Review by Doug Siddens
The 2010 Kawasaki Teryx 750 FI 4×4 Sport arrived when the side-by-side market was still defining the line between utility machines and dedicated sport UTVs. Kawasaki positioned the Teryx between those categories, combining a 749cc V-twin, selectable four-wheel drive and upgraded suspension with a useful cargo bed and substantial towing capacity.
We tested the Teryx Sport across the wide-open spaces, dusty trails, rugged terrain and old ghost towns of the American Southwest. It was an appropriate setting for finding out whether this early recreation-utility UTV could genuinely handle both work and weekend trail riding.
A Recreation UTV That Could Still Work
The Teryx Sport was the more performance-oriented member of Kawasaki’s recreation-utility vehicle lineup, but the Sport badge did not eliminate its practical side.
Its reinforced, gas-assisted tilting cargo bed was rated to carry as much as 500 pounds. On the trail, the bed was useful for hauling tools, camping supplies and coolers—and it also made a convenient table or place to sit when the group stopped for a break.
Kawasaki also equipped the Teryx with a full-size 2-inch receiver hitch rather than the smaller 1.25-inch receiver found on some early UTVs. When properly equipped, the Teryx was rated to tow as much as 1,300 pounds.
Those capacities helped distinguish the Teryx from increasingly specialized sport side-by-sides. It could spend the weekend exploring trails and then return home to pull a small trailer or carry supplies around a property.
749cc Fuel-Injected V-Twin
At the heart of the 2010 Teryx was a liquid-cooled, 749cc, 90-degree V-twin engine with single overhead cams and four valves per cylinder. Kawasaki introduced digital fuel injection to the Teryx for 2009, improving starting, throttle response and consistency across changes in elevation and temperature.
The engine delivered smooth, usable torque rather than the explosive acceleration associated with later pure sport UTVs. It had enough power to move confidently across open trails, climb difficult terrain and handle the Teryx’s rated cargo and towing loads.
An automatic belt-drive CVT provided High, Low, Neutral and Reverse. Kawasaki Engine Brake Control helped manage descents, while the CVT Belt Protection System could reduce engine output and warn the driver if it detected conditions likely to cause excessive belt slippage.
For 2010, Kawasaki also revised the cooling system with a larger radiator fan and increased coolant flow. These changes were intended to improve reliability during slow, demanding operation.
Selecting Four-Wheel Drive and Front Differential Lock
The Teryx used a dashboard switch to select two- or four-wheel drive. A separate lever beside the shifter provided Kawasaki’s Variable Front Differential Control, allowing the driver to progressively increase front differential lock when additional traction was needed.
The permanently locked rear differential kept both rear wheels turning together. Combined with selectable four-wheel drive, the system gave the Teryx useful traction in loose dirt, mud, snow and rocky terrain.
The variable front differential control required more driver involvement than a simple push-button locking differential, but it allowed the amount of front-wheel lock to be adjusted for the situation.
Sport Suspension and Trail Handling
The Sport model’s primary upgrades were its lightweight cast-aluminum wheels and fully adjustable Kayaba piggyback-reservoir shocks. The suspension provided 7.5 inches of travel at both ends, while 26-inch Maxxis tires contributed to approximately 11.6 inches of ground clearance.
At 58.5 inches wide, the Teryx had a stable stance for cornering across uneven terrain without becoming excessively wide for the trails and transportation equipment of the period. Its relatively compact proportions also made it easier to maneuver than many modern recreational UTVs.
The upgraded shocks gave the Sport better control over rough terrain than the standard Teryx, although its suspension travel remained modest by modern standards. It worked best as an all-around trail machine rather than a high-speed desert or deep-whoop vehicle.
Braking System
Dual 200mm front disc brakes used rigid-mounted twin-piston calipers. At the rear, Kawasaki used a sealed, oil-bathed multi-disc braking system.
Because the rear brake components were enclosed, they were protected from many of the outside contaminants encountered in dirt, mud and snow. The design also helped reduce routine brake maintenance.
The 2010 model incorporated an ignition cutout intended to prevent the vehicle from being driven with the parking brake engaged. This protected the parking-brake system and gave the driver another warning before moving the vehicle.
Cockpit, Visibility and Storage
The upright seating position provided good visibility over the hood and made it easy to see obstacles beside and behind the vehicle. Entry and exit were also straightforward, which reinforced the Teryx’s practical recreation-utility character.
The seats worked adequately for general trail riding and utility use, but more lateral support would have improved the Sport model during aggressive driving. The steering wheel was fixed rather than adjustable. Its position worked for a 6-foot-1 driver, although an adjustable steering column would have accommodated a broader range of drivers.
Interior storage was a strength. The passenger-side glove box was large, well sealed and easy to reach. A centrally located slide-out cup holder could be tucked into the dashboard when it was not needed.
Digital Instrument Display
The centrally mounted digital display was clearly organized and included:
- Digital speedometer with mph or km/h display
- Clock
- Dual trip meters
- Two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive indicator
- Coolant-temperature and fuel-injection warnings
- Digital fuel gauge
- Hour meter
- Parking-brake indicator
- CVT belt warning
- Neutral and reverse indicators
- Low oil-pressure warning
Easier Maintenance Access
One of the most visible changes for 2010 was the aggressive new front bodywork. The hood and headlight assembly tilted forward as a single unit, providing convenient access to the radiator, coolant reservoir and front suspension components.
That access made routine inspection, radiator cleaning and suspension adjustments easier. The bodywork was constructed from Thermoplastic Olefin, giving it a glossy finish with better scratch resistance than conventional polyethylene body panels.
2010 Kawasaki Teryx 750 FI Sport Specifications
| Engine | Liquid-cooled 749cc 90-degree V-twin; SOHC, four valves per cylinder |
|---|---|
| Fuel system | Digital fuel injection |
| Transmission | Automatic belt-drive CVT with High, Low, Neutral and Reverse |
| Drive system | Selectable 2WD/4WD with Variable Front Differential Control |
| Front suspension | Dual A-arm with fully adjustable gas-charged reservoir shocks; 7.5 inches of travel |
| Rear suspension | Independent dual A-arm with fully adjustable gas-charged reservoir shocks; 7.5 inches of travel |
| Ground clearance | Approximately 11.6 inches |
| Overall width | 58.5 inches |
| Wheels and tires | Cast-aluminum wheels with 26-inch Maxxis tires |
| Cargo-bed capacity | 500 pounds |
| Towing capacity | Up to 1,300 pounds when properly equipped |
| Receiver | 2 inches |
2010 Kawasaki Teryx Sport Video Review
Watch the 2010 Kawasaki Teryx 750 FI 4×4 Sport in action during our original test:
Final Verdict
The 2010 Kawasaki Teryx 750 FI 4×4 Sport successfully balanced recreation and utility at a time when those two sides of the UTV market were beginning to move apart.
Its fuel-injected V-twin delivered smooth, useful torque, while the Sport package’s adjustable reservoir shocks and aluminum wheels improved its capability across rough terrain. The selectable four-wheel-drive system, compact dimensions and useful ground clearance made it a capable trail machine.
At the same time, the 500-pound cargo bed, 1,300-pound towing rating and full-size receiver gave it legitimate working ability. The seats and fixed steering column left room for improvement, and its suspension limits became more apparent as speeds and terrain severity increased, but the Teryx remained a well-rounded recreation-utility UTV.
Viewed from today’s perspective, the 2010 model was an important refinement of Kawasaki’s original two-seat platform. It retained the fuel injection introduced for 2009 while adding improved cooling, easier maintenance access and a stronger cargo-bed structure.
See the complete 2010 Kawasaki Teryx overview and specifications for details covering the entire model lineup. You can also compare this machine with our 2009 Kawasaki Teryx 750 FI Sport review.
For the complete story—from the original 2008 V-twin machine through the later Teryx and Teryx4 models—read our history and evolution of the Kawasaki Teryx.
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2010 Kawasaki Teryx 750 use?
It uses a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 749cc 90-degree V-twin engine with single overhead cams and four valves per cylinder.
What makes the 2010 Teryx Sport different?
The Sport model added fully adjustable Kayaba piggyback-reservoir shocks, lightweight cast-aluminum wheels and sport-oriented colors and graphics.
How much suspension travel does the 2010 Teryx Sport have?
The Teryx Sport provides 7.5 inches of wheel travel at the front and rear.
How much can a 2010 Kawasaki Teryx tow?
Kawasaki rated the Teryx to tow as much as 1,300 pounds when properly equipped. It also has a 500-pound-capacity tilting cargo bed.
Is the 2010 Kawasaki Teryx fuel injected?
Yes. Kawasaki introduced digital fuel injection across the Teryx lineup for the 2009 model year, and the system continued on the 2010 Teryx.
How wide is the 2010 Kawasaki Teryx?
The 2010 Teryx is 58.5 inches wide, giving it a relatively compact footprint compared with many modern recreational UTVs.
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