This winter, I tested the 2022 Renegade XR-S 850 for a day of approximately 425 km. Here are my impressions.
Engines and new features.
For 2022, there are still two engine choices for the XR-S version. The 850 E-TEC 165 hp 2-stroke engine that we have known for several years at Ski-Doo is still available. New for the XR-S 2022 model, the 900 Ace Turbo has been upgraded to the 900 Ace Turbo R engine. The power of this version goes from 150hp to 180hp, which is definitely a nice improvement and puts it on the same level as its competitors. I also note two other new features for 2022. First, the possibility to add the semi-active Smart Shox suspension as an option. Second, the addition of two sets of LinQ attachment points on the rear as standard, making it easier to add accessories than before.
Features
Here are the main features of the XR-S package:
- High performance KYB† PRO shock package
- 7.8″ wide color LCD display with BRP Connect
- RAS X front suspension
- rMotion X rear suspension
- Electric starter
- RS running boards
- pDrive® pulley
- Advanced steering column position (850 E-TEC®)
- Dual-pivot steering system
- Forward adjustable lift block
- Clear hand guards
- Open toe box
- Choice of Pilot X or Pilot TX skis (available with QAS)
- Backlit multi-function handlebar control module
- Optional Adjustment Package: rMotion X Quick Adjust system and Pilot TX skis
- Choice of 137 X15 X1.25″ RipSaw or 137 X15 X1.25″ Ice Ripper XT or 137 X15 X 1.5″ Ice Ripper XT tracks
My test.
It had been a few years since I had tested a Renegade with a 2-stroke engine and I was eager to start my ride. I much prefer the combination of the 850 engine with its shorter chassis, both in terms of looks and weight & handling. Since the beginning of the 850 engine, I always appreciate its linear power, acceleration and pick-up are good. On the trail, I have a soft spot for the Ice Ripper track that the test sled is equipped with, as it is studded and allows for greater stability when the trails are icy. The riding position is good, with the handlebar adjustment even better for me. Not to mention that the seat is soft.
Some will say that the seat is a bit too soft for a performance snowmobile, but I wouldn’t change it. As for the screen and ergonomics, it’s good. The screen is just the right size and the amount of information it provides is simply interesting, especially the one sharing trip statistics. The buttons on the handlebars are well located. The Pilot X skis of the XR-S version equipped on the test snowmobile provide excellent handling, with very little swaying.
The combination of the RAS X front and rMotion X rear suspension definitely gives the snowmobile better control in curves than the old generation suspension. The skis lift less, the snowmobile remains stable and seems to stick to the trails more than ever. The ride is also more predictive. The suspension was not optimally adjusted, too firm for my weight. You have to understand that this test sled unfortunately did not have the SDCU module installed for the Smart Shox shocks, so no adjustment was possible excluding the preload of the shocks. It was very cold during my test day, so I was satisfied with the adjustments of the snowmobile I had in my hands.
Smart Shox
I had the chance, in early spring 2021, to test the Smart Shox suspension and shocks on a 2022 MACH Z. Although it was on a very short distance, it also allows me to give you my first impressions. The Comfort mode is still quite soft, the mode is really made for normal trail riding. It is very comfortable to ride, especially in combination with the soft seat. However, you will reach some limits if you ride aggressively in Comfort mode. In Sport or Sport + mode, that’s exactly where I noticed the qualities of these shocks and the suspension work. I was able to ride the snowmobile to its full potential, meaning that the snowmobile’s shocks absorb bumps excessively well. This is definitely better than what I have experienced in the past, simply because the compression and rebound of the shocks are electronically managed by different sensors installed on the snowmobile. Where it’s even more impressive is when you get into the curves. The snowmobile stays straight and I generally found that I deported less on the side, especially for a 4-stroke snowmobile. Without acting recklessly, I had a feeling of confidence, that I could still give more, that I could get into a curve faster, but also get out faster. In terms of differences between the Sport and Sport+ modes, I didn’t find any very apparent differences except that the Sport+ mode is firmer. Now here is the question that many are asking. Are the Smart Shox worth it? The answer is absolutely. Are they essential? Not necessarily. If it’s a monetary question, the quality of KYB Pro shocks do a very good job, even without electronics. They are far from being entry-level shocks.
900 Ace Turbo R Engine
The Mach Z test also allows me to draw a parallel with the 4-stroke version of the XR-S. For those who will buy the XR-S version with the 900 Ace Turbo R engine, I have to say that the difference in power between the XR-S and the non-R version is immediately noticeable. Although the snowmobile is heavier, the acceleration is still impressive. You don’t really feel any turbo lag, the power is delivered almost instantly. I must also add that the iTC cable system is also a big improvement over the old system, it’s much less annoying than in the past. On a rational side, I would tend to guide my choice on the 4 stroke.
Improvements
On the weaknesses side, the light system is still not very efficient, behind the competition. Also, I’m not a big fan of the scroll wheel for controlling the screen and options.The idea of the scroll wheel is not bad in itself, but it’s hard to use it while driving and still keep your eyes on the trails. Also, I don’t find this interface to be intuitive, there is definitely room for improvement. Still, it’s a major upgrade from what we had before.
Another thing I don’t like about Ski-Doo lately is the following point. In the past, the XR-S version had all the options including the best suspension, adjustable skis except for the choice of tracks. Today, you now have two choices of motors, two choices of shocks and a third choice if you take the Pilot TX skis with optional QAS adjustment, which changes the price drastically, but that’s not the point. The point is that I think the XR-S model is being stripped of a certain notoriety. That is, the exclusivity of a high-performance 2-stroke model with all the latest Ski-Doo technologies, nothing less.
Conclusion
In the end, I really appreciate the Renegade from Ski-Doo, in all its variations. I firmly believe that Ski-Doo has one of the best suspension and shock absorber combinations on the market for a trail snowmobile with the XR-S. A snowmobile well adapted to the Quebec climate for those who do mostly trail riding, with a variety of models, options and engine choices. It is still one of my favorite snowmobiles. Those who had the chance to get their hands on the XR-S model in 2022 with the Smart Shox suspension, whether it was a two-stroke or a four-stroke version, will certainly not be disappointed. I have to give credit to BRP and their dealer network, because even though the SDCU module was not installed in our case, I was able to ride in early February. They put everything in place so that we could do our tests this winter and everything to satisfy the customers, considering the pandemic. I would like to thank BRP and SledMagazine.com for allowing me to do this review.
