2026 Arctic Cat Snowmobiles What’s New

Green Passion Reignites for Model Year 2026…

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Related: Buying The Right Sled

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2026 Arctic Cat snowmobiles complete the “What’s New” special feature that debuted on this website in fall of 2024. As provided by Michel (Micky) Garneau, Editor-in Chief of Motoneige Quebec. That’s the official magazine of La Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec (FCMQ) and the world’s foremost Francophone snowmobile publication.

Each fall, Micky informs Motoneige Quebec readers with what many consider the best expert commentary on What’s New in snowmobiles. And now he translates them into English, so we can also share his insights.

A recent inductee into the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame (ISHOF), Micky covers all makes and their trail, crossover and utility models.

 

2026 Arctic Cat Snowmobiles Introduction

The recent purchase of Arctic Cat by a group of private investors strikes a promising note. Hopefully, the chaotic ride since Textron purchased the brand in March of 2017 is finally over. That’s a good bet because the new ownership group is headed up by former Cat executive Brad Darling. What’s more, Darling’s assembled a team passionate about snowmobiling with green running in their veins. They are working hard to get the legendary Thief River Falls-based manufacturer back on track with 2026 Arctic Cat snowmobiles.

Overview

The launch of a complete line-up for MY26 is a great start. For sure, the highlight of the trail segment is the new EXT Special. This sled is industry’s first two-stroke powered snowmobile equipped with electric power steering (EPS). Meanwhile, the new-for-MY25 C-TEC2 858 engine gets a series of tweaks, designed to ensure better running quality. After two years of abysmal sales, the new Arctic Cat appears positioned to take full advantage of its rebound potential.

 

2026 Arctic Cat Snowmobiles Unveiled

C-TEC2 858 Engine

 

The 858 cc two-stroke twin cylinder engine introduced last year comes recalibrated for 2026. More specifically, oil supply increases across the entire operating range. This results in an average 26% increase in oil flow to the engine. Plus, the fuel mapping is revised, as has the ignition curve. Together, they improve and broaden the engine’s operating range. Finally, the upgrades exclusive to the 858 engine models include the sealing of the lower part of the airbox.

Catalyst Chassis Upgrades

Now in its third production year, the 2026 Catalyst chassis evolves, particularly on models equipped with the C-TEC2 858 engine.  In addition, revised engine mounts quell the vibration that affected last year’s (Textron) models. This is accomplished with a new rubber durometer for the lower mounts. Plus, the orientation of the mount on the magneto side is also revised. According to the manufacturer, the vibration rate at idle is reduced by approximately 50%. Further reduction occurs between 5000 and 6000 rpm.

Torque Control Link: What’s more, the material used for the famous Torque Control Link (TCL) changes from aluminium to composite. This composite TCL signals a return to the original design of the Catalyst platform launched in 2023. It’s used only on the Catalyst 858 for 2026. In addition to cutting 2 lb/0.9 kg of weight, the new TCL gets increased rigidity. Apparently, these design improvements enable better clutch alignment, reduced vibration and fewer parts.

 

Snow Flap: Moving on to a change common to all Catalyst crossover and trail models, Arctic Cat has upgraded the snow flap. It comes with a new support system that is supposed to be more resistant. Especially when landing on the rear portion of the rear suspension.

 

2026 Arctic Cat Snowmobiles: EXT Special 858 ATAC (Trail – starting at $20,899 USD)

 

A name that disappeared from the manufacturer’s range at the end of 1998 makes a comeback. The new EXT Special 858 ATAC relaunches as a high-end, sporty, solo touring model in the 2026 line-up.

The evolution of the new EXT Special 858 ATAC comes with a host of innovations for the Thief River Falls-based manufacturer.

Electric Power Steering

It’s the first two-stroke snowmobile to feature electric power steering (EPS) as standard. This new system retains the centralized steering column that is part of the Catalyst chassis DNA. But it replaces the column and progressive steering system used on other trail (and crossover) models. Instead, there’s now a two-piece steering column and a standard pitman arm.

Apparently, the EPS system adds 10 lb (4.5 kg) to the weight of the snowmobile. But this patented system delivers a more direct, linear and responsive performance preferred by some. Interestingly, EPS reduces the handlebar rotation angle to only 37 degrees. While with progressive steering system, that rotation was 62 degrees (at the maximum steering lock angle allowed by the chassis).

Variable Assistance: Like the system offered on the Paterna and Riot 9000’s, this EPS provides variable assistance. The driver’s effort and the vehicle’s speed determine the level of intervention. In the specific case of the EXT, the EPS is set to switch to 0 assistance at a speed of 160 km/h. Although its assistance may be imperceptible between 100 and 130 km/h due to the low level of assistance required.

 

Other New EXT Features

The EXT also comes with the G8 interactive display, allowing the driver to take advantage of its many features. Plus, it offers a medium-sized windshield and an electric starter to make everyday life easier.

XPT Ski: The decision to equip the EXT with EPS allows for the use of a more aggressive ski. Hence the inclusion of the XPT ski by C&A Pro. This ski is known for its precise steering as well as the extra effort required at the handlebars. So, the ski gets Woody’s Dooly’s double runners to reduce its tendency to dart. Identical spec-wise to consumer versions, the XPT ski on the EXT is moulded in a special colour for this application.

 

Adjustable Centre Shock: Furthermore, the ATAC electronic suspension adjustment system gets upgraded on the EXT with an adjustable center shock absorber. Unlike the manufacturer’s other ATAC models, the FOX 1.5 Zero iQS center shock is adjustable for low-speed compression damping.

 

As in the past, the three settings available with the ATAC system are soft, medium and firm. Apparently, the addition of the central shock absorber required a recalibration of all the shocks. So, the soft setting is now softer and the firm option now firmer. The Driver 1 and Driver 2 custom settings remain unchanged. But their adjustment range expands with the addition of the central damper.

Pre-Studded Ice Ripper XT Track: Finally, the EXT Special 858 ATAC comes with an Ice Ripper XT track (38.1 x 348 x 3.2 cm/15 x 137 x 1.25 in.). This makes it the first Arctic Cat snowmobile equipped with a pre-studded track as standard.

 

2026 Arctic Cat Snowmobiles: Pantera 9000 ((Trail Touring – starting at $20,999 USD)

 

Arctic Cat’s rebirth brings with it the introduction of the new Pantera 9000. This represents the first use of the powerful C-TEC4 turbo engine in a touring model from the manufacturer. As such, it’s the first use of a turbocharged engine in a two-up sled since the famous TZ1 Turbo LXR in 2013.

In fact, the new Pantera 9000 is virtually identical to the last generation of the Yamaha Sidewinder S-TX GT EPS. Based closely on its sister model, the Pantera 7000, the 9000 does set itself apart. This thanks to to its electric power steering (EPS). Also, its auxiliary fuel tank that increases its capacity to 49.9 litres (compared to 40.4 litres on the 7000). Plus, it has hard saddlebags.

For the rest, it uses the ProTour chassis with its flatter tunnel (to lower the passenger’s position and thus improve stability when riding with a passenger).

Other Pantera 9000 Features

• less aggressive running boards reinforced with steel rear bumper
• wind deflectors on the side panels
• tall, wide windscreen with standard mirrors
• 16.5 cm (6.5 in.) handlebar riser kit
• rear trunk
• wide and flat seat
• adjustable backrest easily removed without tools
• luxury cluster
• two heated seats
• heated handgrips for the passenger
• two accessory plug-ins (for driver & passenger)

Suspension

The new Pantera 9000 is identical to its 7000 counterpart in terms of suspension. The original ARS (Arctic Race) suspension used at the front provides 24.1 cm (9.5 in.) of travel. Its ProTour-6 skis feature double staggered runners and adjustable stance from 106.7 to 109.2 cm (42 to 43 in.).

At the rear, the Slide-Action suspension comes with standard fibreglass overload springs. The track is a RipSaw measuring 38.1 x 370.8 x 3.2 cm (15 x 146 x 1.25 in.). It features non-adjustable Arctic Cat shock absorbers with internal floating pistons in all four positions.

 

2026 Arctic Cat Snowmobiles: Kitty Kat (Youth – starting at $4,199 USD)

 

The new Arctic Cat harkens back to its storied legacy, as the ZR 120 officially becomes “Kitty Kat” for 2026. For its last run in the manufacturer’s line-up, each 2026 model will bear a “Final Edition” badge. The graphics pay tribute to the very first Kitty Kat. This iconic youth sleds launched as a prototype in March 1971, before production in the 1972 model year.

 

More What’s New

Optional G8 Display

New for 2026, the ZR, Riot crossover models now offer a Sno Pro 858 version, equipped with the interactive G8 digital display instead of the Sport version.

Black Background

The growing popularity of graphic wraps has prompted Arctic Cat to use black for the plastic panels on the Sno Pro and ATAC versions of its ZR (trail) and Riot models. The colour comes from stickers, which can be easily removed to apply a wrap.

Track Update

Arctic Cat introduces track changes on certain models. First, the Riots (Catalyst chassis) will only be available with the Hurricane track with 1.75-inch/4.4 cm lugs. Second, the ZR Sno Pro is the only Arctic Cat sled available with the option of a 129-inch/327.7 cm track. In this case, a RipSaw.

 

My Last Word

…and that’s Micky’s in-depth recap of what’s new with 2026 Arctic Cat snowmobiles. Don’t forget to check out Micky’s reports on 2026 Lynx, Polaris & Ski Doo!

 

 

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The tips and advice in this blog are the opinions of the author, may not work in every situation and are intended only for the convenience and interest of the reader, who has the personal responsibility to confirm the validity, accuracy and relevancy of this information prior to putting it to their own use.