The 2012 Kawasaki Teryx4 750 4×4 marked an important expansion of the original Teryx platform. Introduced for the 2012 model year, it gave Kawasaki its first four-seat recreation-utility vehicle and established the basic formula that would define the Teryx4 for years: compact dimensions, stadium-style seating, a durable V-twin engine and useful cargo and towing capacity.
Kawasaki did considerably more than lengthen the existing two-seat Teryx and install another row of seats. The 2012 Teryx4 received a purpose-built chassis, a revised 749cc V-twin engine and suspension calibrated to work with either one occupant or a full load of four.
The result occupied a useful middle ground between a utility UTV and a recreational trail machine. It could carry a family or work crew, tow up to 1,300 pounds and transport supplies in its rear cargo bed, yet its relatively short wheelbase helped it remain maneuverable on tighter trails.
Why the Original Teryx4 Was Important
Four-seat side-by-sides were becoming increasingly important by 2012, but Kawasaki approached the layout differently from manufacturers that simply created an especially long version of a two-seat sport UTV. The Teryx4’s 85.7-inch wheelbase was relatively compact for a four-passenger machine, contributing to a claimed 16.7-foot turning radius.
The rear seats were positioned higher than the front seats, giving the back-seat passengers a better view of the trail. Four individual high-back bucket seats, conventional doors and three-point seat belts made the cabin feel more purpose-built than the bench-seat layouts found in many utility machines of the period.
This first-generation machine also became the foundation for the more powerful 783cc Teryx4 introduced for 2014. You can follow the model’s broader development in our history of the Kawasaki Teryx.
749cc Kawasaki V-Twin Engine
The 2012 Teryx4 was powered by a liquid-cooled 749cc, four-stroke, 90-degree V-twin. Kawasaki claimed that the revised engine produced 15 percent more power than the contemporary two-seat Teryx 750.
Revised camshaft profiles and equal-length exhaust headers were intended to strengthen low- and midrange response, particularly when the vehicle was carrying passengers or cargo. Electronic fuel injection used 12-hole injectors and automatically compensated for changes in temperature and elevation.
The 90-degree cylinder layout provided good primary balance, an especially useful trait in a vehicle intended to carry four people during long trail rides.
CVT and Selectable Four-Wheel Drive
Kawasaki paired the V-twin with a continuously variable transmission and an oil-bathed centrifugal clutch. The clutch allowed smooth, controlled engagement at low speeds and reduced the shock loads transmitted to the CVT belt—an advantage when crawling over rocks, maneuvering with a trailer or working at low speed.
A dash-mounted selector provided three drivetrain settings:
- 2WD for lighter steering and general trail use
- 4WD for additional traction
- 4WD with front differential lock for difficult terrain
This drivetrain arrangement became one of the defining characteristics of the Teryx family, combining predictable low-speed control with dependable trail capability.
Double-X Frame and Independent Suspension
The Teryx4 used a square-tube steel frame with two X-shaped crossmembers connecting its main box structures. Kawasaki referred to this construction as its Double-X frame design. The frame was developed specifically for the added passenger capacity rather than adapted directly from the two-seat model.
Placing the engine near the middle of the chassis helped centralize mass. Combined with the wide-track layout and compact wheelbase, this gave the Teryx4 more responsive trail manners than its four-seat configuration might suggest.
Independent suspension was used at all four corners. The front end featured gas-charged, preload-adjustable shocks and an anti-roll bar. At the rear, piggyback-reservoir shocks offered adjustable preload and damping control to accommodate passengers, cargo and different terrain.
Brakes, Tires and Trail Dimensions
Hydraulic front disc brakes used 200mm rotors and dual-piston calipers. The rear employed Kawasaki’s sealed internal wet-brake system, which protected the braking components from water, mud, dust and trail debris.
The original Teryx4 rode on 26-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires. Its 10.8 inches of ground clearance and limited front and rear body overhang helped it negotiate rocks, ledges and abrupt trail transitions.
Cargo and Towing Capacity
Although designed with recreational riding in mind, the Teryx4 retained meaningful utility capability. Its rear cargo area measured approximately 18 inches long by 48 inches wide and 8.5 inches deep. Maximum cargo capacity was 250 pounds, and four integrated tie-down points helped secure equipment.
A 2-inch receiver hitch supported a claimed towing capacity of 1,300 pounds. Nearly eight gallons of fuel capacity helped provide useful range for a full day of trail riding or work.
The machine also included four drink holders and two 12-volt DC outlets—one serving the front passengers and another positioned for the rear occupants.
Four-Passenger Cabin
The cabin featured four high-back bucket seats with three-point belts. The two front seats could be adjusted through three positions in one-inch increments, while the elevated rear seats improved visibility and made entering and leaving the rear cabin easier.
Integrated passenger handholds, seat-belt comfort mounts and an anti-cinch belt design were intended to improve comfort over uneven terrain. A dashboard warning light reminded the driver to buckle up.
The multifunction display included a speedometer, fuel gauge, odometer, hour meter, clock, dual tripmeters and indicators for the drivetrain setting, front differential lock, parking brake, reverse, coolant temperature and fuel-injection system.
Teryx4 750 4×4 EPS Camo
2012 Kawasaki Teryx4 Models
The first-year Teryx4 was offered in several configurations:
- Teryx4 750 4×4: The standard model with selectable four-wheel drive.
- Teryx4 750 4×4 EPS: Added speed-sensitive Electric Power Steering.
- Teryx4 750 4×4 EPS Camo: Combined EPS with Realtree APG HD camouflage bodywork.
- Teryx4 750 4×4 EPS LE: Added cast-aluminum wheels, a factory roof and special color and trim treatments.
The Showa-built EPS system varied assistance according to vehicle speed and steering input. It provided more help during low-speed maneuvering while reducing assistance as speed increased. EPS also helped limit steering kickback when the front tires encountered rocks, roots and ruts.
For more detail on the premium trim package, see the original 2012 Kawasaki Teryx4 EPS LE introduction.
2012 Kawasaki Teryx4 750 Specifications
| Engine | 749cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke 90-degree V-twin |
|---|---|
| Fuel system | Electronic fuel injection with 12-hole injectors |
| Transmission | Automatic CVT with centrifugal clutch and high/low range |
| Drive modes | 2WD, 4WD and 4WD with front differential lock |
| Seating capacity | Four |
| Wheelbase | 85.7 inches |
| Overall length | 125.2 inches |
| Ground clearance | 10.8 inches |
| Tires | 26-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 |
| Cargo capacity | 250 pounds |
| Towing capacity | 1,300 pounds |
| Fuel capacity | Approximately 7.9 gallons |
Specifications reflect Kawasaki’s original 2012 model information and may vary by trim. Verify replacement parts and service specifications using the model identification number and the appropriate Kawasaki service documentation.
The Teryx4 Legacy
The 2012 Teryx4 750 established Kawasaki’s long-running four-passenger trail platform. Its combination of a compact wheelbase, V-twin power, stadium rear seating and legitimate work capability made it more than a stretched two-seat UTV.
Kawasaki increased displacement to 783cc for the 2014 model year and continued refining the conventional Teryx4 over the following decade. The company later expanded the four-seat idea into more specialized models, including the high-performance Teryx KRX4 1000 and the supercharged Kawasaki Teryx4 H2.
Viewed today, the 2012 Teryx4 matters because it introduced the architecture and practical trail-focused philosophy behind Kawasaki’s four-seat Teryx lineup.
Genuine Kawasaki Accessories
And the good news for Kawasaki Teryx4 owners is that Kawasaki engineers have designed Genuine Kawasaki Accessories that bolt right up so customizing your vehicle is as easy as going to your local dealer.
Aluminum Skid Plate – Factory designed with REQUIRED ventilation to prevent high engine temps during hard use or hot weather. Provides extra protection for drive train and chassis. Brushed Aluminum
A-Arm Guards – Protects A-Arm and drive shaft for use on rough terrain. Durable yet lightweight design. Brushed Aluminum finish.
Front Bumper Cover – Durable brushed aluminum front bumper cover replaces the stock steel part.
Brush Guard – Durable 1.5″ steel tubing adds protection and style. Textured black powdercoating matches stock bumper. Built-in mounting brackets for optional Off Road Light Set.
Headlight Guards – Durable tubular steel design with textured black powdercoating. Protects headlights from debris. Aggressive appearance. Easy installation. Sold in pairs, hardware included for easy installation.
Fender Flares – Extends fenders to offer protection from mud, water and debris. Textured, roto-molded design. Integrated OEM styling and fit.
Tail Light Guards – Teryx4 tail light guards features durable 12 gauge steel construction for durability and a texture black powder coating for long lasting style. Sold in pairs, hardware included for easy installation.
Rear Bumper – Provides extra protection for the rear of the vehicle. Durable aluminum construction, offered in brushed or texture black powder coated finish.
Half Windshield – Directs airflow for a more comfortable ride. One piece design features a hard-coated, scratch resistant surface.
Full Windshield – Provides protection from mud, sand, debris and weather. Fixed one piece design features a durable hard coated poly-carbonate material. Fits with all Genuine Kawasaki Accessory Tops.
Soft Top – Teryx4 Soft Top offers additional protection from sun and weather. Simple, lightweight design requires no hardware. Long wearing UV resistant fabric.
Plastic Top – Protection from weather and sun. Contoured, light-weight style with textured finish. Original Equipment on Teryx™ 750 4×4 LE model. Can use alone or with windshield.
Rifle Case Mount – Black Tubular steel mount to carry two rifle cases (does not include Rifle Cases).
Seat Covers – Durable, heavy gauge vinyl seat covers add comfort, function and style. Foam bolsters are sewn into the sides of the base cover that helps keep you planted in rough terrain.
Cargo Box – Durable, lockable molded plastic cargo box features a double wall, insulated lid that rides on a gas shock for ease of use. Includes one cooler box that locks into a channel and still leaves room underneath for additional storage. Additional cooler boxes are offered separately. Simple installation with 4 thumb screws that re-use the original tie down hooks inside the cargo box.
Snow Plow – Large 72″ tapered poly blade. 5 position blade angle. Commercial strength components. Quickly disconnect by single lever clamp. Lift by winch (order separately).
