The 2024 Kawasaki MULE PRO 1000 lineup introduced a new 999cc platform to Kawasaki’s full-size utility side-by-side family. The original range included the work-focused MULE PRO-FX 1000, compact and recreation-oriented MULE PRO-FXR 1000, and convertible MULE PRO-FXT 1000.
All three were powered by a Kawasaki-built 999cc parallel-twin engine and shared a 2,000-pound towing capacity, independent suspension and selectable four-wheel drive. The primary differences involved seating, wheelbase, cargo-bed configuration and trim equipment.
This article covers the original 2024 lineup and its model-year pricing. Buyers researching currently available machines should also see our complete Kawasaki MULE lineup guide.
What Changed for the 2024 Kawasaki MULE PRO 1000?
The 2024 introduction represented a substantial update for Kawasaki’s full-size gasoline MULE PRO family. Major changes included:
- Kawasaki-built 999cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine
- More power and torque than the previous MULE PRO gasoline engine
- Higher maximum speed
- 10.9 inches of front suspension travel
- 10 inches of rear suspension travel
- Greater ground clearance
- Self-leveling rear suspension on selected models
- Improved access to routine service components
- Restyled front bodywork with quad headlights
- 2,000-pound towing capacity
- Up to 1,000 pounds of cargo-bed capacity
The PRO-FXT 1000 retained Kawasaki’s Trans Cab system, which allows the vehicle to switch between three-passenger and six-passenger configurations while changing the usable length of the cargo bed.
2024 Kawasaki MULE PRO 1000 Models and Prices
| Model | Seating | Key feature | Original MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| MULE PRO-FX 1000 HD Edition | 3 | Long bed and hydraulic lift | $18,299 |
| MULE PRO-FXR 1000 | 3 | Shorter recreation-oriented chassis | $16,599 |
| MULE PRO-FXR 1000 LE | 3 | Painted grille and aluminum wheels | $17,699 |
| MULE PRO-FXT 1000 LE | 3 or 6 | Convertible Trans Cab system | $20,299 |
| MULE PRO-FXT 1000 LE Camo | 3 or 6 | TRUETIMBER STRATA camouflage | $20,399 |
| MULE PRO-FXT 1000 LE Ranch Edition | 3 or 6 | Self-leveling suspension and winch | $21,899 |
| MULE PRO-FXT 1000 Platinum Ranch Edition | 3 or 6 | Premium trim, winch and self-leveling suspension | $23,399 |
Prices shown are the original 2024 manufacturer’s suggested retail prices and do not include destination charges, dealer preparation, taxes or registration.
999cc Kawasaki Parallel-Twin Engine
The entire 2024 MULE PRO 1000 family used a 999cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke parallel-twin engine. Its 92 x 75.1mm bore and stroke produced 999cc of displacement, while fuel injection and electronic throttle control managed fuel and airflow.
Kawasaki tuned the engine to emphasize usable low- and midrange torque rather than high-rpm sport performance. That character suited hauling, towing and low-speed operation while giving the PRO 1000 substantially more performance than the earlier MULE PRO gasoline platform.
A larger air cleaner provided approximately 80 percent more filtering area than the previous design. Separate engine and CVT intake paths helped manage dust and debris, while revised service access made the oil filter, dipstick and air filter easier to reach.
The automatic CVT included High, Low, Neutral and Reverse ranges. It also provided engine braking during descents, an important feature when carrying cargo or towing a trailer.
Selectable 4WD and Locking Rear Differential
Dash-mounted controls allowed the driver to select two- or four-wheel drive. A separate dual-mode rear differential could be locked for added traction or unlocked when operating on surfaces where a tighter turning radius and reduced ground disturbance were preferable.
Power reached the wheels through shaft drive. This work-oriented system was used throughout the PRO-FX, PRO-FXR and PRO-FXT 1000 families.
Chassis, Suspension and Ground Clearance
Kawasaki built the MULE PRO 1000 around a steel ladder-type frame with independent double-wishbone suspension at all four corners. Suspension travel measured:
- Front: 10.9 inches
- Rear: 10 inches
The MULE PRO-FX 1000 and convertible PRO-FXT 1000 had a 92.3-inch wheelbase. The more compact PRO-FXR 1000 used a considerably shorter 79.7-inch wheelbase, helping it maneuver through tighter trails and improving its breakover angle.
Ground clearance varied by model and equipment:
- MULE PRO-FX 1000: Approximately 11.8 to 11.9 inches
- MULE PRO-FXT 1000: Approximately 11.6 to 12.5 inches
- MULE PRO-FXR 1000: Approximately 12.2 to 13.2 inches
Self-Leveling Rear Suspension
Selected 2024 models introduced Kawasaki’s self-leveling rear suspension:
- MULE PRO-FX 1000 HD Edition
- MULE PRO-FXT 1000 LE Ranch Edition
- MULE PRO-FXT 1000 Platinum Ranch Edition
The mechanical system used normal shock movement to pump oil and restore ride height after cargo was added. It did not require electronic controls or an onboard air compressor.
Maintaining a more level vehicle attitude can improve steering, braking and suspension performance when the cargo bed is carrying a substantial load. When the load is removed, an internal release circuit gradually returns the suspension to its normal unloaded height.
Brakes, Tires and Steering
Hydraulic disc brakes were fitted at all four wheels. Each 212mm front rotor used a two-piston caliper, while the rear brakes used single-piston calipers.
The PRO-FX and PRO-FXT models rode on 26-inch radial tires mounted to 12-inch wheels. The shorter PRO-FXR used 27-inch bias-ply tires chosen to complement its more recreation-oriented chassis.
Electronic power steering was standard across the range. Steering assistance was greatest at low speeds and decreased as vehicle speed increased. The system also helped reduce kickback reaching the steering wheel on rough terrain.
Three-Passenger and Six-Passenger Cab Options
The MULE PRO-FX 1000 and PRO-FXR 1000 seated as many as three occupants on a single bench. The PRO-FXT 1000 could accommodate three or six people through its Trans Cab system.
In three-passenger mode, the PRO-FXT provided its largest cargo area. Converting it to six-passenger mode created a second bench seat and shortened the bed. This allowed owners to alternate between moving a work crew and carrying larger loads without owning two different vehicles.
Three-point seatbelts, doors, a roof and adjustable tilt steering were standard. The wide cab provided enough shoulder room for three adults, although the center position was naturally less spacious than the two outer seats.
Cargo and Towing Capacity
Every 2024 MULE PRO 1000 model was rated to tow as much as 2,000 pounds. Cargo-bed dimensions and capacities depended on the platform.
| Model | Bed dimensions | Bed capacity |
|---|---|---|
| PRO-FX 1000 HD | 54.1 x 53.3 x 11 inches | 1,000 pounds |
| PRO-FXR 1000 | 37.5 x 53.3 x 11 inches | 1,000 pounds |
| PRO-FXT 1000: three-passenger mode | 42.7 x 53.6 x 10.9 inches | 1,000 pounds |
| PRO-FXT 1000: six-passenger mode | 22 x 53.6 x 10.9 inches | 350 pounds |
The PRO-FX 1000 HD was the most work-focused member of the family. Its long bed included a switch-operated hydraulic lift that made unloading dirt, gravel, feed and similar material considerably easier.
2024 Kawasaki MULE PRO-FX 1000 HD Edition
2024 MULE PRO-FX 1000 HD Edition
The three-passenger MULE PRO-FX 1000 HD Edition combined the longest cargo bed in the PRO 1000 range with a 1,000-pound bed rating.
HD Edition equipment included:
- Self-leveling rear suspension
- Switch-operated hydraulic cargo-bed lift
- Rear bumper
- 54.1-inch-long cargo bed
- Firecracker Red bodywork
This was the strongest choice for owners who prioritized hauling material over carrying a second row of passengers.
2024 Kawasaki MULE PRO-FXR 1000
2024 MULE PRO-FXR 1000 and PRO-FXR 1000 LE
The MULE PRO-FXR 1000 placed the 999cc engine in a shorter chassis intended to blend work capability with recreational trail use. It retained three-passenger seating and a 1,000-pound cargo-bed rating despite its more compact 79.7-inch wheelbase.
The standard PRO-FXR 1000 was offered in Metallic Sierra Blue. The PRO-FXR 1000 LE added:
- Ice Gray bodywork
- Body-color painted grille cover
- Black cast-aluminum wheels
Compared with the longer PRO-FX, the PRO-FXR traded cargo-bed length for a more maneuverable chassis and more aggressive styling.
2024 MULE PRO-FXT 1000 LE and LE Camo
The MULE PRO-FXT 1000 LE paired the 999cc engine with Kawasaki’s three- to six-passenger Trans Cab system. Black cast-aluminum wheels and a roof were included.
The LE was offered in Metallic Onyx Black or Metallic Sierra Blue. The mechanically similar LE Camo used TRUETIMBER STRATA camouflage bodywork for hunters, land managers and buyers who preferred a subdued finish.
2024 MULE PRO-FXT 1000 LE Ranch Edition
The Ranch Edition added equipment for owners who expected to use the MULE heavily for property and livestock work. Its primary upgrades included:
- Self-leveling rear suspension
- WARN VRX 45 winch
- 4,500-pound winch rating
- Machined cast-aluminum wheels
- Metallic Titanium paint
- Matching painted grille cover
- Ranch Edition identification
2024 Kawasaki MULE PRO-FXT 1000 Platinum Ranch Edition
2024 MULE PRO-FXT 1000 Platinum Ranch Edition
The Platinum Ranch Edition was the flagship of the original 2024 range. It combined the Ranch Edition’s winch and self-leveling suspension with additional exterior and interior upgrades.
Equipment included:
- Metallic Stardust White paint
- LED outer headlights
- Brush and headlight guards
- Rear bumper
- Premium leatherette seat material
- Embroidered seatback logos
- Covered shoulder guards and rear grab bar
- Premium rearview mirror
- Machined cast-aluminum wheels
- WARN VRX 45 winch
Which 2024 MULE PRO 1000 Was the Best Choice?
The right model depended primarily on how the vehicle would be used:
- PRO-FX 1000 HD: Best for frequent hauling and material handling.
- PRO-FXR 1000: Best for buyers who wanted a shorter, more trail-friendly machine without giving up a useful cargo bed.
- PRO-FXT 1000 LE: Best for owners who regularly switched between carrying cargo and transporting as many as six occupants.
- PRO-FXT 1000 Ranch Edition: Best for property owners who wanted a winch and load-leveling suspension from the factory.
- PRO-FXT 1000 Platinum Ranch Edition: Best for buyers seeking the most complete factory equipment and premium interior treatment.
Lasting Importance of the 2024 MULE PRO 1000
The 2024 model year established the 999cc MULE PRO family that continued into later Kawasaki lineups. Its combination of a larger parallel-twin engine, 2,000-pound towing capacity, multiple cargo configurations and available self-leveling suspension gave Kawasaki a more capable flagship work platform.
The lineup also created three clearly differentiated choices: the long-bed PRO-FX, compact PRO-FXR and convertible PRO-FXT. That basic division remains useful when comparing used 2024 machines or researching later versions of the MULE PRO 1000.
For additional model announcements, reviews and technical information, visit the Kawasaki UTV category.
