WARN Introduces The ZEON XC: Big Winch Power In A Smaller, Smarter Package

Jason Gonderman
February 10, 2026

Off-road builds keep getting tighter, more technical, and more purpose-built—and WARN Industries is answering that evolution with the launch of the all-new ZEON XC winch lineup. Designed for trucks and SUVs that demand serious recovery capability without sacrificing space, the ZEON XC delivers everything enthusiasts love about the ZEON XD series in a more compact, low-profile design.

With capacities ranging from 10,000 to a class-leading 14,000 pounds, the ZEON XC is now the most compact and versatile winch WARN has ever offered in the ZEON family.

Compact Design Without Compromise

At first glance, the ZEON XC’s reduced size is its biggest calling card. The low-profile housing and lighter overall weight make it ideal for modern bumpers and tight mounting locations where space is at a premium. Whether you’re building a trail-focused overland rig or a full-tilt rock crawler, the ZEON XC opens mounting options that simply weren’t possible with larger winches.

Despite the smaller footprint, performance remains uncompromised. The ZEON XC shares the same core engineering philosophy as the ZEON XD, delivering serious pulling power in a package that’s easier to integrate into today’s vehicles. With available capacities of 10,000, 12,000, and 14,000 pounds, this winch lineup covers everything from mid-size builds to heavy full-size trucks.

Engineered And Built In The USA

Every ZEON XC winch is designed, engineered, tested, and assembled in Clackamas, Oregon. That domestic production isn’t just a talking point. WARN’s attention to detail is evident throughout the winch, from its corrosion-resistant black powder-coated finish to black fasteners that meet OEM-grade specifications. The finish isn’t just for looks either, as it’s engineered to withstand a 408-hour salt spray test, making it a solid choice for harsh environments and year-round use.

Fast, Efficient, And Built For Abuse

Under the hood, the ZEON XC packs a high-performance motor and geartrain combination that delivers line speeds up to 40 feet per minute, making it the fastest winch in its class. That speed doesn’t come at the expense of control, thanks to a new low-profile Albright contactor with integrated bus bars. The result is smooth operation, high efficiency, and long-term reliability even under heavy loads.

Water and mud are non-issues for the ZEON XC. With IP68 and IP69K waterproof ratings and full O-ring sealing, this winch is designed to keep working when fully submerged and even withstand high-temperature pressure washing. Inside the large-diameter one-piece aluminum drum is a high-performance automatic brake rated to hold the winch’s full capacity, giving drivers confidence on steep or technical recoveries.

Designed For Maximum Mounting Flexibility

One of the ZEON XC’s standout features is its mounting versatility. The all-new low-profile control box sits lower than the tie plate, reducing overall height to just 7.83 inches with the control pack attached. For even more flexibility, the control pack can be relocated using an optional relocation kit, and the remote socket can be repositioned up to nine inches away without disassembly.

WARN also designed the ZEON XC with adaptable orientation in mind. The motor can be rotated up to 90 degrees forward while keeping the control pack attached, and the transmission can be clocked into five different positions. Add in the ability to mount the winch in either a foot-forward or foot-down configuration, and it’s clear this winch was engineered to fit real-world builds.

Multiple Configurations To Match Any Build

The ZEON XC lineup is available in eight different configurations, allowing buyers to tailor their setup exactly to their needs. Options include steel rope, Spydura synthetic rope, or bare-drum versions for custom setups. The new 14,000-pound ZEON XC expands the lineup into heavier-duty territory, making it especially appealing for full-size trucks and heavily armored rigs that demand maximum recovery capability.

Each complete setup includes a ruggedized corded remote with a 12-foot lead, and synthetic rope models are paired with WARN’s Epic hawse fairlead for smooth, reliable operation.

Backed By The Industry’s Best Warranty

Like all premium WARN winches, the ZEON XC is built to last. Mechanical components are covered by a limited lifetime warranty, while electrical components are protected for seven years. These are fully serviceable winches, not disposable gear, and WARN’s customer service team in Oregon supports a global service network to keep you running no matter where your adventures take you.