The 2016 Kawasaki MULE PRO-DX brought diesel power to Kawasaki’s full-size, three-passenger MULE PRO platform. Introduced for demanding farm, ranch, construction and commercial use, it paired a 993cc three-cylinder diesel engine with a large steel cargo bed, 2,000-pound towing capacity and independent suspension.
The PRO-DX shared much of its chassis and utility-focused design with the gasoline-powered Kawasaki MULE PRO-FX, but its diesel engine made it particularly well suited to operations already using diesel fuel for tractors, trucks and other equipment.
2016 Kawasaki MULE PRO-DX Highlights
- 993cc three-cylinder diesel engine
- Three-person bench seat
- 54.1-by-53.3-inch steel cargo bed
- 1,000-pound cargo-bed capacity
- 2,000-pound towing capacity
- Selectable 2WD and 4WD
- Locking dual-mode rear differential
- Four-wheel independent suspension
- Four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes
- 55-amp alternator
- Available Electric Power Steering
- Kawasaki STRONG three-year limited warranty
993cc Three-Cylinder Diesel Engine
At the center of the MULE PRO-DX was a 993cc, liquid-cooled, three-cylinder diesel engine. Kawasaki tuned the engine for usable low-end torque rather than recreational performance, making the PRO-DX a practical choice for hauling material, pulling trailers and operating on steep or uneven terrain.
The engine met Tier 4 Final emissions requirements and used an air-pressure sensor to adjust fuel delivery at higher elevations. An electromagnetic fuel pump eliminated the need for manual priming if the vehicle ran out of fuel. Kawasaki also equipped the fuel system with external filtration and a water-separating pre-filter to support long-term reliability.
A specially calibrated continuously variable transmission was matched to the diesel engine’s power delivery. The CVT provided smooth acceleration and natural engine braking, which was especially useful when descending hills with cargo or a trailer.
Selectable Four-Wheel Drive
The MULE PRO-DX used an electrically selectable drivetrain that allowed the operator to switch between 2WD and 4WD. A separate dual-mode rear differential could be unlocked to reduce turf damage or locked when maximum traction was needed.
Dash-mounted controls made it possible to select the appropriate drivetrain setting without leaving the cab. That combination gave the PRO-DX the ability to work on maintained property while still providing four-wheel-drive traction in mud, snow and rough terrain.
Full-Size Cargo Bed and 2,000-Pound Towing Capacity
One of the PRO-DX’s defining features was its full-size cargo bed. Measuring 54.1 inches long, 53.3 inches wide and 11 inches deep, it was large enough to carry a standard 48-by-40-inch pallet.
The high-tensile steel bed could carry as much as 1,000 pounds. Its diamond-plate floor resisted damage from tools, firewood and other heavy cargo, while integrated cargo rails provided multiple tie-down points. Slots molded into the bed walls also accommodated accessory dividers.
A gas-assisted tilt mechanism made the unloaded bed easier to raise and provided access to the engine compartment. The tailgate incorporated cupholders that could be used when the gate was lowered.
For loads too large for the cargo bed, a two-inch receiver allowed the MULE PRO-DX to tow as much as 2,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Three-Person Cab
The single-row cab provided bench seating for a driver and two passengers. Kawasaki equipped all three seating positions with three-point seatbelts and sturdy passenger handholds.
Automotive-style doors were standard, offering more protection and easier operation than the nets commonly used on recreational side-by-sides at the time. A tilt-adjustable steering column offered up to 34 degrees of movement and could be raised to make entering and exiting the cab easier.
Storage included a glovebox, three dashboard pockets and space beneath the bench seat. Two built-in 12-volt power outlets could run or charge phones, GPS units and other equipment.
Available Electric Power Steering
Kawasaki offered the PRO-DX in standard, EPS and EPS LE configurations. The EPS models used speed-sensitive Electric Power Steering to reduce effort at low speeds while retaining steering feedback as vehicle speed increased.
Power steering was particularly valuable when maneuvering with a loaded cargo bed, operating on uneven ground or working throughout a long day. It also helped reduce feedback through the steering wheel when the front tires struck rocks, ruts or other obstacles.
Independent Suspension and Four-Wheel Disc Brakes
The MULE PRO-DX used independent suspension at all four corners, with approximately 8.7 inches of travel. Preload-adjustable twin-tube shocks allowed the suspension to support cargo while providing a more comfortable ride than traditional solid-axle utility vehicles.
Its 92.3-inch wheelbase and relatively short body overhangs helped the PRO-DX negotiate uneven terrain. Kawasaki also used rubber bushings at the suspension mounting points and rubber engine mounts to reduce vibration transmitted into the cab.
Hydraulic disc brakes with 212mm rotors were fitted at all four wheels. Dual-piston front calipers, single-piston rear calipers and CVT engine braking provided controlled stopping performance with cargo or a trailer attached.
Electrical Capacity for Work Accessories
A 55-amp alternator gave the diesel MULE enough electrical capacity to support multiple accessories. Available equipment included winches, snowplows, auxiliary lighting, work beacons, a cab heater, an audio system and a dual-battery kit.
The EPS LE model added auxiliary LED headlights and a composite roof. Standard halogen headlights were fitted to the other versions, with additional lighting available through Kawasaki’s accessory catalog.
2016 MULE PRO-DX Models
MULE PRO-DX
The base model included steel wheels, selectable four-wheel drive, a locking rear differential, tilt steering and two 12-volt outlets. It was offered in Super Black.
MULE PRO-DX EPS
The EPS model added Kawasaki’s speed-sensitive Electric Power Steering. Available colors included Timberline Green and Super Black with contrasting graphics.
MULE PRO-DX EPS LE
The EPS LE combined power steering with a composite roof and auxiliary LED headlights. It was available in Timberline Green and Dark Royal Red.
Built for Commercial and Agricultural Use
The MULE PRO-DX was assembled in Lincoln, Nebraska, using domestic and imported components. Protective inner wheel wells helped keep mud and debris away from the engine, while electrical components were mounted high in the chassis. Steel side guards, a steel front bumper and a welded ladder-style frame reinforced its work-focused construction.
Access panels beneath the cargo bed and hood simplified routine checks of the oil, air filter, battery and fuses. Kawasaki also backed the vehicle with its three-year limited factory warranty.
How the PRO-DX Fit Into the MULE Lineup
The 2016 MULE PRO-DX was the diesel, three-passenger counterpart to the gasoline-powered PRO-FX. Buyers who needed additional seating could choose the MULE PRO-FXT or diesel PRO-DXT with Kawasaki’s convertible Trans Cab system.
The PRO-DX remained focused on operators who valued a full-size bed more than a second seating row. Its combination of diesel power, three-person seating and substantial cargo capacity made it one of the most work-oriented machines in Kawasaki’s MULE PRO family.
For an overview of the current and historical utility models, see our Kawasaki MULE lineup and model guide. Current PRO-DX specifications and availability can also be found on the official Kawasaki MULE PRO-DX page.
