2026 Kawasaki RIDGE and RIDGE CREW Lineup Explained

Posted on January 27, 2026
6:47 am

The 2026 Kawasaki RIDGE and RIDGE CREW lineup expands Kawasaki’s premium utility side-by-side family with two- and four-door configurations, available factory heating and air conditioning, and seating for as many as six occupants.

Most models use Kawasaki’s naturally aspirated 999cc inline four-cylinder engine producing a claimed 116 horsepower and 73.8 lb-ft of torque. The lower-output RIDGE ST HVAC and RIDGE CREW ST HVAC use the same basic engine architecture but are calibrated for 92 horsepower and 65.6 lb-ft of torque.

Every version combines a CVT, selectable power modes, electric power steering and a tilting cargo bed with a 1,000-pound capacity. Maximum towing capacity is 2,500 pounds.

The RIDGE occupies a distinct position in Kawasaki’s side-by-side range. It offers considerably more automotive-inspired comfort than a traditional Kawasaki MULE, while retaining a cargo bed, substantial towing capacity and equipment intended for property, ranch and jobsite use.

What Changed for the 2026 Kawasaki RIDGE?

Kawasaki made several targeted updates for 2026 rather than redesigning the RIDGE platform.

A new idle collar on the primary pulley shaft reduces CVT belt flutter on most models.
Revised CVT calibration is intended to improve response and reduce unwanted noise.
Additional sound-dampening material behind the cabin helps control powertrain noise.
A front stabilizer bar was added to most 116-horsepower models to reduce body roll during medium- and higher-speed cornering.
The driver’s seat receives a revised bottom cushion and sliding mechanism.
An available rearview camera can automatically display on the instrument screen when Reverse is selected.
Camouflage HVAC models receive black aluminum wheels.

The stabilizer bar, CVT updates and automatic rear-camera display do not apply to the ST editions.

2026 Kawasaki RIDGE Model Lineup

Kawasaki offers five two-door RIDGE models and five four-door RIDGE CREW models for 2026.

Model	Seating	Power	Factory HVAC	MSRP
RIDGE	3	116 hp	No	$21,599
RIDGE HVAC	3	116 hp	Yes	$28,799
RIDGE Platinum Ranch HVAC	3	116 hp	Yes	$33,199
RIDGE HVAC Camo	3	116 hp	Yes	$29,399
RIDGE ST HVAC	3	92 hp	Yes	$25,899
RIDGE CREW	6	116 hp	No	$23,499
RIDGE CREW HVAC	6	116 hp	Yes	$31,799
RIDGE CREW Platinum Ranch HVAC	6	116 hp	Yes	$37,199
RIDGE CREW HVAC Camo	6	116 hp	Yes	$32,799
RIDGE CREW ST HVAC	6	92 hp	Yes	$29,299

MSRPs do not include destination charges, dealer fees or applicable taxes.

999cc Inline-Four Engine

The centerpiece of the RIDGE platform is its Kawasaki-built 999cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder engine. Most RIDGE and RIDGE CREW models produce a claimed 116 horsepower and 73.8 lb-ft of torque.

The four-cylinder layout helps distinguish the RIDGE from the twin- and three-cylinder engines used in many competing utility UTVs. Its smooth power delivery, subdued vibration and distinctive exhaust note contribute to the platform’s more refined character.

Electronic throttle control allows Kawasaki to provide three selectable power modes:

Work: Softens throttle response for carrying cargo, maneuvering near equipment or positioning a trailer.
Normal: Provides balanced response for everyday use.
Sport: Delivers a quicker and more direct response for faster trail driving.

The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission offering High, Low, Neutral and Reverse ranges. Kawasaki also calibrates the powertrain to provide engine braking during deceleration and downhill travel.

A 12.9-gallon fuel tank supports extended workdays and longer recreational rides. The engine supplies a 1,120-watt electrical output to support the HVAC system and powered accessories.

RIDGE ST HVAC Models

The RIDGE ST HVAC and RIDGE CREW ST HVAC are more affordable ways to enter the enclosed-cab lineup, but they are not simply lower-trim versions of the 116-horsepower models.

The ST engine calibration produces a claimed 92 horsepower and 65.6 lb-ft of torque. The ST models also ride on 27-inch tires rather than the 30-inch tires fitted to the other RIDGE models.

They retain the factory-enclosed cab, heat, air conditioning, power windows, full doors, glass windshield, rear glass panel and three-year limited warranty. Buyers should nevertheless recognize that the ST versions have different power, tires, ground clearance and drivetrain equipment than the rest of the lineup.

Selectable Four-Wheel Drive and Differential Locks

Most 116-horsepower RIDGE models provide selectable two- and four-wheel drive along with electronically selectable front and rear differential locks. The driver can change drivetrain settings using dash-mounted controls to match available traction and terrain.

Two-wheel drive provides lighter steering on firm surfaces. Four-wheel drive improves traction, while engaging the differential locks helps keep the wheels turning together in mud, loose soil and situations where a tire is lifted off the ground.

The ST editions use a simplified drivetrain arrangement and should not be assumed to include the same front and rear locking capability as the other RIDGE models.

Chassis, Suspension and Brakes

The two-door RIDGE uses a 90.7-inch wheelbase, while the longer RIDGE CREW stretches that measurement to 122.2 inches to accommodate its second seating row.

Both versions use independent double-wishbone suspension at all four corners. Wheel travel measures approximately 12.7 inches at the front and 12.6 to 12.7 inches at the rear, depending on configuration.

Most models ride on 30-inch tires mounted to 14-inch aluminum wheels. Using the same tire size at all four corners allows one spare to work in any position. The ST versions use 27-inch tires on 14-inch wheels.

Hydraulic disc brakes are fitted at all four wheels. The RIDGE CREW receives brake components selected to accommodate its longer chassis and greater passenger capacity.

Cargo and Towing Capacity

Despite its premium interior, the RIDGE remains a utility vehicle. Its tilting cargo bed measures approximately 34.6 inches long, 49 inches wide and 12.8 inches deep.

Cargo-bed capacity: Up to 1,000 pounds
Towing capacity: Up to 2,500 pounds
Receiver: Standard 2-inch hitch receiver
Bed access: Gas-assisted tilt with release levers on both sides

The bed includes four integrated tie-down points, divider slots and mounting locations for Kawasaki KQR accessories. California models may carry lower cargo ratings, so buyers should verify the specifications for the exact vehicle being purchased.

Factory Full Cab With HVAC

HVAC-equipped RIDGE models include a factory-integrated enclosure rather than a collection of dealer-installed cab components. Standard equipment includes:

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning
Full doors with power windows
Glass windshield with wiper and washer
Glass rear panel
Roof with interior liner
Rearview mirror
Interior lighting

UV- and infrared-reducing glass helps limit heat entering the cab, while the insulated roof supports heating and cooling performance. The HVAC system also provides windshield defrosting for cold or wet conditions.

The RIDGE is one of the more refined machines covered in our factory HVAC UTV buyer’s guide. Its relatively smooth four-cylinder engine and cab designed around the factory enclosure help reduce the noise, heat and dust concerns frequently associated with enclosed utility UTVs.

Interior and Instrumentation

The RIDGE seats as many as three occupants on a single bench. The RIDGE CREW adds a second row and seating for as many as six.

For 2026, the driver’s seat receives a revised bottom cushion and a sliding mechanism offering 2.5 inches of fore-and-aft adjustment. A tilting steering wheel and speed-sensitive electric power steering further improve driver fit and low-speed maneuverability.

A seven-inch color TFT display presents speed, engine RPM, fuel level, selected gear, drive mode, power mode, trip information and maintenance reminders. The display can also support accessory front and rear cameras.

Bluetooth connectivity works with RIDEOLOGY THE APP POWERSPORTS on compatible iOS devices. Owners can use the application to review vehicle information, record GPS routes and manage selected display settings when the vehicle is safely parked.

Platinum Ranch HVAC Equipment

Platinum Ranch HVAC models add equipment intended for owners who want a fully outfitted RIDGE directly from the dealership.

Major additions include a WARN VRX 45-S winch with synthetic rope, front brush guard, front and rear cameras, an eight-inch Garmin Tread display and a four-speaker audio system powered by a 300-watt amplifier.

The Garmin unit provides off-road navigation, group-ride communication and audio controls. Its integrated installation also avoids the improvised appearance of mounting a separate navigation screen on top of the dashboard.

RIDGE or RIDGE CREW?

The two-door RIDGE is the more maneuverable choice. Its 90.7-inch wheelbase and approximately 14.7-foot turning radius make it easier to handle in tighter wooded areas, around buildings and on confined jobsites.

The RIDGE CREW provides considerably more passenger room and seating for up to six but increases the wheelbase to 122.2 inches and the turning radius to approximately 19 feet. Its longer chassis is better suited to families and work crews that regularly need a second seating row.

Our Kawasaki RIDGE Crew XR Limited HVAC review provides real-world impressions of the longer platform’s comfort, handling and trail performance.

How the 2026 RIDGE Fits Into the Kawasaki Lineup

The RIDGE is aimed at buyers who need real cargo and towing capability but want more recreational performance and interior refinement than a conventional work UTV normally provides.

A MULE remains the more traditional choice for farms, commercial properties and operators who prioritize deliberate low-speed work. The RIDGE adds substantially more horsepower, greater suspension travel, selectable power modes and a more automotive-style cab.

Buyers interested in recreational trail performance should also read our Kawasaki RIDGE ride review, which examines how the platform performs outside the jobsite.

For 2027, Kawasaki expands the family with new Platinum Sport and Lifted Editions. Those models and the latest powertrain revisions are covered separately in our 2027 Kawasaki RIDGE lineup overview.