Although the Ski-Doo MXZ XRS needs no introduction, it has undergone tremendous improvements over the years, offering riders virtually unmatched performance on Canada’s bumpy trails. Despite its excellent results season after season, BRP engineers have still managed to raise the bar even higher for 2026. Now available as an option is the renowned Smart-Shox suspension, a proven technology that redefines the XRS’s handling in the most demanding conditions.
XRS and Smart-Shox suspension
In 2025, I had the opportunity to ride the MXZ 850 Turbo R equipped with the more traditional suspension found on XRS models for the past few seasons, namely HPG Pro 40 front and HPG 36 rear shocks. This combination offers a fairly rigid compromise, but one that is extremely effective on very bumpy trails. As many already know, snowmobiling is an emotional sport. Many riders are looking for the best-performing machine possible, even if it means compromising on comfort or certain aspects of performance in order to get exactly what they want. Well, the addition of Smart-Shox suspension for next season provides an extra level of comfort on a model that is already designed to tackle the worst trail conditions.
The 600 CC is still as fun as ever!
First, although the suspension is obviously the feature that catches the eye on this version, we must highlight the excellent work BRP has done with the 600 cc version over the past several seasons. We’ve mentioned it time and time again, this little direct-injection twin-cylinder gem never ceases to impress. It would be greatly appreciated even by many owners of high-performance snowmobiles, due to its user-friendliness, smooth ride… and, let’s not forget, its far from negligible performance.
Smart-Shox suspension!
Now let’s talk about the big addition for 2026: Smart-Shox suspension is now available on XRS models. For XRS enthusiasts who are used to a stiffer suspension calibrated for pure performance, this new feature opens up some exciting possibilities. You can now adjust the suspension to your preferences and the type of terrain you’re riding on, automatically and instantly.
With this addition, BRP is expanding the reach of its popular XRS version by offering more comfort without sacrificing trail performance. As with other models equipped with this technology, three stiffness modes are available. Comfort mode, which in my humble opinion is the one you’ll use for the vast majority of your rides. Sport mode offers a nice balance with a good level of firmness while remaining pleasant to ride. Finally, Sport+ mode lets you tackle big bumps with confidence. Be aware, however, that this last mode involves a slight compromise in comfort over small bumps.
It’s worth noting that this semi-active suspension is not new to the industry. It has already proven itself in terms of reliability and durability. Its huge advantage lies in its quick adjustment and progressiveness, which limit the risk of bottoming out in virtually any situation, regardless of the mode selected. And that’s a major advantage when riding on more unpredictable trails or when faced with that infamous bump that pops up out of nowhere…
At the other end of the vehicle, we find the famous RAS RX paired with Pilot RX skis. I’ve covered several hundred kilometers in 2025 with this suspension, and I can assure you that it maintains a level of stability in aggressive turns that no previous version could offer.
10.25-inch screen… New Group Ride feature!
It’s interesting to see how competition is so important in snowmobiling, as in any other motorized activity, and how it really drives innovation. The reason is simple: we try to improve on what others have already produced or we try to release new versions to improve our own product, because the competition is also trying to do the same and bring about exciting developments for the consumer. For 2026, Ski-Doo is delivering its XRS model with integrated GPS and the new Group Ride feature. This new feature, Group Ride, allows enthusiasts to keep a constant eye on everyone in their group who is using the same system, in GPS mode, i.e., without relying on a cellular network. This new feature undoubtedly adds an exciting safety feature for both mountain riding and touring. How many times have you been out riding and suddenly realized that someone is missing? With this technology, which has a range of up to 1.6 km, you can quickly see if someone is simply behind or has stopped for any other reason. Another interesting feature of this technology is that it allows us to locate our colleagues within the same 1.6 km radius, which adds a very important safety feature, especially if you get stuck or fall off the trail.
As in the past, cellular connectivity is still available for route planning directly on your phone before you leave, and then on the snowmobile with the BRP Go app. An interesting feature is that owners of 2023 or 2024 BRP snowmobiles equipped with the 10.25-inch display will be able to purchase a module that will allow them to enjoy navigation without a cellular connection.
On the trail…
We’ve mentioned it often, but we have to say it again. The famous little 600 cc from Ski-Doo should be looked at more closely by many consumers. This little engine, which still develops 125 horsepower, is more than enough to give you a pleasant ride and, above all, great fuel economy on your outings. The clutch calibrations are mature and very well done. Even at high altitudes with a 25% loss of power, the 600 performs wonderfully well with good pickup and acceleration. We had the opportunity to test the new display with other BRP snowmobiles using the same system, and we have to admit that it’s very interesting. It allows us to see where our riding buddies are at all times, which is a safety feature and a very interesting addition to our rides.
The biggest addition for 2026 is, without a doubt, the Smart-Shox electronic suspension, available for 2026 as an option on XRS models. This undoubtedly allows for greater diversity in calibration and provides additional comfort over small bumps when riding in a group at lower speeds. With a simple click on the display or handlebar control, you can increase the stiffness to create a rigid suspension that will give you excellent performance over large bumps. Not to mention the stability of the front suspension in turns, which remains a strong point of this technology!
As with previous versions of Smart-Shox, we would like to see a fourth mode that is a little less rigid than Sport + to provide a middle ground that would appeal to a wider range of more aggressive trail users.
That said, the MXZ XRS 600 CC with Smart-Shox remains a very interesting choice for’s 2026 lineup that any trail enthusiast should consider.
