The Complete Kawasaki Side-by-Side/ATV Guide
Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the Good Times Roll,” universally resonates, from MULE-using ranchers to Teryx KRX 1000 trail-riders on desert ridges. Each purpose‑built vehicle emphasizes reliability and payload, sport machines that chase horsepower and suspension travel, even offering youth models. Here's top Kawasaki models to take a look at this year.
All Kawasakis share a commitment to robust engineering: steel double‑X frames, sealed wet rear brakes on high‑load ATVs, and Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) with large belt faces that fend off heat during prolonged low‑speed chores. For 2026, Kawasaki further expands electronic rider aids, adds new colorways, and widens its accessory ecosystem to meet the evolving needs of landowners, hunters, and recreation enthusiasts alike.
ATVs: Brute Force Muscle and Youth‑Friendly KFX
At the heart of Kawasaki’s four‑wheeler range lies the Brute Force family. The headliner, Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS, equips a 749 cc V‑twin engine, selectable 2WD/4WD with a variable front diff‑lock, and Electric Power Steering calibrated to lighten at low speed without muting trail feedback. Independent front and rear suspension supply 6.7 inches of travel, while steel cargo racks carry a combined 264 pounds. Sealed rear braking keeps out mud and water, key for wetlands ranches and coastal duck leases. Riders needing a more approachable platform gravitate to the Brute Force 300, a carbureted 271 cc single that weighs under 600 pounds wet yet still tows 500. Both machines use Kawasaki’s automatic CVT with centrifugal clutch that maintains belt tension for instant throttle response and long belt life.

For emerging riders, Kawasaki offers the KFX® youth ATV line. The KFX 50 introduces 6‑year‑olds to throttle safety via an adjustable speed limiter and a tethered engine shutdown cord parents can pull in emergencies. Bumping to the KFX 90 (90 cc four‑stroke) lets pre‑teens experience more power while benefiting from electric start, floorboard‑style foot protection, and keyed ignition. Both youth models feature bright LED headlamps for dusk visibility and vibrant plastics that match full‑size Brute Force color schemes—because young riders love to “match Dad’s quad.”
Utility Side‑by‑Side: MULE Line—From Compact to Diesel Workhorse
Few names are as synonymous with farm life as MULE (Multi‑Use Light Equipment). The MULE SX starts the lineup with a 401 cc single, 1,100‑pound towing, and a bed sized for feed sacks while keeping overall width at yard‑friendly 52.6 inches. MULE PRO‑MX ups the ante to a 695 cc single, electronic power steering, and a 1,500‑pound tow rating—ideal for small‑acreage owners who plow snow in the morning and haul firewood in the afternoon. At the top sits the MULE PRO‑FXT/FXR family, powered by a 812 cc three‑cylinder gasoline or an available 993 cc diesel. The FXT’s Trans Cab™ system transforms from three‑person long‑bed to six‑person short‑bed in under a minute, delivering class‑leading versatility. Electronic speed governance keeps hired hands under 25 mph if needed, and a self‑levelling rear suspension on select trims maintains ride height with shifting payloads. MULEs can accomodate 3 to 6 people depending on configuration.
Recreation & Sport Side‑by‑Side: Teryx and Teryx KRX 1000
When the work whistle blows and weekend adventure calls, riders look to the Teryx series. The two‑seat Teryx S LE features a 783 cc V‑twin tuned for crisp throttle response, Fox® 2.0 podium shocks with piggyback reservoirs, and 10.7 inches of ground clearance. Its four‑seat sibling, Teryx4, retains the same wheelbase as the two‑seater thanks to clever staggered rear seats, allowing nimble trail navigation without sacrificing cabin capacity. Both come standard with a sun‑top roof and steel front bumper, plus a Kawasaki‑strong three‑year limited warranty.
Pure‑sport thrills reside in the Teryx KRX 1000 family. A naturally aspirated 999 cc parallel twin (112 horsepower) breathes through a Donaldson‑style high‑flow intake and spins a reinforced CVT with a centrifugal clutch that keeps belt temps cool in slow rock gardens. Long‑arm suspension grants 19 inches of front and 21 inches of rear travel, damped by Fox® 2.5 Live Valve shocks on eS trims. Toggle between Normal, Firmer, and Soft ride modes on the fly, while Kawasaki’s Electric Power Steering quickens ratio at low speed for agile boulder placement, then firms at high speed to anchor straight‑line stability across desert washes. A seven‑inch TFT dash with Bluetooth® displays GPS mapping through the RIDEOLLOGY app and can show real‑time CVT belt temp, giving drivers insight before overheating becomes an issue.
Accessory Integration and Warranty Confidence
Kawasaki outfits its side‑by‑sides with an integrated 999 watt alternator, prewired for winches, light bars, and sprayers. The KQR™ (Kawasaki Quick Release) accessory line lets owners pop on windshields, half doors, audio roofs, and full cabs tool‑free, converting a summer trail machine into a winter chore rig overnight. Careful attention to service access—think easy‑lift cargo beds and hinged seats—puts air filters, CVT intakes, and oil fill ports within reach. And Kawasaki’s three‑year limited warranty on all Teryx and MULE models underscores a confidence born from decades of hard‑use durability testing.
The Takeaway
From the 91‑horsepower Brute Force 750 ATV to the desert‑dominating Teryx KRX 1000 side‑by‑side, Kawasaki’s 2025 lineup embodies a heritage of reliability paired with modern performance tech. MULE vehicles shoulder the workload on ranches and job sites, Brute Force quads handle trail chores and hunting hauls, while Teryx models satisfy adrenaline junkies. Add youth KFX ATVs and a robust accessory ecosystem, and Kawasaki ensures that whether the mission calls for dawn‑to‑dusk fencing or dune‑shredding airtime, there is a green‑clad machine engineered to deliver good times—durably.
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