With the introduction of their 2023 new model line-up, Ski-Doo celebrates the 20th anniversary of their game-changing 2003 MX Z REV. History is being made yet again with their next generation platform– REV Gen5 – to commemorate the occasion! The redesigned REV Gen5 comes in two platform variations (Deep Snow and Trail) for 2023 with specific features for each segment to elevate their performance and style to new levels. Unmistakably Ski-Doo, the REV Gen5 is both familiar and fresh, bold yet clearly evolved once again.
REV Gen5 Trail Platform – The next generation REV brings a revised look, enhanced with long-anticipated LED lighting plus a huge color display in the dash for a refined experience with improved connectivity. The four LED headlight modules deliver an unmatched night riding experience. Gen5 delivers reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels, a fourth engine mount for better clutch alignment and drive belt durability and an optional 10.25” Color Touchscreen Display for an even more connected experience. It takes trail riding to new levels with all of the features riders have been demanding from Ski-Doo.
The highly acclaimed Smart-Shox package that intuitively reads the terrain and sled dynamics to instantly create the near-perfect suspension calibration in most any condition will again be an option on the X-RS models. Those who choose Smart-Shox can also add Pilot TX adjustable skis to their Spring-Only vehicle.
2023 Ski-Doo Renegade X-RS
Rather than being an all-new platform, REV Gen5 (Trail) is more of a platform refresh with a similar chassis and suspension package underneath as the bulk of the changes are found in the “wrapper” – the hood, side panels and electronics. To many the appearance is similar to the third-generation REV XS with a rounding of edges after the faceted design of the second generation REV XP. Ski-Doo has been late in coming with LED lighting as standard issue, along with their bigger hi-res color display. This new display, while big in size, does not have an on-board GPS and must be connected to a smart phone running the BRP Go app to display mapping and GPS functions.
That said, the Gen5 is truly a sum of the parts and not just the same basic sled with a new facelift. Your first impression riding one will be that of refinement, with Gen5 being noticeably quieter and seemingly smoother. Refinement is really the best adjective to describe the experience. Very familiar yet different, with the take-away being one of continued evolution and responsiveness. You will know instantly is not a Gen4.
Return of the MXZ Blizzard – The in-season MX Z TNT and Spring-only MX Z X-package have been replaced with the new MX Z Blizzard. Available all year this premium package has the most sought-after features. The NEW REV Gen5 Blizzard delivers features the hardcore trail guys want in a chassis designed for the bumps like KYB PRO 36 Easy Adjust shocks front and rear, rack steering and more. This change leaves the MX Z X-RS as the remaining Spring-only model in the MX Z series.
2023 Ski-Doo MXZ Blizzard
For the past few years the X-package models did not feature the rack steering, only the X-RS models. The Blizzard brings back this desirable feature for 2023. Most Spring buyers were opting for the X-RS so it makes sense to combine the TNT and X models into one new offering, with the remaining question being one of pricing. We suspect pricing will be more like that of the X than the TNT, considering the shock package. For many riders this could be the sweet spot they have been looking for, or missing, the past few years in the X-package sleds. Having 3-clicker shocks instead of 20-some clicks will be embraced by many.
REV Gen5 Deep Snow Platform – The Gen5 deep snow models are even lighter, more precise, more stable and more predictable to access even more technical terrain. The new platform features a narrower shape at the running boards and side panels specifically for improved sidehilling and less drag. The weight has been reduced by up to 16 pounds, there’s a new CVT cooling system and a fourth engine mount has been added in the redesign as the engineers looked at every system to improve the rider’s experience.
2023 Ski-Doo Summit X 850 E-TEC Turbo R
Getting even more specific, there are revised suspensions to fit different riders; the Summit X with Expert Package will feature a fixed rear arm t-Motion XT with a non-Flex-Edge track while the Summit X and Edge, feature a lighter more accurate t-Motion X with 90% new parts and geometry. There’s a completely new compact, narrow look that deep snow riders will really appreciate, providing them great vision as they scan the landscape, plus they can add the 10.25” Color Touchscreen Display with next-generation BRP Connect for a view of their location, map their ride in advance or with a bread crumb trail, monitor their sled’s performance, listen to music and more.
2023 Ski-Doo t-Motion X
BRP is placing far greater emphasis on their Deep Snow version of the new Gen5 platform than they are the Trail version, perhaps because the Deep Snow version features more changes overall and thus delivers an even greater improvement in the ride experience. Deep snow riders can choose from more options in their suspensions and tracks to better match the sled to their preferences and riding conditions. Our time on these models indicates the result is an incredibly well-balanced package, not from one specific item or change but from the harmony of the systems all working together as the sum of all the systems. This is where the biggest difference in performance will be found for 2023 from Ski-Doo.
2023 Ski-Doo Summit tMotion XT rear suspension
New 10.25” Color Touchscreen Display with BRP Connect – Huge in size and featuring an elegant look with premium design, this new display brings an advanced infotainment system with high resolution screen, intuitive controls and a customizable, connected riding experience that incorporates the kinds of functions and apps riders are used to seeing in their cars and trucks. The gauge itself is state of the art, featuring both touch screen and thumb controlled manipulation, while providing great visibility that automatically adjusts to light conditions for easy visibility.
Ski-Doo gauges have typically been less intuitive to operate, and while we love to see the huge display size of this new gauge we are almost intimidated by this new user interface and its host of capabilities. Thankfully the big-dial knob of the previous display is gone, replaced by a new left hand block with a host of buttons and controls to complement the touchscreen. It does not currently feature a built-in GPS or mapping as it requires an interface with a smart phone running the BRP Go app to display the mapping function. This can be both a curse and a blessing. While many riders would like to have their phone interfaced with their sled just like they do with their car, many riders enjoy snowmobiling to escape their phone.
The built in BRP Connect system with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capability allows easy connections to smart phones, headphones or communications systems and the ability to access apps like navigation, music and weather – in addition to being updateable over the air. Since the software can be upgraded via Wi-Fi we would expect to see features and functionality improve over time, as with most any device of this type. This new gauge does not come standard on any models but is available as an option on all Gen5 sleds, if you so choose.
New MXZ and Summit Neo –Ski-Doo is introducing four new mid-size models for 2023 designed to provide fun at an affordable price and make the sport more accessible to everyone. These new sleds fill the gap between full size and minis – starting at $ 6,399 USD! The Neos offer a superior product that’s easier to handle, attractive looking, fun and easy to use for anyone, but especially smaller size riders and new entrants.
2023 Ski-Doo MXZ Neo
Ski-Doo has been working long and hard on a smaller sled and the timing is perfect for them to bring the Neo to market with product demand at an all-time high along with the number of new entrants into powersports like snowmobiling. We expected to see the Neo models for 2022 but believe the supply chain issues were too great to overcome so it was pushed back to 2023. That isn’t all that bad as it gave Ski-Doo even more time to dial in the calibration and performance. Using their 600 EFI engine saves production costs and allows the low purchase price, and fitting it with a simple header pipe exhaust instead of a tuned pipe brings the power output down to tame levels for the intended users – beginners and youth riders. We’re told these machines will be in very short supply so do not expect to see them available in great quantities this year. If you want one you’d better order now as we do not believe there will be many, if any, units on dealer floors come December.
2023 Ski-Doo Summit Neo
New Kid-Sized MXZ 120 and MXZ 200 – These kid-sized sleds bring the minis back into the family. Now there’s a ride for everyone, including the kids! Long time loyalists and new to sport families can get their kids started capturing “That Ski-Doo Feeling” from a young age with these two mini models featuring distinctive Ski-Doo styling.
2023 Ski-Doo MXZ 200
Both of these machines are powered by Yamaha four-stroke engines and are assembled in Thief River Falls, Minnesota under a supply agreement with Textron Specialized Vehicles. No need to re-invent the wheel here, in this category of machine there is nothing wrong with taking this route to keep the costs down and make snowmobiling possible to all ages through their dealer network. It also ensures the survival of a certain manufacturing plant that nobody, including Ski-Doo, wants to see go away.
Ski-Doo 2023 MXZ 120
Expedition LE adds 24” wide track option. The available all year LE package now adds the 24” wide track option and all Expedition models have increased engine choices, many that include the 180 horsepower Turbo R option.
2023 Ski-Doo Expedition Extreme 900 ACE Turbo
Skandic adds new SE and LE packages for 20” and 24” wide track models. The new Skandic SE package is available for Spring order and combines the best utility and premium features like the 7.2-inch digital gauge, utility cargo box, ski liners and track profile choices. Meanwhile the all season LE is available with both 20- and 24-inch-wide tracks.
More 2023 Ski-Doo information and first ride impressions in the Spring issue of SnowTech!
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