This season, the Passion Motoneige team had the opportunity to test a model from the Valcourt manufacturer’s most popular lineup. It is the 2023 Ski-Doo Renegade Adrenaline 900 ACE Turbo R. The Renegades have evolved over the years to make them more and more suitable for a clientele that loves long rides. Let’s take a closer look at this snowmobile that offers power, comfort and fun on every ride.
General look
At first glance, the yellow color jumps out at us and we instantly recognize the color associated with the Valcourt manufacturer since its inception. However, brand enthusiasts will find that the neo yellow offers more depth and a slightly darker hue. The REV Gen4 platform still looks great. However, the latest generation beats it with its updated look, LED lights and the option of a 10.25″ touch screen.
Another point that is quickly noticed is certainly the quality of the finish. This has always been a strong point of the Quebec manufacturer. In fact, we wouldn’t be embarrassed to say that they are the leaders in this aspect!
Motorization
The Rotax 4-stroke, 3-cylinder turbocharged engine with direct injection is certainly one of the major assets of our test model. Producing 180 horsepower, the engine offers an instantaneous response. Despite this, the engine is very smooth and refined throughout the rev range.
To fully exploit this power, the manufacturer offers three driving modes: Eco, Normal and Sport. These three modes effectively influence throttle response, throttle opening and fuel injection mapping. In Sport mode, the snowmobile is very responsive, even a little jumpy when exiting corners, and you lose steering precision. You end up with too much transfer. Nevertheless, you can readjust the shot by adjusting the suspensions more firmly. Personally, I found that the Normal mode was the best balanced. And for moderate speed rides or duo rides, the Eco mode offers smoother acceleration for your companion while keeping fuel consumption to a minimum.
As far as fuel consumption is concerned, it was at its lowest around 12 L/100 km in Eco mode and with a “priestly” driving style. At the other end of the scale, you can expect to exceed 25 L/100 km with Sport mode and a very generous thumb on the throttle. All in all, that’s what you’d expect from a 180-hp engine. It all depends on how you drive.
RAS X and rMotion X suspensions
To provide precise steering and comfort, Ski-Doo equipped this model with RAS X front suspension geometry. With 9.3 inches of travel, the HPG shocks get the job done efficiently and allow for fully controlled rides. Of course, our package (Adrenaline) is not equipped with KYB or smart-shox high-end shocks. So, with a sportier ride, we might need more firmness at times. On the other hand, with a touring type of riding, the shocks are suitable.
At the rear, we find the excellent rMotion X suspension geometry. Introduced a few seasons ago, it provides better control while limiting weight transfer. Remember that this was a weak point before this last generation. We now enjoy a good support on our skis to make precise turns. The HPG shocks offer a good comfort and the adjustments (springs and blocks) allow to adjust optimally. Especially during outings with two people.
Having mentioned steering, the Pilot X skis do an effective job when the trails are hard. However, when there is more snow on the surface, the option of Pilot TX skis or the addition of more aggressive stringers should be considered. This would allow for a more efficient ride in all conditions.
Caterpillar
The Ski-Doo Renegade Adrenaline 900 ACE Turbo R 2023 uses a 137 x 15 x 1.25-inch RipSaw track. The engine’s power is efficiently relayed to the snow, and the 1 1/4-inch lug height provides a nice balance with bite, while promoting relatively high top speeds.
Accessories
On our test model, some accessories were added. First of all, the snowmobile was equipped with mirrors that discreetly attach to the hand guards. They are perfectly integrated, but the size is somewhat limited to see perfectly behind. A larger diameter would be preferable even if the look would be impacted. There is also a passenger bench which is a “must” when you want to go on a ride with someone. However, this model of bench requires to remove completely the original one to replace it with a longer one. This way, you lose the storage space under the original seat and your wallet takes a hit. On the other hand, the “fit and finish” is exceptional, something the manufacturer has always accustomed us to over the years.
We must make an important mention of the Ski-Doo line of accessories. It is certainly the most complete in the industry and it is definitely one of the strong points of the brand. It allows you to efficiently equip your snowmobile and to distinguish yourself from the others… Of course, everything has a price and the bill can easily climb!
Driving impressions
One of the most important sections of a test is, without a doubt, the driving impressions. I will try to give you the feeling of what it feels like to ride the Ski-Doo Renegade Adrenaline 900 ACE Turbo R 2023. First of all, the ergonomics are well thought out to offer a relaxed enough driving position for long rides and a good visibility with its low windshield. Changing positions on the seat is easy and the texture is just non-slip enough to hold it in place, but without sticking to it. However, I would prefer a slightly higher position for long-legged people like me. This would help limit hip strain for very long rides.
The engine sound is quite low and distinctive at low revs. Certainly the presence of the turbo brings this muffled sound and transforms it into a roar. During more rhythmic rides, you’ll notice a more present sound and even the intoxicating noises of the turbocharger blow-off valve. At higher revs, you really get the feeling of a very sporty machine… even if it is disguised as a touring model with its double seat.
Driving in tourism mode
When you plan to go on long rides, the Normal driving mode is the best choice. You get generous power, strong acceleration out of corners and more than acceptable fuel economy. Of course, you shouldn’t expect miracles with the 180 horsepower available… A fuel consumption of 12 to 25 liters per 100 kilometers is respectable in this engine category.
Suspension calibration is excellent, whether you’re riding alone or with two people. All you have to do is adjust the rear springs to compensate for the extra weight of the passenger. The result is a noticeable comfort and handling is maintained in most situations. The Ski-Doo Renegade Adrenaline 900 ACE Turbo R 2023 is definitely a snowmobile that will put on hundreds of miles a day while providing fun, power and comfort for its occupants.
Sport driving
Of course, we had to push the capabilities of our test snowmobile to determine if the extra money spent on the Turbo R was worth it. The answer is: yes! We must admit that every dollar spent is worth its weight in gold. This machine is simply sublime with its 180 horsepower that is instantly activated by the touch of a thumb. The Rotax 3-cylinder turbocharged engine offers performance that hardly ever runs out of steam… unless you’re reaching top speeds well beyond the allowable limits. Power and torque are present throughout the entire power range. Even if you don’t use full power 100% of the time, it’s nice to know that you always have a reserve, ready to fire.
We love this engine, which can be used to its full potential in Sport mode. It feels intense under acceleration and behaves well overall. However, we found that the shocks were not the most suitable for sustained sporty driving on this version. At high speeds, there was a certain amount of blur in the steering because the pressure on the skis was not sufficient, and more aggressive shocks would be recommended. We can say that the X or X-RS versions are to be preferred if you want to exploit the full potential of this powerful engine in the majority of your outings. Nevertheless, in the Adrenaline version, this engine option is very appreciated!
Highlights
- The Rotax 900 ACE Turbo R engine which offers an incredible power and an intoxicating sound.
- A complete range of accessories to equip your snowmobile and make it your own.
- An impeccable quality of finish, superior to the competition.
Points to improve
- The shock absorbers offer a good comfort, but lack firmness for a sporty driving due to the choice of engine. In this case, an X-RS version would be preferable.
- The original smoothness is not aggressive enough. You can readjust the suspension, but it’s still a bit lacking when you want to aggressively devour the miles of snowy trails.
- The arrival of the REV Gen5 platform makes us want to wait for the availability of this model on the new generation platform. Still, the REV Gen4 offers an exciting driving experience.
Conclusion
The Passion Motoneige team is very happy to have had the opportunity to test the Ski-Doo Renegade Adrenaline 900 ACE Turbo R 2023. A powerful, comfortable snowmobile equipped for long rides.
Thanks to Ski-Doo for this long term test. If you want more information, visit the Ski-Doo website or your nearest dealer.
Equipment visible in the pictures :
– Helmets: CKX Titan and CKX Mission
– One-piece: CKX Elevation insulated (blue) and non-insulated (grey)
– Boots: CKX Evolution Muk Lite
– Gloves : CKX Elevation and Klim
