Kawasaki is expanding its premium utility side-by-side lineup for 2027 with three new RIDGE models aimed at very different customers.
The new RIDGE CREW PLATINUM SPORT HVAC combines a full cab, five-passenger seating, upgraded suspension and more aggressive trail equipment. At the other end of the spectrum, the two-seat RIDGE LIFTED EDITION and four-door RIDGE CREW LIFTED EDITION are designed for mud, water and difficult working conditions.
Kawasaki has also revised the continuously variable transmission across much of the 2027 lineup to reduce cabin noise at the higher vehicle speeds commonly used when traveling between jobsites.
All three new editions use Kawasaki’s 999cc inline four-cylinder engine and retain the RIDGE platform’s combination of recreational performance, automotive-style comfort and utility capability.
2027 Kawasaki RIDGE CREW PLATINUM SPORT HVAC
New 2027 Kawasaki RIDGE CREW PLATINUM SPORT HVAC
The headline model for 2027 is the RIDGE CREW PLATINUM SPORT HVAC. While the existing Platinum Ranch Edition leans toward premium work and ranch use, the new Platinum Sport adds suspension, tires and seating better suited to recreational trail riding.
Power comes from Kawasaki’s naturally aspirated 999cc inline four-cylinder engine, producing a claimed 116 horsepower and 73.8 lb-ft of torque. Kawasaki pairs the engine with a CVT that has been recalibrated to reduce noise at higher speeds.
The full cab includes heating, ventilation and air conditioning, power windows, a rear glass panel and a flip-up glass windshield. The windshield can be positioned closed, vented or fully open while the vehicle is parked. IR-cut glass helps reduce heat entering the cabin in direct sunlight, while an insulated roof liner improves climate control.
High-backed front bucket seats
Unlike the bench-seat arrangement found in other RIDGE CREW models, the Platinum Sport uses two high-backed front bucket seats and a contoured rear bench, giving it room for five occupants.
Both front seats provide six-position adjustment across a 2.5-inch range. A covered center console between the front seats adds an upholstered armrest, shallow storage for phones and smaller items, deeper storage underneath and additional cup holders.
Adjustable KYB Piggyback Shocks
Adjustable KYB Piggyback Shocks
The Platinum Sport receives piggyback-reservoir KYB shocks at all four corners. These shocks provide greater damping capacity than the twin-tube units fitted to standard RIDGE models and offer adjustable compression, rebound and spring preload.
Suspension travel remains 12.7 inches at the front and approximately 12.7 inches at the rear. Kawasaki says the calibration is optimized for travel between approximately 20 and 30 mph, targeting better control and comfort on farm roads, access roads and open trails.
Arched lower A-arms provide additional clearance around rocks, roots and trail obstacles. The Platinum Sport also receives front and rear stabilizer bars to reduce body roll while carrying passengers or cargo.
Most current RIDGE models are equipped with a front stabilizer bar, while the Platinum Sport adds a rear bar for additional control during cornering and higher-speed travel.
30-Inch Maxxis Carnivore Tires
30-Inch Maxxis Carnivore Tires
Kawasaki equips the Platinum Sport with 30-inch Maxxis Carnivore tires mounted on bronze 14-inch aluminum wheels. The Carnivore is an eight-ply radial tire also used on several Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 models.
Its aggressive tread should give the Platinum Sport better traction and puncture resistance than a conventional utility tire without turning it into a dedicated mud machine.
Bronze A-arms coordinate with the wheels, while Metallic Matte Twilight Blue bodywork and silver graphics distinguish the Platinum Sport from other RIDGE models.
Additional standard equipment includes:
- A 4,500-pound winch with synthetic rope
- Steel front bumper and brush guard
- Front and rear cameras
- Full LED lighting
- High-clearance arched A-arms
- Electric power steering
- Selectable four-wheel drive
- Front and rear differential lock
An eight-inch Garmin Tread 2 system is integrated into the center of the dashboard.
Garmin Tread 2 With Wireless Apple CarPlay
An eight-inch Garmin Tread 2 system is integrated into the center of the dashboard. It provides off-road navigation, group-ride functionality, audio control and wireless Apple CarPlay when connected to a compatible iPhone.
The audio system includes four 6.5-inch coaxial speakers and a 300-watt Class-D amplifier. Owners can upgrade it with an available Stage 2 package that adds two roof-mounted speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer.
Vehicle information is displayed on a separate eight-inch full-color TFT instrument panel. When the driver selects Reverse, the display automatically switches to the rear camera. The front or rear camera can also be selected manually to help inspect terrain around the vehicle.
The 2027 Kawasaki RIDGE CREW PLATINUM SPORT HVAC is priced at $39,999 and is expected to reach dealers in late summer or early fall 2026.
2027 Kawasaki RIDGE Lifted Editions
New RIDGE and RIDGE CREW Lifted Editions
The RIDGE LIFTED EDITION and RIDGE CREW LIFTED EDITION take the platform in a completely different direction.
These models are intended for owners regularly working or riding in mud, standing water and soft terrain. Kawasaki has added specialized tires, elevated air intakes, revised CVT tuning, additional underbody protection and suspension changes designed to maximize low-speed traction.
Both Lifted Editions use Kawasaki’s 999cc inline four-cylinder engine, but the CVT receives shorter gearing in Low range. The revised gearing is intended to make engine output easier to control when traction is limited while placing less demand on the drive belt.
30-Inch ITP Cryptid Mud Tires
The most visible Lifted Edition upgrade is a set of 30-inch ITP Cryptid mud tires mounted on 14-inch aluminum wheels.
The Cryptid uses a chevron-style tread pattern for forward traction, along with paddle-like shoulders designed to generate additional side bite in deep mud. Its six-ply construction helps resist cuts, chips and abrasions.
High-clearance arched A-arms
Both Lifted Editions also receive high-clearance arched A-arms and piggyback-reservoir KYB shocks with adjustable compression, rebound and preload.
Kawasaki removes the front stabilizer bar from the Lifted Editions. Eliminating the bar allows greater independent wheel movement at low speeds, helping the tires maintain contact with uneven terrain. It should also let the suspension follow ruts and obstacles without transferring as much movement across the chassis.
Wheel travel remains approximately 12.7 inches at both ends.
The two-seat RIDGE LIFTED EDITION offers 14.2 inches of ground clearance at its standard preload setting and as much as 14.6 inches at maximum preload. By comparison, Kawasaki lists the standard RIDGE at 13.4 inches with standard preload.
Triple Snorkel System
Triple Snorkel System
Elevated triple snorkels help protect the engine air intake, CVT intake and CVT exhaust from mud and water.
The Lifted Editions also receive high-density polyethylene underbody protection with integrated drain holes. Additional drains in the floor make the cab easier to rinse after a muddy ride, while a gap between the doors and floor allows water and debris to escape.
Standard equipment includes a steel front bumper with a brush guard and a 4,500-pound winch with synthetic rope.
These changes make the Lifted Editions much more than RIDGE models fitted with taller tires. The lower CVT gearing, increased suspension articulation, elevated intakes and cleanup provisions address the specific demands of muddy terrain.
The two-seat RIDGE LIFTED EDITION starts at $25,999. The RIDGE CREW LIFTED EDITION is priced at $28,799. Both come in Sunbeam Red and Super Black and are scheduled to arrive in late summer or early fall 2026.
Bed Storage
Redesigned Cargo Bed and Covered Storage
The three new editions receive redesigned rear bodywork and a new cargo-bed configuration with covered storage compartments integrated into the bed sides.
The revised styling replaces the original squared-off appearance with sculpted fenders, slimmer colored bed sides and a profile that rises toward the rear. A new three-dimensional tailgate has a painted finish and embossed Kawasaki logo.
The covered compartments provide convenient storage for smaller items such as gloves, ropes and recovery gear. Drain holes allow water to escape, and the lids help keep the contents contained while driving.
The gas-assisted bed can be released from either side and tilted for access to the engine. Four tie-down points are integrated into the bed, while octagonal openings along the rails accept optional Kawasaki Quick Release accessory mounts.
Payload capacity remains 1,000 pounds, and all RIDGE models retain a 2,500-pound towing capacity with a standard two-inch receiver.
KQR Mount Points on the Bed
Changes Across the 2027 Kawasaki RIDGE Lineup
For 2026, Kawasaki introduced CVT tuning intended to make the RIDGE quieter. The company has expanded that work for 2027, targeting reduced transmission noise at the higher speeds commonly used during longer trips between jobsites.
Combined with the smooth operation of the inline four-cylinder engine, the changes are intended to reduce noise and fatigue during extended use.
Kawasaki will offer 13 RIDGE and RIDGE CREW variations for 2027, including open-cab, HVAC, camouflage, ST, Platinum Ranch, Platinum Sport and Lifted Edition models.
For more perspective on how Kawasaki’s enclosed-cab models compare with other premium utility machines, see our comparison of factory-equipped HVAC UTVs.
2027 Kawasaki RIDGE Pricing
| 2027 Kawasaki RIDGE Model | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
| RIDGE | $21,599 |
| RIDGE HVAC | $29,999 |
| RIDGE PLATINUM RANCH HVAC | $33,999 |
| RIDGE HVAC CAMO | $30,599 |
| RIDGE ST HVAC | $24,599 |
| RIDGE LIFTED EDITION | $25,999 |
| RIDGE CREW | $23,599 |
| RIDGE CREW HVAC | $32,999 |
| RIDGE CREW PLATINUM RANCH HVAC | $37,999 |
| RIDGE CREW HVAC CAMO | $33,599 |
| RIDGE CREW ST HVAC | $27,599 |
| RIDGE CREW PLATINUM SPORT HVAC | $39,999 |
| RIDGE CREW LIFTED EDITION | $28,799 |
Availability for every 2027 RIDGE model is listed as late summer or early fall 2026.
2027 Kawasaki Ridge CVT has been recalibrated to reduce noise at higher speeds
UTVGuide.net Takeaway
The 2027 additions broaden the RIDGE lineup in two useful directions.
The RIDGE CREW PLATINUM SPORT HVAC addresses buyers who want a fully enclosed premium cab but also expect to spend time exploring trails. Its bucket seats, adjustable KYB suspension, Maxxis Carnivore tires, front and rear stabilizer bars, cameras and Garmin system make it the most recreation-focused full-cab RIDGE yet.
The Lifted Editions are more specialized. Shorter Low-range gearing, ITP Cryptid tires, a stabilizer-bar-free front suspension, elevated intakes and improved drainage should make them better suited to farms, hunting properties and riding areas where mud and standing water are routine.
All 2027 Kawasaki RIDGE models are assembled in Lincoln, Nebraska, with domestic and imported components. Kawasaki backs the lineup with a three-year limited factory warranty.
