Kawasaki Ridge UTV Review

Kawasaki Ridge UTV Review

Chassis & Cab:

The Kawasaki Ridge frame boasts a ladder-type construction and is crafted from high-quality steel square tubes. High-load areas, such as the suspension pivot points were also gusseted with high-strength material. The frame was designed to not only provided
durability but also allows just the right amount of chassis flex. 

This is also the first ever Kawasaki with a profiled Roll Over Protection System (ROPS). This “cage” was purpose-built with the cab integration in mind and enable to flush mount of windshield, doors and rear panels. We tried our best to flood the cockpit of the cab-equipped Ridge, but we only found a couple drops of West Virginian mud on the floorboards. 

2024 Kawasaki Ridge Tackles Mud

The cab features a roof, with an interior roof liner and dome light, as well as a fixed glass windshield, glass back panel, doors with power windows, windshield wiper with washer, rear view mirror and a full HVAC control (heat and AC). The HVAC’s functionality includes heating and air conditioning, adjustable fan strength and fresh and recirculated air with options for Defrost, Defrost + Floor, Floor, Floor + Dash and Dash. This setup is very well insulated and to our surprise, we used the air conditioning more than the heater. The heater took the chill out of the vehicle in the mornings and the AC would cool us down in the afternoons or when Sport Mode was engaged. Every once in a while we would crack the window, but most of the time the HVAC would keep us well regulated. 

The cab is incredibly quiet inside. Even while in motion, the cabbed-Ridge offers a serene and calm interior, thanks to its low noise and low vibration features. You’ll still hear the unique sound from the inline four-cylinder while in Sport Mode, but you could have a conversation with your passengers in Normal or Work Mode. 

Kawasaki Ridge UTV Review

Interior & Exterior:

We love the interior details of the Kawasaki Ridge. Like all Kawasaki’s, the Ridge offers high-grade fit and finish, including floor lighting, backlit switches, and decorative components, contribute to the premium car-like interior. The cockpit is spacious and well thought out. The high-backed bucket seats are soft and comfortable and all of the switches and controls are ergonomically friendly. The Lever-adjustable seats and tilted steering wheel provide flexibility for different size driver’s as well.

Both seats are lever-adjustable, with a superior total forward-rearward range of 5-inches, adjustable in ½ inch increments. The RIDGE XR steering wheel features a tilting function, allowing drivers to adjust its position according to their preference and lift it out of the way to facilitate entry and exit. The handgrips integrated into the ROPS frame contribute to passenger comfort, and each seating position is equipped with a three-point seat belt. Doors are a standard feature on all models and feature both internal and external handles, with a flat design on the inside to maximize passenger space.

Multiple storage and power options are available as well. The Ridge XR features a glovebox and a lid above the glovebox with 2 integrated USB ports. The left and right sides of the dashboard house two large cup holders designed to accommodate 30oz. cups with handles. For the Ridge XR and Ridge XR HVAC models the armrest console cover lifts to reveal a handy storage space, which fit a whole bunch of GoPro accessories a few waters and a hat, with two additional cup holders at the back. All HVAC models also come with a rear view mirror, which is definitely a plus. 

A large 7-inch high-grade full-color TFT LCD screen is integrated into the Ridge’s dashboard directly behind the steering wheel. AS long as you’re not 6’9″ or 4’2″ you can see everything on the dash in each of the seating positions. Multiple selectable display modes offer customizable information presentation. The high-grade instrumentation includes infotainment features, such as three selectable display modes (Digital, Analog, Simple) and screen background options (black or white). The brightness adjusts automatically based on available light, with manual adjustments available for driver preference. LCD bonding technology minimizes glare for high clarity. The screen displays various functions, including speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, gear indicator, Driving Mode, Power Mode, clock, CVT temperature, and more. Surrounding indicator lamps provide additional at-a-glance information. When linked to a smartphone via Bluetooth, the instrument display indicates calls and messages received.

This cockpit also features Bluetooth technology in the instrumentation, which allows wireless connectivity with the Kawasaki side x side. Using the free smartphone application RIDEOLOGY THE APP POWERSPORTS, drivers can access vehicle information, log GPS routes, adjust instrument display settings, communicate, and share profiles and trip logs with other users. Compatibility is limited to iOS-type smartphones. If that’s not enough navigation for you, Kawasaki is also offers the Garmin tread as well as Apple Car Play as part of their Kawasaki Genuine Accessories lineup. 

The Ridge exterior features painted fenders and all-LED lighting. The front headlights, equipped with line-type LED position lamps are complemented by a large aluminum Kawasaki emblem on the front grille, a light-looking steel front bumper, and LED accent lights on the bumper shrouds. There’s bright LED headlights (48.6 W / 22.2 W) with line-type LED position lights and an air-scoop built into the front hood. The automotive-style front grille, complemented by a large aluminum Kawasaki emblem and a black-painted steel front bumper, enhances the vehicle’ s tough looks. The bumper is matched by a high-quality black plastic cover, and the bumper shrouds with LED accent lights differentiate the RIDGE XR models, adding to their distinctive, sporty image. Painted fenders contribute to the car-quality fit and finish, and the front wheel wells beveled leading edge effectively deflects mud away from the body, ensuring cleanliness.

A comprehensive range of Kawasaki Genuine Accessories is available to enhance the overall experience with a total of 72 items to choose from. These accessories range include upgrades to comfort, convenience, cargo, protection, lighting, audio, mirrors, cameras and appearance. 

Kawasaki Ridge UTV Review

Cargo:

The cargo bed is massive! It measures 35 x 49 x 12.8-inches with a load capacity of 1,000 pounds. Its flat design facilitates loading from three sides, and in models without a full cab, the cargo bed can be accessed from the cabin. Four built-in hooks provide convenient tie-down points and the gas-assisted tilting cargo bed features tilting-release levers on both sides, allowing easy access to the engine. The bed uses a single-latch tailgate release system and there are built-in cup holders on the tailgate. The octagonal slots in the cargo bed walls accommodate the new-style optional KQR accessory mounts and rails as well. Towing capacity on the Ridge is a hefty 2500 pounds! Again, we didn’t get an opportunity to test the vehicle under load, but we’ll be able to do so in the near future.

There’s nearly a 13-gallon fuel tank that provides a generous range between fill-ups, minimizing interruptions during tasks or allowing extended adventures on the trail. Positioned well away from the wheels, the fuel tank is shielded from potential impacts by flying debris.

Routine maintenance is achieved with easily located oil and air filter locations; the oil filter is easily accessed by removing the fender panel forward of the rear wheel. The air filter on the Ridge XR is located under the center console. On the Ridge XR and Ridge XR HVAC models the filter is accessed by lifting the armrest console and on the Ridge XR Deluxe, the filter is accessed by lifting the passenger seat. We’ll have How To Maintenance Videos on the Ridge and other models on our YouTube channel. 

Kawasaki UTVs have not only been well-know for their easy maintenance duties, but Ridge lineup comes with a Kawasaki Strong 3-Year Limited Warranty. That’s a pretty impressive offering. 

Kawasaki Ridge UTV Review

Overall:

Overall, we came away from the Hatfield McCoy Trails with a solid impression of the new Kawasaki UTV. We’ve always been able to trust Kawasaki vehicles because of their commitment to quality. The fit and finish on the Ridge is flawless. Nothing rattles, the doors shut with ease, the cab is quiet and the HVAC is on point, the suspension is smooth and comfortable, the tires performed without failures, the brakes and engine braking are as good as any vehicle in its class and there is so much to take away from that new in-line cylinder powerplant.The $31,999 price tag is reasonable, considerable competitive enclosed UTV models are hitting the $50k range, plus the Ridge lineup comes stand with the Kawasaki Strong 3-Year Limited Warranty. We’re looking forward to getting to spend more time in the Ridge with and without the cab-enclosure. Stay tuned. 

Are you trying to decide between the Kawasaki Ridge vs Ridge XR? Here are the primary differences between the new Kawasaki UTV models.