Arctic Cat snowmobiles: complete guide to models and new features

The Catalyst platform keeps growing. It now pairs the C-TEC2 600 and 858 engines with several trail, crossover, mountain and now utility models. The Bearcat 600 LT and 858 LT thus become the first Bearcat Catalyst models.

The Cross-Action II rear suspension appears on 146-inch trail and crossover models. Its uncoupled architecture aims to combine cornering agility, the ability to soak up bumps and better flotation off trail. El Tigré also gets a new Arrowhead pre-studded track, offered in 137 and 146 inches.

EPS also becomes more prevalent. The ZR R-XC 600 and 858 include it, as does El Tigré. The Bearcat 600/858 LT, for its part, introduces EPS to a two-stroke utility snowmobile.

Jag and El Tigré: the return of historic names

The Arctic Cat Jag returns with the 65-horsepower Jag 400 and the Jag 400 Sno Pro trims, the latter adding AC5S shocks and a 129-inch Ripsaw track. It targets riders who want a more compact sled without necessarily moving up to a bigger engine.

The Arctic Cat El Tigré takes a much better equipped approach. Offered with 600cc or 858cc engines, it receives EPS, four Fox iQS shocks controlled from the handlebar with ATAC 4, the G8 display and the new Arrowhead track. The 146-inch versions rely on the Cross-Action II suspension.

ZR and Thundercat: trail performance

The Arctic Cat ZR is the core of the trail offer with multiple 600 and 858 configurations, including Sno Pro and R-XC EPS trims. For those who want a four-stroke, the ZR 7000 also returns to the catalogue.

At the top, the Thundercat keeps its 998cc turbocharged three-cylinder delivering 200 horsepower. For 2027 it gains the G8 display and can be configured in 137 inches with Slide-Action or in 146 inches with Cross-Action II.

The M 600 and M 858 Catalyst now offer a choice between the Alpha One monorail suspension and the two-rail Float-Action. Alpha One versions are offered with 145-, 154- or 165-inch PowerClaw tracks, depending on configuration, while the twin-rail versions rely on 146- or 154-inch tracks.

The HCX and HCR exclusively use the 858 C-TEC2 engine. The HCR gets a 154-inch PowerClaw with 2.6-inch lugs, while the HCX uses a 146-inch by 2.6-inch setup and a full-length heat exchanger.

The Arctic Cat XF replaces the Riot name for 2027. The XF 600 and 858 Catalyst use a 146-inch Hurricane track and the Cross-Action II suspension. Sno Pro trims add AC5S shocks. XF 400 also returns with its 397cc single-cylinder and a 146-inch Cobra track.

This lineup suits riders who split their outings between groomed trails and off-trail areas. It therefore brings more versatility than a trail snowmobile set up strictly for packed tracks, which is exactly what a crossover aims to deliver.

The Arctic Cat Pantera includes three very different powertrains. The Pantera 400 uses a 397cc two-stroke single, the 7000 a naturally aspirated 1,049cc four-stroke triple and the 9000 a turbocharged 998cc four-stroke triple. The 7000 and 9000 notably offer heated seats for two occupants.

The Arctic Cat Bearcat returns with the Bearcat 400 LT and the new Bearcat 600 EPS LT and the Bearcat 858 EPS LT on Catalyst. These two-stroke versions receive EPS and an Xtra-Action suspension paired with a 154-inch Cobra track. For a utility snowmobile used with a load or a sled, power steering notably aims to reduce steering effort at low speed.

The ZR 120 and ZR 200 remain the best youth models. Both use an air-cooled four-stroke single. The ZR 120 is limited to 8 mph, while the ZR 200 has a 93-inch track and meets SSCC standards.

The Arctic Cat Widescape WS 250 explores a different concept. This Enduro model is ridden standing up and uses a liquid-cooled 242cc engine with a single 12-inch ski. Arctic Cat presents it as a new way to enjoy winter motorized recreation rather than a replacement for a traditional snowmobile.

To keep your 2027 Arctic Cat snowmobile in perfect shape throughout the season, SM Sport also offers maintenance and repair services.