By Seth Fargher
When Kawasaki invited us to test its all-new RIDGE side-by-side in the mountains of West Virginia, it was an opportunity that was hard to pass up. The result was a full day behind the wheel of the 92-horsepower Kawasaki RIDGE Limited and the more powerful 116-horsepower RIDGE XR.
The RIDGE was created to occupy the space between Kawasaki’s traditional utility machines and its recreation-focused side-by-sides. It combines the cargo and towing capability expected from a work UTV with substantially more performance, suspension travel and automotive-inspired comfort than a conventional Kawasaki MULE.
Our test at West Virginia’s Hatfield-McCoy Trail System provided a good opportunity to find out whether that combination works in the real world.
The Kawasaki RIDGE combines serious utility capacity with a more refined and recreation-friendly driving experience.
Testing the Kawasaki RIDGE at Hatfield-McCoy
Kawasaki selected the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System to highlight the RIDGE’s recreational capability and what the company calls “Peak Premium Performance.” West Virginia’s extensive trail network includes flowing gravel roads, tight switchbacks, changing elevations, mud and rocky technical sections—all useful terrain for evaluating a new crossover-style utility UTV.
Members of Kawasaki’s team introduced the RIDGE before the ride, while West Virginia Secretary of Tourism Chelsea Ruby discussed the state’s investment in off-road recreation and the economic importance of trail tourism.
Kawasaki introduced the RIDGE to the media before our ride at West Virginia’s Hatfield-McCoy Trail System.
Our trail time began at 7 a.m. with a short drive to the Bearwallow trailhead. We spent the first half of the day in the RIDGE Limited, the flagship model in the original 92-horsepower RIDGE range.
Standard equipment on the Limited included a WARN VRX 45-S winch, fully enclosed cab, power windows, glass windshield with wiper and washer, Garmin Tread infotainment display, premium audio system and factory heating and air conditioning.
Automotive Comfort in a Utility UTV
The RIDGE Limited brings a new level of comfort and convenience to Kawasaki’s side-by-side lineup. It offers many of the features people now expect from a modern automobile, including climate control, power windows, a sealed cab and integrated infotainment.
As my wife put it, “That thing is more loaded than my minivan.”
She wasn’t wrong. Kawasaki clearly wanted to make off-road recreation more approachable for people who might be reluctant to spend an entire day exposed to rain, dust, mud and changing temperatures.
I generally prefer the open-air experience of a traditional UTV, but after a day of hitting mud puddles and riding through inconsistent weather, it was impressive to step out of the RIDGE as clean as when I climbed into it.
The enclosed cab makes it possible to enjoy muddy or wet trails without wearing the conditions home.
Power Modes That Make a Noticeable Difference
The RIDGE Limited’s naturally aspirated 999cc inline-four produces a claimed 92 horsepower. That number is modest compared with modern 200-plus-horsepower sport UTVs, but this is not intended to be a pure sport machine. For trail riding, property use and everyday recreation, the engine provides plenty of usable power.
More important, Kawasaki’s three selectable power modes produce meaningful changes in throttle response:
- Work: Softens throttle response for hauling, towing and precise low-speed maneuvering.
- Normal: Provides balanced response for general driving.
- Sport: Delivers a quicker and more direct reaction to accelerator input.
These settings are not simply changes to the instrument display. In Work mode, I could rapidly move my foot on the accelerator without making the vehicle surge. Normal mode was more responsive without feeling aggressive, while Sport mode delivered immediate response and was easily the most entertaining setting on the trail.
We spent most of the day in Sport mode, but each setting serves a legitimate purpose.
The Kawasaki-built 999cc inline-four produces less vibration than many large twin-cylinder UTV engines and has a distinctive sportbike-like sound.
Handling and Engine Braking
Hatfield-McCoy provided a varied mix of wide gravel roads, tight switchbacks, steep grades and rocky sections. We avoided the system’s most difficult rock trails, but the RIDGE Limited and RIDGE XR handled everything included in our route.
The most technical section was a steep descent covered with loose dirt, exposed rocks and water runoff. With Normal power mode selected and the rear differential locked, the RIDGE remained controlled and predictable. Kawasaki’s engine-braking system did much of the work, allowing the driver to concentrate on choosing a line and keeping the tires pointed in the right direction.
In fact, the engine braking was occasionally stronger than expected. On several descents, we had to stay lightly on the accelerator to prevent the RIDGE from slowing more than intended.
Strong engine braking gave the RIDGE excellent control on steep, loose descents.
Kawasaki RIDGE Limited vs. RIDGE XR
After approximately three hours in the RIDGE Limited, we returned for lunch and switched to the RIDGE XR. The XR uses the same basic 999cc inline-four architecture but increases output from 92 to 116 horsepower. It also rides on larger 30-inch tires rather than the Limited’s 27-inch tires.
I expected the additional 24 horsepower—a 26-percent increase—to be immediately obvious from the driver’s seat. Surprisingly, the difference was less dramatic than anticipated. The XR was more powerful, but the larger and heavier tires appeared to absorb some of the advantage.
The Limited’s 27-inch tires also made it feel slightly more nimble and responsive to steering inputs. The differences were not enormous, but the comparison was a useful reminder that larger tires do not automatically produce a better driving experience for every type of terrain.
Automotive-inspired controls, instrumentation and storage distinguish the RIDGE from a conventional work UTV.
The XR we drove retained the premium feel of the RIDGE Limited, with a full cab, power windows, windshield, HVAC, selectable power modes and a seven-inch color TFT instrument display.
In place of the Limited’s Garmin infotainment display, this XR had an open storage compartment with a rubberized front section. It provided a convenient place for phones, maps and other items without allowing them to rattle against hard plastic.
The Limited used a bench seat capable of carrying three occupants, while the XR’s bolstered bucket seats were separated by a substantial center console. The console provided an excellent place to keep cameras and smaller equipment from moving around the cab.
The 116-horsepower RIDGE XR is not a pure sport UTV, but it can still be driven aggressively on flowing trails.
How Well Does the RIDGE HVAC Work?
Factory HVAC was one of the RIDGE’s headline features, and the system unquestionably worked during our test. With outside temperatures in the low 50s, the cab became warm enough that I began removing layers and still wanted to lower the window.
We eventually ran the air conditioning for much of the day. It provided noticeable relief, although these cool and damp test conditions did not allow us to determine how effectively it could cool the cab on a 90-degree summer afternoon.
For owners who work through winter weather, ride in dusty environments or simply prefer a sealed cabin, the combination of heat, air conditioning and power windows will be a major attraction.
The factory HVAC system produced plenty of heat during our cool-weather West Virginia test.
Utility Capacity and Accessories
Despite the RIDGE’s premium interior and recreation-oriented performance, Kawasaki did not abandon its work capability. The tilting cargo bed can carry up to 1,000 pounds, while the two-inch receiver allows the vehicle to tow as much as 2,500 pounds.
The tailgate can be removed without tools, and the bed includes provisions for dividers and Kawasaki’s quick-release accessory mounts. Kawasaki also developed an extensive range of accessories covering protection, storage, cab equipment, windshields, lighting and recovery gear.
This customized RIDGE Ranch Edition displayed approximately $8,500 worth of genuine Kawasaki accessories.
Kawasaki RIDGE Review Verdict
Kawasaki successfully created a machine for owners who need real cargo and towing capacity but want more comfort, refinement and trail performance than a conventional utility UTV provides.
The 92-horsepower RIDGE Limited felt more responsive than its specification sheet might suggest, and its smaller tires gave it a light, nimble character. The 116-horsepower RIDGE XR offered additional performance and a more aggressive seating position, although the difference in acceleration was not as dramatic as expected during our trail ride.
The selectable power modes were among the most effective features we tested. Work mode provided genuinely useful low-speed control, while Sport mode gave the RIDGE a much livelier personality. Strong engine braking, a comfortable chassis and the smooth inline-four engine also stood out.
The RIDGE will make the most sense for ranchers, property owners and recreational riders who appreciate utility but do not want to give up comfort. It should also appeal to people who are interested in off-road travel but would rather experience it from inside a clean, climate-controlled cab.
Since this original launch ride, Kawasaki has expanded the platform with multi-row RIDGE CREW models and additional specialty editions. See our 2027 Kawasaki RIDGE lineup overview for the latest models, or read our Kawasaki RIDGE XR Crew Limited HVAC review for another firsthand test of Kawasaki’s premium utility platform.
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