The Kawasaki MULE 4010 4×4 is one of the longest-running work-focused side-by-sides still available. While much of the utility UTV market has moved toward larger engines, longer suspension travel and increasingly elaborate interiors, the MULE 4010 continues to emphasize compact dimensions, straightforward controls and dependable cargo-hauling capability.
For 2027, Kawasaki still equips the two-passenger MULE 4010 with a 617cc fuel-injected V-twin engine, continuously variable transmission, selectable four-wheel drive, a locking rear differential and electric power steering. Its 800-pound cargo-bed capacity and 1,200-pound towing rating make it a practical choice for farms, ranches, industrial facilities and property maintenance.
What Is the Kawasaki MULE 4010?
The MULE 4010 is a compact, two-passenger utility side-by-side designed primarily for work rather than high-speed recreation. It occupies the traditional end of Kawasaki’s utility lineup, below the larger and more powerful MULE PRO models.
The current MULE 4010 is only 116.7 inches long and 62 inches wide. Those dimensions make it easier to maneuver around barns, landscaping projects, livestock operations and crowded job sites than many newer full-size utility UTVs.
Its basic formula has remained remarkably consistent since the redesigned 2009 model arrived with digital fuel injection and electric power steering. That long production run has also created a substantial supply of replacement parts, accessories and dealer familiarity.
The MULE name dates back to 1988, when Kawasaki helped establish the modern utility-vehicle category. Our complete history of the Kawasaki MULE follows the platform from the original MULE 1000 through today’s work and recreation-oriented models.
617cc Fuel-Injected V-Twin Engine
The Kawasaki MULE 4010 is powered by a liquid-cooled, 617cc, overhead-valve V-twin. For 2027, Kawasaki rates the engine at 20 horsepower at 3,600 rpm and 34.7 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm.
Those figures are modest compared with modern recreational UTVs, but horsepower is not the primary objective. The engine is tuned to deliver predictable low-speed power for carrying cargo, towing equipment and working throughout the day.
Digital fuel injection automatically compensates for changes in engine temperature, air temperature and elevation. It also eliminates the manual choke found on older carbureted utility vehicles and provides more consistent cold starting.
The intake system draws engine and CVT cooling air from high on the cab frame, where it is exposed to less dust than an intake positioned closer to the wheels. An air-filter restriction indicator helps the operator determine when the filter requires attention.
KAPS Automatic Transmission
The engine is paired with Kawasaki’s Automatic Power-Drive System, commonly called KAPS. This continuously variable transmission provides high range, low range, neutral and reverse.
High range is intended for normal travel, while low range provides additional pulling power and better low-speed control when carrying a heavy load, climbing a grade or working on difficult terrain. Power reaches the wheels through a low-maintenance shaft-drive system.
The MULE 4010 does not have the speed or acceleration of a newer recreational side-by-side. Its governed top speed is approximately 25 mph, which reflects its intended role as a controlled-speed work vehicle.
Selectable 2WD, 4WD and Differential Lock
The primary difference between the MULE 4010 and two-wheel-drive MULE 4000 is the 4010’s selectable four-wheel-drive system. The operator can use two-wheel drive on firm ground and engage four-wheel drive when additional front-wheel traction is needed.
A dual-mode rear differential provides another useful choice:
- Unlocked differential: Allows the rear wheels to rotate at different speeds, making tight turns easier and reducing damage to lawns and other sensitive surfaces.
- Locked differential: Drives both rear wheels together to improve traction in mud, loose soil or uneven terrain.
This combination lets the operator tailor the driveline to the work area instead of leaving all four wheels permanently locked together.
Electric Power Steering
Electric power steering is standard on the MULE 4010. The system is particularly valuable at low speeds, where a loaded cargo bed, four-wheel drive and rough ground can otherwise make the steering wheel more difficult to turn.
The EPS system uses vehicle-speed and steering-torque inputs to determine how much assistance to provide. Because the steering assistance is electric rather than hydraulic, it does not require a belt-driven pump or hydraulic fluid.
Suspension, Steering and Brakes
The MULE 4010 uses MacPherson struts at the front with 3.9 inches of wheel travel. At the rear is a DeDion axle supported by leaf springs and shocks, providing 2.8 inches of wheel travel.
This is a traditional load-carrying suspension rather than a long-travel recreational design. The leaf springs help support cargo, while the DeDion arrangement keeps the rear wheels connected without placing the full differential weight directly on the axle assembly.
Ground clearance is 6.9 inches, and all four corners use 23×11-10 tires. Sealed hydraulic drum brakes are fitted front and rear to help protect the braking components from mud, dust and water.
These features suit low-speed work, but the limited wheel travel and ground clearance are important considerations for buyers who expect to cross deeply rutted trails or rocky terrain.
Cargo and Towing Capacity
The steel tilting cargo bed is one of the MULE 4010’s strongest features. Kawasaki rates it to carry up to 800 pounds. The bed measures 46.3 inches long, 51.6 inches wide and 11.4 inches deep.
The tailgate opens for loading, and the bed can be tilted to make unloading soil, feed, firewood and other loose material easier. Total payload capacity is rated at 1,327 pounds, including passengers, cargo and installed accessories.
The MULE 4010 can tow up to 1,200 pounds when properly equipped. Operators should account for cargo, passenger weight, trailer tongue weight, terrain and braking distance rather than treating each capacity rating independently.
Kawasaki MULE 4010 vs. MULE 4000
The MULE 4000 and MULE 4010 share the same 617cc V-twin engine, automatic transmission, two-passenger layout and basic cargo capability. The important distinction is the driveline.
| Feature | MULE 4000 | MULE 4010 4×4 |
|---|---|---|
| Drive system | 2WD | Selectable 2WD/4WD |
| Rear differential | Dual-mode | Dual-mode with differential lock |
| Power steering | No | Standard EPS |
| 2027 MSRP | $10,199 | $11,599 |
The MULE 4000 can make sense on relatively flat, firm surfaces where four-wheel drive is unnecessary. For mud, snow, hills or uneven rural property, the MULE 4010’s four-wheel drive and power steering generally justify the additional cost.
MULE 4010 vs. MULE 4010 Trans4x4
The standard MULE 4010 and the Kawasaki MULE 4010 Trans4x4 use similar names, but they are different vehicles.
| Feature | MULE 4010 | MULE 4010 Trans4x4 |
|---|---|---|
| Seating capacity | 2 | 2 or 4 |
| Convertible Trans Cab | No | Yes |
| Overall length | 116.7 in. | 128.5 in. |
| Wheelbase | 73.6 in. | 85.2 in. |
| Maximum bed capacity | 800 lb | 800 lb in two-person mode |
| 2027 MSRP | $11,599 | $12,799 |
The Trans4x4 has a convertible rear seat and cargo-bed system. It can carry four people with a shortened bed or two people with the bed extended. The standard MULE 4010 is shorter, lighter and dedicated to two-person operation.
Earlier versions of this article incorrectly included the Trans4x4’s four-person bed dimensions and 400-pound short-bed rating. Those specifications do not apply to the standard MULE 4010.
How the MULE 4010 Has Changed Since 2009
The 2009 model year was a significant point in the MULE 4010’s history. Kawasaki added digital fuel injection, electric power steering, updated bodywork and a redesigned dashboard. Those changes made the machine easier to start, easier to steer and more comfortable to operate.
Since then, Kawasaki has deliberately kept the core platform largely unchanged. That may seem unusual in a market where manufacturers regularly introduce more horsepower and electronic features, but the MULE 4010 serves customers who prioritize familiarity, simple operation and proven components.
The current machine retains the same basic 617cc V-twin, KAPS automatic transmission, MacPherson-strut front suspension, DeDion rear axle and leaf springs. The latest model does benefit from a three-year limited factory warranty.
The MULE 4010’s roots can also be traced to earlier full-size work machines such as the Kawasaki MULE 3010, which helped establish many of the platform’s durable, work-oriented characteristics.
2027 Kawasaki MULE 4010 Specifications
| Engine | Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, 90-degree V-twin |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 617cc |
| Maximum horsepower | 20.0 hp at 3,600 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 34.7 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm |
| Fuel system | Digital fuel injection with 34mm Mikuni throttle body |
| Transmission | CVT with high, low, neutral and reverse |
| Final drive | Shaft; selectable 2WD/4WD; dual-mode locking rear differential |
| Power steering | Electric power steering |
| Front suspension | MacPherson strut; 3.9 in. travel |
| Rear suspension | DeDion axle; 2.8 in. travel |
| Brakes | Front and rear drums |
| Tires | 23×11-10 front and rear |
| Ground clearance | 6.9 in. |
| Cargo-bed dimensions | 46.3 x 51.6 x 11.4 in. |
| Cargo-bed capacity | 800 lb |
| Payload capacity | 1,327 lb |
| Towing capacity | 1,200 lb |
| Fuel capacity | 6.3 gal. |
| Overall length | 116.7 in. |
| Overall width | 62.0 in. |
| Overall height | 75.8 in. |
| Wheelbase | 73.6 in. |
| Turning radius | 11.2 ft. |
| Curb weight | 1,433.3 lb |
| Seating capacity | 2 |
| Colors | Timberline Green or Dark Royal Red |
| Warranty | Three-year limited factory warranty |
| 2027 MSRP | $11,599 |
Specifications and pricing are for the 2027 U.S. model and are subject to change. Destination charges, dealer fees and accessories are not included in MSRP.
Who Should Buy a Kawasaki MULE 4010?
The MULE 4010 is best suited to buyers who need a compact, controlled-speed work vehicle rather than a recreational trail machine. It is particularly well matched to:
- Farms and ranches
- Landscaping and property maintenance
- Industrial facilities and large job sites
- Equestrian properties
- Parks, campuses and sports facilities
- Buyers who value a proven platform and established parts support
The unlocked rear differential is useful when crossing lawns or other surfaces where minimizing tire scrub matters. Four-wheel drive, low range and differential lock provide additional traction when conditions deteriorate.
Limitations to Consider
The MULE 4010’s deliberately traditional design also creates several limitations. With approximately 25 mph of top speed, limited suspension travel and less than seven inches of ground clearance, it is not intended for fast trail riding or technical rock crawling.
The two-person cab is functional rather than luxurious, and buyers looking for more power, greater suspension capability or a roomier interior should compare it with Kawasaki’s newer MULE PRO family.
For smaller properties and lighter jobs, the more compact Kawasaki MULE 610 may also be worth considering. The main UTV models guide provides a broader overview of current utility and recreational side-by-sides.
Final Thoughts
The Kawasaki MULE 4010 does not attempt to compete with modern high-horsepower UTVs. Its appeal comes from a different set of priorities: compact dimensions, simple operation, useful cargo capacity and a platform that has been refined through a long production run.
For buyers who need a dependable two-seat work vehicle with four-wheel drive, electric power steering and an 800-pound cargo bed, the MULE 4010 remains relevant. Kawasaki’s decision to keep it in the 2027 MULE 4000 and MULE 4010 lineup demonstrates that there is still demand for a straightforward utility vehicle built primarily to work.
Kawasaki MULE 4010 FAQ
How fast does a Kawasaki MULE 4010 go?
The Kawasaki MULE 4010 has a governed top speed of approximately 25 mph. It is designed for controlled-speed utility work rather than high-speed recreational riding.
How much can a Kawasaki MULE 4010 carry?
The 2027 MULE 4010 has an 800-pound cargo-bed capacity and a total payload capacity of 1,327 pounds. Payload includes occupants, cargo, accessories and trailer tongue weight.
How much can the Kawasaki MULE 4010 tow?
Kawasaki rates the MULE 4010 to tow up to 1,200 pounds when properly equipped.
Does the Kawasaki MULE 4010 have four-wheel drive?
Yes. The MULE 4010 has selectable two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, along with a dual-mode rear differential that can be locked for additional traction.
Does the MULE 4010 have power steering?
Yes. Electric power steering is standard on the current Kawasaki MULE 4010 4×4.
How many people can ride in a MULE 4010?
The standard MULE 4010 is rated for two occupants. Buyers who need a second row should consider the MULE 4010 Trans4x4, which converts between two- and four-person configurations.
What is the difference between the MULE 4000 and MULE 4010?
The MULE 4000 is a two-wheel-drive model without power steering. The MULE 4010 adds selectable four-wheel drive, a locking rear differential and electric power steering.
Is the Kawasaki MULE 4010 good for trail riding?
The MULE 4010 can travel on maintained trails and rough property roads, but it is primarily a work vehicle. Its limited suspension travel, 6.9 inches of ground clearance and approximately 25 mph top speed make it less suitable for fast or technical recreational riding than a modern crossover UTV.
