By Brian “Woody” Swearingen
Kawasaki’s updates to the 2014 Teryx4 may have looked evolutionary on paper, but the combination of a larger 783cc V-twin, FOX Podium shocks and additional sound and heat insulation made a noticeable difference on the trail.
Kawasaki invited several editors to test the updated four-seat machine on Utah’s extensive Paiute Trail system between Beaver and Marysvale. With tight wooded trails, rocky climbs, high-elevation terrain and long days in the cab, the Paiute provided an ideal setting for a real-world 2014 Kawasaki Teryx4 review.
For a closer look at the machine’s specifications and equipment, see our complete 2014 Kawasaki Teryx4 LE overview.
A Four-Seat UTV Built for Trail Riding
The Kawasaki Teryx4 was never intended to be strictly a sport or utility UTV. Instead, it blended useful cargo and towing capabilities with a drivetrain and chassis that encouraged recreational trail riding.
Its four comfortable, easy-access seats and relatively short wheelbase made the Teryx4 maneuverable for a four-seat machine. Rear passengers sat higher and slightly inboard in Kawasaki’s stadium-style seating arrangement, giving them a better view of the trail ahead.
Simply put, the Teryx4 was a fun machine to drive, whether traveling solo or carrying friends and family.
Exploring Utah’s Paiute Trail
The Paiute Trail system crosses a broad section of central Utah and connects communities including Beaver and Marysvale. Much of the riding is within Fishlake National Forest, where designated trails and forest roads create hundreds of miles of connected routes.
Elevations around Beaver and Marysvale are close to 6,000 feet, while portions of the surrounding trail system climb above 11,000 feet. Those elevation changes provided plenty of long ascents and descents for evaluating the Teryx4’s engine, transmission, brakes and suspension.
The Teryx4 was especially well suited to the tighter portions of the trail. Its manageable width and relatively tight turning radius helped on narrow, twisting sections where a longer four-seat UTV could feel cumbersome.
For current information about riding opportunities and events in the area, visit our guide to the Paiute Trail and its major UTV jamborees.
FOX Podium Suspension Performance
The addition of FOX Podium shocks was one of the most noticeable improvements to the 2014 Kawasaki Teryx4. The shocks delivered a more controlled and comfortable ride, particularly over the smaller rocks and repeated trail chop common on the Paiute.
Compression adjustability allowed each driver to tailor the suspension to personal preference and trail conditions. The rear suspension could have used slightly more rebound control during harder hits and airborne moments, but overall the FOX package was a meaningful upgrade over the previous Teryx4 suspension.
Stronger 783cc V-Twin Engine
The engine received an increase in displacement from 749cc to 783cc, producing more torque and horsepower while improving fuel efficiency. The additional output allowed the Teryx4 to hold its speed more effectively on long climbs and gave it a stronger, more responsive feel at low and midrange engine speeds.
Changes included higher compression, revised piston crowns, increased crankshaft mass, new camshaft profiles and a larger exhaust collector. Compared with the 2012 Teryx4 I was accustomed to driving, the 2014 model felt noticeably more spirited without sacrificing the controllable power delivery that worked so well on technical trails.
Reduced Heat and Noise
Kawasaki also added insulation around the engine tunnel, beneath the front seats and behind portions of the exterior bodywork. The changes helped manage cockpit heat and reduce mechanical noise.
I would not describe the 2014 model as dramatically quieter, but the improvement was noticeable during a full day on the trail. In a four-seat recreational machine designed for long rides, even a modest reduction in noise and heat made the experience more comfortable.
LED Headlights Make a Major Difference
Lighting was another substantial improvement. Anyone who drove a 2012 or 2013 Teryx4 knew the original headlights were only marginally effective, even in relatively easy conditions.
The high-intensity LED headlights fitted to the 2014 Teryx4 LE produced significantly more usable light. They were bright enough to illuminate shaded sections of trail during the day and promised much better visibility for rides continuing after sunset.
Teryx4 LE Styling and Equipment
I have always favored function over appearance, and the Teryx4 had already impressed me in that regard. However, Kawasaki also gave the 2014 LE models enough visual detail to stand out.
The Teryx4 LE was offered in Candy Lime Green and Candy Burnt Orange, complemented by color-matched suspension arms, shock springs and three-tone seat covers. Aluminum wheels, LED headlights and a standard roof completed the LE package.
Pricing started at $15,799 for the base model, while the Teryx4 LE carried a 2014 MSRP of $16,999. Electronic Power Steering was standard across the lineup.
Comfort and Driving Position
I had always been a fan of my personal Teryx4 because of its driving position. The machine was easy to enter and exit, the seating position felt natural and its overall layout made it one of my favorite UTVs for everyday trail riding.
The 2014 model retained the traits I appreciated in my 2012 Teryx4 while adding stronger suspension and engine performance. The result was an already capable four-seat trail machine made noticeably better.
Reliability Over Hundreds of Trail Miles
Our group represented the third trip through the Paiute Trail for these particular 2014 Kawasaki Teryx4 test units within a single week. Altogether, the machines accumulated roughly 600 miles in six days across challenging terrain.
Other than a few damaged tires, we experienced no mechanical failures. Considering how hard media test vehicles are typically driven, that performance was an impressive demonstration of the Teryx4’s durability.
2014 Kawasaki Teryx4 Review: Final Thoughts
The 2014 Kawasaki Teryx4 was well matched to the Paiute Trail. Its short wheelbase and maneuverability helped on tight mountain routes, while the stronger 783cc engine made high-elevation climbs easier. FOX Podium shocks improved comfort and control, and the upgraded lighting, heat management and LE equipment made the machine more enjoyable during long days in the cab.
Kawasaki did not abandon the qualities that made the original Teryx4 appealing. Instead, it improved the areas that mattered most on the trail. After several hundred miles in Utah, the updated model proved to be a comfortable, capable and impressively durable four-seat UTV.
