Some snowmobiles love well-groomed trails, straight lines, and predictable curves. Others look at the ditch, the brush, or the virgin snowdrift beside the trail and say, “Why not?”
The 2026 Ski-Doo Backcountry XRS 850 from BRP clearly falls into the second category. It’s the snowmobile that refuses to choose sides. Trail or off-trail? It answers: yes.
From the first glance, it’s clear that BRP didn’t design the Backcountry XRS for the faint of heart. Its aggressive look, uncompromising XRS graphics, and ready-to-pounce stance set the tone: this is a serious machine… but one that clearly wants to have fun.
An engine that didn’t take the winter “off duty”
Under the hood is the well-known Rotax 850 E-TEC, an engine that needs no introduction in the world of snowmobiles. In 2026, it continues to deliver honest, immediate, and above all, very well-balanced power. No need to fight with the throttle: the response is lively, precise, and always ready when you ask for a little more… or a lot more.
This engine is a bit like your overly motivated friend at 7 a.m.: you’re still stretching, but he’s already ready to tackle the day. Coming out of a turn or on a steep climb in heavy snow, the 850 E-TEC responds without hesitation. And despite all this enthusiasm, fuel consumption remains surprisingly reasonable, which is always appreciated when the next gas station is as rare as a coffee shop open at 5 a.m. in a remote area.
A true XRS: firm suspension, unapologetic fun
The XRS version promises a more aggressive ride, and BRP delivers. The suspension is clearly calibrated for riders who like to attack. It’s not the smoothest snowmobile for a leisurely 300 km ride, but that’s not its primary mission.
On the trail, the Backcountry XRS 850 surprises with its stability. Despite its off-road DNA, it handles confidently in corners, absorbs bumps well, and stays on course when the trail gets rougher. It’s firm, yes, but never harsh. You can feel that the machine is working for you, not against you.
And when you leave the trail, because let’s be honest, that’s where you want to go, the Backcountry XRS reveals its true personality. It handles with ease, positions itself easily, and allows you to play in deep snow without wrestling with the handlebars as if in a wrestling match.
Handling: the keyword of the experience
What’s most impressive about this snowmobile is its overall balance. It’s neither too heavy nor too twitchy. It quickly inspires confidence, even for an intermediate rider who’s just starting to venture off the beaten path.
It holds its line well on slopes. It’s easy to handle in tight maneuvers. And when it’s time to lift the skis to clear an obstacle or just for fun (admit it), it cooperates without complaint. That’s exactly what you expect from a Backcountry XRS: a machine capable of following its rider’s slightly crazy ideas… even those that come up on a whim.
Ergonomics designed for outdoor fun
Ski-Doo continues to refine the ergonomics of its snowmobiles, and the 2026 Backcountry XRS 850 takes full advantage of this. The riding position is natural, aggressive when needed, and comfortable for longer rides.
The handlebars fall nicely under your hands, the controls are intuitive, and the cockpit inspires confidence. You can easily switch from sitting on the trail to standing off-trail without feeling unbalanced or poorly positioned.
This is a snowmobile that makes you want to get moving, play with the terrain, and push your limits, or at least try to, even if it means remembering the next day that your muscles definitely exist.
Who exactly is this machine for?
It’s a valid question. The 2026 Backcountry XRS 850 is not for snowmobilers who just want to take a leisurely ride and admire the scenery (although that’s still possible). Rather, it’s for those who like to vary their terrain, who enjoy fast trails as much as impromptu powder runs.
It’s the ideal snowmobile for riders who refuse to choose between an MXZ and a Summit. It sits right between the two worlds, with its own distinct personality. It requires minimal effort from the rider, but it rewards every effort a hundredfold in fun.
Verdict: the perfect compromise… without compromise
In the end, the 2026 Ski-Doo Backcountry XRS 850 delivers exactly what it promises: a versatile, high-performance snowmobile that’s downright fun. It doesn’t try to be everything to everyone, but it does what it does very well.
It’s a machine that puts a smile on your face under your helmet, encourages you to venture off the beaten track, and turns every outing into a potential adventure. Whether you want to tackle a rough trail, play in fresh snow, or simply ride with a little more intensity, it’s up to the task.
In short, if you’re looking for a snowmobile that whispers in your ear, “Go ahead, give it a try,” every time you see a beautiful expanse of untouched snow… the 2026 Backcountry XRS 850 is likely to become your new favorite bad influence.
And let’s face it: in the world of snowmobiling, it’s often the bad influences that make for the best days.
Thank you to our partner, Groupe Contant, for providing the snowmobile.
