$29,999 MSRP / 116 HP

• Comfortable, Quiet Cab

• Excellent inline-4 Engine

• Great Work Capacity

Rides quietly, carries a big stick.

There’s nothing like an inline four engine to deliver big, silky smooth power, and Kawasaki’s four-bangers are some of the best in the business. The Ridge XR milks 116 rev-happy ponies out of a silky, 999cc example of a Kawi four-pot.

Power is great, but what really set the XR apart are its equal parts comfort and capability. With a plush, quiet cab, the Ridge XR comes awfully close to a truly “automotive grade” feel, in both layout and refinement.

That power and prowess is also backed by a serious willingness to work. The Ridge XR, in both its two and four door configurations, goes toe-to-toe with the competition in towing and hauling capacity.

Here’s what you’ll need to know if you’re considering a Kawasaki Ridge XR.

How much power does it make?

All Kawaski Ridge XR models share a 999cc liquid-cooled inline-four good for 116 horsepower at 8,500 rpm. Kawasaki claims is 73.8 lb-ft of torque at 8,000 rpm.

Power is the main attraction for most folks considering the Ridge XR over the standard Ridge. Although both models share the same bore and stroke, the standard Ridge makes 92 horses and 65.8 lb-ft thanks to a lower state of tune.

What makes it special?

The engine makes the Kawasaki Ridge XR one of only two UTVs on the market with a four-banger. It makes great cruising torque, but is happy to rev, with plenty of power up top. That makes the Ridge XR as enjoyable as it is versatile.

In addition to the smooth engine, we’ve also found the Ridge XR’s fully enclosed cab is one of the best in the business. The insulation is outstanding, making the Ridge XR comfy and quiet.

We’ll also note that between the HVAC controls, full-color TFT display, and power windows, the Ridge XR feels very automotive. That’s no accident. Even the layout of the controls feels distinctly similar to a daily driver, and that’s a nice feeling.

Why do I want it?

You want a Ridge XR if the current crop of utility rigs just isn’t exciting enough for you. Kawaski’s HVAC-equipped cab takes the fight to the best in the business, whether we’re talking top of the line Can-Am Defenders or Polaris’ finest Ranger.

Neither of those rigs (or anything else in the class) can match the refinement of the Ridge’s engine for smoothness, quietness, and sheer performance. If you want big torque and rev-happy thrills, this is the only utility rig that’ll scratch the itch.

Why don’t I want it?

Despite a strong marketing push to present the Ridge XR as a trail rig first and a work rig second, fast, sporty riding just isn’t a strong suit of the Kawasaki. Don’t get us wrong, there’s enough here to have a good time out on the trail, but the Ridge just doesn’t handle or hustle the way its rec-ute competitors do.

The suspenion is a bit soft, the seating is a bit upright, and body roll is a bit much. In other words, it handles like a utility rig, albeit one with a 116 horsepower four banger and supportive bucket seats. As such, we recommend thinking of it more as a pure utility rig with some added flair, as it pales in comparison to machines like the Polaris General or Yamaha RMAX out on the trail.

What trim should I get?

The Kawasaki Ridge XR comes in two trim options for 2025: There’s the HVAC, and then there’s the Deluxe HVAC. There are also two four door models, the XR Crew HVAC and the XR Crew Limited HVAC.

For the two door models, the only meaningful difference between the two is that the “Deluxe” version gets a contoured bench seat rather than two bucket seats and a center console. Realistically this boosts the seating from two adults to two adults and a child, although technically you could wedge a third adult in the middle if you wanted to ruin the ride for everyone else.

The price difference between the two is only $300, so the decision is personal rather than monetary. Grab the HVAC if you want to push your luck on trails without bouncing your head off the back window, but if work is your main focus, you’ll probably want the Deluxe.

Differences between the four door rigs are much more significant for 2025. Limited trim ops for contoured bench seats rather than the four-bucket layout of the standard HVAC, but seating is just the beginning.

The Crew Limited also adds Garmin Tread navigation on an 8-inch center display, a Warn winch/bumper combo, an 8 speaker audio system, front and rear cameras, and a painted steel back bumper. In other words, this is the Cowboy Cadillac of the lineup, and you’ll have to shell out a $38,099 premium to call it your own.

Capability-wise the two rigs are identical, but the Limited is the clear winner here if you can afford it.

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

You can save yourself a couple grand by opting for a standard Ridge HVAC, as you probably won’t notice the difference in power in 98% of situations. Want a proper rec-ute that’s built to bomb some trails? Check out the Yamaha RMAX or Polaris General XP 1000.

2025 Kawasaki Ridge XR specs

**Length, weight, and seating capacity for Ridge XR Crew Models will differ**

Length: 125.4 in.

Width: 64 in.

Height: 82.3 in.

Wheelbase: 90.7 in.

Claimed Dry Weight: 1,963 lbs

Engine: Liquid-cooled, DOHC inline-four

Displacement: 999cc

Transmission: CVT with (H,L,N,R)

Claimed Power: 116 hp @ 8,500 rpm

Claimed Torque: 73.8 lb-ft @ 8,000 rpm

Fuel System: EFI

Steering: EPS

Drivetrain: Selectable 4WD with locking front/rear differential, shaft

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

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

Front Brakes: Dual hydraulic discs

Rear Brakes: Dual hydraulic discs

Wheels F/R: 14 in. aluminum

Tires F/R: Duro 30 x 10-14

Bed Capacity: 1,000 lbs

Towing Capacity: 2,500 lbs.

Seating Capacity: 2-3

Ground Clearance: 13.8 in.

Fuel Capacity: 12.9 gal