3 Years with the Kawasaki Teryx: An Owner’s Review

I’ve had my Kawasaki Teryx side-by-side for three years now, and with just over 2,200 miles on the odometer, I’ve had enough time and experience to form a well-rounded opinion. Watch my full review here on Kings County Adventures.

Reliability & Maintenance

In terms of reliability, the Teryx has held up well. The only mechanical issue I’ve encountered was a leaking front differential pinion seal, which was fixed under warranty during the winter without any hassle. Routine maintenance is fairly simple. Oil and filter changes are accessible through a small underbody panel, and servicing the differentials is straightforward, though the front diff can be awkward to reach.

Ride & Performance

The Teryx delivers a comfortable ride and solid off-road capability. The 4WD system performs reliably, and the machine feels stable on uneven terrain. Fuel efficiency is reasonable at around 124 miles (200 km) per tank. One limitation is noise—it's quite loud inside the cab, which makes it difficult to have a conversation while driving. Some engine heat does make its way into the cabin, but it’s manageable, especially with the windshield flipped up for airflow.

Modifications & Use

I’ve added a few custom features: a rear rack for a spare tire, mounts for a GPS and tablet, turn signals, a horn, mirrors, and a USB port. These have improved usability, especially when riding longer distances or on-road sections.

The machine has decent built-in storage, and I’ve taken steps to secure the side panels, which tend to loosen over time due to their clip-in design. A simple wire tether helps prevent losing them on the trail.

Conclusion

The Teryx isn’t perfect, but it’s been dependable. If you’re looking for a side-by-side that can handle regular use with minimal trouble, it’s worth considering. Just be aware of the noise and a few design quirks.

This article was co-written using AI and was then heavily edited and optimized by our editorial team.

TRANSCRIPT

Hey, thanks for clicking on the video today.

I can’t believe it—this machine is now three years old, almost to the day. It’s mid-June 2025, and I’ve had it for three years now. Today, I want to talk about what I think of it after all this time.

Overall, it’s a pretty darn good machine. I’ve only had one issue with it so far: the front differential pinion seal started leaking last year. I took it in for service during the winter. The folks at the dealership replaced the seal in no time. It was under warranty, so there was no charge—quick and easy.

Things I Like

Ride Quality:

The ride is excellent. It's smooth, comfortable, and offers great visibility—you sit higher than in some other machines, which helps a lot.

Four-Wheel Drive System:

The 4WD works really well. The front differential locks in and out as needed. Occasionally, the dash indicator won’t switch between 2WD and 4WD properly. When that happens, I just stop, turn the machine off, then back on to reset it. Not a big deal.

Custom Rack & Mods:

I built a custom rack on the back to carry a spare tire. I made a video about that, which I’ll link in the comments below.

I also installed:

• A tablet bracket for navigation
• A GPS mount behind the steering wheel
• Front windshield and mirrors on both sides
• Turn signals and a horn, which work great for street driving
• A bar light below the grill
• A USB plug for charging devices

Durability:

I’ve put this machine through some tough terrain—up, down, sideways—and it just holds its ground. It’s very stable and confident off-road.

Fuel Efficiency:

I get around 200 km on a full tank, which lasts all day. That’s pretty darn good.

Maintenance:

Very manageable. You just lift the machine slightly to change the oil and filter. There’s a small access panel under the body with four screws—it gives access to the oil filter.

Changing the front and rear differential fluids is straightforward, though the front one is a little awkward—you’ll need a long funnel to reach it.

Storage:

There’s a large storage compartment on each side—about 18 inches deep. Tons of space, and I really like that feature.

Issues & Gripes

Noise:

This is the biggest downside. When you’re driving, it’s loud. If you have a passenger, it’s almost impossible to have a conversation. That’s probably my biggest complaint.

Poor Panel Design:

The side panels on the two-seater can fall off easily. They’re held in place by small grommets and clips, which don’t hold up well. I’ve seen these panels laying on the trail before.

To fix this, I drilled a small hole and attached a galvanized wire tether to keep the panel from getting lost. It works, but Kawasaki really should have designed this better.

Minor Damage:

I'm not very tall, and when I used to wash the windshield, I’d step on the center hub cover of the tire. I did that one too many times, and eventually, the cover broke. They’re pricey, so I haven’t replaced it yet.

Heat:

You do get a bit of engine heat in the cab, but it’s not a big deal. Just flip the windshield up while driving, and airflow takes care of it.

Belt Chirping (One Time):

On a trip to Newfoundland, I was pushing it hard—going at high speed for about 30 minutes. When we stopped to turn, I heard a couple of chirps from the belt. I put it in low range, and it was fine after that. It only happened once.

Final Thoughts

Would I buy another one?

Absolutely. Despite the noise and a couple of design flaws, it’s a solid, dependable machine that performs well and comes at a good price. You turn the key, and it goes. You hit a mud hole, engage 4WD and diff lock, and it pulls through.

Thanks for watching. If you’re considering buying one, my opinion is: go for it. It’s a decent, reliable machine.