An improved component layout in a snowmobile includes a muffler is disposed on the front side of an engine, and a lower portion of a steering shaft extends between the muffler and the engine. The engine is disposed rearwardly of the lower portion of the steering shaft. In other words, the steering shaft lower portion is disposed on the front side of the engine, whereby the engine is easily relocated rearwards with respect to the vehicle body so as to concentrate the center of mass at a central location of the vehicle body.