharged three-cylinder engine, EPS, heated seats for two, and a large auxiliary fuel tank for extended range.
Utility models:
Norseman 400: This utility machine is part of the mid-size Blasts series. It is characterized by its light weight and versatility, with a 146-inch Cobra track and electric starter.
Youth models
ZR 200: This model with a 192cc four-stroke engine was already in the catalog. It offers great performance for young people who want to get started on private land. It is well equipped with an electric starter and heated grips.
Kitty Cat Final Edition: This ZR 120 youth snowmobile is powered by a 123cc four-stroke engine. For its final year of production, it has been renamed “Kitty Cat” and features a set of retro graphics inspired by the original 1972 model.
The 2026 Arctic Cat snowmobile lineup marks a significant restart for the brand under new management. The focus on the Catalyst platform, the introduction of new technologies such as electronic power steering (EPS), and the integration of the 858 C-TEC 2 engine.
While the snowmobile industry lost a major player with Yamaha’s withdrawal, Arctic Cat’s return is excellent news for competition and market diversification.
