This year, I had the opportunity to test Ski-Doo’s 2024 Renegade X as part of a seasonal trial. This trial was made possible through our partnership with the dealership Les Motoneiges Géro from Saint-Jean-de-Matha. I had previously tested the Mach Z in 2022, which has the same engine. So, I was very curious to see the evolution of the driving experience and the vehicle dynamics with the REV Gen5 platform.
Like most of you, the 2024 season will remain in my memory as one of the most challenging for snowmobiling. The season was incredibly short. Despite this, I was still able to go on several outings with the 2024 Renegade X, allowing me to appreciate many performance aspects of this snowmobile. So, here’s my final assessment!
REV Gen5 Platform
A major innovation for the 2024 season, the REV Gen5 platform integrates the 900 ACE engine into the Renegade lineup. Despite several similarities with the previous iteration, the REV Gen5 offers several advantages. The first is undoubtedly the presence of the new LED headlights. In the past, we often criticized Ski-Doo’s halogen headlight performance. That era is over! Ski-Doo now offers high-performance LED headlights. Even during the day, you are more visible on the trail, increasing safety levels.
The second advantage of the REV Gen5 is that it also features a unique air intake for the belt. This means it is cooled much more optimally, thereby increasing its lifespan.
Finally, the REV Gen5 platform features a renewed and modern design. I personally appreciated the vehicle’s aesthetics, with its yellow and black colour scheme. In addition to being very performance-oriented, the 2024 Renegade X is, in my opinion, one of the most aesthetically pleasing snowmobiles in Ski-Doo’s 2024 lineup.
900 ACE Turbo R Engine
The Rotax 900 ACE Turbo R engine is the most powerful four-stroke engine in Ski-Doo’s lineup with its 180 HP. It’s an engine that is both smooth and powerful. Its fuel consumption is also reasonable when our thumb is gentle on the throttle. In 98% of cases, I ride in Standard mode. This is the most suitable driving mode for my style of riding. There’s also an Eco mode, which allows for even more fuel savings.
However, the magic happens in Sport mode. This mode offers very strong accelerations and adrenaline rushes. Having tested a Renegade X-RS with the 850 E-TEC two-stroke engine last year, I didn’t feel out of place in terms of performance. The difference in weight at the front is still noticeable with a four-stroke engine. I also found that the 900 ACE Turbo R was less sensitive to variations in snow cover cooling potential. It was generally more stable for operating temperature. The 900 ACE Turbo R also sounds pleasant. It emits a very noticeable performance sound. You can clearly hear the turbo and valves working when you press the throttle hard. Real music for snowmobilers!
Suspension and Skis
The 2024 Renegade X that I tested is equipped with the legendary rMotion X rear suspension. It is renowned in the industry for offering both performance and comfort. At the front, there is the RAS X suspension. During my rides, I found that the snowmobile was very stable and hugged the ground well. Despite the additional weight of the four-stroke engine, the vehicle’s dynamics are excellent. The suspension calibration and choice of shocks provide very good comfort in the vast majority of situations, as well as a sporty feel. The Pilot X skis are also high-performing and reduce darting. All of these elements contributed to me being able to ride in comfort and confidence during my snowmobiling outings.
Instrumentation and Controls of the 2024 Renegade X
My test snowmobile is equipped with the 7.2-inch digital gauge. This comes standard on the 2024 Renegade X. The gauge is fully functional, displaying all the necessary information for driving. It is evident that the 10.25-inch gauge is easier to use, given its increased interactivity and touch capability. However, the standard gauge does the job very well.
Regarding instrumentation, one area for improvement is the adjustment of the heated grips and thumb. This is the case for both this model and all Ski-Doo snowmobiles from 2023 and 2024. On the 2024 Renegade X, pressing the single button for the heated grips adjusts in decreasing increments with a proportional relationship between the grips and thumb. In the past, there were independent controls, which was much simpler and more effective.
The good news is that Ski-Doo is making a fix for the 2025 models. This will allow you to independently adjust the heating of the grips and thumb. This will be possible thanks to the repositioning of the buttons on snowmobiles equipped with the 10.25-inch gauge. An update will be available for 2023 and 2024 units. It remains to be seen if this change will also be available for units with the standard gauge. This is to be hoped for.
The 2024 Renegade X’s Track
The 2024 Renegade X is equipped with an Ice Ripper XT track with 1.25-inch studs. When selecting my test snowmobile, I always choose this track model due to the increased level of performance it offers. Too often, I’ve seen other snowmobilers encounter difficulties on ice climbs or descents. The Ice Ripper XT track, in my opinion, offers the best compromise between performance and safety. It provides better control in turns, braking, and acceleration. It is also less prone to damage than a traditional studded track. Considering the sometimes marginal and changing conditions found on trails, I believe that the Ice Ripper XT, or its equivalent, should be offered as standard more often.
Driving Experience
As part of my seasonal trial of the Ski-Doo 2024 Renegade X, I was able to experience various situations that allowed me to greatly appreciate its performance and comfort. In the past, I have often opted for an X-RS version, which typically performs better on challenging trails. I believe that the Renegade X, in general, offers a smoother driving experience than the X-RS. The suspension calibration is spot on, and the slightly wider seat provides better support. For multi-day trips, I believe this is the ideal model.
The performance of the 900 ACE Turbo R engine is also incredible! It offers phenomenal power, smooth operation, and reasonable fuel consumption. I definitely recommend the 2024 Renegade X to experienced and seasoned snowmobilers who seek the best balance between performance and comfort, with an emphasis on sporty driving. Additionally, it’s returning for 2025 with the addition of three interesting features: a heated seat, a heated visor outlet, and a four-piston Brembo brake caliper. All of this is aimed at providing an even better driving experience.
As many of you, I would have liked to have been able to do more snowmobiling outings this winter. Nevertheless, the ones I did manage to do were with one of the best Ski-Doo snowmobiles I’ve had the chance to try in recent years. It’s just postponed for the next season.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I would like to once again thank our partner, Les Motoneiges Géro, BRP dealer in Saint-Jean-de-Matha, for their collaboration in this seasonal trial. I invite you to get in touch with them and visit their dealership for all your Ski-Doo and Can-Am off-road product needs.
I also invite you to watch the video of our final review below.
