For 2026, Kawasaki is rolling out not one, but three supercharged H2 models: the four-seat Teryx4 H2 ($37,199), the upgraded Teryx4 H2 Deluxe eS ($43,199), and the flagship five-seat Teryx5 H2 Deluxe eS ($43,699). For this 2026 Kawasaki Teryx4 H2 Review, we focused on the five-passenger version, taking it to the Fox Shox Testing Facility in Imperial, California — a brutal stretch of desert used by top UTV manufacturers, automakers, and trophy truck race teams for tire, suspension, and durability testing thanks to its notoriously treacherous terrain.
For our 2026 Kawasaki Teryx5 H2 Review we spent the entire 60-mile test loop in temperatures exceeding 110 degrees, making it an ideal scenario to evaluate not just handling and comfort, but also how Kawasaki’s new supercharged powerplant and CVT transmission perform under extreme heat.
2026 Kawasaki Teryx5 H2 Review
First Impressions & Design
From the moment it rolls off the trailer, the 2026 Kawasaki Teryx 5 H2 Deluxe makes its intentions clear. This isn’t just another big UTV — it’s a low, wide, aggressively styled machine built to turn heads before it even turns a wheel. Kawasaki’s signature two-tone finish is complemented by sharp LED lighting, exposed suspension components, and a stance that looks ready to charge down the most punishing desert trails.
In our opinion, it’s the best-looking Kawasaki sport UTV to date. Seeing it up close for the first time, the build quality stands out from front to rear. The boxed control arms and massive 3-inch shocks at all four corners give it a serious performance vibe, while the solid automotive-style doors — complete with integrated speakers and beautiful new bucket seats up front with a three-seat bench/bucket setup in the rear featuring new 4-point retractable harnesses— add a premium touch.
Inside, the cabin feels clean and refined, with technology integrated seamlessly. A standout is the awesome 10-inch Garmin Tread infotainment unit, which provides navigation, vehicle data, group ride tracking, and audio control all in one sleek interface. Updated displays are crisp and easy to read, while dedicated switches for power modes and gear selections sit neatly within reach. The beautifully crafted D-ring steering wheel incorporates Live Valve shock adjustment controls, and the passenger grab handle features a quick and secure adjuster that feels robust and well-engineered. There’s also a good amount of storage, cup holders, and an abundance of power ports, making the cabin practical as well as premium.
2026 Kawasaki Teryx5 H2 Review
Powertrain & Performance
The 2026 Kawasaki Teryx5 H2 Deluxe is powered by a 999cc supercharged inline-four that produces 250 horsepower. This engine features the industry’s first supercharger in a UTV, developed 100% in-house at Kawasaki, and boasts a 9,500 RPM rev limit with peak power arriving at 9,000 RPM. The engine and supercharger were developed simultaneously, ensuring perfectly matched performance, smooth power delivery, and high-rev reliability. Kawasaki also equipped the H2 with tandem radiators up front and an 18-row oil cooler located in front of the motor, providing extremely high cooling capacity for the high-output engine. Even in the 110-degree heat of our test loop, the engine ran at optimal temperatures, typically between 182–190 degrees, ensuring consistent performance throughout the ride. The result is not just impressive numbers on paper — it’s an engine designed for high-performance reliability and instant throttle response, whether you’re powering through desert straights or technical trails.
From the moment you start it, the Teryx H2 announces itself in a way unlike anything else in the UTV space. Rev it, and the engine growls and chirps, sounding eager and ready to hammer down. Inside the cockpit, it’s surprisingly composed — loud enough to excite, but not so overwhelming that it interferes with conversation with a front passenger.
The CVT transmission is similar to the one Kawasaki uses on the Teryx KRX, but engineers made several key improvements for the H2. Airflow through the CVT duct and inside the case has been optimized, resulting in twice the cooling air volume compared to the KRX. The belt thickness has been increased from 16.4mm to 17.6mm, while an idle collar on the primary clutch eliminates belt flutter and reduces slack, resulting in strong, consistent acceleration. A CVT thermal sensor monitors belt temperature and reports it to the digital dash. The gauge itself resembles a gas gauge — the lower half is white and transitions to red as the belt heats up. It begins flashing at 170 degrees ambient temperature. In our test, the belt consistently stayed in the lower part of the red range, only flashing during abrupt stops after long stretches through deep sand washes. While we appreciate Kawasaki adding the temp gauge, we would prefer to see a proper readout of the belt temperature on the gauge and not an ambient temperature of the CVT case. We will add this and provide more belt testing information in the coming weeks.
Kawasaki’s selectable power modes — Full, Mid, and Low — allow you to dial in the response to match trail conditions, load, or personal preference. Full mode is exactly that — 100% full-go performance. Mid (medium) mode, which is the default, is tuned at 80% power, a noticeable reduction that’s ideal for tighter, more technical trails or for cruising and taking in the scenery. This mode is also excellent for newer drivers looking to develop their skills. Low mode reduces output to 60%, designed for steep hills, descents, and rock-crawling situations. During our short test loop, we didn’t encounter a situation that required Low mode, but we plan to explore it further in the coming weeks.
We did however get a general idea on fuel mileage and range. Over our 54-mile test session, which was primarily ran in Full power mode, we burnt up approximately 8 gallons of fuel. That’s 6.75 miles per gallon and with a 14.5 gallon tank fuel range is just south of 98 miles on a tank. Not bad, but we’re sure the aftermarket will have an auxiliary fuel tank in the near future.
Even under extreme conditions — we tested in temperatures exceeding 110 degrees — the supercharged powerplant and CVT performed flawlessly. There was no noticeable drop in performance, and heat management appeared well-handled, keeping both engine and cabin comfortable during the full 60-mile test loop.
The on-demand 2WD/4WD system with front differential lock provided added versatility on tricky terrain. Engagement is smooth, and traction remained solid even in loose or rocky sections, making the Teryx H2 feel confident across a variety of surfaces.
On the trail, the Teryx5 H2 is incredibly smooth and deceptively quick. Mash the throttle, and it feels like you’re on a runway, with the sensation of your plane taking flight. The power delivery is linear and predictable, providing a sense of control and comfort even when pushing hard, yet glance down at the tach and you’re hitting 9,000 RPMs, with the speedometer flickering at 99 mph — begging for the speed limiter to be removed. It’s a unique combination of refinement and raw capability, giving both confidence in technical sections and an exhilarating rush on open desert trails.
2026 Kawasaki Teryx5 H2 Review
Ride & Handling
The 2026 Kawasaki Teryx5 H2 Deluxe pairs its impressive 126-inch wheelbase and wide track stance with beefy “boxed” A-arms up front and equally robust 4-link trailing arms in the rear, giving the chassis a planted and confidence-inspiring feel. The tie-rods and ball joints are scaled appropriately for the size and power of the vehicle, while the rear radius rods look like they could have come straight from the aftermarket. In fact, there’s not a single component on this machine that suggests it’ll need immediate aftermarket upgrades.
Even the 33-inch Maxxis tires are well-matched to the H2, providing ample grip and durability for factory-ready desert thrashing. While the vehicle can accommodate 35- or even 37-inch tires for future upgrades, it’s fully capable and balanced straight out of the factory. This setup gives the Teryx H2 a ready-to-race, ready-to-play feel right from the first trail.
All three models of the Teryx H2 ride on FOX 3.0 Internal Bypass shocks at all four corners, delivering 23.2 inches of front suspension travel and 24.0 inches in the rear. The base Teryx4 H2 is the only UTV currently on the market offering FOX 3.0 shocks on a non-electronic suspension, providing impressive performance straight out of the box. Both of the Deluxe eS models, including the Teryx5 H2 Deluxe we tested, feature the FOX Live Valve electronic suspension, which actively adjusts damping in real-time to optimize comfort and control based on terrain and driver input.
The Live Valve shocks, adjustable via the soft, normal, and firm modes on the left side of the steering wheel, are on-the-fly adjustable. They make compression damping changes in milliseconds, with fully adjustable spring preload. Each mode is position-sensitive, adjusting the ride zone, bump zone, and catch zone to tailor the vehicle’s response depending on trail conditions. While we’ll provide more detailed impressions as we spend additional time with the H2, one thing to note is that these shocks are similar to those found on the Can-Am Maverick R Max and Polaris RZR Pro S and R models. Each system was developed through FOX with specific adjustments from the manufacturers to better represent the handling and feel intended for their respective vehicles.
Steering on the new Teryx H2 is smooth and precise, offering excellent feedback across a variety of terrains. The steering wheel itself features 43 degrees of stemless adjustability, giving drivers plenty of range to find a comfortable position. Steering is also significantly quicker than the KRX — 1.5 times faster, with the wheels reaching full lock in less than one rotation of the wheel.
Kawasaki’s Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system continues to impress. While non-adjustable like similar models, it strikes a comfortable balance by providing increased assistance at low speeds and reducing assistance at higher speeds. The electric motor also acts as a dampening system, reducing kickback from shocks and impacts, which improves driver control and comfort during aggressive trail driving.
With 16.5 inches of ground clearance and over 23 inches of suspension travel at each end, the Teryx H2 soaks up ruts, rocks, and uneven terrain with composure. Steering is precise with solid feedback, and body roll remains minimal, even during quick transitions.
2026 Kawasaki Teryx5 H2 Review
Braking & Tires
Kawasaki made an excellent choice with the tire and wheel setup on the Teryx5 H2 Deluxe. The 33-inch Maxxis Carnivore Plus tires are mounted on 16-inch aluminum beadlock wheels with a 5-lug, 5×4.5 bolt pattern. The upgraded 5-lug pattern makes sense given the increased size and speed of the new H2, offering added strength and durability.
We’ve long been fans of the Carnivore’s handling and lug durability, but with the larger, faster H2, there were initial concerns about sidewall strength. The new “Plus-Rated” Carnivores address this perfectly, with extra rubber in critical areas to handle higher speeds and harsher terrain. On our test loop, which included treacherous, rocky trails and a dozen vehicles, the tires performed flawlessly. The tire and wheel setup feels dialed-in to match the Teryx’s power and suspension capabilities.
We ran the manufacturer-recommended pressures of 15 psi front and 18 psi rear and found a good balance of comfort and durability. On longer rides, we typically air up to 20 psi for additional safety, but this first test with the Plus tires was a positive experience. As we continue to spend time with the H2, we’ll report back on tire longevity, preferred pressures, and overall performance.
A big, fast UTV needs adequate brakes, and this is another area where the Teryx5 H2 excels. All four corners utilize 270mm discs that are 7.5mm thick. The front calipers feature a 34-38-34mm triple-piston setup, while the rear uses a 38mm dual-piston setup. The rear brake engages first, then the front, providing a linear brake feel and precision braking control. This design reduces front-end dive and improves stability under hard braking, giving the driver confidence when stopping from high speeds or navigating technical terrain. We’ve always been a fan of the Kawasaki’s brake setup on their KRX models and it’s no different with the H2. We felt in control at all times through the quick and technical trails and even hitting speeds in the 90+ range the vehicle came to a halt smooth and precise.
2026 Kawasaki Teryx5 H2 Review
Interior & Technology
As mentioned previously, the interior of the Teryx5 H2 Deluxe eS feels like that of a high-end performance vehicle. It was designed with leg, knee, and shoulder room in mind, accommodating up to five passengers — the first of its kind in the performance UTV market.
The doors are among the best in the segment, featuring both interior and exterior handles for ease of entry and exit. The inner door panels are concave to maximize interior space, and the integrated door speakers are seamless and clean, complementing the upscale feel.
The front bucket seats are robust, incredibly comfortable, and paired with 4-point retractable harnesses, which we found to be the most comfortable in any UTV we’ve tested. The rear bench seats are designed with a stadium-style layout: they sit 15mm higher than the front for improved visibility, and the center seat is positioned 2 inches forward and 1 inch higher so the occupant doesn’t rub shoulders with the others, enhancing comfort and practicality for all passengers.
The front seats feature 6 inches of front-to-back adjustability in 1/2-inch increments. Combined with the 43-degree tilt steering adjustability, this ensures that both a 5-foot driver and a 6’5” driver can find a comfortable driving position without compromise.
All three H2 models come standard with a full-color 7-inch TFT display, while the two Deluxe eS models add a 10-inch Garmin Tread infotainment touchscreen. The TFT display provides extensive on-screen information, including speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, gear indicator, drive mode, power mode, suspension mode, clock, CVT temperature, boost pressure, maintenance reminders, and an economical riding indicator. Additional off-screen indicators include neutral, reverse, high-beam headlights, battery, EPS, CVT, seatbelt, parking brake, oil temperature, engine temperature, and check engine lights.
The 10-inch Garmin Tread offers a full touchscreen experience with two display options: one showing vehicle speed, RPM, and other driving info, and the other showing tilt, roll, engine temperature, and related metrics. The Map/GPS mode displays current location, trails, vehicle speed, direction, elevation, and more, while the audio screen allows control of songs, play/pause, and volume. Audio on the Deluxe eS comes via four 6.5-inch speakers(one in each door), two front tweeters in the dash, and two rear tweeters integrated into the doors, with an optional subwoofer under the glovebox. Audio can be controlled via the Garmin touchscreen or through controls on the right side of the steering wheel, with functions for track forward, track backward, play/pause, and volume. Having used Garmin Tread devices for years in testing, pre-running, and racing in both the US and Mexico, we can attest that the system is well-designed, reliable, and user-friendly.
Storage on the 2026 Teryx5 H2 Deluxe eS is more than adequate. There’s a dashboard cubby, a decent-sized locking glovebox, a cubby with two cupholders in front of the shift gate, larger cupholders on both sides of the dash, and three cupholders in the backseat. The vehicle also features multiple USB-C ports and standard 10A/120W power plugs located throughout, providing plenty of options for charging and device connectivity on long rides.
2026 Kawasaki Teryx5 H2 Review
Ride Experience Highlights
We were more than impressed with our First Drive in the new 2026 Kawasaki Teryx5 H2 Deluxe eS. We began the 2026 Kawasaki Teryx4 H2 Review in Normal power drive mode and Soft settings on the Fox Live Valve shocks to get acclimated with the vehicle, and we were all smiles out of the gate. We immediately knew the comfort and performance of the vehicle were going to lead to a great day on the trail.
The supercharged power delivery is smooth and deceptively quick, and the clutch tuning was spot-on from Kawasaki. We quickly flipped the switch to Full Go mode, which requires you to back off the throttle and be under 50 mph, and we let her eat!
On the trail, the Teryx 5 H2 Deluxe strikes a rare balance between raw performance and approachable handling. Power delivery is smooth, the chassis feels composed, and the suspension adapts seamlessly to changing conditions. Soft mode suspension soaks up smaller bumps without feeling disconnected, while Firm mode keeps the machine sharp and controlled during high-speed runs. Normal mode was a nice balance.
We adjusted the shocks from Soft to Normal, and started experimenting with Firm mode as we found ourselves in larger trophy truck whoops near the Fox testing facility. The vehicle handled everything with comfort and control, and we were excited that Kawasaki finally has a high-performance UTV we can start comparing with the leaders of the pack.
We have another 100 mph vehicle in the field, and it has the power, performance, suspension, comfort, and quality to make itself a contender in our upcoming high-performance UTV shootout. Our 60-mile test session was not enough to tell you this is the new king of the desert, but it was enough to tell us that the other OEMs should be worried.
2026 Kawasaki Teryx5 H2 Review
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Kawasaki Teryx5 H2 Deluxe eS isn’t just another horsepower-chasing side-by-side — it’s a complete, well-rounded package. While its 250-horsepower supercharged engine delivers serious speed and exhilarating acceleration, the Teryx5 H2 also provides stability, control, and comfort that make it a versatile machine for a wide range of riders. From technical trails to fast desert stretches, the combination of FOX Live Valve shocks, 126-inch wheelbase, and precise steering ensures a confidence-inspiring ride for both drivers and passengers.
The interior and technology are equally impressive. With five-passenger seating, stadium-style rear benches, 4-point harnesses, and a 10-inch Garmin Tread infotainment system, the cockpit balances luxury and practicality. The full suite of storage options, cupholders, and multiple power ports makes it a vehicle you can rely on for longer rides and extended adventures.
Kawasaki has also engineered the CVT and cooling systems for extreme conditions, with tandem radiators, an 18-row oil cooler, and a thermally monitored CVT that performed flawlessly even in 110+ degree heat. The power modesallow drivers to tailor performance to terrain or skill level, making the H2 suitable for both experienced high-speed riders and new drivers developing skills.
At an MSRP of $43,699, it’s not inexpensive, but after our first 60-mile drive, the performance, refinement, and build quality make it feel worth every dollar. The Teryx5 H2 Deluxe eS represents Kawasaki’s return to the high-performance UTV segment with a vehicle that combines power, technology, comfort, and versatility in one impressive package — a true contender for riders who demand more than just speed.
