The 2027 Kawasaki Teryx H2 Limited eS Review has been one we’ve been looking forward to since Kawasaki first pulled the cover off its new two-seat supercharged machine. More importantly, this isn’t our first experience with Kawasaki’s H2 platform. We already have thousands of miles behind the wheel of the larger Teryx5 H2, giving us a solid baseline for judging just how much the shorter chassis and new electronic suspension change the driving experience.
We traveled to Durhamtown Off Road Resort in Georgia to find out. Our test included a short course with hardpacked and loose corners, sharp chicanes, fast downhills and rolling jumps before heading out for roughly 50 miles of narrow, tree-lined trails filled with whoops, G-outs, rocks, ruts, steep climbs, descents and plenty of Georgia mud.
We came away impressed. The two-seat Teryx H2 Limited eS is brutally quick, remarkably composed and, after a full day behind the wheel, proved to be one of the best-handling UTVs we’ve ever tested.
2027 Kawasaki Teryx H2 Limited eS Review
Top Features
- 250-horsepower 999cc supercharged inline four-cylinder engine
- High-capacity CVT with High, Low, Neutral and Reverse
- Full, Mid and Low Power modes
- Selectable 2WD/4WD with locking front differential
- Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC)
- KECS+ electronic suspension with E-Sway
- FOX 3.0 Live Valve Internal Bypass shocks
- 23.2 inches of front and 24 inches of rear suspension travel
- 33-inch Maxxis Carnivore Plus tires
- 16-inch aluminum beadlock wheels
- Speed-sensitive EPS
- 10-inch Garmin Tread
- 7-inch full-color TFT instrumentation
- Four-point restraints
- $41,399 MSRP
2027 Kawasaki Teryx H2 Limited eS Review
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the 2027 Kawasaki Teryx H2 is the same basic formula that made us fans of Kawasaki’s larger supercharged machines: a 999cc liquid-cooled DOHC inline four-cylinder engine with a Kawasaki-built supercharger. Output is 250 horsepower at 9,000 rpm with 146.3 lb-ft of torque at 8,800 rpm.
But the engine feels completely different in the two-seater.
The shorter, lighter chassis makes the power feel considerably more immediate. The H2 is a rocket ship out of the hole and gets to its 90-plus-mph top speed much smoother and quicker than you realize.
The engine also sounds incredible. The inline-four howl combined with the unmistakable chirps from the supercharger constantly reminds you that this is not a typical UTV powerplant.
We were already familiar with the engine from our 2026 Kawasaki Teryx5 H2 Review, but putting that power into the shorter two-seat platform transforms the experience.
2027 Kawasaki Teryx H2 Limited eS Review
CVT and Power Delivery
We’ve spent a lot of time lately in DCT-equipped UTVs, including Can-Am’s seven-speed transmission in the Maverick R platform and Honda’s DCT in the Talon. We love having the ability to make our own shifts, particularly when using a downshift to set up a corner.
But there is also a lot to love about a properly tuned CVT, and Kawasaki nailed the calibration here.
Engagement is smooth from the bottom all the way through the powerband. There was zero perceptible lag during our test, and belt and clutch noise were nearly nonexistent. Regardless of which power mode we selected, the four-cylinder engine stayed right where it needed to be in the powerband.
The result is incredibly linear acceleration. Put your foot down and the Teryx H2 simply goes.
2027 Kawasaki Teryx H2 Limited eS Review
Full, Mid and Low Power Modes
Kawasaki gives the Teryx H2 three selectable power modes. Full provides unrestricted engine output, Mid reduces output to approximately 80 percent and Low brings it down to approximately 60 percent.
We had the opportunity to run all three settings on the short course and continually found ourselves returning to Full Power. With the entire 250 horsepower available, the acceleration is simply too much fun to ignore.
Things changed once we headed into Durhamtown’s tight woods.
Mid Power quickly became our preferred setting in some of the narrower sections. It reins in the engine enough to make throttle inputs easier to manage without making the H2 feel slow. With trees flying past both sides of the vehicle, that additional throttle control was welcome.
We never found a reason to use Low Power during this test.
That mirrors our experience after thousands of miles with our Kawasaki Teryx5 H2 long-term test vehicle. We use Mid Power frequently in that machine, not necessarily because we want to go slower, but because it remains plenty entertaining while also stretching fuel range. In our larger H2, we typically see around 6–7 mpg in Full Power and 10-plus mpg in Mid.
We’ll see how those numbers compare when our long-term two-seat Teryx H2 arrives.
2027 Kawasaki Teryx H2 Limited eS Review
Kawasaki TRaction Control
Our initial reaction to Kawasaki TRaction Control was pretty simple: Isn’t four-wheel drive already traction control?
Then we drove it.
Our first lap around the short course was in 2WD, Full Power with KTRC off. Trying to put 250 horsepower through the rear tires produced about what you would expect: very little traction and a whole lot of sideways action.
For drivers who enjoy steering with the throttle, it is ridiculously fun. We generally prefer the car hooked up rather than sliding everywhere, so we started experimenting with the two KTRC settings.
The difference was impressive. With more intervention, the Teryx H2 began feeling surprisingly close to 4WD while retaining the ability to break the rear tires loose more easily. It remained predictable and became one of the most entertaining combinations on the short course.
We spent plenty of time switching between the different 2WD traction-control settings, but eventually we always ended up back in 4WD.
We love the technology, and plenty of drivers are going to have a blast experimenting with it. We’re just pro 4WD.
2027 Kawasaki Teryx H2 Limited eS Review
“Go Mode”
There is no actual button labeled “Go Mode,” but there probably should be.
For us, 4WD combined with Full Power became exactly that. You have all 250 horsepower available with traction at all four corners, and the chassis finally feels like it is being allowed to do exactly what it was designed to do.
On Durhamtown’s short course, combining that setup with the Limited eS suspension allowed us to carry an incredible amount of speed. In several sections there was little reason to lift.
Just pin it.
2027 Kawasaki Teryx H2 Limited eS Review
KECS+ Electronic Suspension and E-Sway
The suspension was arguably the defining feature of this test.
The Limited eS gets Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension + E-Sway Bar, or KECS+, paired with FOX 3.0 Live Valve Internal Bypass shocks. Suspension travel measures 23.2 inches up front and 24 inches at the rear.
Drivers can choose between Comfort, Sport and Firm directly from the steering wheel. KECS+ then electronically manages damping and works with the FOX Live Valve Sway Bar Disconnect system to control body movement and suspension articulation.
The important part is how it works from behind the wheel.
2027 Kawasaki Teryx H2 Limited eS Review
How KECS+ Feels
Anyone who hates body roll is going to love Firm.
The suspension stiffens considerably and the H2 feels like it is running on rails through fast corners. We also found ourselves switching into Firm on the fly when approaching larger jumps or particularly deep G-outs.
Our favorite overall setting, however, was Sport.
We actually like a little body movement in a UTV. It gives us a better sense of what the chassis is doing and makes the car easier to flick and manipulate. Sport provided that feedback without allowing excessive movement, and it became our preferred setting for much of the short course and trail ride.
Comfort provides the most body movement and wasn’t our favorite when attacking the short course at speed. Once we reached Durhamtown’s roughest rocky sections, though, it was incredible. The suspension opened up and allowed the Teryx H2 to float through terrain that should have required considerably more effort.
That ability to completely change the personality of the machine from the steering wheel is one of the Limited eS model’s biggest advantages.
2027 Kawasaki Teryx H2 Limited eS Review
One Thing We Would Change
We understand why Kawasaki integrated shock damping and E-Sway operation into KECS+, but we would still like the ability to adjust them independently.
There were situations where we wanted softer shock damping while retaining more sway-bar control, and others where we would have preferred the opposite.
Giving the driver independent control would add another layer of adjustability to an already impressive system.
2027 Kawasaki Teryx H2 Limited eS Review
One of the Best-Handling UTVs We’ve Tested
That is a strong statement, but after our 2027 Kawasaki Teryx H2 Limited eS Review, we think the chassis deserves it.
We never bottomed the H2 in any suspension mode during our test. We may have touched the skid plate a couple of times while running Comfort through deeper terrain, but the suspension itself never gave us a harsh bottoming event.
The rear never kicked unexpectedly. The front never nosedived. The car never tried to buck us off line, and every time we left the ground it flew straight.
More importantly, we always felt like we were in control.
Durhamtown gave us everything from fast hardpacked corners and rolling jumps to deep G-outs, rocks, ruts, mud and tight tree-lined trails. The Teryx H2 handled all of it exceptionally well.
2027 Kawasaki Teryx H2 Limited eS Review
Shorter Wheelbase, More Agility
The two-seat H2 rides on a 101-inch wheelbase, and its agility becomes obvious almost immediately in tight terrain.
We were able to carry considerably more speed through the woods than we typically would in the larger H2 platform. That isn’t a knock against the Teryx4/5 H2, which remains remarkably predictable for its size. The shorter wheelbase combined with KECS+ simply makes the two-seater easier to place.
There is something particularly satisfying about threading a 250-horsepower UTV between trees at speed and knowing the chassis is going exactly where you point it.
For more on the machine before we got behind the wheel, check out our 2027 Kawasaki Teryx H2 Two-Seater First Look.
2027 Kawasaki Teryx H2 Limited eS Review
Steering and Chassis Feedback
Steering effort is spot on.
Some competing high-performance UTVs now offer multiple EPS settings, but we never felt like the Teryx H2 needed them. Kawasaki’s speed-sensitive EPS adjusts assistance with vehicle speed, and the calibration gives the wheel enough feedback that you still know what the front tires are doing.
Steering becomes slightly heavier in 4WD because you can feel the front tires putting power to the ground, but never enough to become tiring.
We experienced virtually no bump steer and have zero complaints in the steering department.
2027 Kawasaki Teryx H2 Limited eS Review
Braking and Engine Braking
Kawasaki equips the Teryx H2 with 270mm hydraulic disc brakes at all four corners, using three-piston front calipers and two-piston rear calipers.
We already considered the braking performance exceptional in the larger H2 platform. In the lighter two-seat machine, it is even better.
The Teryx H2 stops on a dime.
Engine braking is equally impressive. Despite using a CVT, descending a steep hill can feel surprisingly similar to dropping a geared transmission into a lower gear. Most descents required only minor brake input depending on our entry speed.
Drop the H2 into 4WD Low and there are situations where you barely need to touch the brake pedal at all.
2027 Kawasaki Teryx H2 Limited eS Review
Maxxis Carnivore Plus Tires
Kawasaki continues to make one of our favorite factory tire choices in the high-performance UTV category.
The Limited eS rolls on 33x10R16 Maxxis Carnivore Plus tires mounted to 16-inch aluminum beadlock wheels. The combination worked exceptionally well on both Durhamtown’s short course and its mixed trail terrain.
The tires have tough sidewalls while maintaining a relatively soft tread compound, giving the H2 predictable grip without leaving us worried about punctures every time we entered a rocky section.
We have a couple thousand miles on the factory tires fitted to our larger H2, and although they’re showing wear, they still have a few rides left in them.
We also think 33 inches is an excellent factory tire size for this machine. There are certainly places out West where 35s make sense, particularly on larger four-seat UTVs, but we never felt like the two-seat H2 needed more tire at Durhamtown.
That said, we’ll be installing 35s on our long-term H2 when it arrives. Not because it needs them, but because we want to find out exactly what we gain—and what we give up.
2027 Kawasaki Teryx H2 Limited eS Review
Interior and Technology
The interior left us with very few complaints.
Everything is where it should be. The seats are extremely comfortable, the four-point restraints work well and the instrument display behind the steering wheel moves with the tilt-adjustable steering column so it remains easy to see.
Our one ergonomic complaint is steering-wheel adjustment.
Larger drivers should have no problem fitting inside the H2, but we would like a little more range in the steering column. We prefer the wheel positioned almost straight up and down and couldn’t quite get it where we wanted it.
Visibility, on the other hand, was excellent.
The only time visibility became interesting was when we were deep into our 4WD Full Power “Go Mode” in the woods and the front end started coming up under acceleration. That was another reason Mid Power became useful. It smoothed things out while we were still learning just how quickly this machine could cover ground.
2027 Kawasaki Teryx H2 Limited eS Review
10-Inch Garmin Tread
We’ve used Garmin Tread systems for years, so seeing a 10-inch Garmin Tread integrated into the Limited eS immediately felt familiar.
The most useful feature during our test was Group Ride.
We had roughly eight vehicles running together, and the system worked flawlessly throughout the ride. Everyone could see where the other vehicles were, which meant we didn’t have to stay stacked on top of one another just to keep the group together.
That allowed everyone to spread out and get away from the dust, which made the entire ride better.
The Limited eS also comes with two 6.5-inch door speakers and two 2-inch dash tweeters. We didn’t spend enough time evaluating the audio system during this test to give it a fair subjective assessment, so we’ll save that for our long-term H2.
2027 Kawasaki Teryx H2 Limited eS Review
Storage, Noise and Heat
Storage is exceptional for a two-seat performance UTV.
There are plenty of places inside the cabin to stash smaller items, but our favorite storage area is behind the seats. Shorter drivers in particular will have enough room back there for things like a cooler bag, air pump and other trail essentials.
The rear cargo area is rated to carry 300 pounds.
As for noise, nobody should buy a 250-horsepower supercharged inline-four UTV expecting library levels of silence.
The engine is loud, and we love it. It’s even more noticeable in the two-seater because the engine and drivetrain are closer to the occupants. What impressed us was the lack of unwanted noise. The machine felt extremely solid with no noticeable rattles or squeaks.
Engine and exhaust heat were also well controlled.
Ambient heat was another matter, but there’s only so much Kawasaki can do about Georgia in the middle of summer.
2027 Kawasaki Teryx H2 Limited eS Review
Built for Abuse
One thing we’ve learned from our time with Kawasaki’s H2 platform is that the company did not build these machines delicately.
The front suspension components look substantial, the rear suspension is equally stout and Kawasaki protects the underside with skid plates. There are some UTVs where you can crawl underneath them and immediately start identifying components that look like potential weak links.
We didn’t get that feeling anywhere on the Teryx H2.
Our experience with the larger H2 platform has already given us a good baseline for durability, and the two-seater appears to carry the same philosophy into a smaller, considerably more agile package.
For more Kawasaki tests, news and Buyer’s Guide coverage, visit our Kawasaki UTV section.
2027 Kawasaki Teryx H2 Limited eS Review
Teryx H2 vs. Teryx H2 Limited eS
The standard 2027 Kawasaki Teryx H2 starts at $32,899, while the Limited eS we tested carries a base MSRP of $41,399.
That’s an $8,500 jump.
The biggest reason to make that jump is KECS+. The Limited eS adds Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension + E-Sway Bar with FOX 3.0 Live Valve Internal Bypass shocks. It also adds the 10-inch Garmin Tread with audio, aluminum beadlock wheels, a plastic roof and additional trim and finish upgrades.
After spending a day switching KECS+ between Comfort, Sport and Firm, we’d have a hard time giving it back.
The standard H2 still gives you the important part—the 250-horsepower supercharged engine and compact two-seat chassis—but the Limited eS suspension substantially expands what the vehicle can do across changing terrain.
2027 Kawasaki Teryx H2 Limited eS Review
How Does the Kawasaki Teryx H2 Compare?
The two-seat H2 lands directly in one of the most competitive segments in the UTV market, where machines like the Can-Am Maverick R and Polaris RZR Pro R have continued to push horsepower, suspension and chassis technology forward.
We’ve spent considerable time behind the wheel of the Maverick R platform and RZR Pro R, and the Kawasaki brings a distinctly different personality to the fight. The Maverick R’s seven-speed DCT gives the driver a level of direct transmission control we still love, while the RZR Pro R platform has proven exceptionally capable when the terrain opens up and speeds climb.
The Teryx H2’s biggest advantage during this test was how compact and agile it felt. Its 101-inch wheelbase combined with 250 supercharged horsepower, quick steering and KECS+ made it exceptionally effective in Durhamtown’s tight terrain. It never felt like Kawasaki built a wide-open desert machine and then asked it to tolerate the woods.
Choosing between these machines is going to depend heavily on where and how you drive. But after driving all three platforms, the Teryx H2 absolutely belongs in that conversation.
2027 Kawasaki Teryx H2 Limited eS Review
Kawasaki Genuine Accessories
Kawasaki already has a substantial Genuine Accessories catalog available for the Teryx H2.
Options range from windshields, cab components and additional protection to lighting, audio, storage and winch solutions. Kawasaki has also assembled accessory packages aimed at lighting, recreation and cab use.
We won’t turn this review into an accessory catalog, because there are enough options available to warrant a story of their own.
And that’s exactly what we’re going to do.
2027 Kawasaki Teryx H2 Limited eS Review
Final Thoughts
After a full day at Durhamtown, our 2027 Kawasaki Teryx H2 Limited eS Review left us with one overriding impression: Kawasaki didn’t simply shorten its larger H2 and call it a two-seater.
The compact chassis changes the personality of the machine. The 250-horsepower supercharged engine feels considerably more urgent, the shorter wheelbase makes it exceptionally agile and KECS+ gives the driver the ability to dramatically change how the chassis reacts to the terrain.
We have two complaints. We’d like more steering-wheel adjustment, and we’d like the ability to independently control shock damping and E-Sway operation.
That’s a pretty short list.
The power is incredible, CVT tuning is excellent, steering and braking are dialed, the factory Maxxis tires work and the suspension is outstanding. More importantly, all of those pieces work together.
After roughly 50 miles of Georgia trails plus plenty of time on Durhamtown’s short course, we’re comfortable calling the 2027 Kawasaki Teryx H2 Limited eS one of the best-handling UTVs we’ve ever tested.
Now we want one back home.
2027 Kawasaki Teryx H2 Limited eS Review
Specifications
Engine Size: 999cc liquid-cooled DOHC inline four-cylinder, supercharged
Horsepower: 250 hp @ 9,000 rpm
Transmission: CVT (H/L/N/R)
Drive System: Selectable 2WD/4WD with locking front differential
Dry Weight: 2,165.3 lb
Curb Weight: 2,297.6 lb
Wheelbase: 101.0 in
Overall Dimensions: 134.1 x 74.0 x 73.4 in (L x W x H)
Ground Clearance: 16.1 in standard / 16.9 in maximum
Tires: 33x10R16 Maxxis Carnivore Plus
Wheels: 16-in aluminum beadlock
Front Suspension / Travel: Double wishbone, FOX 3.0 Live Valve Internal Bypass / 23.2 in
Rear Suspension / Travel: 4-link trailing arm, FOX 3.0 Live Valve Internal Bypass / 24.0 in
Brakes: 270mm hydraulic discs; 3-piston front / 2-piston rear calipers
Fuel Capacity: 14.8 gal
Cargo Capacity: 300 lb
MSRP: $41,399
COLORS: Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray/Lime Green; Ice Gray/Flat Ebony
