The 2016 Kawasaki MULE PRO-FX expanded the full-size MULE PRO family with a three-passenger bench seat, a large steel cargo bed and the same 812cc three-cylinder engine used in the convertible MULE PRO-FXT. It was designed for owners who prioritized cargo space and work capacity over a second row of seating.
Introduced for the 2016 model year, the MULE PRO-FX shared its engine and basic chassis platform with the Kawasaki MULE PRO-FXT. Eliminating the PRO-FXT’s convertible rear seating area allowed Kawasaki to equip the PRO-FX with a larger fixed cargo bed.
The result was a work-focused utility side-by-side capable of carrying three adults, hauling up to 1,000 pounds in its bed and towing as much as 2,000 pounds. For a broader comparison with other generations and configurations, visit our Kawasaki MULE lineup guide.
2016 Kawasaki MULE PRO-FX Highlights
- 812cc liquid-cooled, three-cylinder engine
- 48 lb-ft of torque
- Digital fuel injection
- Continuously variable transmission with engine braking
- Selectable 2WD and 4WD
- Locking and unlocking rear differential
- Three-passenger bench seat
- 1,000-pound cargo-bed capacity
- 2,000-pound towing capacity
- Four-wheel independent suspension
- Four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes
- Available speed-sensitive Electric Power Steering
- Kawasaki STRONG three-year limited warranty
2016 Kawasaki MULE PRO-FX Specifications
| Engine | 812cc liquid-cooled four-stroke inline three-cylinder |
|---|---|
| Fuel system | Digital fuel injection |
| Torque | 48 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Continuously variable transmission with high, low, neutral and reverse |
| Drive system | Selectable 2WD/4WD with dual-mode locking rear differential |
| Seating capacity | Three occupants |
| Cargo-bed dimensions | 54.1 × 53.3 × 11 inches |
| Cargo-bed capacity | 1,000 pounds; 600 pounds on California models |
| Towing capacity | Up to 2,000 pounds |
| Hitch receiver | 2 inches |
| Front suspension | Independent double wishbone with preload-adjustable shocks |
| Rear suspension | Independent double wishbone with preload-adjustable shocks |
| Suspension travel | 8.7 inches front; 8.5 to 8.7 inches rear |
| Ground clearance | 10.2 inches |
| Wheelbase | 92.3 inches |
| Overall length | 133.3 inches |
| Brakes | Four-wheel hydraulic discs with 212mm rotors |
| Warranty | Three-year limited factory warranty |
812cc Three-Cylinder Engine
The MULE PRO-FX was powered by Kawasaki’s liquid-cooled 812cc inline three-cylinder engine. Digital fuel injection helped it deliver predictable cold starts and consistent operation across changing elevations and weather conditions.
Its 48 lb-ft torque output was tuned for low- and midrange pulling power rather than sport-UTV acceleration. That character suited the PRO-FX’s intended jobs, including moving supplies, hauling feed, towing equipment and climbing grades with cargo aboard.
A high-output charging system supported the factory lighting and electrical accessories. Two 12-volt outlets in the cab provided convenient power for phones, GPS units and other equipment.
CVT, Four-Wheel Drive and Engine Braking
Kawasaki paired the engine with a continuously variable transmission featuring high and low ranges, neutral and reverse. The CVT provided smooth power delivery while the vehicle’s engine-braking system supplied additional holdback on descents.
Dash-mounted controls allowed the driver to select two- or four-wheel drive. A separate dual-mode rear differential could be locked for maximum traction or unlocked to reduce turf damage and make tight turns easier on sensitive surfaces.
Large Steel Cargo Bed
The fixed cargo bed was the feature that most clearly separated the MULE PRO-FX from the convertible PRO-FXT. Measuring 54.1 inches long, 53.3 inches wide and 11 inches deep, it was large enough to hold a standard 48-by-40-inch pallet with the tailgate closed.
The high-tensile steel bed carried up to 1,000 pounds on most models. California versions were rated for a maximum of 600 pounds. A gas-assist system made the empty bed easier to tilt and also provided access to the engine compartment.
Integrated cargo rails and molded-in divider slots gave owners several ways to secure and organize tools, supplies or recreational equipment. The tailgate used two substantial release levers and incorporated cupholders for use when lowered.
2,000-Pound Towing Capacity
An integrated 2-inch receiver allowed the 2016 MULE PRO-FX to tow as much as 2,000 pounds when properly equipped and where permitted. That rating made it useful for moving small trailers, equipment and supplies around farms, ranches and job sites.
Four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes used 212mm rotors, dual-piston front calipers and single-piston rear calipers. The braking system worked with the CVT’s engine braking to help control the vehicle with cargo aboard or a trailer attached.
Three-Passenger Cab
The single-row cab provided a wide bench seat for as many as three adults. All three seating positions included three-point seat belts, while standard automotive-style doors offered easier everyday access than the nets commonly used on early side-by-sides.
EPS-equipped models also received a tilt-adjustable steering wheel with approximately 40 degrees of adjustment. Kawasaki’s speed-sensitive Electric Power Steering reduced effort at low speeds while retaining more steering feel as vehicle speed increased. It also helped isolate the driver from kickback in rough terrain.
Cab storage included a glovebox, three dashboard pockets, two cupholders and space beneath the front seat for an optional storage bin.
Independent Suspension and Chassis
Double-wishbone independent suspension was used at all four corners. Preload-adjustable twin-tube shocks provided 8.7 inches of front travel, while rear travel measured approximately 8.5 to 8.7 inches depending on the side.
The PRO-FX had 10.2 inches of ground clearance and a relatively compact 92.3-inch wheelbase. Its short front and rear overhangs contributed to 78-degree approach and 64-degree departure angles, while the breakover angle was listed at 26 degrees.
A welded ladder-style frame, steel side guards and a Roll Over Protective Structure formed the foundation of the vehicle. Kawasaki also positioned electrical equipment high in the chassis, placed the fuel tank away from the wheels and incorporated inner wheel wells to help shield mechanical components from mud and debris.
Dashboard and Lighting
A multifunction LCD display showed vehicle speed, mileage, operating hours, fuel level, coolant temperature, trip mileage, time, parking-brake status and 2WD/4WD operation. The cab also included dedicated controls for four-wheel drive and the locking rear differential.
All versions used 55/60-watt high- and low-beam halogen headlights. The EPS LE and Camo models added auxiliary LED headlights for increased illumination with lower electrical draw.
2016 MULE PRO-FX Models
Kawasaki offered four principal PRO-FX configurations for 2016:
- MULE PRO-FX: The base model used steel wheels, fixed steering and a Super Black finish.
- MULE PRO-FX EPS: Added speed-sensitive Electric Power Steering and a tilt steering wheel. Available colors included Timberline Green and Super Black.
- MULE PRO-FX EPS LE: Added aluminum wheels, a composite sun top and auxiliary LED headlights. Color choices included Timberline Green and Dark Royal Red.
- MULE PRO-FX EPS Camo: Combined EPS, tilt steering and auxiliary LED headlights with Realtree Xtra Green camouflage bodywork.
Accessories and Warranty
Kawasaki offered more than 60 accessories for the PRO-FX at launch. The catalog included WARN winches, a snowplow system, skid plates, brush guards, roofs, windshields, cab enclosures, a heater, audio equipment, cargo dividers, a bed extender and a dual-battery kit.
The 2016 MULE PRO-FX was assembled from domestic and imported components at Kawasaki’s manufacturing facility in Lincoln, Nebraska. It was covered by Kawasaki’s three-year limited factory warranty.
Where the 2016 PRO-FX Fits in MULE History
The original PRO-FX established the fixed-bed, three-passenger branch of Kawasaki’s full-size MULE PRO lineup. It offered the engine, suspension and cab comfort of the PRO-FXT without the longer Trans Cab layout, making it particularly attractive to buyers who needed maximum bed space more often than additional passenger capacity.
Kawasaki later expanded and updated the full-size platform, but the 2016 machine remains an important used-UTV option for farms, ranches, hunting properties and work sites. See our history of the Kawasaki MULE for the development of the complete utility-vehicle family, or consult Kawasaki’s current MULE PRO-FX information for today’s models.
2016 Kawasaki MULE PRO-FX FAQ
What engine does the 2016 Kawasaki MULE PRO-FX have?
It uses an 812cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected inline three-cylinder engine producing 48 lb-ft of torque.
How much can the 2016 MULE PRO-FX carry?
The steel cargo bed is rated to carry as much as 1,000 pounds on most versions. California models have a 600-pound maximum bed rating.
How much can the MULE PRO-FX tow?
The 2016 MULE PRO-FX can tow up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped and where permitted.
How many people does the MULE PRO-FX seat?
The single-row bench seat accommodates as many as three occupants. Buyers who needed additional seating could choose the convertible MULE PRO-FXT.
What is the difference between the MULE PRO-FX and PRO-FXT?
The PRO-FX has one row of seating and a large fixed cargo bed. The PRO-FXT uses Kawasaki’s Trans Cab system, which can switch between a larger cargo bed with one row of seating and a smaller bed with two rows of seating.
