Ski-Doo 850 Turbo R: Specifications and Performance Overview

The Ski-Doo 850 Turbo R has revolutionized the snowmobile industry, offering unprecedented performance and technology. This article delves into the specifications and features that make this snowmobile a standout in its class. We’re convinced that Ski-Doo could have just “dropped” its 850 Turbo R engine that makes 180 horsepower into a 137-inch REV Gen5 snowmobile chassis and sold a ton of them.

Incredibly fast, sleek, agile and light feeling, it sets a new benchmark for the brand for short-track riding speed freaks. But it also sets some other benchmarks in terms of technology. The end result is the absolutely thrilling snowmobile that we got to test ride recently out west.

The 2026 Summit Adrenaline enables riders to redefine their own capabilities with the REV Gen5 platform. When winter beckons you to indulge a little more, the 2026 Summit Adrenaline with Edge Package is ready.

Darker days may be on the horizon for combustion engines, but before they're forced into retirement, they're going out with-ahem­-a bang. In this golden era of combustion, there are many engines that will be forever venerated, such as Chevrolet's naturally aspirated 670-hp 5.5-liter V-8, Porsche's screaming 4.0-liter flat-six, and basically any modern twin-turbocharged V-8. But have we reached peak snowmobile? "We might be there," says Ski-Doo media relations manager Steve Cowing. "But we thought we were there over a decade ago and look what we've done since then. So maybe we're not done yet."

As with most of the typical frozen destinations in the United States, winter overlooked us this season at our Ann Arbor headquarters. So, we found ourselves in the higher elevations of West Yellowstone, Montana, to experience Ski-Doo's latest and greatest trail rocket that packs all the latest technology into a single package, the MXZ X-RS 850 E-TEC Turbo R with Competition package.

The Year of the Factory Turbo

There are those days you will remember for your whole life, and for me, the day Ski-Doo unveiled the Summit 850 Turbo is one I will not soon forget. From the unveil, through the tech presentation and into the next two days of riding and evaluating, the experience left me knowing this was history in the making. The snowmobile industry would never be the same again.

Snow conditions during this time were epic as the area around West Yellowstone had been engulfed by a raging winter storm for several days. In fact, snow conditions during that time were some of the very best I’ve ever ridden, making it perfect to evaluate this new Turbo sled. To top it off, I got to take one home with me for further evaluation.

Over the course of the past several weeks, we have been able to put this sled through its paces in a wide variety of snow conditions and elevations. We have found its strengths and weaknesses (not that it has many). While we love this sled in its element, we do feel that it is not for everyone.

Following are six questions you should consider while contemplating your purchase decision.

1. What elevation is the majority of my riding at? This is one of the most important questions to ask as it can qualify your purchase decision. You see, this new Turbo 850 uses a variable boost control. What this means is at sea level it is not making any more horsepower than its naturally aspirated sibling. As you climb in elevation, the turbo increases the intake charge pressure to make up for the loss of atmospheric pressure up to a maximum of 4 psi. This essentially maintains the horsepower at the 165 (the same as the naturally aspirated version at sea level). At 8000’ in elevation, the turbo reaches its maximum 4 pounds of boost which delivers a 40 horsepower increase at this elevation. And at all elevations above 8000’, it maintains the 40 horse difference between it and its naturally aspirated siblings.

   You may be wondering at this point why this matters in your purchase decision. The answer is, at lower elevations, the 850 Turbo is not going to be much more powerful than non-turbo versions. But, as you climb higher in elevation, the spread between the naturally aspirated engine and the turbo increases to a maximum of 40 horsepower difference.

   We’d say, for most people riding below 3000’ elevation, they should purchase a naturally aspirated 850. For elevations of 3000’-6000’, some gain will be had, but the real gains are from about 6000’ and above. At those elevations, the horsepower made up by the turbo is a real advantage.

2. If you are riding the trail a lot, with only an occasional dip into the deep snow meadows and play areas, this sled is most likely not right for you. Or, if you are typically riding with the family and the riding is slow going at times and not really that technical, another model may suit you better. For riding in technical terrain, such as tight trees, creek bottoms, washes etc. this sled is at home.

   Unlike other turbo sleds, this one is light and nimble and the application of power and smooth power delivery will absolutely amaze you. Other than the audible whistle heard when the turbo begins boosting, you will not know that you have gone from naturally aspirated mode to boosted mode. Turbo lag is gone, making this engine almost as responsive as a naturally aspirated version off of the bottom and this is where most turbos struggle. This makes it perfect for riding in technical areas.

   These technical terrain areas are also where the naturally aspirated 850s like the Summit Expert shines. As one would suppose, if your riding style consists of a lot of steep, long climbs (AKA hillclimbing or highmarking), this sled fulfills these needs perfectly especially at the higher elevations as discussed previously. In a high load hillclimb scenario at elevation, a stock naturally aspirated 850 is no match for the extra horsepower attained from the turbo.

   For those of you who enjoy jumping, and I am talking about really airing it out, the naturally aspirated version has the upper hand. These naturally aspirated versions are lighter than the turbo by 10 to 20 pounds depending on the model it is compared to, and this lighter weight makes them easier to control in the air.

3. What snow conditions do I ride most? This sled is a true deep snow sweetheart. The deeper the snow, the better this Turbo sled performs. If you are continually riding in deep, powder snow conditions (we’d say 2 feet or more), you may find this sled very advantageous to you.

   We have to give the chassis credit for its ability to reach down deep, all the way to the traction below. This is due to the cut tunnel that it shares with the Summit Expert. As long as you can eventually find traction below, pin it, give the sled a wiggle, and it will about pull out of anything. The only problem is the trenches it leaves behind.

   In firmer snow conditions, the extra weight of the Summit Turbo is somewhat noticeable. Even though the weight is within 13 pounds of our 2020 Summit Expert (we weighed them full of fuel and oil on the same day to verify this), the turbo sled rides slightly heavier. Don’t get me wrong, this sled is very light and nimble. Ski-Doo has done an excellent job of centralizing the mass of the turbo in an area that has a minimal impact on balance. However, if you ride them back to back, the Summit Expert has the advantage in handling in these firmer snow conditions.

   Part of this we feel is the extra weight on the nose of the turbo sled and part of it, we wonder, is from suspension setup to keep the turbo sled from over-transferring in deeper snow conditions. Whatever the reason, the Summit Expert has the handling advantage in firmer snow conditions.

4. How much do I weigh (including riding gear, etc.)? The more you weigh, the more you need this sled. A rider weighing in around 150 definitely does not put the load on the sled of one weighing in at 220 or more. If you are on the heavier side and like to ride deep snow, you will really enjoy this sled.
5. How important are long extended warranties to you? For us, a warranty is less of a consideration as we tend to modify about everything we own and we do so knowing it could negate our warranty. But for many customers, a warranty provides piece of mind. We have friends that will not purchase a sled that does not come with a 4 year warranty. Their thought process is: keep the sled for 2 years and sell it with warranty left in order to maximize resale value.

   But face it, this is the first factory 2-stroke turbo. Never before have we had the ability to ride a turbo sled with a warranty. And, we feel Ski-Doo is stepping up to the plate by offering a two year warranty on the 2021 turbo models. We believe this will instill consumer confidence, increase resale value and overall show their commitment to this product offering.

   The 2021 turbo models have a 2 year warranty where the naturally aspirated versions carry a 4 year warranty, so you will have to make the decision of what priority the warranty is to you.

6. If you are planning on modifying your new snowmobile, know that since the naturally aspirated versions have been available since 2017, there is a wide variety of aftermarket products currently available for them. Some of these combinations will bring horsepower levels to the point that they will compete well with the factory turbo in many snow conditions at most elevations.

   But we are sure the aftermarket has already started working diligently on products for the turbo models. With the limited release of the 2020 turbo model, our opinion is aftermarket enhancements for these sleds will be available by the time snow falls next season. And as time goes on, the modifications available will be numerous. We feel this is an excellent starting platform for the mod guy as it appears the turbo engine will respond well to aftermarket parts for even more horsepower.

Ski-Doo really has changed the game with the release of this new turbo sled. It is the first turbo sled that we can say we could ride all season and enjoy each and every day. That is saying a lot, as we have been critical of many aftermarket turbo sleds where we feel their extra weight and turbo lag makes them less responsive to their rider inputs and can make them more difficult to ride in some snow conditions. This one is different. It is lightweight and responsive with excellent power delivery. It may not make as much power on top as some turbos that we have ridden, but it is enough for most of what we do. And we will take the consistency, throttle response, ease of operation and maintenance; literally gas, oil, pull the rope and go. It changed our opinion of what a turbo can be. Maybe it will change yours.

Key Features and Specifications

Engine and Performance

• 850 E-TEC Turbo R Engine: The first-ever factory-built 2-stroke turbocharged engine in the industry.
• Horsepower: Delivers 180 hp up to 8,000 feet of elevation.
• Boost Control: Variable boost control that adjusts to maintain horsepower at higher elevations.
• Turbocharger: Rotax designed and built turbo that provides a constant 40 hp more above 8,000 feet compared to normally aspirated 850s.
• Bore: 850 E-TEC® Turbo R : 89 mm / 3.5 in.
• 850 E-TEC®: 73 mm / 2.86 in. (146 in.), 89 mm / 3.5 in. (154 - 165 in.)
• 600R E-TEC®: 73 mm / 2.86 in.(146 in.), 89 mm / 3.5 in.

Chassis and Suspension

• REV Gen4 Platform: Open design that allows riders to move freely and attack terrain with their own style.
• tMotion Rear Suspension: Agile and ultra-responsive to rider input, with a swiveling rear arm and split front arm for easier roll into sidehills.
• HPG Plus Front Shocks: High-quality Kashima coated KYB lightweight rebuildable high-pressure gas shocks.
• Short Tunnel: Allows for optimal maneuverability in deep snow.
• Narrow Adjustable Ski Stance: Effortlessly roll the sled on edge with a 35.7 in. (91 cm) standard stance, adjustable to 37.4 in.

For 2025, the performance models received a taller ski spindle and revised control arms that Ski-Doo claims reduce body roll by 20 percent. Paired with new skis, the Competition feels more surefooted through high-speed sweepers and less prone to being unsettled by midcorner humps and bumps. The speeds at which these machines can corner is truly impressive.

While the Competition's Kashima-coated, manually adjustable standard damper package is nothing to scoff at, the optional $1800 adaptive KYB Smart-Shox are transformational. Inputs from the body-control module are relayed to the three-position electronically controlled dampers that can adjust on the fly. When the cornering forces increase and the machine wants to lean through an apex, the outside damper firms up to keep body roll further in check. The bandwidth of the Smart-Shox is a boon for ridability as trail conditions change throughout the day. When set to Comfort, the ride is buttery smooth on a freshly groomed trail. Locked into Sport+, the ride firms up for attacking rough terrain as the trails deteriorate. With 10.4 inches of suspension travel up front and 11.5 inches in the rear, the Smart-Shox shrug off most any bump or jump. Just as magnetorheological dampers forever changed the ride quality of many General Motors products, KYB's Smart-Shox take snowmobiling to the next level.

Additional Features

• SHOT Engine Starting Technology: Push-button starting with nearly no added weight.
• Pilot DS 3 Skis: Precise control for holding sidehills, designed to work with deeper and longer tracks.
• PowderMax Light with FlexEdge Track: 165 x 16 x 3.0 in. track for superior climb and traction.
• Ice Scratchers: Rail-mounted scratchers for additional snow/ice spray for cooling.
• pDrive Primary Clutch: Fast and friction-free dual rollers for smooth operation and long life.
• Drive Belt Monitoring System: Alerts riders of potential drive belt issues.
• Brembo Disc Brake: Hydraulic system with racing-style pads for powerful stopping power.
• Ergo-Step Side Panels: Ergonomic design for rider comfort and support.
• Profile II Running Boards: Rigid aluminum grid-style design for exceptional snow evacuation and grip.
• Compact Lightweight Seat: Sculpted for easier side-to-side rider movement.
• Mountain Light Handlebar Controls: Compact design for no interference with the rider.
• One-Piece Lightweight Hood: Reduces weight by 6 lbs.
• Rotax Electronic Reverse (RER): Reverses the sled with a push of a button.

And like so many things in life, even snowmobiles aren't excluded from omnipresent connectivity. BRP's 10.3-inch touchscreen-optional elsewhere in the model lineup-is standard on the Turbo R Competition. The crisply rendered screen keeps an eye on the machine's vitals, features built-in GPS navigation, and can control your playlist, if listening to music out in the woods is your type of thing.

With so much straight-line speed, corner-shredding capability, and a trick suspension, the MXZ X-RS 850 E-TEC Turbo R with Competition just may be peak snowmobile. And with a $22,549 starting point, it certainly should be.

Utilizing the gauge, the rider can put the sled into Launch Mode when the sled is stopped and idling. They then pinch the brake, then the throttle, and the machine will spit-and-sputter as it gets the turbo spun up. This sled was an absolute rocketship when we tested it in the Island Park area recently. We can’t wait to put it side-by-side with its competition, but we think it will fare very well.

This image tries to portray how and where the water and methanol mix is inserted to cool warm air on its way to the cylinders on 850 Turbo R sleds.

When you pin the throttle on a so-equipped MXZ X-RS, sensors on the sled will monitor multiple features and let the engine know when it should start injecting this mix into the intake track, Ski-Doo officials said. On warmer winter days, a Ski-Doo official said, it might start adding this mix as soon as four seconds into a full throttle pull. On particularly cold days, it might not add it for some time.

Overall, Ski-Doo officials said in its testing they typically go 700 to 1000 kilometers before emptying the 1.2 liter tank in regular but aggressive riding. If, however, a person holds the throttle wide open when zooming down a 10-mile lake on a warm day, you could use up a tank in a single day. If the tank runs out, the sled will go into the same sort of self protection mode that other sleds go into when they get too hot, Ski-Doo officials said.

With those changes, Ski-Doo officials claimed, a 2024 MXZ X-RS Competition Package with a 137-inch track specs out at 505 pounds, which is very close to last year’s naturally aspirated Renegade X-RS 850 with the same track. “We’re basically giving you the turbocharger for free, from a weight perspective,” a Ski-Doo official said.

A new brakes with a new, quicker-reacting, four-piston caliber is a also part of the package on this and a few other sleds. This new four-piston caliper and brake is added to select 2024 Ski-Doos.

The 2026 Summit X is 14 lb lighter, resulting in an incredibly agile and nimble ride with an unmistakably playful attitude. The ultimate in deep-snow precision and predictability with the 32 in.

Methanol Injection System

Let’s face it: Turbochargers are really cool, but they are also “hot” in that their process of using exhaust pressure to spin a turbine to stuff the cylinders with additional air can generate a lot of heat. Ski-Doo and Rotax engineers didn’t want to add the weight of an intercooler, however, but they also didn’t want to compromise horsepower or durability by feeding the engine hot air.

Here’s how it works: Behind the seat on the snowmobile is a 1.2-liter tank that is to be filled with XPS ICE (for Intake Cooling Enhancer) fluid. As sexy as the word “methanol” is, Ski-Doo officials said that fluid is mainly there to prevent the water from freezing while also preventing foaming. The mist of water is the key.

tags: #turbo #850 #ski #doo