Plenty of horsepower, semi-active suspension, and the latest tech make the Renegade X-RS a great long-distance machine. transition between soft trail-cruising and stiff high-speed settings.
Built on the REV Gen5 platform, the Renegade features wider bodywork than the MXZ and optimized wind protection that is perfect for high-speed rides and long winter adventures. The machine has the fit and finish we’ ve come to expect from Ski-Doo, and with the 20th Anniversary X-RS package you get the iconic Circuit Yellow colorway, an homage to the brand’ s racing heritage with the Evo Stinger emblem and tunnel number plate, as well as yellow shock springs and snowflap, all of which makes the machine feel premium.
The Renegade X-RS delivers a ton of torque thanks to its 4-stroke motor, especially when compared to a naturally aspirated 2-stroke. Add a turbocharger and this machine offers ultra fast straight line speed, however at times we find it difficult to manage the power delivery due to the throttle by wire, especially when transitioning from corner to corner. We’ d like to see improvements to the throttle on the Renegade, and just like the other two machines we tested, it would make the ride more enjoyable in a variety of conditions.
The X-RS wants to spend 90 % of its time on the trail and only 10 % of its time off of it, and while we don’ t often see these machines being used for long distance snowmobile adventures, its design allows it to tackle any terrain you might encounter, and it doesn’ t shy from long days on difficult trails.
Straight line speed comes on in a hurry thanks in part to the driveby-wire throttle, and there are three available drive modes— Eco, Sport, and Sport Plus; however in Sport Plus we found there to be a lot of wastegate and blowoff noise from the turbocharging system, which made the machine pretty loud compared to the other sleds we tested.
The performance of this machine is what we love, particularly in a straight line, where it runs up to speed in a hurry. The front end feel is another highlight, with minimal steering effort and front suspension that soaks up rough terrain, chop, and moguls with ease. The optional IceRipper XT studded track is a great addition and helps the machine hook up thanks to the pre-embedded carbide tips for enhanced traction on icy surfaces.
Additionally, the factory equipped forward adjustable handlebar riser was a feature we loved, allowing the rider to adjust the ergonomics of the machine to fit their riding position and height.
The Ski-Doo rMotion X rear suspension system minimizes trail chatter and is known for its progressive motion ratio and high travel capacity, which has been a feature we continue to love about this machine, especially when riding it all day on varied terrain.
Also of note is the Ski-Doo LinQ System, which allows for a lot of accessories to be installed on the sled, helping equip riders who want to do big miles on this machine.
With big power comes big responsibility, and the X-RS is definitely a sled that transfers its power to the snow effectively, thanks in part to its 137- inch studded track and Launch Mode feature. Overall, you have to be more active on the sled, shifting your body weight side to side. This is a high-performance machine that excels in a straight line but comes standard with a long list of features that give it a premium feel, race-proven performance, and the fit and finish we love about Ski-Doo products.
ARCTIC CAT ZR 9000 THUNDERCAT
The Thundercat debuted as a dominant 900cc 2-stroke triple-cylinder muscle sled in the early 1990s, setting benchmarks for speed and performance. The machine evolved into the
10 DECEMBER 2026 | SNOWGOER. COM