One of the strongest segments for snowmobiling in Quebec is undoubtedly that of utility snowmobiles. Or as some manufacturers now call them, crossovers. Of course, their popularity is explained by their great versatility and efficiency in working around the chalet. Real toys and tools for outdoor enthusiasts. Utility snowmobiles are ideal for family weekend getaways and making the most of the winter season. Here is a top 5 utility snowmobiles for 2024.
Ski-Doo wins first place
To start our list, Ski-Doo takes first place with a very comprehensive range of models. You will have several choices of platforms: Expedition, Skandic, Tundra, depending on your needs. Then, we add a multitude of engine choices.
2-stroke: 600 EFI, 600R E-TEC and 850 E-TEC.
4 stroke: 600 ACE, 900 ACE, 900 ACE Turbo and 900 ACE Turbo R.
Finally, different track widths 16, 20 or 24 inches as well as different lengths.
With all these possibilities, the choice is more than generous. Just like the price which starts around $11,000 and peaks well beyond $25,000. With these astronomical figures, you will be entitled to well-designed snowmobiles adapted to the vocation necessary to satisfy you. Add to this a huge range of accessories to equip it. A large trunk, a winch, protective bars and why not an auger for ice fishing. Again, your wallet will dictate the limit.
One of the favorite models is certainly the Expedition Xtreme with the 850 E-TEC engine. This snowmobile allows a utilitarian appearance while offering spectacular performance in deep snow. Ski-Doo has given it disconcerting maneuverability and unparalleled versatility. Otherwise, the Expedition SE models with the 900 ACE appear to us to be excellent value for money.
Polaris Titan
Polaris is positioned in second place with its versatile Titan. Proven versatility with ability to work. While allowing you to have fun on trails or in fresh snow. It was previously available in several equipment versions and above all with two choices of engines. A version with the 800 cc two-stroke and the latest addition, the ProStar S4 four-stroke.
In 2024, Polaris has decided to only offer it in the Adventure version with the four-stroke engine. Is it a good choice? Absolutely, since the wide fairing of the Titan absorbs more engine noise. This engine is certainly not the quietest on the market, but it offers good performance. With the two-speed forward transmission (Hi/LO), you will be able to harness the power of just under 100 horsepower. Cavalry perfectly adapted to a more utilitarian vocation of this model and which allows to tow no less than 1200 lb. We must also point out that the Adventure version comes well equipped as standard with the passenger bench, the “rack” and the huge trunk. You are now prepared for all eventualities. This manufacturer also offers a well-rounded list of accessories to meet your needs.
Despite everything, we regret a little the previous version with the 160 horsepower two-stroke engine which provided more dynamic driving. We feel that the Prostar S4 mechanics are a little out of breath in deep snow. The days of “wheelies” and intensive slalom in powder snow with the Titan are now being put aside. The team strongly feels that an overhaul is coming by integrating the latest Matryx platform into the Titan. We will then very possibly see the Patriot 650 and 850 two-stroke engines joining. Only the future will confirm this.
Don’t forget the Polaris Voyager 146
Worthy of mention is the excellent Polaris Voyageur 146. A less work-oriented model with an added touch of maneuverability could also be considered. This snowmobile is too often forgotten and its capabilities are excellent with a wider choice of engines.
Arctic Cat Norseman
The big workhorse on the side of the brand with the feline logo has unfortunately disappeared over the years. It is the defunct Bearcat model which has now given way to the Norseman X, the latter model having been part of this manufacturer’s range for several seasons already. Overall, it still performs well on the utility side. Less focused on work given its 16 in. wide track. On the other hand, the length of 153 in. and especially the 2.25 in. crampons give it plenty of traction in loose snow. With a reduced width, we can also note that the whole offers an interesting general balance. Just like superior maneuverability compared to models with 20 or 24 in. wide tracks.
The power is there with the 794 cm3 C-TEC2 engine offering 160 horsepower. It is allowed to have some deviations in driving in loose snow when performing slaloms. Then, return to the chalet with a sled in the back. Arctic Cat‘s offering for utility snowmobiles is a little bland and we miss having a four-stroke engine as well as a wide track. We will see if the company will remedy this lack in future seasons.
BLAST LT 4000
Another model from Arctic Cat that we should not forget is the BLAST LT 4000. Unveiled in 2021, the BLAST range is intended to be less imposing snowmobiles with their dimensions ¾ of a standard format. The manufacturer also “cut” the engine in two for a 397 cc single-cylinder two-stroke. Producing 65 horsepower, the output is interesting and it is suitable for beginners as well as those who are not looking to have a monster in their hands. All this while keeping a reduced budget in mind.
The Arctic Cat BLAST LT is a small utility snowmobile with work-oriented features. However, this snowmobile does not offer the refinement of an equivalent to the competition when we compare the price. This explains why we see them very rarely. Even if the idea of introducing less expensive models is essential for the sustainability of the sport.
Yamaha’s turn
Yamaha offers very few models on the utility side… Well, not to say that they are Arctic Cats disguised under Japanese dress. We thus find the Transporter 800 which aims to be the double of the Norseman X. On the other hand, Yamaha has decided to go there with its own engine programming, its suspension settings and its different fairings. The fact remains that we feel the Cat DNA. Which does not deprive it of such beautiful characteristics as its American brother. Overall, the 2024 Yamaha Transporter 800 provides a good overall performance for the job. As much as exploring in powder snow.
Yamaha also offers smaller snowmobiles like the Arctic Cat BLAST. The latter bear the name LITE from the manufacturer Nippon. For the utility portion, these are the Transporter Lite. Once again, feline brand counterparts with a Japanese twist. These models could have been priced more aggressively to compete with the Ski-Doo Sport 600 EFI and NEO models.
Lynx Xterrain Brutal
In a class of its own, the European cousin of the Ski Doo Expedition Xtreme closes the show. The fact remains that the Lynx Xterrain Brutal is a formidable snowmobile for hours of fun. On the other hand, it is less focused on the utilitarian side, but it obviously retains a work aspect. If this is your optic, it will be necessary to immediately add a rear bumper.
Powered with the 850 E-TEC mechanics which no longer needs any introduction, the 165 horsepower more than performs the mandate. Its insane 20″ wide x 154″ track with 2.4″ lugs delivers mind-boggling traction.
From a work perspective, we would have hoped to keep the same two-speed forward (HI/LO) transmission from the Ski-Doo Expedition Xtreme. On the other hand, we save weight and its maneuverability is more than surprising in powder snow for slaloms. “Carving” which is similar to a mountain machine despite the track width of 20 in. Be careful: you will not have in your hands a machine that is as easy to climb. The angle of attack as well as the overall weight limit our enthusiasm and remind us of its utility basis. Finally, it still remains a count of utility snowmobiles and not mountain snowmobiles. The fact remains that the Lynx Xterrain Brutal is in a class of its own and that it gives us a big smile with each press of the accelerator.
Conclusion
Utility snowmobiles are an important market niche in Quebec. Once again this year, manufacturers are offering us several beautiful models. There is certainly something for everyone and all that remains is to make your choice. Good season to all!
Photo credits: During the SnowShoot MY2024 and the manufacturers’ websites
