$22,999 MSRP / 92 HP

• for work and play

• smooth power delivery

• Hvac on almost every trim

“Peak Premium Performance“

Until 2024, Kawasaki wasn’t a competitor in the rec-ute market. The Teryx lacked in comparison to the top UTVs in its class like the Yamaha RMAX and Polaris General, and the Mule is a utility rig through and through. Last year, that changed with the introduction of the Kawasaki Ridge.

While it’s still not as powerful or capable on a trail as some of its aforementioned competitors, the ridge shines when put to work. Hard to believe, coming from the manufacturer that makes the Mule, huh?

With more Mule than KRX in its DNA, the Ridge is a worker first. High capacities, a dump bed, and HVAC on three out of four models make it right at home on a ranch. You won’t be winning any races, but throw some hay bales in the back and it’ll come out on top.

How much power does it make?

The Ridge pushes out 92 hp and 65.8 lb-ft of torque through a 999cc inline-four. The engine is by far the Ridge’s best feature, and makes other parts of the rig feel lackluster.

Even though the engine shines above everything else on the Ridge, it’s still hard to believe that Kawasaki only decided to get 92 hp out of an inline-four. The engine, while smooth as butter, can feel like a tractor, even on the trail. The CVT makes that even worse, and it feels like it loses out on a ton of power and throttle response.

What makes it special?

That engine is only the second inline-four on the side-by-side market behind the Polaris RZR Pro R. While a bit more power would be nice, you get insanely smooth power delivery thanks to those extra cylinders.

It also makes better noises than most side-by-sides. You get a proper growl in place of twin-cylinders that usually sound like they’re trying to tear themselves apart.

The Ridge is one of the only rec-utes on the market with HVAC. The RMAX, General, and Commander all are open-cab only. That’s a selling point in of itself.

Why do I want it?

Love the reliability and tractor-like driving experience of the Mule but want something that can hold its own on a trail? Look no further than the Kawasaki Ridge.

It’s work-first, being able to tow 2,500 lbs and haul 1,000 in its rear dump bed. When the work is over, take it to your local off-road park and have fun on a trail. Don’t expect it to run black diamonds, but you’ll surprise yourself with how capable the Ridge is.

Why don’t I want it?

The Ridge falls short when compared to almost every other side-by-side in its class. Its 92 hp falls short when you realize that even the base model, $17,499 Polaris General beats it with 100 hp. Why Kawasaki only reserved the 116-hp tune for the Ridge XR remains a mystery.

The trims get expensive fast, and some even lose features to save budget for the enclosed cab. The Ridge HVAC, for example, gets the enclosed cab, heating and cooling, but loses the Warn VRX45 winch and leather seats that are on the cheaper Ranch Edition.

What trim do I want?

The Ridge Limited is the easy answer. It has the enclosed cab, HVAC, a winch, a navigation system, an audio system, front and rear cameras, and a painted steel front and rear bumper. That rig will run you $32,999, though.

We understand that not everyone can spend that on a farm rig, so our choice is the Ridge HVAC. You get the enclosed cab, heating, and cooling, but not much else. Our advice would be to grab that one and kit it out exactly how you need it.

It could turn out that you don’t need fancy electronics or audio systems. But if you do, you can hit up Kawasaki’s catalogue or the aftermarket to find what you need.

If I like this… what else should I look at?

Love the Ridge but want something more sport-focused? Check out the Ridge XR. They share the same work capacities, but the XR gets a 116-hp tune, bucket seats, and 30-inch tires. You should also look to other rec-utes on the market like the Polaris General, Can-Am Commander, Yamaha RMAX, and Honda Pioneer.

2025 Kawasaki Ridge

Length: 126.4 in.

Width: 64 in.

Height: 81.9 in.

Wheelbase: 90.7 in.

Claimed Dry Weight: 1,810-2,024 lbs

Engine: Inline-four

Displacement: 999cc

Transmission: CVT

Claimed Power: 92 hp

Claimed Torque: 65.8 lb-ft

Fuel System: EFI

Steering: Dynamic Power Steering

Drivetrain: Selectable 4WD with locking rear differential

Front Suspension: Long-Travel, Double Wishbone w/ 12.7 in. of travel

Rear Suspension: Long-Travel, Double Wishbone w/ 12.7 in. of travel

Front Brakes: Dual hydraulic 249mm discs with two-piston calipers

Rear Brakes: Dual hydraulic 249mm discs with two-piston calipers

Wheels F/R: 14 in. aluminum

Tires F/R: Duro 27 x 9-14 (front), Duro 27 x 11-14 (rear)

Bed Capacity: 1,000 lbs

Towing Capacity: 2,500 lbs.

Seating Capacity: 2

Ground Clearance: 13.6 in.

Fuel Capacity: 12.9 gal