2012 Kawasaki Teryx4 750 Review: Original Four-Seat First Ride

By Jon Crowley, UTVGuide.net

The original 2012 Kawasaki Teryx4 750 was built around a simple but ambitious idea: carry four adults without turning the machine into an oversized, stretched side-by-side. Kawasaki accomplished that with a compact 86.1-inch wheelbase, a stout Double-X frame and a revised 749cc V-twin engine backed by one of the most impressive clutch systems available at the time.

I first saw the Teryx4 at Kawasaki’s dealer meeting in Florida, but sitting in a new UTV and reading its specifications only revealed part of the story. Its real advantages became clear when Kawasaki invited us to drive the new four-seater at Brimstone Recreation in Tennessee.

I teamed up with Joey D. from UTVUnderground.com and spent the day exploring tight tree-lined trails, muddy roads, creek crossings and steep hill climbs. Brimstone was an ideal place to evaluate the Teryx4 because the terrain emphasized maneuverability, controlled power delivery and low-speed capability instead of simply rewarding horsepower.

Quick takeaway: The 2012 Kawasaki Teryx4 was not the fastest four-seat UTV of its era, but its compact chassis, excellent clutch engagement, usable passenger space and trail-focused design made it especially capable in tight woods and technical terrain.

2012 Kawasaki Teryx4 750 Review Highlights

• Compact 86.1-inch wheelbase
• 749cc fuel-injected V-twin engine
• CVT with a centrifugal wet clutch
• Selectable 2WD, 4WD and 4WD with front differential lock
• Kawasaki Engine Brake Control
• Double-X steel frame
• Seating for four adults
• 10.8 inches of ground clearance
• 1,300-pound towing capacity

The Centrifugal Clutch Was a Major Improvement

One of the most important features introduced on the Teryx4 was its centrifugal wet clutch, positioned between the crankshaft and the CVT drive pulley. Instead of using the CVT belt itself to initiate movement, the wet clutch engages before transferring power to the belt.

This arrangement reduces shock and slippage at the CVT belt while providing more precise power delivery at low speeds. It was especially noticeable on the steep hills at Brimstone.

For our first test, we deliberately started at the bottom of a steep, loose climb in High range. Low range would have been the proper choice, but we wanted to see how the drivetrain responded under an excessive load. The engine bogged slightly, yet the Teryx4 continued up the hill without the obvious belt slippage we expected.

We performed another test after stopping during a steep descent. We shifted into Reverse and backed up the loose hill. Once again, the clutch engaged smoothly and transferred power without the belt slipping.

That controlled engagement was a major advantage for rock crawling, steep trails and other situations where a driver needs to ease the vehicle forward without abusing the CVT belt. It remained one of our favorite characteristics during the later 2012 Kawasaki Teryx4 build project.

Electric Power Steering on Tight Trails

Electric Power Steering was optional on the original Teryx4, and we spent most of the day driving an EPS-equipped model. Kawasaki’s system adjusted steering assistance using vehicle-speed and steering-torque inputs, supplying more assistance at low speeds and reducing it as speed increased.

The difference was not dramatic while moving quickly, but EPS noticeably reduced steering effort and driver fatigue in Brimstone’s tight sections. We also drove a non-EPS model, which reinforced how helpful power steering was when maneuvering around trees, through rocks and across uneven terrain.

For someone shopping for a used 2012 Teryx4 today, an EPS-equipped model would be my preference—particularly if it will be used on technical trails or fitted with larger tires.

Short Wheelbase and Trail Maneuverability

Kawasaki did much more than stretch the two-seat Teryx and add another row of seats. The Teryx4 received its own chassis, with the rear wheels positioned behind the rear passengers to preserve suspension function and passenger comfort.

Its 86.1-inch wheelbase was nearly 17 inches shorter than the 103-inch wheelbase of the contemporary Polaris RZR 4 800. The difference was immediately apparent on tight eastern trails.

The short wheelbase helped the Teryx4 change direction in confined areas while also improving its breakover angle. Kawasaki claimed a turning radius of approximately 16.7 feet, which was impressive for a machine capable of carrying four adults.

The locked rear drivetrain still encouraged the vehicle to push straight ahead during sharp turns. A selectable rear differential would have improved maneuverability even further, but the overall chassis remained remarkably nimble for a four-seater.

Ground Clearance and Breakover Angle

Adding wheelbase to a UTV generally reduces its breakover angle, increasing the chance that the center of the chassis will drag over rocks, ledges and sharp trail crests. Kawasaki addressed that problem with the Teryx4’s short wheelbase and 10.8 inches of ground clearance.

The resulting 17-degree breakover angle helped the four-seater cross obstacles that could hang up a longer machine. Kawasaki also kept vulnerable plastic body panels from extending below the frame rails. The steel structure could take contact from rocks without immediately damaging exterior plastic.

These features made the Teryx4 especially well suited to tight woods and rocky trails. The original underbody protection was adequate for general trail use, although our later testing showed that a quality UHMW skid plate was a worthwhile upgrade for serious rock crawling.

Double-X Frame and Solid Chassis Feel

The Teryx4 used what Kawasaki called a Double-X frame. Two X-shaped crossmembers tied the square-tube frame structures together from corner to corner, creating a rigid platform for the suspension and four-passenger cabin.

Chassis rigidity is not always obvious on a specification sheet, but it could be felt from behind the wheel. The Teryx4 had a solid, substantial character on rough terrain, without the excessive chassis movement that can make suspension response feel vague.

The tradeoff was weight. With a curb weight of approximately 1,616 pounds, this was not a lightweight sport UTV. Kawasaki prioritized durability, passenger capacity and predictable trail handling over the sharper acceleration of a lighter performance machine.

Comfort and Room for Four Adults

Despite the short wheelbase, the Teryx4 provided a surprising amount of passenger room. The driver’s seat offered three positions, and at 6 feet 1 inch tall, I was most comfortable with it set all the way back.

I could then move to the rear seat without having to force my knees awkwardly to the side. That demonstrated how effectively Kawasaki balanced cabin space against overall vehicle length.

More rear legroom would have required a longer wheelbase, which would have reduced the maneuverability and favorable breakover angle that distinguished the Teryx4. For its intended use, Kawasaki found a practical compromise.

Engine Performance on the Trail

The 2012 Teryx4 was powered by a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 749cc 90-degree V-twin. Kawasaki revised the engine to produce more low- and midrange power than the contemporary two-seat Teryx, helping compensate for the four-seater’s additional weight and passenger capacity.

The engine was not exceptionally powerful by modern standards, and even in 2012 it was not designed to outrun the sport-focused RZR 4 in open desert or dunes. However, the responsive CVT calibration and centrifugal clutch made the available power easy to use.

On hard-packed trails, steep hills and technical terrain, the Teryx4 had enough torque to maintain momentum without requiring an aggressive driving style. Kawasaki Engine Brake Control also helped manage speed while descending hills.

Owners should expect a stock top speed of approximately 50 mph, depending on conditions. The Teryx4’s strength was controlled trail performance rather than maximum speed.

2012 Kawasaki Teryx4 vs. Polaris RZR 4

In the 2012 market, the Kawasaki Teryx4 and Polaris RZR 4 approached four-seat recreation from different directions.

A RZR 4 was the stronger stock choice for fast desert terrain or dunes because it offered more suspension travel, less weight and stronger acceleration. The Teryx4 answered with a shorter wheelbase, durable construction, excellent clutch engagement and better low-speed manners.

On the tight trails at Brimstone—and later in the rocks—the Teryx4’s design made sense. It was not intended to be a stretched sport UTV. It was a compact four-passenger recreation and utility vehicle built for difficult trails.

2012 Kawasaki Teryx4 750 Specifications

Is a Used Kawasaki Teryx4 750 Still Worth Buying?

A clean Teryx4 750 can still be a good used-UTV choice for someone who values durability, four-passenger seating and technical trail capability more than speed. Its compact wheelbase remains unusual among four-seat side-by-sides, and the centrifugal clutch gives the drivetrain excellent low-speed engagement.

Age and maintenance history matter more than mileage alone. Before buying, inspect the CVT belt and clutch operation, air-filter housing, cooling system, wheel bearings, suspension bushings, driveline joints, brakes and undercarriage. Check for bent frame components or damaged skid plates that may indicate repeated hard impacts.

Also inspect aftermarket modifications carefully. Larger tires, engine modifications and poorly installed electrical accessories can create additional wear or reliability problems. A well-maintained, mostly stock machine is often a better starting point than a heavily modified Teryx4 with an uncertain history.

How the Kawasaki Teryx4 Evolved

The original 749cc Teryx4 established Kawasaki’s compact four-seat formula. For 2014, displacement increased to 783cc, bringing additional low- and midrange performance. Kawasaki continued refining the platform with standard EPS, updated styling, improved controls and FOX suspension on later versions.

The Teryx name eventually expanded beyond the traditional recreation-utility platform. The naturally aspirated evolution of the Kawasaki Teryx led to the more performance-oriented KRX family and, much later, the supercharged Kawasaki Teryx4 H2.

Those newer machines deliver dramatically more power and suspension performance, but the original Teryx4 remains historically significant. It proved that a four-seat UTV could provide usable passenger room while retaining the compact dimensions needed for tight and technical trails.

Final Thoughts

Our Brimstone test showed exactly what Kawasaki intended the 2012 Teryx4 to be. It was comfortable, durable and unusually maneuverable for a four-passenger UTV. The 749cc engine was better suited to wooded trails than high-speed desert riding, but its centrifugal clutch provided excellent control and helped protect the CVT belt under heavy loads.

The short wheelbase, favorable breakover angle, stout Double-X frame and usable rear seating gave the Teryx4 an identity of its own. It was not simply a longer Teryx or a direct copy of the RZR 4. Kawasaki created a compact four-seater that worked especially well on tight trails, steep hills and rocky terrain.

That first ride left enough of an impression that we later acquired a machine and developed it into our own Kawasaki Teryx4 build project.

2012 Kawasaki Teryx4 FAQ

What engine is in the 2012 Kawasaki Teryx4?

The 2012 Teryx4 uses a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 749cc 90-degree V-twin engine. It was tuned to emphasize low- and midrange power for trail riding and carrying passengers.

What is the top speed of a Kawasaki Teryx4 750?

A stock Teryx4 750 generally tops out at approximately 50 mph. Actual speed can vary with elevation, tire size, vehicle condition, passenger load and trail conditions.

Does the 2012 Kawasaki Teryx4 have a wet clutch?

Yes. It uses a centrifugal wet clutch between the engine and CVT drive pulley. The clutch engages before transferring power through the belt, providing smooth low-speed control and reducing belt shock.

How wide is the 2012 Kawasaki Teryx4?

The original Teryx4 is 62 inches wide. Riders should still verify local trail-width restrictions before planning a trip.

How much can the Kawasaki Teryx4 750 tow?

Kawasaki rated the 2012 Teryx4 to tow up to 1,300 pounds. Its cargo bed was rated to carry approximately 249 pounds.

Is the Kawasaki Teryx4 750 reliable?

The Teryx4 750 has a generally strong reputation for drivetrain and chassis durability when properly maintained. On a used machine, reliability depends heavily on service history, air-filter maintenance, cooling-system condition and how the vehicle was driven or modified.

Is the original Teryx4 good for rock crawling?

Its short wheelbase, controllable clutch engagement, front differential lock and compact body make it a capable technical-trail platform. Serious rock use benefits from stronger underbody protection, appropriate tires and careful suspension setup.