The 2014 Kawasaki Teryx represented a major redesign of Kawasaki’s two-seat recreational utility side-by-side. It received a larger 783cc V-twin, a longer and stronger Double-X chassis, adjustable FOX Podium shocks, a roomier cockpit and considerably more cargo capacity.
This was much more than a routine model-year update. The redesign established the basic two-seat Teryx platform that Kawasaki continued developing for years afterward. UTVGuide.net also acquired a 2014 Teryx LE, tested it on trails across the country and eventually transformed it into an adventure-oriented rock crawler.
The redesigned 2014 Kawasaki Teryx LE.
2014 Kawasaki Teryx Highlights
- Liquid-cooled 783cc 90-degree V-twin engine
- Kawasaki-claimed 26-percent increase in power
- Kawasaki-claimed 12-percent increase in torque
- CVT with centrifugal clutch and engine braking
- Select 2WD, 4WD or 4WD with front differential lock
- Double-X steel frame with an 85.8-inch wheelbase
- FOX Podium piggyback-reservoir shocks
- 8 inches of front and 8.3 inches of rear suspension travel
- 11 inches of ground clearance
- 600-pound cargo-bed capacity
- 1,300-pound towing capacity
- Two protected rear storage compartments
- Three-year limited factory warranty when new
More Power from the 783cc V-Twin
Kawasaki increased the displacement of its liquid-cooled 90-degree V-twin from 749cc to 783cc for 2014. Revised camshaft profiles and exhaust headers helped produce a claimed 26-percent increase in power and 12-percent more torque, with the largest gains concentrated in the low- and midrange.
The resulting power delivery suited the Teryx’s intended mission. Rather than chasing maximum horsepower, Kawasaki emphasized controllable torque for climbing hills, crossing mud, negotiating rocks and carrying cargo through technical terrain.
Kawasaki tuned the 783cc V-twin for usable low- and midrange power.
A continuously variable transmission transferred power through Kawasaki’s centrifugal clutch system. The drivetrain provided selectable 2WD, 4WD and 4WD with front differential lock. Built-in engine braking also helped control the vehicle on steep descents.
Longer Double-X Chassis
The redesigned Teryx adopted Kawasaki’s rigid Double-X frame architecture. Its two X-shaped crossmembers connected the frame’s box structures from corner to corner, helping the chassis resist flex over rough terrain.
The 85.8-inch wheelbase was nearly 10 inches longer than the previous two-seat Teryx. Kawasaki placed the engine near the middle of the vehicle and pushed the wheels toward the corners, improving stability without making the machine excessively difficult to maneuver on tight trails.
The longer Double-X chassis improved stability and created additional storage space.
A certified Rollover Protective Structure extended toward the outer edges of the bodywork, helping maximize cockpit space. Protective underbody panels covered important components and provided a smoother surface for sliding across trail obstacles.
FOX Podium Suspension
Dual A-arm independent suspension was paired with FOX Podium piggyback-reservoir coil-over shocks. The shocks provided spring-preload adjustment and 24-position compression-damping adjustment, allowing owners to tune the ride for cargo, passengers or more aggressive trail driving.
Suspension travel measured 8 inches at the front and 8.3 inches at the rear. Those figures are modest by modern sport-UTV standards, but the longer wheelbase and adjustable dampers made the 2014 Teryx noticeably calmer and more predictable than the previous two-seat model.
FOX Podium piggyback shocks offered adjustable preload and compression damping.
Electric Power Steering reduced low-speed steering effort and helped isolate the steering wheel from impacts. The speed-sensitive system reduced assistance as vehicle speed increased.
Brakes, Tires and Ground Clearance
Hydraulic front disc brakes used 200mm rotors and dual-piston calipers. At the rear, Kawasaki retained its sealed internal wet-brake system, protecting the components from water, mud, dust and trail debris.
The Teryx rolled on 26-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires and provided 11 inches of ground clearance. Its approach and departure angles measured a claimed 79 and 65 degrees, respectively.
The 2014 Teryx came equipped with 26-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires.
Cargo Capacity and Protected Storage
One of the redesigned Teryx’s most useful features was the space behind its two seats. Kawasaki used the longer chassis to create two water-resistant storage compartments with a combined claimed capacity of 182 liters.
The tilting cargo bed measured approximately 28 by 43 inches and could carry up to 600 pounds. Four tie-down points helped secure equipment, while the removable tailgate incorporated molded drink holders. A standard 2-inch receiver supported a claimed towing capacity of 1,300 pounds.
A 600-pound cargo bed and protected storage made the Teryx useful for long trail rides.
2014 Kawasaki Teryx LE Features
The Teryx LE combined the redesigned mechanical platform with additional comfort, lighting and appearance equipment. LE upgrades included:
- High-intensity LED headlights
- Tubular-steel front brush guard
- Cast-aluminum wheels
- Factory roof
- Automotive-style painted bodywork
- Color-matched shock springs and suspension arms
- Three-tone high-back seats
Candy Lime Green and Candy Burnt Orange finishes helped distinguish the LE from the standard models.
The LE added painted bodywork, LED headlights, a roof, brush guard and aluminum wheels.
LED headlights and a tubular brush guard were among the LE upgrades.
Roomier Two-Seat Interior
The new chassis provided more hip, shoulder and legroom than the previous Teryx. High-back bucket seats offered three mounting positions in 1-inch increments, while three-point belts used comfort mounts and an anti-cinch feature.
A multifunction digital display included a speedometer, fuel gauge, odometer, hour meter, clock, dual trip meters and drivetrain indicators. Two DC outlets supplied up to a combined 120 watts of accessory power.
The redesigned cockpit offered additional space and adjustable high-back seats.
The dashboard included a multifunction display and selectable drivetrain controls.
2014 Kawasaki Teryx Specifications
| Engine | Liquid-cooled, four-stroke 783cc 90-degree V-twin |
|---|---|
| Fuel system | Digital fuel injection |
| Transmission | Automatic CVT with centrifugal clutch and engine braking |
| Drive modes | 2WD, 4WD and 4WD with front differential lock |
| Front suspension | Dual A-arm with FOX Podium shocks; 8 inches of travel |
| Rear suspension | Dual A-arm with FOX Podium shocks; 8.3 inches of travel |
| Front brakes | Dual hydraulic discs with 200mm rotors |
| Rear brake | Sealed internal wet brake |
| Tires | 26-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 |
| Wheelbase | 85.8 inches |
| Ground clearance | 11 inches |
| Cargo capacity | 600 pounds |
| Towing capacity | 1,300 pounds |
| Fuel capacity | Approximately 7.9 gallons |
The 2014 redesign established the basic two-seat Teryx platform for years to come.
Our 2014 Kawasaki Teryx LE Project
UTVGuide.net did more than attend the introduction and test the new machine. We acquired a 2014 Kawasaki Teryx LE and used it as the foundation for our fifth Teryx project.
The finished 2014 Kawasaki Teryx rock-crawler and adventure build incorporated HCR Racing long-travel suspension, 30-inch STI tires, UHMW protection, an SDR Motorsports cage and trail-ready recovery equipment. It was built for demanding destinations including Moab and the Rubicon Trail rather than life as a showpiece.
Before modifying it, we also accumulated real seat time in the stock vehicle. Read our 2014 Kawasaki Teryx review from the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System, where we drove the redesigned LE for more than 100 miles through rocks, roots, mud and steep wooded terrain.
Katelyn Crowley also evaluated the stock machine and compared it with our heavily modified previous-generation Teryx in 2014 Kawasaki Teryx Is Ready for Adventure.
Why the 2014 Teryx Mattered
The 2014 model moved the two-seat Teryx beyond its compact sport-utility roots. Its longer chassis, useful protected storage, improved seating, adjustable FOX suspension and stronger 783cc engine made it better suited to full-day trail rides and backcountry travel.
Its suspension travel and power output are modest compared with newer sport UTVs, but outright speed was never the point. The Teryx prioritized durability, predictable handling, technical-terrain capability and the ability to carry everything needed for a day—or several days—on the trail.
For a broader look at how this machine fits into Kawasaki’s side-by-side lineage, see our history of the Kawasaki Teryx and Teryx4.
