2020 Kawasaki Mule PRO w/Curtis Cab Review
MSRP: $14,899 + $790 Destination
Curtis Cab: $7,000
Words & Photos: Lance Schwartz
Highlights:
- Industry Leading 3 year warranty
- Curtis Cab and Heater system available directly through Kawasaki
- Versatile Trans Cab System
- Reputation for extreme durability
- Ability to haul up to 6 passengers
Farmers, ranchers, and outdoorsman have long known the value, quality, capability, and durability of Kawasaki’s line of Mule UTV’s. We recently spent some quality time behind the wheel of the 2020 Kawasaki Mule PRO-FXT EPS outfitted with an optional Curtis Cab and AS1 glass windshield, which is now available as an option directly through your Kawasaki dealer. Getting the opportunity to check this machine out during the winter months in Pennsylvania was a perfect opportunity to test out the capability in some wet, cold, blustery winter operating conditions.
Engine:
Powering the Mule PRO-FXT is an 812cc inline triple cylinder four-stroke engine, which is capable of churning out 48 ft lb of torque. This powerplant is built for low-end torque and efficiency, with smooth, quiet power delivery. The engine is especially good at the low to mid RPM range. While not necessarily a speed demon compared to models like the new Kawasaki KRX1000, this engine has plenty of grunt for those folks putting it to work. A gigantic alternator that can output up to 75 amps provides enough charging power to customize the Mule with just about whatever electronic accessories your little heart desires!
Transmission/Drivetrain:
Power is delivered to the ground via a Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT), making the machine very easy to drive. The Mule transmission has High, Low, Neutral, and Reverse, and utilizes a parking brake rather than a “park in gear” option. Also, unlike Kawasaki’s sporty UTV’s like the KRX 1000 and Teryx vehicles, no centrifugal clutch is used in the Mule’s transmission. A rear locking/unlocking differential gives the Mule the capability to make sharp turns without tearing up the grass, and can easily be locked for maximum traction. Four-wheel drive is easily engaged with a dash-mounted toggle switch, but no locking front differential is available.
Suspension:
The suspension on the Mule PRO-FXT is super plush, giving it one of the smoothest rides you’ll ever experience in an off-road vehicle! With approximately 8.5” inches of travel on the bow and stern and a tick over 10” of ground clearance, the Mule is designed to work hard, while also keeping the occupants comfortable.
Tires/Wheels/Brakes:
26” tires on 12” steel wheels help keep the price of this machine down, while also providing a durable, puncture resistant tire with good all-around traction. Both front and rear brakes are hydraulic discs. The front features twin piston calipers with the rear utilizing a single piston.
Curtis Cab:
The fully enclosed Curtis Cab offers operators and passengers protection from the elements, no matter the conditions. The door frames and skins are steel, and they’re outfitted with glass windows that are easily installed/removed without tools. The windows are also designed to slide open/closed. The front windshield features a windshield wiper and washer, and operates with hinges that allow it to easily be opened from the bottom for ventilation. The rear roof is designed to tilt upward via a hinge, and the rear window section slides forward with the front of the factory bed section, allowing full usage of Kawasaki’s unique Trans Cab system. This allows the Mule PRO-FXT’s rear passenger compartment to transform from a 6 seater to a larger, tilting bed option, all while the Curtis Cab is still intact. Our test unit also featured the optional Curtis Cab heater, which made operating it when the temperatures were in the teens much more enjoyable!
Ride Time:
The Mule is certainly one of the smoothest full size work-oriented UTV’s you can buy. We tested the Mule with just a driver, as well as with 6 occupants in the machine. While we could certainly feel the difference with the added weight of all six passengers, the Mule PRO FXT barreled its way through every obstacle we threw at it regardless of the amount of people inside.
The Curtis Cab and heater made operating the Mule in bad weather much more pleasurable. While passengers stay warm and dry inside, sound levels certainly increase due to the fact that the engine is essentially underneath the rear floor section inside the cab. At slower speeds, you barely notice. With your foot firmly planted in the throttle, you’ll notice the increase in cabin noise.
At the end of the day, if your main purpose for buying a new UTV is to move people, tow implements, and haul material with as little cost, drama, and downtime as possible, you and the 2020 Kawasaki Mule PRO FXT will likely be a match made in heaven!
ALSO, SEE: 2024 Kawasaki Ridge Review
2020 Kawasaki Mule PRO w/Curtis Cab Review Specifications:
Engine
Engine: 4-stroke, 3-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled, gas
Displacement: 812cc
Bore x Stroke: 2.83×2.62 in
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
Maximum Torque: 48.0 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Fuel System: DFI® with 34mm throttle body
Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with (H,L,N,R)
Final Drive: Selectable 2WD/4WD, shaft. Dual mode rear differential with differential lock
Engine Braking: Yes
Alternator Output (max): 75 amps
Front Suspension / Wheel Travel: Double wishbone/8.7 in
Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel: Double wishbone/8.5 (L) /8.7 (R) in
Front Tires: 26×9.00-12, radial
Rear Tires: 26×11.00-12, radial
Park Brake Type: Independent, Mechanical Disc
Steering: Electric Power Steering (EPS), Tilt steering
Front Brakes: Dual Disc, 2 piston caliper
Rear Brakes: Dual Disc, 1 piston caliper
Ground Clearance: 10.2 in
Fuel Capacity: 7.9 gal
Turning Radius: 16.0 ft
Cargo Bed Dimensions (LxWxH): 22.0x 53.7 x 11.0 in (6-person)
Cargo Bed Capacity: 350 lb (6-person)
Load Capacity: 1616 lb
Seating Capacity: 6 person (2 row)
Towing Capacity: 2000 lb
Lighting: (2) Halogen headlights, (2) Halogen tail/brake lights
Overall Length: 133.3 in
Overall Width: 64.0 in
Overall Height: 77.6 in
Curb Weight: 1911.7 lb**
Wheelbase: 92.3 in
Instruments: Multi-function display includes digital speedometer, fuel gauge, odometer, hour meter, clock, dual trip meters, 2WD/4WD indicator, water temperature warning indicator, oil pressure warning indicator, fuel injection warning indicator, CVT and EPS warning indicators, neutral, reverse and parking indicators, seatbelt reminder lamps
Wheel Type: Steel
Color Choices: Timberline Green, Bright White
Warranty: Kawasaki Strong 3-Year Limited Warranty
