We were invited out to beautiful, snow-covered Montana to test drive the all-new 2025 Kawasaki RIDGE CREW—and the setting couldn’t have been more perfect. Nestled in the stunning terrain of The Ranch at Rock Creek, with fresh snow blanketing the trails and a chill in the air, this winter wonderland provided the ideal proving ground for Kawasaki’s latest high-performance utility side x side. With frigid temperatures and rugged mountain terrain, we had the ultimate environment to put the RIDGE’s full-cab HVAC system, advanced tech, and trail capability to the test—and it didn’t disappoint. Here’s our Kawasaki Ridge Crew Review.
Kawasaki Ridge Crew Review
RIDGE CREW VS RIDGE CREW XR
Our Kawasaki Ridge Crew Review is based off of the 2025 Kawasaki RIDGE CREW XR LIMITED HVAC model ($38,099). The 2025 Kawasaki RIDGE CREW (Starting at $30,999) and RIDGE CREW XR (Starting at $33,099) share a similar foundation, but the XR trim offers several upgrades aimed at performance and comfort. Both models feature the same 999cc inline-four engine, but the Ridge Crew XR is tuned to deliver 116 hp compared to the 92 hp of the standard Ridge Crew as well as a torque increase from 65.6 lb-ft to 73.8 lb-ft, giving the XR a noticeable power advantage for tackling more rugged terrain or heavy-duty tasks. The XR also comes with larger 30-inch tires mounted on 14-inch wheels, providing better ground clearance and improved off-road capability compared to the 27-inch tires of the Ridge Crew. Additionally, while both models feature long-travel double wishbone suspension, the Ridge Crew XR offers higher ground clearance.
Another key distinction is in the drivetrain. While the Ridge Crew offers selectable 4WD with rear differential lock, the Ridge Crew XR takes it a step further with front and rear differential locks. The XR also adds several premium features, such as bucket seat upgrades, Garmin Tread GPS system with group ride radio, a WARN VRX 45-S winch, front and rearview cameras, and a high-quality 8-speaker audio system, all of which contribute to a more refined, off-road-focused experience. As expected, the Ridge Crew XR comes at a higher price point due to these added features and capabilities, making it the better option for those looking for more horsepower, off-road performance, and premium amenities. The Ridge Crew starts at $30,999 and the Crew XR starts at $33,999 and goes up to the $38,099 Ridge Crew XR Limited.
Kawasaki Ridge Crew Review
FEATURES GALORE
Lets start our Kawasaki Ridge Crew Review off with features. It comes standard with a big list of premium features designed for both performance and comfort. At its core is a Kawasaki-built 999cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke in-line 4-cylinder engine paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and selectable power modes for a responsive, customizable ride. Its long-travel double wishbone suspension, high ground clearance, and 30-inch tires mounted on 14-inch aluminum wheels ensure capability across a range of terrain. The vehicle also features on-the-fly electrically selectable 4WD with front and rear differential lock for enhanced traction. Inside, the roomy, automotive-inspired interior includes adjustable driver and front passenger seats, a full cab with HVAC for all-season comfort, and 7-inch full-color TFT instrumentation with smartphone connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP POWERSPORTS. Additional highlights include all-LED exterior lighting with accent lights, a 1,000 lb. capacity tilting cargo bed with a detachable tailgate, and Kawasaki’s STRONG three-year limited warranty for added peace of mind.
The 2025 Kawasaki RIDGE XR CREW Limited HVAC we tested comes equipped with a ton of extras including front and rear differential lock for optimal control in varying terrain. Visibility is enhanced with LED headlights, line-type LED position lights, and stylish accent lighting. The cabin features contoured and adjustable front seats along with a 3-passenger contoured rear bench for maximum comfort. A WARN VRX 45-S Powersport Winch adds utility, while the 8-inch Garmin Tread off-road navigation system with group ride radio ensures you’re always connected and on course. The immersive audio system features eight speakers, and front and rearview cameras offer added safety and convenience. Finishing touches like the painted steel rear bumper and LIMITED 3D emblem give the vehicle a refined, high-end look.
Kawasaki Ridge Crew Review
FACTORY-INSTALLED CAB & HVAC SYSTEM
The 2025 RIDGE XR CREW Limited HVAC features an all-new factory-installed cab and HVAC system—marking a major milestone as Kawasaki’s first-ever side x side to roll straight off the assembly line with a fully enclosed cab and climate control. No more aftermarket installs or third-party add-ons—this is a turnkey solution designed and engineered by Kawasaki from the ground up. The full cab provides exceptional fit and finish, with tight seals that keep the elements out and comfort in. Whether you’re blasting through snow or tackling trails in the heat, the integrated heating and air conditioning system keeps the cabin comfortable year-round. The HVAC controls are intuitive and easy to reach, and with adjustable front vents and defrost functionality, it’s clear Kawasaki designed this with real-world utility and rider comfort in mind. We loved that we didn’t have to overdress while driving the enclosed RIDGE CREW wearing jeans and sweatshirt and simply adjusting the HVAC controls as the temperature changed throughout the day. The blower motor was strengthened from the 2-seat RIDGE model and easily reached the occupants in the backseats. Warm or cool air flows under the front seats and straight into the foot area for the rear passengers.
Adding to the all-weather capability of the cab, the RIDGE XR CREW Limited HVAC comes equipped with windshield wipers featuring washer functions—an essential for visibility in snow, rain, or mud. The controls are conveniently located on the dash and offer multiple speed settings, allowing you to easily clear the windshield without taking your eyes off the trail. It’s another thoughtful touch that shows Kawasaki built this machine with serious, year-round use in mind. The windshield wiper system worked great even when the snow was coming down and when we were getting too close to the car in front of us.
Kawasaki Ridge Crew Review
POWER & PERFORMANCE
The 2025 Kawasaki RIDGE XR CREW Limited HVAC is powered by a robust 999cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke in-line 4-cylinder engine producing 116 hp and is mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and an on-the-fly electrically selectable 2WD/4WD system. The XR model also features both front and rear differential lock. Each Ridge Crew also comes equipped with three distinct power modes—Work, Normal, and Sport—to provide tailored performance for different driving scenarios. The Work Mode optimizes the engine for maximum efficiency and control, making it perfect for heavy-duty tasks like towing or hauling. The Normal Mode offers a balanced combination of power and fuel economy, making it ideal for everyday driving across varied terrain. Meanwhile, the Sport Mode unleashes the full potential of the engine, providing maximum power for aggressive driving and high-performance trail riding.
We were thoroughly impressed by the performance of the 2025 Kawasaki RIDGE XR CREW Limited HVAC. The 116 hp from the 999cc 4-cylinder engine provided more than enough power to take on any trail or obstacle we encountered, and the smooth grunt of the engine had a satisfying, yet not overly loud, tone that resonated through the cabin. We appreciated that the noise in the cockpit was much quieter compared to the two-seat Ridge, likely due to the motor being positioned further back in the larger, longer model. This made for a more pleasant ride without the harsh engine noise, which was especially noticeable on longer drives.
Despite the snowy conditions with 6-8 inches of snow on the trail, the RIDGE XR CREW had no trouble navigating through it, proving its capability in winter terrain. We had a blast experimenting with the different power modes—Sport, Normal, and Work. While we preferred the raw power and responsiveness of Sport Mode for aggressive trail riding, we found the Work Mode to be extremely useful for tasks that required a smoother, more controlled power band. It made tasks like backing up to a trailer or cruising slowly around the Montana property feel effortless, further showcasing the versatility of this large UTV. Whether tackling obstacles or cruising, the RIDGE XR CREW delivered a performance that balanced power, control, and comfort with ease.
Kawasaki Ridge Crew Review
SUSPENSION & COMFORT
The 2025 Kawasaki RIDGE XR CREW Limited HVAC offers a smooth and comfortable ride, thanks to its well-engineered suspension and thoughtful design. With its long-travel double wishbone suspension and high ground clearance, this large UTV is built to absorb the bumps and dips typically encountered on rugged trails. The 30-inch tirespaired with 14-inch aluminum wheels further enhance its ability to glide over obstacles, providing a stable and controlled ride, even in challenging conditions.
The vehicle’s overall dimensions give it a commanding presence on the trail, with ample room inside the cabin for both passengers and gear. While the snow-covered trails we tested on were well-smoothed, providing a bit of natural cushioning, we found the ride to be impressively smooth and comfortable. The extra suspension travel and ground clearance made it easy to tackle uneven terrain without feeling jostled around in the cabin. However, we plan to conduct a more thorough long-term test later in the year, which will allow us to evaluate its performance on more varied trail surfaces.
Overall, we were pleased with the comfort during our Kawasaki Ridge Crew Review. Despite its size, the vehicle handles well, with a suspension system that ensures a smooth ride for both driver and passengers. Whether you’re cruising through snowy trails or tackling more technical off-road paths, the RIDGE XR CREW provides a comfortable experience that makes extended rides enjoyable and less fatiguing.
Kawasaki Ridge Crew Review
CARGO & TOWING
The 2025 Kawasaki RIDGE XR CREW Limited HVAC excels in utility, offering impressive cargo capacity and towing capabilities that make it perfect for both work and recreation. The vehicle features a 1,000 lb. capacity tilting cargo bed, which provides ample space for carrying gear, tools, or supplies. The bed’s durable design, combined with a detachable tailgate, allows for easy loading and unloading, making it a versatile solution for transporting items of various sizes. Whether you’re hauling firewood, camping equipment, or heavy-duty tools, the RIDGE XR CREW ensures your cargo stays secure, even on rough trails.
In addition to its substantial cargo bed, the RIDGE XR CREW offers impressive towing capacity of up to 2,500 lbs. This makes it a great choice for hauling trailers, boats, or other heavy loads. The Selectable 4WD, along with the front and rear differential locks, enhances the vehicle’s towing performance by providing maximum traction, ensuring you can confidently tow even in challenging terrain, such as mud, snow, or steep inclines.
With a combination of a large, functional cargo bed and robust towing capabilities, the RIDGE XR CREW Limited HVAC is not just a vehicle for adventure, but a serious workhorse as well, ready to tackle both off-road challenges and heavy-duty hauling tasks with ease.
Kawasaki Ridge Crew Review
INTERIOR FEATURES
The 2025 Kawasaki RIDGE XR CREW Limited HVAC is equipped with a range of practical features for both comfort and functionality. The spacious interior accommodates up to five passengers, with contoured front seats that are fully adjustable and a 3-passenger contoured rear bench seat. The cabin is designed with durable materials and an automotive-inspired fit and finish, ensuring both resilience and a clean, functional layout. The switches are backlit, there’s floor lighting and the steering wheel features a nice steering column cover and 24.4-degrees of stepless adjustability.
For storage, the vehicle includes a glove compartment for smaller items, a center console for additional storage, and a rear cargo bed with a 1,000 lb. capacity to carry tools, gear, or other supplies. It also features cup holders and USB ports for added convenience. The vehicle’s 7-inch full-color TFT instrumentation display provides essential data, while the Garmin Tread® off-road navigation system with group ride radio ensures you stay on track, even in remote areas, providing GPS navigation, mapping, and communication for group rides. This combination of comfort, storage, and advanced tech makes the RIDGE XR CREW Limited HVAC a well-equipped vehicle for a variety of off-road tasks.
Kawasaki Ridge Crew Review
MAINTENANCE
The 2025 Kawasaki RIDGE XR CREW Limited HVAC is designed with ease of maintenance in mind, ensuring that routine upkeep is simple and convenient. Key components such as the air cleaner, battery, oil filter, and dipstick are all easily accessible, making maintenance tasks straightforward and less time-consuming. The air filter is designed for durability and requires cleaning and inspection only every 200 hours or 2,500 miles, and it uses the same filter as the Teryx KRX 1000, making it easy to find replacements.
The first oil change is recommended at 50 hours or 600 miles, after which regular oil changes should be performed every 100 hours or 1,200 miles. The oil filter is the same as the one used in the KRX, MULE, Teryx, and Brute Force 750, allowing for easy cross-compatibility when sourcing parts. These thoughtful design choices ensure that maintaining the RIDGE XR CREW is both efficient and affordable, with components that are easy to access and replace, keeping your vehicle running smoothly for years to come. Speaking of years, Kawasaki is the only UTV manufacturer to offer a 3-year warranty on their vehicles.
Kawasaki Ridge Crew Review
CONCLUSION
Concluding our Kawasaki Ridge Crew Review, the 2025 Kawasaki RIDGE XR CREW Limited HVAC is a standout vehicle that combines power, versatility, and comfort into a highly capable off-road machine. From its robust 116 hp engine and customizable power modes to its smooth, quiet ride and advanced suspension, the RIDGE XR CREW impresses in every aspect. Whether you’re hauling cargo, towing trailers, or navigating snowy trails, this UTV has the performance and features to get the job done with ease.
Its spacious, well-appointed interior provides comfort for up to five passengers, while the factory-installed HVAC system ensures that you can enjoy year-round off-roading in all kinds of weather. With thoughtful design elements like easy access to maintenance components and a Garmin Tread off-road navigation system, the RIDGE XR CREW proves to be a user-friendly and reliable choice for both work and play. While our initial test in snowy conditions left us impressed with the vehicle’s handling and comfort, we look forward to conducting more extensive long-term testing to fully assess its capabilities on diverse trails.
All in all, the 2025 Kawasaki RIDGE XR CREW Limited HVAC is a powerful, capable, and comfortable UTV that is ready for anything you throw at it—whether you’re working hard or having fun.
Kawasaki Ridge Crew Review
KAWASAKI RIDGE CREW XR LIMITED SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE & PERFORMANCE
Engine: 999cc, 4-stroke, DOHC, in-line four-cylinder, liquid-cooled
Maximum Horsepower: 116.0 hp at 8,500 rpm
Maximum Torque: 73.8 lb-ft at 8,000 rpm
Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with high, low, neutral, and reverse
Final Drive: Selectable 4WD with locking front and rear differentials, shaft drive
Engine Braking: Yes
Alternator Output: 85 amp
Electronic Rider Aids: Power Modes, Economical Riding Indicator
CHASSIS & SUSPENSION
Front Suspension / Wheel Travel: Long-travel, double wishbone with 12.7 inches of travel
Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel: Long-travel, double wishbone with 12.7 inches of travel
Front Tires: Sun F 30 x 10-14
Rear Tires: Sun F 30 x 10-14
Wheel Type: 14-inch aluminum
Steering: Rack-and-pinion with Electric Power Steering (EPS)
Front Brakes: Dual hydraulic 249mm discs with two-piston calipers
Rear Brakes: Dual hydraulic 249mm discs with single-piston calipers
Ground Clearance: 13.4 inches (14.6 inches at max preload); 13.4 inches for California model
Turning Radius: 19.0 feet
DIMENSIONS & CAPACITIES
Overall Length: 161.1 inches
Overall Width: 64.0 inches
Overall Height: 82.3 inches
Wheelbase: 122.2 inches
Curb Weight: 2,624.0 lbs (2,626.2 lbs for California model)
Fuel Capacity: 12.9 gallons
Cargo Bed Dimensions (LxWxH): 34.6 x 49.0 x 12.8 inches
Cargo Bed Load Capacity: 1,000 lbs (600 lbs for California model)
Payload Capacity: 1,290 lbs (1,076 lbs for California model)
Towing Capacity: 2,500 lbs
Seating Capacity: 5-person (2-row) bench seats
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Lighting: All-LED lighting
Instruments: Digital speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, odometer, dual trip meters, total time, trip time, average speed, gear indicator, Driving Mode, Power Mode, clock, water temperature, battery voltage, oil change reminder, Economical Riding Indicator, maintenance reminder, high beam, neutral, reverse, and various warning lights
Other Features: 8″ Garmin Tread®, WARN® VRX 45-S Powersport Winch, Full Cab with HVAC, adjustable driver and passenger seats, ERGO-FIT®, full-color TFT instrumentation with smartphone connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP Powersports, USB ports, KQR™ system compatibility
Color Choices: Metallic Bluish Gray
Warranty: Kawasaki STRONG 3-Year Limited Warranty
