


Pay attention here, the MX Z line-up has changed. For 2019, BRP is only offering the MX Z models with 2-stroke engines. You read that right. There are no more 4-stroke MX Z sleds. The 4-stroke engines are of course still in the line-up, but not in the short track versions. If you want a 4-stroke Ski-Doo it will be in a longer track model, something like a Renegade, Expedition or Grand Touring.

Having only 2-stroke MX Z sleds allows Ski-Doo engineers to deliver instantly responsive, lightweight motocross-like handling sleds with the most agility, precise cornering, and greatest bump capability the brand has ever offered.
Combining those industry-defining handling attributes with powerful Rotax E-TEC 600cc and 850cc engines producing 125 and 165 horsepower (respectively) in the centrally balanced REV Gen4 chassis, the 2019 MXZ snowmobiles reinforce their reputation for razor sharp handling, and instant responsiveness while devouring mile after mile of the nastiest trails on earth.

With three engine choices – the new 600R E-TEC, the proven 850 E-TEC and the time-tested value-leader 600 Carb (MX Z Sport still on the REV XP platform) – the MXZ lineup continues to deliver maximum power, instantaneous response, and all-around performance. Trail riders have four trim choices with the 850 and 600R E-TEC engine packages – X-RS, X, Blizzard, and TNT. With available features like the Pilot TS adjustable skis, Ice Ripper XT track, legendary rMotion rear suspension, the 2019 family of MXZ snowmobiles remain the industry standard for trail riding enthusiasts. Now with 129” track lengths they are more predictable and even better balanced, along with having improved acceleration and braking capability while still razor-sharp through the corners.
By now we should all be familiar with the routine. If you want one of the top performance MX Z models, an X-RS or X-package, you have to order one in the Spring. That is the only way to get one. The main difference being found in the shock packages – the MX Z X-RS and MX Z X come with more shock adjustability, specifically the option to add the Quick Adjust version of the rMotion rear suspension.

That means if we want a brand new MX Z and walk into a Ski-Doo dealership right now, the Spring-only models with their adjustable shocks are not on the floor. Not to despair, as what we do find are the MX Z Blizzard and MX Z TNT models. They feature the very same engines in the bad-boy 850 E-TEC and the all-new 600R E-TEC, fitted with the same clutching and gearing as the Spring-only models.
There are some other differences, or features, that are only offered on the Spring-only models. Things like the forward-adjustable riser block on the handlebars, the rack steering system and racing brake pads.
2019 MX Z Blizzard
The new 2019 MXZ Blizzard reflects the heritage of its namesake, packing state-of-the-art performance technology. It is for experienced riders who ride bumps, want great capability and handling plus added traction and adjustability.

There-in lies the main difference between the Blizzard and TNT variations – traction and adjustability. It adds even more precision with standard Pilot TS adjustable skis and Ice Ripper XT track. Just a turn of a knob dials in ski bite and steering effort with the darting-free skis; the embedded studs of the Ice Ripper XT ensure solid bite in icy corners.
One more advantage over the MX Z TNT is the addition of the Multi-function analog/digital gauge cluster. Normally reserved for the X-package sleds, the Blizzard gets the “fancy” gauge pack, while the TNT comes with the more standard analog gauge pack.
2019 MX Z TNT
The 2019 MXZ TNT is the embodiment of BRP’s constant pursuit of the perfect snowmobile. The TNT is the high performance machine that keeps it simple – with no knobs on the shocks, no knobs on the skis, no pull rope. Just push the start button and go. Well, you want to set the ride height of the rear suspension for the rider weight, but that is really about all one needs to do. You don’t worry about having the shocks set too soft or too firm, this is the one that nails the sweet spot for most everyone as it is “just right”. It can meander comfortably along a scenic lake shore, but is ready to attack tight twisting trails at the flick of the throttle. This large sweet spot of the TNT lets riders master any trail – whether it be freshly groomed or full of weekend ruts – with confidence and precision.

The “simple” theme continues right to the gauge cluster, with no buttons to mess with or screens to choose from other than resetting a trip meter. Not everyone wants to view or know all of the data, not everyone wants to endlessly mess with knobs here, knobs there, knobs and adjustments everywhere.
Yet under the hood we still find the very same 850 & 600R E-TEC engines, all of the very same power and performance as the Blizzard and yes, the Spring-only MX Z models. So the question that begs to be asked is this – is the TNT fitted with cheap junk shocks? Absolutely not. You just can’t do that when we have this kind of power and performance. In fact, the MX Z Blizzard and MX Z TNT both have the very same shocks all around – HPG Plus shocks, non-rebuildable high-pressure gas shocks, high quality sealed units that are very durable and long lasting.
One of our favorite features is found in the 17” mid-height windshield on both of these sleds. While the more expensive X-RS and X models come with lower and less-protective windshields that force you to spend extra money to have decent protection, you get it right out of the box. Nice.
So at the end of the day it comes down to this – the MX Z Blizzard has the Ice Ripper track, adjustable Pilot TS skis and a fancy gauge compared to the MX Z TNT. Otherwise, it comes down to what color do you like? The Blizzard comes in one color & graphics package, black and silver with racing heritage decals of orange and yellow, along with colored rails, spindles and ski tips. The TNT comes in your choice of two colors, all black or a white/black combo with some yellow accents, all having black rails and black skis.

Now for the numbers. The 2019 MX Z Blizzard 850 sells for $13,849 with the TNT 850 running $12,749. The Blizzard 600R goes for $12,299 and the TNT 600R goes for $11,399. There is no wrong choice here, they’re all good and they’re all a whole lot of fun to ride. How much power do you want, what color do you like, how many knobs and buttons do you need. The choice is yours.