Since its debut in 2008, the Kawasaki Teryx has evolved from a sport-utility UTV with a 749cc V-twin engine into a more refined and capable machine, featuring improved suspension, increased durability, and the introduction of the four-seat Teryx4.
The 2008 Kawasaki Teryx 750 4×4 marked Kawasaki’s debut into the Sport/Utility side-by-side market, offering a powerful combination of performance, durability, and versatility. Equipped with a 749cc V-twin engine, the Teryx delivered impressive low-end torque and smooth acceleration, making it well-suited for both trail adventures and utility work. Its independent suspension and high ground clearance allowed it to tackle rugged terrain with confidence, while the selectable 2WD/4WD system provided flexibility in challenging conditions. Designed to balance work and play, the 2008 Teryx featured a rear cargo bed and a robust chassis, setting a new standard for off-road utility vehicles in its class.
2008
In 2008, the competitors to the Teryx were the Yamaha Rhino 700 and the Polaris RZR 800. Long travel kits for the Rhino, RZR and Teryx were all necessary to push into the new sport realm of UTVs. The single-cylinder Rhino was simply out-gunned against the twin-cylinder RZR and Teryx.
The RZR was lighter, more nimble and had a lower seating position, but the Teryx had a v-twin 749cc engine that could make serious power when modified.
2009
In 2009 the Polaris RZR S was introduced and Polaris was the only pure-sport, long-travel UTV on the market. With its sport-tuned suspension, responsive engine, and customizable features, the RZR S was a favorite among off-road enthusiasts who demand both agility and durability for exploring trails, dunes, and rugged landscapes.
The 2009 Kawasaki Teryx 750 FI 4×4 introduced several key upgrades that enhanced its performance, durability, and rider comfort, solidifying its place in the competitive side-by-side market. One of the most significant additions was the introduction of fuel injection (FI), providing smoother throttle response, improved fuel efficiency, and better performance at varying altitudes and temperatures. The 2009 model also featured enhanced cooling systems to handle tougher terrains and longer rides without overheating. Kawasaki refined the suspension setup, offering a smoother ride and better handling on rough trails. These improvements, combined with the Teryx’s 749cc V-twin engine and selectable 4WD, made the 2009 model a top choice for off-road enthusiasts seeking both power and reliability.
In the UTV race scene, the Teryx ruled supreme with Chad George clinching the championship. The v-twin Teryx engine just had more ability to make more power than the Polaris inline-twin.
2010
The 2010 Kawasaki Teryx 750 FI 4×4 introduced several refinements aimed at enhancing durability, performance, and rider comfort. The 201 Kawasaki Teryx 750 FI LE model featured an aggressive new front end with a hinged, forward-tilting hood, easier maintenance, a better cooling system, a sturdier tilting bed and several other improvements for added vehicle durability.
2011
2011 was a year for bold new graphics. The one main upgrade was an ignition cut-out feature that won’t allow the 2011 Kawasaki Teryx to be ridden away when the parking brake is engaged. That new braking system technology complements the Teryx CVT Belt Protection System, which automatically retards ignition timing if the system detects engine operation at high rpm for more than two seconds while the rear wheels are motionless (i.e., the belt is slipping) and warns the rider via a flashing belt warning lamp on the dash.
Polaris also introduced the RZR XP 900 which further pushed the Teryx out of the sport market and into the rec/utility segment where it belonged all along.
2012
While the Teryx didn’t get any upgrades for 2012, Kawasaki introduced the all-new Teryx4. Twice as much of a good thing is always better, right? Absolutely. So you knew Kawasaki would eventually double the Teryx’s substantial fun and function factor by adding two seats – enough for more friends, extra help or the whole family. The result is the all-new 2012 Teryx4™ 750 4×4 – a top-of-the-line four-seat RUV with truly amazing capabilities.
Of course, Kawasaki didn’t just bolt two extra seats to the Teryx 750’s chassis and call it a day. Engineers figured out exactly what was needed to do the four-seat Rec/Utility concept right, redesigning the entire machine from tip to tail with an all-new chassis and a thoroughly reworked V-twin engine pumping out extra power for the additional load the Teryx4 will gladly carry.
Also in 2012, Arctic Cat entered the sport UTV market with the Wildcat 1000.
2013
Electric Power Steering (EPS) system was added that provided light and easy steering forces.
2014
The all-new 2014 Kawasaki Teryx shatters the two-seat Side x Side mold with a new larger chassis, a significant overall power boost, and premium FOX Podium high-performance shocks. Add-in an all-new new larger cockpit and an enhanced cargo bed and you get a bigger, bolder package that pushes the Teryx’s performance, handling, comfort and utility to new levels. Whether tackling a tough job or a rough trail, the new Teryx delivers like no other Side x Side in its class.
2014 Kawasaki Teryx vs. 2013 Kawasaki Teryx
Teryx’s character-filled, purpose-built 90-degree V-twin is revered for its fantastic sound, stump-pulling power and amazing flexibility. For 2014, it packs more power than ever thanks to a substantial displacement bump from 749cc to 783cc. Those extra cubes generate a whopping 26% more power and 12% more torque right where you need it, in the low- to mid-range, which makes short work of scrambling up steep hills, stomping through mud bogs and crawling over rocks. The 2014 Teryx does all this while delivering better fuel efficiency than the old engine for even more driving time between fuel stops!
2015
No changes
2016
2017
No significant changes
2018
New for 2018, the Teryx LE can be purchased in Candy Plasma Blue or Matrix Camo Gray paint, while the 2018 Teryx4 LE is available in Candy Lime Green, Candy Plasma Blue, and new, stylish Matrix Camo Gray graphics.
2019
Just a few Limited Edition models added to the lineup for 2019.
2020
Just a few Limited Edition models added to the lineup for 2020.
In addition, the 2020 Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 was released as Kawasaki’s first real sport UTV. While the name include “Teryx” most people call it solely by KRX. We’ll include the KRX for 2020 as a reference, but will leave it out moving forward.
Get ready to experience adventure like never before. The Kawasaki Teryx® KRX® 1000 sport side x side is engineered for high adrenaline adventures and conquering the toughest terrain. Powered by an all-new 999 cc parallel twin engine that is paired with a CVT transmission and centrifugal clutch, the Teryx KRX 1000 has the power to tackle a whooped-out trail and the torque to conquer the most technical rock crawling section. A high-rigidity frame with integrated Roll Over Protection Structure (ROPS) positions the wheels as far apart as possible to provide a sure-footed stance, superb cornering and straight-line stability. Obstacles on the trail are soaked up by FOX 2.5 Podium LSC shock units, which combined with long suspension arms give the KRX 1000 the longest suspension travel in its class. A roomy cockpit features half doors and adjustable high-back bucket seats to deliver outstanding ride comfort no matter the terrain.
2021 – 2024
No changes or Limited Edition additions.
2025
The Kawasaki Teryx and Teryx4 are both 10+ years without any major upgrades.
Over the years, the Kawasaki Teryx has built a reputation for reliability, ruggedness, and versatility, appealing to both recreational riders and those in need of a dependable workhorse. While both are solid machines in their market segment, it does seem like we should see an update from Kawasaki this year. Advances in power, suspension electronics (like a multi-function screen) are definitely areas where Kawasaki could and should improve the Teryx and Teryx4 platforms.
Our Kawasaki Teryx builds over the years
