Kawasaki’s RIDGE UTV Is Ready to Party...And Put in the Work

Kawasaki introduced the RIDGE earlier this year to an eager audience, wondering what the Japanese OEM had up its sleeve. Patent filings complete with prototype sketches were analyzed by the media, speculating that this might be a new sport focused UTV from Team Green. Instead, what Kawasaki unveiled was the first enclosed cap, Heated/HVAC machine made by someone other than Can-Am and Polaris—and they’re proud of it, for good reason. 

But who are enclosed cab UTVs intended for? Well, when the snow flies for our friends and readers to the north, a heated cab is the only logical solution. They provide crucial support for ranches and farms that need to operate year-round, allowing folks to tend to their property and livestock in the comfort of a heated cab. And for those of us south of the south, it offers cool settings to stave off the sun when temperatures swing into sweltering (because work doesn’t stop because the hot broke 100.

Upon its release, media had the opportunity to test this new sport-utility beast in to prove its capability in tight, slick woods trails, as well as max out the warm settings in the cab. We weren’t in a sub-zero climate, but it was chill enough for a proper First Ride, which you can check out here if that perspective pertains to you. However, to showcase just how useful the RIDGE can be for riders on both sides of the “cold border,” Kawasaki cut me loose in a RIDGE in New Mexico, where the daytime highs were still leaning far over “temperate”, but the morning and nighttime lows could be considered rather brisk by comparison. It was the perfect climate to test the vehicle’s comfortability, even as we ran errands on the ranch. 

The RIDGE is powered by a 999cc in-line four-cylinder engine producing 92-horsepower. This is the first UTV manufactured by Kawi to feature a four-cylinder powerplant, and while others are utilizing a similar automotive inspired engine to drive the wheels of their UTVs, Kawasaki developed this motor specifically to offer smooth power while simultaneously reducing the noise and vibration that most side-by-sides suffer from.

The Japanese manufacturer pushed the limits of premium features packed into the RIDGE as well, tapping into a premium fit and finish found more often on automobiles, with soft touch points, high-grade materials and a spacious cab that provides riders with some much-needed shelter when they find themselves in foul weather. A touch screen TFT display with built-in Bluetooth capability comes standard, along with a slew of other features that push the RIDGE just a bit beyond your typical UTV. 

So, to showcase their all-new vehicle, and its comfort and capabilities, Kawasaki cut me loose in one of two units (the XR HVAC and a gold Limited ed. with Garmin Tread GPS) at the Imus Ranch 50 miles southeast of Santa Fe, New Mexico to find out if this machine could really keep Stone Cold Steve Austin satiated…We fed the animals, checked trail cameras, and even went on a little fishing trip to round out the experience. Our first stop in the RIDGE wasn’t far. While there was no need to trailer anything during our trip, it was comforting to know that the RIDGE delivers in terms of towing with a robust hitch receiver ready to pull up to 2,500 pounds.

Utilizing only a fraction of the 1,000-pound (600lb in the CA Model) capacity in the bed, the UTV hardly noticed a fat stack of hay and a bucket of some equestrian crack—the horse equivalent to catnip. Loaded to the brim, we set off to coral the “ponies” for brunch. Those majestic beasts took a little while to warm up to us, but with a little help from the crack bucket, we lured them into a feast laid out in the back of our own “steads”. 

The RIDGE offers a level of comfort that immediately sets it apart from other UTVs in its class. The spacious cab is thoughtfully designed with cushioned seats that provide ergonomic support for long days on the ranch or trails. Premium soft-touch materials on the dash and doors create a refined environment, while the heated and air-conditioned cab ensures that riders remain comfortable regardless of the season. Even the ride itself is notably smooth, thanks to Kawasaki’s effort to reduce engine noise and vibration with their specially engineered four-cylinder powerplant.

When it comes to accessories, the RIDGE doesn’t disappoint. The standard touchscreen TFT display offers Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to control music or take calls without leaving the driver’s seat. For additional functionality, Kawasaki has included ample storage options: under-seat compartments, in-dash cubbies, and cup holders aplenty. This was especially nice when we detoured to a large water feature where we unpacked our poles and cast for some swimmers. They were hungrier than the horses and practically jumped onto the shore for us amateur anglers. With the least catches, I still secured six or so fish on my line.

It was confidence inspiring, to say the least. And though the RIDGE was a mere lawn decoration during this particular activity, it made for a cozy place to relax and eat snacks between bass. Plus, it made for a pretty entourage in the background. Styling is where Kawasaki merges function with flair. The bold, angular design of the RIDGE exudes a modern, rugged appeal that fits equally well in the field or parked in the driveway. LED headlights and taillights give it a sharp, contemporary edge, while the available color options—ranging from subdued earth tones to eye-catching metallics—allow buyers to pick a look that suits their personality or needs.

The remainder of the day was a bit more action-packed (if you could call it that). We ripped down worn-out dirt trails, traversed the property on two-track, and climbed over a few respectable slab obstacles. It gave us another chance to test the more enjoyable side of the machine. Utility might be at the RIDGE’s core values but “all work and no play makes [anyone]...dull.” And with so many options for Sport Utility vehicles vying for our attention, Kawasaki needed to make sure this new model stood out from the pack. The “fun factor” plays an important role in this category, and from the first time I tested to this time, I was (still) impressed.

Coziness is also noteworthy. The enclosed cab was clearly inspired by the automotive creature comforts we’re all used to with our daily drivers. HVAC system aside, because we all know how valuable climate control can be as we roll through seasons, I felt like I could sit in that car for days on end—riding the passenger or behind the wheel. The vinyl in the XR was as good as they could be and “leatherette” seats in the HVAC Limited were plush and the universal enough on both options fit so the ergonomics didn’t feel out of place for an average sized person like my partner and an unusually small person like me. There were plenty of soft touch points to make the interior feel a bit “warmer” and less sterile. And the noise dampening allowed my partner and me to communicate without having to yell (at least loudly).

As for tech, the 8-inch touchscreen display is bright, clear, and sensitive enough to deal with on the move. The Garmin Tread® GPS is a nice feature, however, I admittedly didn’t have much time to spend on it, so it’s something worth revisiting. But I am very familiar with Garmin products, which is one of the leaders in its industry for a reason. In function, accuracy, reliability alone, any addition of their products to a vehicle is a step in the right direction. Most importantly (I’d argue), connecting to the Bluetooth system so I could blast (I mean sensibly play…) my music through all four built-in speakers was a simple process. I’ve been in UTVs where the devices took so long to find each other, the ride was ready to leave me behind. 

Admittedly, this was a really easy-going excursion, one which gave me the delusion that I could probably manage a ranch just fine…If all you had to do was throw straw at cattle, pull SD cards from trail cams, and pull bass from a tranquil manmade trout pond (yes, we know). From that, it seems I possess all the necessary qualifications! Alas, this curated adventure only gave us a small taste both of what the RIDGE can accomplish and what it takes to own massive amounts of property. So, while my agricultural dreams were ultimately dashed, I was able to gain something the many trails and dunes and wide open deserts hadn’t done in years: perspective.

Even in that short amount of time, I saw what “utility” really stood for in these vehicles. And met the people who needed their all-terrain machines to serve a purpose beyond pleasure. (Even though Kawasaki tried hard to give them function and fun.) The RIDGE lineup hauls, tows, and rides with ease, maintaining comfort from the seats to the touchpoints to the accessories and HVAC system so that when you’re back in the cab, you can have a much needed break from the rigors of “ranch life”. 

This brand-new platform was Kawasaki’s answer to the growing popularity of sport-utility (otherwise known as “recreational”) vehicles. A few steps up from their classic Mule with a bit more performance inspired by the KRX. A happy in between for riders looking to purchase just one off-road vehicle or upgrade their workhorse, this blend of both worlds is all business up front, but when the time comes, it definitely knows how to party.