Vehicle Comparisons
Ski-Doo vs. Lynx 2027: How BRP's Two Snowmobile Brands Differ
By the Groupe Contant Team · Published October 24, 2026
Quick Answer
Ski-Doo or Lynx: what's the difference?
Ski-Doo and Lynx are two BRP snowmobile brands, both powered by Rotax engines. Their lineups differ: for 2027, Lynx has five lines (Rave, Xterrain, Brutal, Shredder and Commander), which BRP presents as trail sport, crossover and deep-snow sleds, while Ski-Doo also covers 4-stroke trail, two-up touring, work and youth models. Chassis and suspensions differ too: for example, the Lynx Rave uses LFS-R front and PPS³ rear suspension, while the Ski-Doo MXZ is built on the REV Gen5 platform with RAS front and rMotion X rear suspension (SC-5M on the Sport).
Ski-Doo and Lynx both belong to BRP and share Rotax engines, but BRP describes them in different terms and their lineups only partly overlap. This comparison first goes through the five 2027 Lynx lines and the Ski-Doo lines described in a similar niche, then puts two specific models side by side.
For the table, we chose the Ski-Doo MXZ and the Lynx Rave: they're the two lines BRP describes in the closest terms, as trail sport sleds with Rotax 2-stroke engines (BRP speaks of "superior trail agility" for the MXZ and of a "genuine trail sport snowmobile" for the Rave). All data comes from BRP's 2027 model-year information for dealers; when a figure varies by trim, we name the trim.
Comparison table
| Specification | Ski-Doo MXZ 2027 | Lynx Rave 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Varies by trim (4)
| 600RR E-TEC® (RAVE RE) 850 E-TEC® (RAVE RE) 850 E-TEC® Turbo R with WIS (RAVE RE) |
| Displacement | 2 - 599.4 cc (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package, MXZ X-RS, MXZ X, MXZ Adrenaline with Blizzard Package, MXZ Adrenaline, MXZ Sport) 2 - 849 cc (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package, MXZ X-RS, MXZ X, MXZ Adrenaline with Blizzard Package, MXZ Adrenaline) | 599.4 cc (RAVE RE) 600RR E-TEC® : 599.4 cc 850 E-TEC® : 849 cc 850 E-TEC® Turbo R with WIS : 849 cc (RAVE RE) |
| Front suspension | RAS™ RX (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package, MXZ X-RS, MXZ X) RAS™ X (MXZ Adrenaline with Blizzard Package, MXZ Adrenaline) RAS™ X (MXZ Sport) | LFS-R |
| Rear suspension | rMotion™ X Competition (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package) rMotion™ X (MXZ X-RS, MXZ X, MXZ Adrenaline with Blizzard Package, MXZ Adrenaline) SC-5M (MXZ Sport) | PPS³ |
| Front shocks | Varies by trim (5)
| KYB PRO 46 HLCR Kashima |
| Rear shock | Varies by trim (4)
| KYB PRO 46 HLCR Kashima |
| Track | Varies by trim (6)
| 1.5in 38mm Ice Ripper XT |
| Ski stance | 1,090 mm / 43 in. (adjustable) | 1067 mm / 42 in. |
| Skis | Pilot™ RX (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package, MXZ X-RS, MXZ X, MXZ Adrenaline with Blizzard Package, MXZ Adrenaline) Pilot™ 5.7 (MXZ Sport) | Blade XC+ |
| Seating | Trail narrow - performance (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package, MXZ X-RS, MXZ X, MXZ Adrenaline with Blizzard Package, MXZ Adrenaline) Trail narrow compact (MXZ Sport) | Sport, 1-up |
| Windshield | Ultra-low (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package, MXZ X-RS) Low (MXZ X, MXZ Adrenaline with Blizzard Package, MXZ Adrenaline, MXZ Sport) | Low |
| Riser block height | 90 mm / 3.5 in. | 90 mm |
| Handlebar | Tapered with J-hooks / Transparent handguards (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package, MXZ X-RS, MXZ X) With J-hooks / Transparent handguards (MXZ Adrenaline with Blizzard Package, MXZ Adrenaline) With J-hooks (MXZ Sport) | U-type aluminium with hooks |
| Brakes | Brembo 4-piston with adjustable lever (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package, MXZ X-RS) Brembo 4-piston (MXZ X) Brembo (MXZ Adrenaline with Blizzard Package, MXZ Adrenaline, MXZ Sport) | Brembo 4-Piston with adjustable lever |
| Display | 7.6 in. digital display (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package, MXZ X-RS, MXZ X, MXZ Adrenaline with Blizzard Package) 10.25 in. touchscreen display (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package, MXZ X-RS, MXZ X) 4.5 in. digital display (MXZ Adrenaline, MXZ Sport) | 10.25 in. Touchscreen Display |
| Reverse | RER™ | RER™ |
| Fuel tank | 36 L / 9.5 US gal | 36 L / 9.5 gal |
| Overall height | 1,267 mm / 49.9 in. | 1140 mm |
| Overall length | 3,038 mm / 119.6 in. (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package) 2,925 mm / 115.2 in. (129 in.) 3,038 mm / 119.6 in. (137 in.) (MXZ X-RS, MXZ X, MXZ Adrenaline with Blizzard Package, MXZ Adrenaline, MXZ Sport) | 3040 mm |
Rows marked with a dot differ between the two models. "Not listed": the figure isn't in the manufacturer source cited below.
›See every specification side by side
| Specification | Ski-Doo MXZ 2027 | Lynx Rave 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Configuration | ||
| Engine | Varies by trim (4)
| 600RR E-TEC® (RAVE RE) 850 E-TEC® (RAVE RE) 850 E-TEC® Turbo R with WIS (RAVE RE) |
| Track | Varies by trim (6)
| 1.5in 38mm Ice Ripper XT |
| Frame length | 137 in (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package, MXZ X-RS, MXZ X, MXZ Adrenaline with Blizzard Package, MXZ Adrenaline, MXZ Sport) 129 in (MXZ X-RS, MXZ X, MXZ Adrenaline with Blizzard Package, MXZ Adrenaline, MXZ Sport) | 3500mm |
| Track width | 15 in | Not listed |
| Ski stance | 1,090 mm / 43 in. (adjustable) | Not listed |
| Starter | Manual Starter (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package) E-TEC® SHOT Starter (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package) Electric Starter (MXZ X-RS, MXZ X, MXZ Adrenaline with Blizzard Package, MXZ Adrenaline, MXZ Sport) | Electric with manual rewind (RAVE RE) SHOT (RAVE RE) |
| Calibration | Sea-Level Calibration | Sea level calibration |
| Display | 7.6 in. digital display (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package, MXZ X-RS, MXZ X, MXZ Adrenaline with Blizzard Package) 10.25 in. touchscreen display (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package, MXZ X-RS, MXZ X) 4.5 in. digital display (MXZ Adrenaline, MXZ Sport) | 10.25 in. Touchscreen Display |
| Suspension | Smart-Shox | Not listed |
| Track width | Not listed | 15in 380mm |
| Seat | Not listed | 1-up |
| Engine | ||
| Engine details | Liquid-cooled, two-stroke, eRAVE™ (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package, MXZ X-RS, MXZ X, MXZ Adrenaline with Blizzard Package, MXZ Adrenaline) Liquid-cooled, two-stroke, turbocharged, Water Injection System, eRAVE™ (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package) Liquid-cooled, two-stroke (MXZ Sport) | Liquid-cooled, two-stroke, 3-D RAVE™ (RAVE RE) 600RR E-TEC® : Liquid-cooled, two-stroke, 3-D RAVE™ 850 E-TEC® : Liquid-cooled, two-stroke, 3-D R.A.V.E.™ 850 E-TEC® Turbo R with WIS : Liquid-cooled, two-stroke, turbocharged, water injection system, 3-D R.A.V.E.™ (RAVE RE) |
| Horsepower | Varies by trim (4)
| Not listed |
| Displacement | 2 - 599.4 cc (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package, MXZ X-RS, MXZ X, MXZ Adrenaline with Blizzard Package, MXZ Adrenaline, MXZ Sport) 2 - 849 cc (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package, MXZ X-RS, MXZ X, MXZ Adrenaline with Blizzard Package, MXZ Adrenaline) | 599.4 cc (RAVE RE) 600RR E-TEC® : 599.4 cc 850 E-TEC® : 849 cc 850 E-TEC® Turbo R with WIS : 849 cc (RAVE RE) |
| Bore and stroke | 72.3 mm x 73 mm (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package, MXZ X-RS, MXZ X, MXZ Adrenaline with Blizzard Package, MXZ Adrenaline, MXZ Sport) 82 mm x 80.4 mm (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package, MXZ X-RS, MXZ X, MXZ Adrenaline with Blizzard Package, MXZ Adrenaline) | Not listed |
| Fuel system | E-TEC® direct injection with additional booster injectors (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package, MXZ X-RS, MXZ X, MXZ Adrenaline with Blizzard Package, MXZ Adrenaline) EFI (MXZ Sport) | Electronic Direct injection with additional booster injectors |
| Fuel tank / octane | Premium unleaded - 91 (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package, MXZ X-RS, MXZ X, MXZ Adrenaline with Blizzard Package, MXZ Adrenaline) Regular unleaded - 87 (MXZ Sport) | Not listed |
| Fuel tank | 36 L / 9.5 US gal | 36 L / 9.5 gal |
| Oil tank capacity | 3.4 L / 3.6 qt | 3.4 L |
| Dry weight | Varies by trim (11)
| Not listed |
| Cylinders | Not listed | 2 |
| Bore | Not listed | 72.3 mm (RAVE RE) 600RR E-TEC® : 72.3 mm 850 E-TEC® : 82 mm 850 E-TEC® Turbo R with WIS : 82 mm (RAVE RE) |
| Stroke | Not listed | 73 mm (RAVE RE) 600RR E-TEC® : 73 mm 850 E-TEC® : 80.4 mm 850 E-TEC® Turbo R with WIS : 80.4 mm (RAVE RE) |
| Maximum engine speed | Not listed | 8,250 RPM (RAVE RE) 600RR E-TEC® : 8,250 RPM 850 E-TEC® : 7,900 RPM 850 E-TEC® Turbo R with WIS : 7,900 RPM (RAVE RE) |
| Recommended fuel | Not listed | Unleaded |
| Minimum octane | Not listed | 91 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Drive / driven clutch | Varies by trim (6)
| Not listed |
| Drive sprocket pitch | 73 mm / 2.86 in. | Not listed |
| Drive clutch | Not listed | pDrive™ with clickers |
| Driven clutch | Not listed | QRS |
| Brake system | Not listed | Brembo 4-Piston with adjustable lever |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension | RAS™ RX (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package, MXZ X-RS, MXZ X) RAS™ X (MXZ Adrenaline with Blizzard Package, MXZ Adrenaline) RAS™ X (MXZ Sport) | LFS-R |
| Front shocks | Varies by trim (5)
| KYB PRO 46 HLCR Kashima |
| Front travel | Varies by trim (4)
| Not listed |
| Rear suspension | rMotion™ X Competition (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package) rMotion™ X (MXZ X-RS, MXZ X, MXZ Adrenaline with Blizzard Package, MXZ Adrenaline) SC-5M (MXZ Sport) | PPS³ |
| Center shock | Varies by trim (5)
| KYB PRO 46 HLCR Kashima |
| Rear shock | Varies by trim (4)
| KYB PRO 46 HLCR Kashima |
| Rear travel | 292 mm / 11.5 in. (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package, MXZ X-RS, MXZ X, MXZ Adrenaline with Blizzard Package, MXZ Adrenaline) 245 mm / 9.6 in. (MXZ Sport) | Not listed |
| Dimensions & capacities | ||
| Overall length | 3,038 mm / 119.6 in. (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package) 2,925 mm / 115.2 in. (129 in.) 3,038 mm / 119.6 in. (137 in.) (MXZ X-RS, MXZ X, MXZ Adrenaline with Blizzard Package, MXZ Adrenaline, MXZ Sport) | 3040 mm |
| Overall width | 1,211 mm / 47.8 in. (adjustable) | 1270 mm |
| Overall height | 1,267 mm / 49.9 in. | 1140 mm |
| Ski stance | 1,090 mm / 43 in. (adjustable) | 1067 mm / 42 in. |
| Track (L x W x profile) | Varies by trim (6)
| Ice Storm studded: 3487 x 381 x 38 / 137 x 15 x 1.5 |
| Features | ||
| Frame | REV® Gen5 | Not listed |
| Skis | Pilot™ RX (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package, MXZ X-RS, MXZ X, MXZ Adrenaline with Blizzard Package, MXZ Adrenaline) Pilot™ 5.7 (MXZ Sport) | Blade XC+ |
| Seating | Trail narrow - performance (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package, MXZ X-RS, MXZ X, MXZ Adrenaline with Blizzard Package, MXZ Adrenaline) Trail narrow compact (MXZ Sport) | Sport, 1-up |
| Handlebar | Tapered with J-hooks / Transparent handguards (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package, MXZ X-RS, MXZ X) With J-hooks / Transparent handguards (MXZ Adrenaline with Blizzard Package, MXZ Adrenaline) With J-hooks (MXZ Sport) | U-type aluminium with hooks |
| Riser block height | 90 mm / 3.5 in. | 90 mm |
| Starter | 850 E-TEC® Turbo R: SHOT 600R E-TEC®: Manual (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package) Electric Starter (MXZ X-RS, MXZ X, MXZ Adrenaline with Blizzard Package, MXZ Adrenaline, MXZ Sport) | SHOT (850 E-TEC Turbo R) Electric and manual (850 E-TEC & 600RR E-TEC) |
| Reverse | RER™ | RER™ |
| Brake system | Brembo 4-piston with adjustable lever (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package, MXZ X-RS) Brembo 4-piston (MXZ X) Brembo (MXZ Adrenaline with Blizzard Package, MXZ Adrenaline, MXZ Sport) | Not listed |
| Heated grips & throttle lever | Standard | Not listed |
| Gauge type | 7.6 in. digital display (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package, MXZ X-RS, MXZ X, MXZ Adrenaline with Blizzard Package) 10.25 in. touchscreen display (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package, MXZ X-RS, MXZ X) 4.5 in. digital display (MXZ Adrenaline, MXZ Sport) | Not listed |
| Windshield | Ultra-low (MXZ X-RS with Competition Package, MXZ X-RS) Low (MXZ X, MXZ Adrenaline with Blizzard Package, MXZ Adrenaline, MXZ Sport) | Low |
| Runners / carbides | 3/8 square – 4 | Not listed |
| Bumpers (front/rear) | Standard/Standard | Not listed |
| Heated throttle lever | Not listed | Standard |
| Heated grips | Not listed | Standard |
| Gauge | Not listed | 10.25 in. Touchscreen Display |
| Visor plug | Not listed | Front |
Sources
- Ski-Doo MXZ: BRP product data, 2027 model year
- Lynx Rave: BRP product data, 2027 model year
The 2027 Lynx Lines and Their Ski-Doo Counterparts
- Lynx Rave RE — A trail sport sled with Rotax 600RR E-TEC, 850 E-TEC and 850 E-TEC Turbo R engines, LFS-R front and PPS³ rear suspension. On the Ski-Doo side, the line described the same way is the MXZ.
- Lynx Xterrain RE — Presented by BRP as "the extreme crossover for long journeys", with 850 E-TEC, 850 E-TEC Turbo R or 900 ACE Turbo R engines and a heated seat. On the Ski-Doo side, the crossover line is the Backcountry, which blends on-trail precision with off-trail capability.
- Lynx Brutal RE — An "extreme crossover" for on and off trail, with the 900 ACE Turbo R engine (and the 850 E-TEC on the 500 mm version). It also sits in the crossover niche of the Ski-Doo Backcountry.
- Lynx Shredder RE and DS — Built for deep snow and steep slopes, with 850 E-TEC and 850 E-TEC Turbo R engines and 64 or 76 mm PowderMax tracks depending on the trim. On the Ski-Doo side, the deep-snow line is the Summit.
- Lynx Commander RE — A crossover sled that BRP says excels on trails, in deep snow and towing, with a 180 hp 900 ACE Turbo R engine and a wide track. On the Ski-Doo side, the sport-utility crossover line is the Expedition.
- No Lynx counterpart in the 2027 data — The Ski-Doo Renegade (long-distance 4-stroke trail), Grand Touring (two-up touring), Freeride (freestyle), Skandic (work), Tundra, MXZ Neo and Summit Neo (light EFI-powered models) and MXZ 200 (youth) lines have no Lynx equivalent.
The Main Differences (MXZ vs. Rave)
- Engines — Both offer the Rotax 2-stroke 600RR E-TEC (599.4 cc), 850 E-TEC (849 cc) and 850 E-TEC Turbo R. On the MXZ, the 850 E-TEC Turbo R (180 hp) is reserved for the X-RS with Competition Package, and the MXZ Sport uses an 85 hp 600 EFI.
- Suspension — RAS front (RX or X depending on the trim) and rMotion X rear on the MXZ (rMotion X Competition on the X-RS with Competition Package, SC-5M on the Sport); LFS-R front and PPS³ rear on the Rave RE, with KYB PRO 46 HLCR Kashima shocks.
- Skis and stance — Pilot RX skis (Pilot 5.7 on the Sport) and an adjustable 1,090 mm (43 in.) stance on the MXZ; Blade XC+ skis and a 1,067 mm (42 in.) stance on the Rave.
- Track — The Rave RE has a 38 mm (1.5 in.) Ice Ripper XT studded track, 137 x 15 in. The MXZ comes in 129 or 137 in., with several RipSaw or Ice Ripper XT tracks depending on the trim.
- Riding position — 90 mm riser on both. Narrow performance trail seat on the MXZ (narrow compact on the Sport), 1-up sport seat on the Rave. Low windshield on both (ultra-low on the MXZ X-RS trims).
- Display — 10.25 in. touchscreen on the Rave RE. On the MXZ, a 4.5 in. digital display (Sport, Adrenaline), a 7.6 in. display (Adrenaline with Blizzard Package, X, X-RS) or a 10.25 in. touchscreen (X, X-RS) depending on the trim.
Why Choose Ski-Doo
- A wider lineup: 2-stroke trail (MXZ), long-distance 4-stroke trail (Renegade), two-up touring (Grand Touring), crossover (Backcountry, Expedition), deep snow (Summit), freestyle (Freeride), work (Skandic), Tundra, EFI-powered Neo models and the MXZ 200 for youth.
- On the MXZ, a choice between 129 and 137 in. frames on most trims.
- Several trim levels on the MXZ (Sport, Adrenaline, X, X-RS), including an 85 hp 600 EFI engine running on regular fuel (87) on the MXZ Sport.
- RER electronic reverse on every MXZ.
Why Choose Lynx
- Lynx-specific chassis and suspensions: LFS-R or LFS-DS front, PPS³, PPS² DS+ or EasyRide+ rear depending on the model.
- Well-equipped models as standard: the Rave RE has a 10.25 in. touchscreen, KYB PRO 46 HLCR Kashima shocks, a Brembo 4-piston brake with adjustable lever and an Ice Ripper XT studded track.
- Crossover lines with distinct profiles: Xterrain for long journeys (heated seat), Brutal including a 500 mm version, Commander for trails, deep snow and towing.
- According to BRP, features designed for harsh Nordic (Rave) and arctic (Xterrain) conditions.
Which One Is Right for You?
Torn between two Ski-Doo models? See our MXZ vs. Renegade, Summit vs. Freeride and Backcountry vs. Renegade comparisons.
| Your profile | Our suggestion |
|---|---|
| Sporty trail riding, several trim levels | Ski-Doo MXZ |
| Sporty trail riding, one well-equipped trim with a studded track | Lynx Rave RE |
| Long distances with a 4-stroke engine | Ski-Doo Renegade or Lynx Xterrain (900 ACE Turbo R) |
| Deep snow and steep slopes | Ski-Doo Summit or Lynx Shredder |
| Two-up touring | Ski-Doo Grand Touring |
| Towing and deep snow | Ski-Doo Expedition or Lynx Commander |
Frequently Asked Questions
Ski-Doo and Lynx are two BRP snowmobile brands, both powered by Rotax engines. Their lineups differ: for 2027, Lynx has five lines (Rave, Xterrain, Brutal, Shredder and Commander), which BRP presents as trail sport, crossover and deep-snow sleds, while Ski-Doo also covers 4-stroke trail, two-up touring, work and youth models. Chassis and suspensions differ too: for example, the Lynx Rave uses LFS-R front and PPS³ rear suspension, while the Ski-Doo MXZ is built on the REV Gen5 platform with RAS front and rMotion X rear suspension (SC-5M on the Sport).
Yes. Both are BRP brands and use Rotax engines. Their lineups, chassis and suspensions are different, though.
The Rave RE. BRP describes both as trail sport sleds, and they share the Rotax 600RR E-TEC, 850 E-TEC and 850 E-TEC Turbo R engines, a 90 mm riser and a 36 L fuel tank. They differ in suspension, skis, ski stance and seat.
Yes, the Rotax 900 ACE Turbo R is offered on the 2027 Lynx Xterrain RE, Brutal RE and Commander RE. The Rave and Shredder are 2-stroke.
The rules are the same for a Ski-Doo and a Lynx. See our guide to snowmobile driving rules in Quebec.
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Ski-Doo Black, Wheel Ass'y, 165 mm
Part # 503192140
$66
Tracks, Skis & Carbides
Ski-Doo Slider Shoes 120 in. - rMotion & rMotion X
Part # 503192562
$38
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Ski-Doo Black, Wheel Ass'y, 100 mm
Part # 503192611
$43
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Ski-Doo Black Slider, 154"
Part # 503192618
$43
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Ski-Doo Black, Wheel Cap
Part # 503192771
$3.19
Tracks, Skis & Carbides
Ski-Doo Lightweight Wheel 141 mm - Gen4 XM. XS, XP, XR
Part # 503192794
$49
Tires & Wheels
Ski-Doo Black Wheel Ass'y 155 mm
Part # 503192808
$62
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Ski-Doo Black, Wheel Ass'y 200 mm
Part # 503193098
$66
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