$15,499 MSRP

• for work and play

• budget rig

• Simple, proven design

The Everyman’s Rig

Choosing the perfect side-by-side is hard. This one is too expensive, that one is too big, this other one is too heavy, the problems never end. So why not just grab something that does it all? If that sounds reasonable, the 2025 Kawasaki Teryx might be the rig for you.

It’s inexpensive, plenty capable, and can even work for you. While Kawasaki is slowly phasing the base Teryx out of its lineup to make room for the Teryx KRX 1000 and Ridge, that doesn’t mean that it’s not a viable rig. It’s still a great option for newer riders and won’t break the bank, making it easier to justify in your budget.

How much power does it make?

That’s a tough question to answer, as Kawasaki is very picky about the models that get an official horsepower number. Big green only supplies the 47 lb-ft torque number and nothing about horsepower for the Teryx.

We do know, however, that the Teryx gets a 783cc v-twin. That engine transmits power via a traditional CVT with a centrifugal clutch. Kawasaki likes to make a big deal about its engine braking, and this rig is no different. Is it good? Uh, sure. It’s about on par with anything else on the market.

Final drive is selectable 2WD/4WD and a locking front diff. No turf mode on this rig, which it could really use while doing work around the property.

What makes it special?

The Teryx might be the cheapest rec-ute on the market. That comes with some downsides like a bare-bones design, lack of accessories, and only one trim option. But if you’re just looking for a cheap rig to get you on the trail, its hard to beat the value of the Teryx.

It won’t be outperforming Can-Am Defenders or Polaris Rangers, but it’s 600-lb bed capacity and 1,300-lb towing capacity are plenty. On top of that, this rig has a curb weight of just 1,570 lbs. Chances are you already have a tow rig and a trailer that can handle the Teryx. Just throw it on a yard trailer, hook up your farm truck and head to the trail.

Why do I want it?

It’s hard to beat a price tag of just $15,499. That’s somehow even cheaper than the base model Honda Pioneer 1000, a rig renowned for its low-cost design. For that price, you get a jack-of-all-trades rig that will do almost anything for you. Will it do any of those things well? That’s debatable. But if you only have a $16,000 budget, the Teryx might be your best option.

Kawasaki likes to produce reliable workhorses, and the Teryx is no different. Like the Kawasaki Mule, we expect to see plenty of Teryxs still on the trail in 10 years. Use it, abuse it, and it will rarely let you down.

Why don’t I want it?

While it’s hard to find a rig cheaper than the Teryx, you don’t have to look far to find a better machine. We said earlier that its a jack-of-all-trades, and its definitely a master of none.

It underperforms compared to almost every other rec-ute on the market, making it a hard sell to even the stingiest buyers. Sure, you won’t find a better price than $15,499, but that’s hard to swallow when you get a rig as bare as the Teryx. Other rec-utes are simply better, and in most cases, well worth the extra boot.

What trim do I want?

This depends on if you want a two-seat or four-seat model. The two-seater only gets a single trim option: the Teryx S LE. This trim gets aluminum wheels, Fox 2.0 piggyback shocks, sporty bucket seats, and a plastic roof.

As for the four-seat model, it’s hard to look at anything but the most expensive trim, the Teryx4 S SE. For $18,999, you get a Warn VRX 35 winch, a Hifonics Bluetooth stereo, and all of the other features mentioned on the S LE trim.

But if you want the absolute basics and nothing else, you can grab the base Teryx4 for just $16,199. That trim scraps the roof and replaces the aluminum wheels with steelies. Adding on an extra two seats for less than $1,000 is an absolute feat, but somehow Kawasaki pulled it off.

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

If you’re looking for a cheap rec-ute, you’re only other option is the Honda Pioneer. That rig shares a ton of design elements with the Teryx, just in a different font. If the Teryx is just a bit too bare-bones for you, check out the Yamaha RMAX, Polaris General, or the Can-Am Commander. Those three rigs lead the rec-ute segment, and it’s hard to go wrong with any of them.

2025 Kawasaki Teryx Specs

Length: 118.1 in. (Teryx), 125.4 in. (Teryx4)

Width: 60 in.

Height: 75.8 in.

Wheelbase: 88.2 in.

Claimed Dry Weight: 1,570-1,684 lbs

Engine: v-twin

Displacement: 783cccc

Transmission: CVT

Claimed Power: N/A

Claimed Torque: 47 lb-ft

Fuel System: DFI

Steering: EPS

Drivetrain: 2WD/4WD w/ locking front differential

Front Suspension: Double wishbone, Fox 2.0 LSC piggyback shocks w/ 10.7 in. of travel

Rear Suspension: Double wishbone, Fox 2.0 LSC piggyback shocks w/ 10 in. of travel

Front Brakes: Dual hydraulic discs with 2-piston calipers

Rear Brakes: Sealed, oil-bathed, multi-disc

Wheels F/R: 14 in. aluminum

Tires F/R: Maxxis 27 x 9-14 (front), Maxxis 27 x 11-14 (Rear)

Bed Capacity: 600 lbs

Towing Capacity: 1,300 lbs.

Seating Capacity: 2-4

Ground Clearance: 12.2 in.

Fuel Capacity: 7.9 gal