2024 Kawasaki Ridge First Drive Impressions

On the 2nd stop of the #GTDelivers Misadventure US Tour 2024, Jim Beaver heads to the Kawasaki North American Dealer Show for the new Kawasaki Ridge revel and to spend the day driving it. Hear his impressions after the first drive in the Ridge and Ridge XR and see it in action. Note: Jim shot from the hip, and missed on the HP numbers. Ridge has 92 HP, Ridge XR is 116, with a 24 HP difference between the two units.
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[@Upliftyourbrothers]

Next time I’d prefer to hear the motor on test drive. I don’t care to hear the loud music.

[@jackhammer2671]

Agreed...I don't get the loud music at all when we want to hear the sound of the engine and clutch.

[@donrichter3523]

Exactly! The creator needs to grow the fk up! Focus on people who might actually buy one, not at 14yr olds just for views.

[@braydenlowe2024]

I love the Ridge!

[@JimBeaver15]

It’s a pretty solid machine.

[@barbshubert9667]

Looking forward to seeing this

[@HesterEdition]

Good review, kinda wish we went but other stuff going on this month. We can't wait to get our hands on one and start building our EPIC Hester Edition Elka shocks for it! Going to take that thing into a whole new world on ride and performance. 💪

[@JimBeaver15]

Honestly, I can’t wait to see the mods that come to this. Powertrain is excellent and it will out drag race a KRX. You build shocks for it and you won’t be able to keep them in stock and I’ll be your first customer. 😂

[@HesterEdition]

@@JimBeaver15 for sure! You know what an awesome shock can do to a sxs! I see these with 32s pretty quickly. Ecu tunes, probably break 120 hers pers, and I can already hear how sweet the exhaust would sound lol.

[@billylee2312]

With a arms that stretch it out enough to put 35’s on it

[@HesterEdition]

@@billylee2312 35's will be a big stretch, maybe if they make a 6" lift for it... THEN, we can build a long travel out of it like we did for the Teryx800 and let us jump from 8" travel to 18" travel muhahaha! Can I get 20" of travel on a Ridge? ok... someone PLEASE let's get together on some long arms so I can make a 2 for 1 kit, long travel or big lift hahaha. Oh the ideas!

[@JimBeaver15]

Yeah 31-32 is no problem with the preload maxed. Any larger will need upgrades.

[@camerondickieracing69]

Great Review! Excited to see one in person.

[@JimBeaver15]

Thanks! They are a lot of fun if you are looking to blend sport and utility. Engine rips!

[@BobM-eo5ez]

Thanks for the comprehensive review. I know many people were disappointed but I really like the Ridge. I guess many were expecting much higher horsepower out of a 4 cylinder. I'm OK with the horsepower especially in the XR models. I would want locking diff's and 30" tires anyway. Is this something you could ride on the trails all day without getting beat up? How is the body roll?

[@JimBeaver15]

I guess it all depends on the trails honestly. It handles pretty well in the rough, and it great for light trail running. I think you already know based on the trails you run if you need a KRX or not. Power was very impressive on the XR. In regards to body roll, definitely more than a KRX, being 64” wide and lots of weight up top. Is it concerning? No, but being honest it does have some body roll.

[@BobM-eo5ez]

Thanks for responding. That makes sense. I don't think it will work for me but there definitely is a market for this. @@JimBeaver15

[@chadsteele1]

What're the air box breather tube, the cvt breather tube, the fuse box panel etc.

[@JimBeaver15]

The airbox and greater tube are all tied to the front scoop and get air from that. There is a particle filter between the scoop and the rear of the car before air goes in to the CVT and intake. In regards to the fuse box panel, I do not know the location. I do know that there are multiple bus bars behind the dash and under the hood to tie in accessories to you don't need to run power to the back of the car.

[@craigwagner79]

Could you get the radio/garmen system in the xr model

[@JimBeaver15]

IDK, but I’m assuming it will be offered in some package on the XR.

[@brianhill4995]

Cabin filter for the full cab hvac models?

[@JimBeaver15]

Yes, they confirmed that it does have a cabin filter. I think it’s behind the passenger glove box if I remember correctly

[@timdavison2417]

Is the sound system an am fm radio as well?

[@JimBeaver15]

I honestly don’t know but I don’t think so, but could be wrong. I paired my phone to it and cranked music over Bluetooth.

[@BradSmith-hf8bz]

Great first review. I’m really interested in the XR. It looks like there’s room for 32’s with any forward arms. How about the in cab noise level?

[@BradSmith-hf8bz]

Without

[@JimBeaver15]

Very little cab noise. Similar feel to driving a Jeep or Bronco with a hard top. Maybe even better than that. I know it will clear 31's fully. 32's I believe may have very slight rubbing in extreme situations but mostly full clearance, but don't quote me on that. HAHA.

[@BradSmith-hf8bz]

That's great to hear on the noise level! I'm sure someone will come out with forward arms if needed.

[@JimBeaver15]

@@BradSmith-hf8bz Yeah, I am sure the aftermarket will go crazy with this one. Arms and shocks for sure, or at least spring kits.

[@Hunterworks]

@@JimBeaver15 Did you have ear plugs in? Just kidding but all I have been able to hear in any demo videos is a loud engine and it running 8500 rpm at 57 mph says that is true. Not calling you a liar or nothing like that just asking are you sure?

[@jason454455456]

Is the cab noise noticably lower than polaris and can-am?

[@JimBeaver15]

I would say so. I own a hard top Bronco and I would say it is similar if not better than that. Feels very much like driving a car.

[@turbojoe9554]

ranger xp1000 northstar is REALLY quiet inside. Based on the video, it sounds like ridge is considerably louder. If not louder, the tone of the engine certainly wails on the ears. That's the downside to the inline 4 engine in this application. Now, I would imagine kawasaki may be working on a electric powered utv, to compete with the Ranger Kinetic. Kinetics are awesome. I kind of want one but it doesn't fit the needs I have (100% trail riding only). I own a General XP; if there were an electric General XP (General E??), I'd probably be a buyer.

[@ericpierzina4629]

The kinetic only goes 100 miles otherwise I guess it’s cool

[@turbojoe9554]

@@ericpierzina4629 depending on conditions, gas powered XP won't go 100 miles. Cold, maybe 80. 105 or so in warmer weather and used lightly. So there really isn't that big of a difference in range. Besides, 100 miles is a long ride in this area (all wooded, hilly)

[@donrichter3523]

But you can carry rotopax or Jerry cans for a gas powered machines. I don’t expect charging stations on the Paiute trail….

[@codyeagles9321]

are they going to make a 4 or 6 seater Ridge? That would be nice!

[@JimBeaver15]

I believe the 4 seat is coming later this year.

[@pajamatime5750]

@@JimBeaver15Sure hope it’s a 4 door 5/6 seater.

[@jenozanetti6664]

At least you offer information unlike BIGPINE SPORTS LOL

[@JimBeaver15]

Thank you. Just trying to give as much info as I can with the time I got to drive it.

[@thomaslester6941]

Does anyone know if there will be a 4 seater?

[@JimBeaver15]

I believe later this year one is coming…

[@pjfan173]

@@JimBeaver15What about a 5 or 5 seater?

[@wg5768]

Kawasaki at least got the doors opening in the right direction. These sport/utility vehicles are getting out of hand price wise and luxury wise!

[@JimBeaver15]

Yeah, the Limited trim Ridge feels like a car inside. It's infotainment system is actually nicer than a lot of cars. UTV's have come a long way. HAHA.

[@BrickyardPowerMan]

Absolutely agree. I hate the suicide doors on my Defender.

[@ethanmunger3374]

Using the machine for work I mich rather them be suicide doors. Much quicker to get in and out of. Hate going around the door. Might as well buy a pickup then.

[@ethanmunger3374]

Using the machine for work I mich rather them be suicide doors. Much quicker to get in and out of. Hate going around the door. Might as well buy a pickup then.

[@braydenlowe2024]

Can someone over 6 foot drive the Ridge without being cramped?

[@JimBeaver15]

I am 6’2” and had plenty of room.

[@mikemazzola6354]

does reg. ridge true locking 4wd

[@JimBeaver15]

It has both front and rear locking diffs.

[@brianhill4995]

I heard only XR gets locking front differential. Not the lower HP models

[@belovedwarrior483]

Ridge or rmax?

[@JimBeaver15]

Man good question. R Max is solid but I really like the performance of the Ridge.

[@goredwhiteblue]

“The bed it dumps” Hah, that’s really “out of hand”!

[@BrickyardPowerMan]

Like what I'm seeing with the Ridge. The bed needs to be bigger - 5" shorter and slightly narrower than my Defender. Functionally it is too small and it looks too small. Look forward to a 4 door - it is probably coming in a year or two which is great - knowing the roadmap would be helpful. I have a 21 Can-Am Defender Limited 1000. Hate the suicide doors. cable retention on the door is pathetic. AC and power windows have been problematic. Don't care for the CVT transmission at all.

[@JimBeaver15]

I believe the 4 door units will be coming this year. Don't quote me on that. I'm wondering if there will be something accessory wise like trucks have where you can extend the bed with the tailgate down. I know they do have bed racks and such already displayed on their site.

[@natehastings5776]

Perfect size for trail riding in the north east! Lots of tight trails and size restrictions to deal with

[@JimBeaver15]

@@natehastings5776I’m sure that was part of the reason it’s 64” wide instead of 68” like the KRX. Trying to keep it narrow for the restricted trails.

[@andrewmcmanaman7372]

Looks like another boring kawasaki sxs...

[@douglowenthal1320]

Crap