2024 Kawasaki Ridge VS Ridge XR Test Review

2024 Kawasaki Ridge VS Ridge XR Test Review. To prove the Kawasaki Ridge and Ridge XR we're really worth the hype Kawasaki invited members of the media to the Hatfield McCoy Trail System in West Virginia to put the Ridge to the test. After a full day of driving, here's our review or the new Kawasaki Ridge XR and Ridge.
After driving the Ridge, it’s pretty clear what Kawasaki was going after. Sportier than a rec/utility machine, with greater utility capability and creature comforts than the sport/utility class. A true crossover, the Ridge could compete in either class.
So how do the Ridge and Ridge XR compare? The Ridge rewards you with a quieter experience than the Ridge XR while still delivering 10 HP more than its two main rec/utility rivals. Of course, if you want to enjoy factory installed GPS and stereo, the Ridge Limited is your machine. Perhaps the Ridge leans slightly toward the rec/utility category compared to the XR but it’s ride is just as sporty with engine performance that isn’t lacking in terms of capability on the trail.
The more sport/utility class focused Ridge XR definitely upps the fun factor with its added horsepower and snappier clutching. The chassis didn’t seem at all taxed by the extra performance. The larger tires didn’t seem to hamper engine or handling, leaving us feeling the Ridge was developed around the higher horsepower and larger tires of the XR. With 8 HP more than the current sport/utility class leader, the Ridge XR is built to party as hard as it works.
The Ridge and Ridge XR are different, unique and for many, they’re a SXS without compromise.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction
1:42 Trim Packages
3:49 Mechanical Breakdown
11:08 Test Reive and Review
16:50 Conclusion

[@UTVonDemand]

After all the hype, we were excited to see what the new Kawasaki Ridge and Ridge XR were all about. Can't wait to hear everyone's thoughts, opinions and questions in the comments.

[@wasupfool5692]

I'm more interested in knowing if you can actually talk to your passenger without screaming when at trail speeds

[@UTVonDemand]

@@wasupfool5692 we could.

[@randyrobertson8729]

@@wasupfool5692 after hearing the Ridge run, I would bet $100 this is the quietest UTV available

[@larryswerdloff1317]

@@wasupfool5692 no you cannot ; he is lying , I have the limited. He wants that sponsor so bad he did an incredible bad review. shame shame.

[@EastCoastATV]

Great comprehensive review. Kawi did their homework and there's a lot to like about the Ridge. If you compare the dimensions, they're almost identical in size to a Can Am Defender. The Ridge HVAC is priced within a few hundred of the Defender Limited with heat and AC. I like that they drive and handle like the Commander/General class but have more cargo and interior space. The 4-cylinder engine, 3-year warranty are icing on the cake, and I agree the metal wheel wells are a practical safety feature all SxS makers should adopt. The interior quality and thoughtful touches like the large climate knobs and the huge bright instrument cluster will force Can Am and Polaris to up their game. Competition is a good thing.

[@UTVonDemand]

This comment is so solid. I feel like we should have consulted you for the review. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts.

[@milesabove5259]

I’ve been in my mates defender xmr and was totally committed to buy one. But this looks even better and ticks more boxes for me.

[@EastCoastATV]

@@milesabove5259 I think a lot of people feel the same as you.

[@UTVonDemand]

@@milesabove5259 Glad we could review this for you. Take one for a test drive. We think you'll be impressed.

[@chadsteele1315]

Polaris is premium pricing and they won’t change. Fefender has an opportunity here. Cfmoto is listening to their customer base and building value and quality with every new model. Polaris and canam need to look out. This kawi hvac has no winch and no gps. A real let down at that price

[@curtisbull1583]

I want a 3 seater with 116 hp, the stereo and big screen! Kawasaki should also have 30inch tires on all models and arched a-arms.

[@UTVonDemand]

We bet they are paying attention.

[@TovarEndwy]

Wish it was a four-seater. Just sold my Teryx i want something that has AC. This would have been perfect if it was a 4-seater.

[@UTVonDemand]

We are pretty sure it's coming.

[@charlescorwin881]

The interior looks sweet. Definitely more comfortable and nicer than my X3

[@UTVonDemand]

Your X3 is like a race car. 😁

[@charlescorwin881]

@@UTVonDemand For sure, apples and oranges but that kawi looks very nice

[@randyrobertson8729]

Great review. I ordered one :) . The one thing I am wishing it had was Turf mode like it's more UTE competitors. Do you think I will have a problem ripping turf on my 7.5 acre property?

[@UTVonDemand]

I don't think you're going to have a problem ripping turf. The rear differential is open unless you flip it into four wheel walk.

[@GuardianGrove]

This was a great, hugely informative review. I have a RZR for pure rec/sport riding, an RMAX as my "do-all" fair weather machine, and I've now pre-ordered the Ridge HVAC for a more utility-focused role around the farm, especially for rainy, cold days, or when there is not quite enough snow for the snowmobiles. I'm looking forward to the bench seats, so that I can bring my dog along (wife in passenger seat and dog in the middle). I have been eyeing the Ranger Northstar Editions and the Defender Limited HVAC models, but I'd prefer a Japanese brand for this purpose, favouring reliability over performance. I pick it up in May!

[@UTVonDemand]

Congratulations on the new machine. It sounds like you have quite a collection. Please check back and let us know how you like it! Glad you enjoyed the revie 😁

[@TT-ch2pz]

It reminds me of the Arctic Cat Havoc side by side.

[@UTVonDemand]

Now that you mention it...

[@asilaydying1984]

How is it sport utility with suspension like a utility vehicle?

[@UTVonDemand]

Great question. The shock configuration with its 5 way preload. Adjustment and no reservoirs is more utility spec. However , their performance due to spring choice and valve felt more like what we would expect from a sport utility machine. You can have very basic shocks that feel very sporty. We'd like to get one out and push it harder to learn more..

[@UTVonDemand]

One more thing. Sticking with five way preload adjustment will make it easier for those using their machine for utility purposes. We think the combination of the shock design and tune sort of reinforce that kawasaki is trying to play in both classes. Again, thanks for the question.

[@nieldcreek2098]

So how does the ridge compare to the new mule 1000?

[@UTVonDemand]

We've not had a chance to drive it. But we're betting that the ridge is certainly more sport capable if you enjoy spirited trail riding

[@jackhammer2671]

Love the looks of the Ridge inside and out also love that smooth 4cyl...however from what I've seen so far the Ridge revs way to high and like other Kawasakis in the past it's going to have clutch issues...the Ridge XR revs 8300rpm's at 57mph so that means the clutch is fully closed at around 40mph on up and that's going to cause premature wear...Kawai done such a great job design wise just wish they'd have done something with the clutching for the Ridge not to rev so high.

[@UTVonDemand]

As a workhorce , we were kind of surprised that they didn't use the twin out of the KRX. We'd like to see how it performs loaded down to the max.

[@MrMagic700]

Jackhammer sounds like Hunter works all over again. Why don't we wait and see how how it does with consumers before we make some bogus claims.

[@UTVonDemand]

@@MrMagic700This fuy, me? We drove it. Both of them.

[@MrMagic700]

@@UTVonDemand no not you guys. Read again.

[@UTVonDemand]

@@MrMagic700 our bad😁

[@MiK3Y13]

4 cylinder!!!!!!!!! jeeez should be fun!

[@UTVonDemand]

It's a bit of a ripper!

[@MiK3Y13]

@@UTVonDemandseems like a great machine! Should do well in the category

[@StarknightMT_official]

Hello, Are you interested in testing our products? We would like to invite you to test the Soft Upper Door for your 2014 or 2016 Polaris RZR XP 1000 2 seater

[@chadsteele1315]

Disappointing the hvac in Canada no gps and as far as I know no winch. Now I’m back looking at Polaris and defender. Kawasaki. DO BETTER!

[@46willysj]

Eh I’ll keep my Rmax, don’t see how it’s better in any way

[@UTVonDemand]

Love the RMAX.