Meet the ** 2027 Polaris 850 Switchback® XC 146 1.35**, a crossover built for riders who want their winter days to include a little bit of everything—crisp trail miles, surprise powder stashes, and that “let’s see where this goes” turn off the groomed line. Finished in ****, it carries a sharp, confident look that fits the Switchback vibe: purposeful, clean, and ready to move.
At the heart of it is the **Patriot™** powerplant—an **840cc**, **liquid-cooled**, **2-cylinder**, **2-stroke** built in a **horizontal in-line** layout with **reed valve** breathing and **fuel injection**. The result is the kind of response that makes a thumb throttle feel like a fast-forward button, while keeping the day practical with **regular fuel** and **gas / oil injection**. Whether you’re firing it up with the **electric start** or going old-school with the **pull start**, this sled is all about getting you moving quickly and keeping you there.
Power gets to the snow through a **continuously variable (CVT) transmission**, using a **belt** drive and a **P-85 / TEAM LWT** clutch setup that’s designed to keep the ride smooth when conditions change from hardpack to chopped-up corners. There’s also **reverse**, because turning around in a tight spot should be a non-event, not a workout.
The Switchback’s personality really shows in its chassis and ride feel. Built on the **MATRYX** aluminum frame, it’s strong and purposeful, with details that speak to real-world riding—**skid resistant** running boards, **tunnel braces**, and practical protection like a **belt guard**, **hand guards**, and a **snow guard**. It’s a one-seat, one-mission layout: a **one-piece vinyl** seat in the driver position that keeps you planted when you’re pushing pace, and free to move when you’re playing with line choice.
Up front, the sled rides on **Pro-Steer™ composite skis** with **carbide** skags and an **independent A-arm** suspension delivering **9.5 inches** of travel. Suspension tuning is handled through **shock-mounted adjustment**, and the front end is controlled by **Fox® QS3** **adjustable gas shocks with remote reservoirs** (coil-over style), giving you that “dial it in” capability for changing trail textures or a more playful setup when the snow turns soft.
Out back, the **IGX** rear suspension brings **16 inches** of travel with **two rear shocks**, backed up by a **Fox® QS3** rear setup plus a matching **Fox® QS3** center shock—again, adjustable gas shocks with remote reservoirs—so the sled can stay composed when the trail gets chewed up or when you roll into uneven snow. Braking is handled by the **Matryx Stealth** system with a **hydraulic disc** rear brake—strong, consistent control for real riding, not just parking-lot demos.
And because traction is where a crossover earns its keep, this Switchback runs a **Cobra Track** measuring **146 inches** long by **15 inches** wide with a **1.352-inch** lug height. That footprint is a sweet spot for covering ground on-trail while still offering the bite and float you want when the day includes more than groomed corners. With an overall length of **125 inches**, a width of **47 inches**, and a mid-height, **tinted LED** windshield, it balances a planted feel with rider-friendly wind management.
Top it off with smart basics like a **fuel level gauge** and **temperature warning light**, plus **adjustable heated grips** for the driver, and you’ve got a sled that’s ready to rack up miles, chase fresh snow, and look good doing it in ****.
