Kawasaki Ridge specifications, dimensions and price
Kawasaki · Utility
The Kawasaki Ridge is a 999cc, 116 hp in-line four-cylinder utility side-by-side with long-travel double-wishbone suspension (12.7 in front and rear), three-across bench seating and all-LED lighting. Kawasaki lists a 2,500 lb tow rating, a 1,000 lb bed (600 lb on California models), a 12.9 gal tank and a starting price of $21,599 plus $1,120 destination.
Kawasaki side-by-side directory
Kawasaki Ridge
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model year | 2026 |
| Class | Utility |
| Engine | 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve, in-line 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 116 hp |
| Displacement | 999cc |
| Bore x stroke | 73.4x59.0mm |
| Compression ratio | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel system | EFI |
| Transmission | Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with (H,L,N,R) |
| Drive system | Selectable 4WD with locking front/rear differential, shaft |
| Front suspension | Long-Travel, Double Wishbone |
| Front suspension travel | 12.7 in |
| Rear suspension travel | 12.7 in |
| Front brake | Dual hydraulic 249mm discs with two-piston calipers |
| Rear brake | Dual hydraulic 249mm discs with single-piston calipers |
| Front tire | SUNF 30x10-14 |
| Wheels | 14" Aluminum |
| Seating capacity | 3, bench seat |
| Curb weight | 1,898.5 lb |
| Wheelbase | 90.7 in |
| Ground clearance | 13.4/14.4 in (max preload); 13.4 in CA Model |
| Fuel capacity | 12.9 gal |
| Bed/cargo box capacity | 1,000 lb (600 lb on California models) |
| Towing capacity | 2,500 lb |
| Maximum torque | 73.8 lb-ft |
| Maximum torque (at rpm) | 8,000 rpm |
| Payload capacity | 1,499 lb |
| Cargo bed dimensions | 34.6x49.0x12.8 in |
| Engine braking | Yes |
| Steering | Rack-and-pinion w/ Electric Power Steering (EPS) |
| Turning radius | 15.0 ft |
| Overall length | 125.4 in |
| Overall width | 64.0 in |
| Overall height | 82.1 in |
| Estimated dry weight | 1,808.1 lb |
| Starting system | Electric |
| Lighting | All-LED lighting |
| Frame | Ladder type, tubular steel |
| Alternator output | 85 amp |
| Electronic rider aids | Power Modes, Economical Riding Indicator |
| Colors | Metallic Carbon Gray/Super Black |
| Starting MSRP | $21,599 |
| Destination charge | $1,120 |
What a test drive found
UTV Guide It says that for owners who work through winter, ride in dusty conditions or prefer a sealed cabin, the combination of heat, air conditioning and power windows will be a major attraction. The reviewer also notes that the 116-horsepower Ridge XR offered more performance and a more aggressive seating position, although the difference in acceleration was not as dramatic as expected on the trail ride. UTV Guide
The Ridge has a peak torque of 73.8 lb-ft at 8,000 rpm, a figure reached high in the rev range, which is how a four-cylinder makes its torque. It measures 125.4 in long, 64.0 in wide and 82.1 in tall with a 90.7 in wheelbase and a 15.0 ft turning radius. So it is a full-size machine.
Payload is 1,499 lb, the cargo bed is 34.6 x 49.0 x 12.8 in, and the alternator is 85 amp. Drive is selectable 4WD with locking front and rear differentials. The tires are 30 x 10-14 on aluminum wheels, with 13.4 to 14.4 in of ground clearance.
Ridge against the utility field
At $21,599 the Ridge costs about the same as Polaris's Ranger XP 1000 Premium at $21,799 and $7,300 more than the base Ranger 1000 at $14,299. It weighs 1,898 lb curb against 1,639 lb estimated dry for the Ranger XP and 1,487 lb for the Ranger 1000. Can-Am's Defender XU HD11 is $19,799, and Honda's Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe is $22,399.
The Kawasaki has the largest fuel tank of the group at 12.9 gal.
UTV Guide says the Ridge combines the cargo and towing capability expected of a work UTV with substantially more performance, suspension travel and automotive-inspired comfort than a conventional Mule, with a tilting cargo bed carrying up to 1,000 pounds and a two-inch receiver towing up to 2,500 pounds.
The article says the 116-horsepower XR gave a more aggressive seating position but a smaller acceleration difference than expected. UTV Off-Road Magazine calls the powerplant strong and smooth, with a liquid-cooled four-cylinder making 116 horsepower and 73.8 lb-ft on the XR and a top speed near 74 mph in Sport mode.
Ridge against the Ranger XP 1000 Premium and Defender XU HD11
Polaris's Ranger XP 1000 Premium and Can-Am's Defender XU HD11 are the 999cc utility rivals. The Ridge is the only one with an in-line four.
Kawasaki rates the 999cc in-line four-cylinder at 116 hp with 73.8 lb-ft of torque at 8,000 rpm, and it has a 2,500 lb tow rating.
UTV Guide says the combination of heat, air conditioning and power windows is a major attraction for owners who work in winter or dust. Check which trim includes them.
Other models in this reference: Kawasaki Teryx H2, Kawasaki Mule SX 4x4 XC, Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000.