Description

Arctic Cat officials in recent years have tied their deep-snow wagon to the brand’s unique, single-beam Alpha rear suspension. It pleased many customers, but it wasn’t for everybody. Cat is essentially acknowledging that by bringing several new twin-rail options to the market for model year 2026.

   Brand new for 2026 are the HCX (for Hard Core Extreme) and HCR (for Hill Climb Racer) 858 models. They, like all full-sized two-stroke Cat sleds, come in the Catalyst chassis.

   Arctic Cat has had somewhat similar models in the past, but in the current context what the models do is give the most aggressive, hard-charging riders the option of a highly reinforced twin-beam suspension.

   The HCX has Fox FLOAT QS3 shocks on its braced Float-Action rear suspension, a 146-inch PowderClaw track and a full-length heat exchanger. It’s designed for riders who attack moguls and catch big air.

   The HCR is aimed at competitors on professional hillclimb circuits. It uses coil-over Fox QS3 shocks, a vertical steering post and a 15- by 154- by 2.6-inch PowderClaw.

   There are also big changes in Cat’s returning M sleds – available in Sno Pro (with ACS5 shocks) or ATAC models (with Fox iQSL shocks) with either the 600 or 858 twin.