In ****, the 2027 Polaris 650 Switchback® XC 146 1.6 shows up with that “let’s go see what’s over the next rise” attitude—built for riders who want a true **crossover** feel with a confident **trail-first** personality, and the kind of balance that makes you look for excuses to take the long way back to the truck.



At the heart of it is the **Patriot™ 650**: a **liquid-cooled, 2-cylinder, 2-stroke** horizontal in-line that brings modern snap and clean response thanks to **fuel injection** (gas/oil injected) and a **single exhaust**. It’s happy on **regular fuel**, and it’s ready to roll whether you’re a “hit the button” rider with **electric start** or you like having the backup confidence of **pull start**. The power delivery stays smooth and predictable through a **CVT transmission** with **belt drive**, managed by a **P-85 / TEAM LWT** clutch setup. And when the trail gets tight or the parking area is packed, **reverse** makes the maneuvering part feel like a non-event instead of a workout.



Polaris built this one on the **MATRYX aluminum frame**, keeping things rigid and purposeful without feeling bulky. At a **125-inch** overall length and **47 inches** wide, it feels planted—especially with a **42.5-inch ski stance** that’s all about stability and accuracy. Up front, **Pro-Steer™ composite skis** with **carbide** skags help it track with authority, and the **independent A-arm** front suspension brings **9.5 inches** of travel to keep the ride controlled when the trail turns choppy.



Point it toward rougher sections and you’ll appreciate the suspension’s “ready for whatever” mindset. The rear is handled by the **IGX** setup with **16 inches** of travel and **two rear shocks**, giving it room to breathe when the bumps stack up. Damping is where the good stuff lives here: **Fox® QS3** adjustable gas shocks with **remote reservoirs** are used front, rear, and center—so you can tune the feel to match the day, the trail, or your mood using **shock-mounted adjustment**. It’s the kind of system that lets you ride longer because the sled stays composed, not chaotic.



Then there’s the track: a **Cobra Track** measuring **146 inches long**, **15 inches wide**, with **1.6-inch lugs**. That combo hits a sweet spot—long enough to feel confident when conditions get softer, while still keeping the Switchback’s trail manners sharp and fun. Add in the grippy, **skid-resistant** running boards, plus practical protection like a **belt guard** and **snow guard**, and it’s clear this sled was designed to be ridden hard and often, not babied.



Comfort and control get equal attention. The rider area is clean and focused with a **one-piece vinyl seat**, **mid-height tinted windshield**, and **rubber grips** with **heated hand grips** for those days when winter is really acting like winter. You’ve got **hand guards** to help keep the wind in check, and the cockpit keeps you informed with a **fuel gauge** plus a **temperature warning light**. Steering is classic and direct—**manual handlebar steering** with a **thumb throttle**—the familiar setup that makes it easy to place the sled exactly where you want it.



And when it’s time to rein things in, the **Matryx Stealth** brake system uses a **hydraulic disc** rear brake for consistent control that feels solid and predictable.



With an **11.5-gallon** fuel capacity and a dry weight of **497 lbs**, this Switchback XC is all about covering ground in a way that feels energetic, stable, and playful—especially in ****, where the look matches the attitude. If you’re choosing between the available colors—**Gloss Black** or **INDY® Red / White Lightning / Gloss Black**—this one proves there’s no wrong answer… just different flavors of fun.