Finding a clean 2016 ski doo 800 renegade on the used market is like finding a hidden gem because these sleds were built to handle just about anything you throw at them. Back when this model first hit the snow, it was the "it" sled for anyone who couldn't decide between staying on the groomed trails or jumping into the deep powder. Even now, several years after the Gen4 platform took over the spotlight, the 2016 Renegade—built on the refined XS chassis—remains a fan favorite for riders who want a reliable, hard-hitting crossover.
It's funny how some snowmobiles age. Some feel like ancient relics after five years, but the 2016 Renegade 800R E-TEC still feels modern. It has that snappy, direct injection response that keeps you on your toes, and the ergonomics don't feel dated at all. If you're looking for a sled that can keep up with the new iron without the $18,000 price tag, this is usually the first machine people recommend.
That Sweet 800R E-TEC Engine
You can't talk about the 2016 ski doo 800 renegade without giving a massive nod to the power plant. The 800R E-TEC was really hitting its stride by 2016. Ski-Doo had ironed out most of the early teething issues that plagued the first-gen E-TECs, resulting in a motor that was not only fast but surprisingly efficient.
When you pin the throttle on an 800 Renegade, you're looking at roughly 160 horsepower. It's that "arm-stretching" kind of power that makes you glad you've got a good grip on the bars. What's even better is how smooth it is. Unlike old-school carb sleds that might feel a bit boggy or finicky depending on the temperature, the E-TEC system adjusts on the fly. You get a crisp, clean pull from the bottom end all the way to the top.
Plus, let's talk about the oil and gas consumption. For a big-bore two-stroke, it's actually pretty reasonable. You aren't going to be "that guy" at the back of the pack leaving a thick cloud of blue smoke everywhere. It's a refined beast, and that's a big part of why people still hunt for these today.
The Magic of the rMotion Suspension
If you've ever ridden an old sled with a basic rear skid, jumping on a 2016 Renegade with rMotion is going to feel like switching from a pogo stick to a Cadillac. In my opinion, the rMotion suspension is one of the best things to ever happen to snowmobiling.
The beauty of the rMotion in the 2016 ski doo 800 renegade is how it handles the "stutter bumps." You know those annoying 6-inch ripples that develop on a busy trail by Saturday afternoon? This suspension just soaks them up. It has a rising-rate motion that keeps the ride plush in the small stuff but provides plenty of bottoming resistance if you decide to huck it off a drift or hit a surprise G-out.
Because the Renegade uses a 137-inch track, it bridges the bumps better than the shorter MXZ models. It creates a longer footprint that levels out the trail, making long 200-mile days much less exhausting. Your back will definitely thank you after a weekend of riding this thing.
Handling and the RAS 2 Front End
Up front, the 2016 model year benefited from the RAS 2 front suspension geometry. If you compare it to the older RAS setups, the difference is night and day. The RAS 2 was designed to keep the skis flatter in the corners and reduce that "inside ski lift" that can be a bit scary when you're carrying speed through a turn.
The 2016 ski doo 800 renegade feels planted. When you point it into a corner, it goes where you want it to. There's a level of precision there that gives you a lot of confidence. It doesn't feel like you're wrestling a bear; it feels like you're carving with a scalpel. Whether you're on the Adrenaline package or the higher-end X-package with the better shocks, the geometry is solid enough that almost any rider will feel like a pro.
Crossover Capability: Trail vs. Powder
The whole point of the Renegade is that it's a crossover. It's meant to be the "do-it-all" machine. With that 137-inch track, you've got enough flotation to play in the meadows and get through some moderately deep snow, but it's not so long that it becomes a chore to turn on a packed trail.
In 2016, you could get different track lung depths depending on which specific sub-model you chose. The standard Renegade Adrenaline usually came with a 1.25-inch RipSaw track, which is great for top speed and trail grip. However, if you found a Renegade Backcountry, you were looking at a 1.75-inch lug, which turned it into a much more capable off-trail machine.
Even with the standard 1.25 track, the 2016 ski doo 800 renegade is surprisingly capable. It's light enough to flick around, and the E-TEC power helps you pop the skis up over obstacles when you're playing off-trail. It's the perfect compromise for the rider who spends 70% of their time on the trail but wants to explore the woods the other 30% of the time.
Reliability and What to Look For
Since we're looking at this sled as a used purchase, we have to talk about what to keep an eye on. No machine is perfect, and even though the 2016 ski doo 800 renegade is a tank, it still needs love.
One thing people often talk about with the 800 E-TEC is the "isoflex grease" in the crank bearings. It's a good idea to check the service history to see if the engine has ever been opened up or if the seals are looking clean. Also, at high mileages (usually north of 5,000 miles), many riders choose to do a preventative top-end rebuild just to keep the compression tight and avoid a mid-season meltdown.
The primary clutch is another area to check. The TRA clutches on these models are decent, but they do wear out. If you hear a rattling sound at idle or notice the RPMs aren't quite hitting the 7,900-8,000 mark when you're wide open, it might be time for a clutch kit or a good cleaning.
The "Cool Factor" of the XS Chassis
There is just something about the look of the XS chassis. It's sleek, the headlights are actually decent for night riding, and the LinQ system for accessories is a total game-changer. If you haven't used LinQ before, it's basically a set of brackets that let you snap on bags, fuel caddies, or even a chainsaw holder in about two seconds.
The 2016 ski doo 800 renegade also features a pretty comfortable seat. It's narrow enough at the front that you can move around when you're riding aggressively, but wide enough at the back that your butt doesn't fall asleep during those long stretches of flat trail. It's a very ergonomic "rider-forward" design that doesn't feel cramped, even for taller riders.
Final Thoughts on This Classic Ripper
If you can find a 2016 ski doo 800 renegade that hasn't been absolutely thrashed, it's a purchase you probably won't regret. It represents the pinnacle of the XS chassis era. It's got the power to keep your adrenaline pumping, the suspension to save your spine, and the versatility to go wherever the snow looks best.
Sure, the newer 850 models are faster and have a bit more "snap," but for the vast majority of riders, the 800R E-TEC is more than enough. There is a reason you still see so many of these out on the trails every winter. They were built right, they look great, and they still rip just as hard as they did when they rolled off the showroom floor. If you're looking for that perfect balance of performance and value, this Renegade is definitely the way to go.