Detailed Overview and Ride Impressions of the All-New Kawasaki RIDGE

[@hulmestanner]

I would probably put it more in the defender limited and northstar category based solely on the HVAC. Hopefully they get some market share and bring canam and Polaris back to reality on their pricing

[@Matts000]

Are you guys hoping to get your hands on the new Brute Force anytime soon? I know the powertrain is unchanged but it’s still pretty cool that they gave the super reliable Brute an update.

[@dirttraxtv]

Yes! Think there's something coming up with the Brute Force in the next few weeks.

[@joeyholthusen6495]

Prices are making the cfmoto uforce 1000cc look better everyday, especially if they eventually if they could opt in for the full cab with AC/heat.

[@pajamatime5750]

Some dealers have them with aftermarket cabs with heat only. No AC and no stereo. Guess what - They’re over $30,000 in Canada. If it had AC and a stereo with power windows, wipers and fluid reservoir, etc the CF Moto wouldn’t be far from a similarly equipped Kawi when it comes to price.

[@GeneralBadLuck]

Good luck getting any parts or warranty work. Same with the others. Hisun etc

[@corradettimotorsports360]

Nice Unit! These UTVs are becoming so elaborate with high price points, so many choices in the UTV World these days! For UTVs I like mine basic and more open air, keeps price, weight and complexity down, but the consumer is so demanding if manufactures are focusing on these types of machines!

[@mingomane1]

Definitely a ranger/defender opponent. The shocks alone should explain that.

[@z71on46s]

I came here to say the same, it's obvious across the entire platform.

[@jimmace6148]

THERE IS NO WAY IN HAITIS that the Ridge is comparable to the General, Commander or Rmax. Its a fancy Ranger at best.

[@MassiveOverkill]

Fine, I'll let you be bad cop ;) Kawasaki is pushing this false narrative to the media. This is clearly a Rec/Ute, as you stated to go up against the Ranger/Defender and NOT a Sport/Rec, or a new class of SxS I like to call Sport Farm class. I love how the advertised ground clearance is at max preload. Let's put the RMAX, General, and Commander at max preload and see how much more ground clearance they have. Of course Kawasaki loves to ignore industry standards: Perfect example is the the KRX 'Trail Edition'.

[@dirttraxtv]

I actually posted this response on another comment, but I'll copy/paste it here too... "I actually agree with you on this. The RIDGE has a bench seat and competitive HP numbers, but the XR has buckets and a bit more juice. Kawi would consider the XR "sportier", which is probably why that comparison is drawn. However, the cab, dumping box and shock package do put it closer to the Ranger and Defender like you say."

[@dirttraxtv]

@@MassiveOverkill Yes, you make good points here.

[@asilaydying1984]

Agree , suspension is similar to defender and ranger

[@pajamatime5750]

@@MassiveOverkillHe’s back to convince the public the Ridge doesn’t compete with the Rmax!

[@bigseff23]

For 35k dollars, its competition is pretty much a base model Wrangler or Bronco lol and i would 100% take one of those over the Ridge. I could at least justify the price by driving a bronco or Jeep to work lol

[@dangriesemer3710]

I raced a $35k jeep Rubicon up a 7 mile boulder filled road to a lookout tower in my $17k polaris general. My wife and I had lunch, did some target shooting, took some pictures. Then the jeep showed up. The 2 machines are mechanically different animals. They definitely aren't cheap but they are fun.

[@dangriesemer3710]

@AZFarmFun-hp1cu The jeep might not have known we were racing. Technically you might be right. When we started I asked the driver if they wanted to race up there, they smiled and said sure. Cracks me up when people compare jeeps to side by sides.

[@beavis513]

jeeps and broncos are both garbage and are not that cheap

[@curtisbull1583]

There is lots to like about this new ridge, accept maybe price. Kawasaki needs to offer a superior machine at a competitive price or maybe a bit below its competition. I think most people are going to be more excited about the more horsepower in the XR model, but they're going to be disappointed in not having the big touch screen and or in some cases like me not having the three seater option. I think Kawasaki missed the mark a little bit by not making this machine more like the Yamaha rmax. A Yamaha rmax type machine with a sealed cab, heating and air conditioning, would be an awesome rig and one I think a lot of people would have an interest in. And of course all these companies are way too conservative when it comes to horsepower in these non-sport side-by-side models.

[@pajamatime5750]

Been waiting for your take on the Ridge!! I think it’s an excellent offering from Kawi and will strongly consider getting one once they come in a 4-door. Lots of people complain when reviews state it competes with an Rmax. I’m sure those commenters will show up here too! Haha…. I’m glad to see Kawi bringing out new machines and they now stand alone as the only Japanese manufacturer offering a fully cabbed, HVAC equipped sxs. Good for them! They make great vehicles, stand behind them with the industries best warranty and with new offerings will be even more competitive!!! Thanks for the review DT!!!

[@Torq2001]

Yeah there's some other dude's channel that did a review about RPM / Speed / Kaw clutches, blah, blah, blah. My opinion, Ridge limited is in par with Ranger Lone star, & Canam Defender. The Ridge XR is along the lines of RMAX, TEREX, General, Etc. a more "Sport" unit. Just my 2 cents.

[@jasonkelly5760]

Ridge is a Ranger and XR a General

[@markflaugh2293]

I think they had the Honda Pioneer in their sights when designing the Ridge. They like to compete with Honda and always go above and beyond when they build what they are trying to compete with. Like the KRX vs. the Talon for example. Look at the similar motorcycles they sell. I have no idea how many Pioneers they sell a year but i can tell you that last week i was out riding and passed 10 machines all day and 5 of them were Pioneers. Yes HVAC models are trying to take a piece from Polaris and Can Ams pie too. It’s funny people get all worked up about what it competes with. I would hope when someone goes to pay this kind of money they did some research and are buying what they want. I had a Pioneer for 7 years and traded it for an Rmax. Both do really good trail riding. You have to be pushing it above 35-40 to really feel a difference imo. Yes the Rmax is more comfortable and be pushed harder but at the end of the day i loved the Pioneer too. I think they will sell a lot of these to guys who want a cross over machine that can a little of everything.

[@randyrobertson8729]

The Pioneer really needs to have a HVAC model...sure you can add a cab and heat, but there is no good options for air out there...

[@markflaugh2293]

@@randyrobertson8729 100% agree on that. And maybe a model with bucket seats and a console.

[@nighthawkj30A4]

@@randyrobertson8729 yes the Pioneer would need ac/heat. Crazy this Kawasaki is like a mini truck.

[@thegodfreyspecial423]

My thoughts on that sway bars: if they aren't intending these high speed running and are geared more towards work or rough off-road the lack of bars would be a comfort and articulation bonus.

[@deanurbanek6577]

Not including a front diff lock on the limited is so dumb, not offering a XR limited is equally dumb. But I am sure they will fix both next year leaving everyone who pulls the trigger this year upset which will keep me from buying one.

[@mattboxwell7506]

Have you guys considered doing a sxs shoot out where you go through them all together and use a scoring system and see which one is the best. A bit like how channels do it for trucks. A sport category and utility category would be good to do seperately too.

[@dirttraxtv]

Absolutely and we actually do this with snowmobiles on snowtrax. The biggest hurdle for us is getting all the units on the ground at the same time to do a shootout. That's why sometimes one unit is absent when we do a shootout.

[@mattboxwell7506]

@@dirttraxtv yeah I’m sure it would be hard to organise but I’d hope being that no one has done one before the manufacturers would want to make sure they are in it to win it. There are so many options for side by sides it’s hard to choose and decide between them all.

[@dirttraxtv]

@@mattboxwell7506 Keeping our fingers crossed that all the stars will align and these machines will all show up at the same time.

[@outfitr9703]

Looks good but we need a 4 door. Guess we'll keep our defender limited max for a while.

[@andrewshatolang5512]

How is the interior noise compared to defender limited

[@dirttraxtv]

I honestly felt it had quite a bit of cab noise. That 4-cyl sounds nice when you hear it driving by, but inside the cab it is quite noticeable. I did not get to drive an open-air unit where engine sound would be expected, but I feel like the cab enclosure on this model would benefit from some more insulation.

[@weirdshibainu]

I've also read that the cabin turns into an oven during summer due to the engine

[@412griffon]

His that the new norm, fully enclosed cabins hvac,pwr windows and wipers utvs? just asking for a friend 😊

[@dirttraxtv]

Nooooooo. I think we will see more units offering HVAC but the plan for Kawi is to get these models down the production line first and then focus on the open air units for fall delivery.

[@patriciawolfe408]

You guys should do the Sierra Echo R- Spec

[@Zanderthelab]

They are using a bigger engine cuz it’s all about displacement. My car guys should be following me on this idea. Bigger engine means, plenty of power and less screaming. It doesn’t have to push as hard to get that power.

[@DawsonDoyle-p8s]

is the Garmin available to add to the ridge XR

[@Torq2001]

2025 XR Models will have Garmin.

[@GuardianGrove]

Luke: Darren here... I rode with you for your CFORCE 1000 episode at Gopher Dunes. I pre-ordered one of these for pick up in May. I'm in the process of retiring from the forces, and we bought a farm near Sudbury. If you guys are interested in filming on the farm and testing it for utility and trail environments, all on our private property, you are welcome. I have an RMAX and a RZR as well.

[@dirttraxtv]

Appreciate that, Darren. I'll make sure Luke sees this 👍

[@matrixist]

Wow, when I was a kid we though we were in heaven when we got to use a 3 wheeled golf cart in the woods! I have no idea why power steering and ac would ever be wanted. But again, I just find anything with a motor and wheels a plus. Seems the Mule is still the best for the minimalist.

[@patriciawolfe408]

Do you know what I would recommend to the Segway Super villain.

[@ericmackison9517]

I think it's a nice machine but I disagree with what you call it's competition. I'd say a closer competition is the Defender or Ranger 1K HVAC models are closer in competition. I'd imagine that it will be more reliable than those machines at least. It's not enough recreation focused to be considered competitive against an R-Max or General.

[@dirttraxtv]

I actually agree with you on this. The RIDGE has a bench seat and competitive HP numbers, but the XR has buckets and a bit more juice. Kawi would consider the XR "sportier", which is probably why that comparison is drawn. However, the cab, dumping box and shock package do put it closer to the Ranger and Defender like you say.

[@ericmackison9517]

@@dirttraxtv I imagine they did that on purpose so a consumer can't draw a direct comparison.

[@darcyrode8493]

Yep, you're 100% correct on the model comparison.

[@BhupendraBabuItani]

Wow that's amazing 😍🤩 Love From Nepal 🇳🇵🇳🇵💝💝

[@TT-ch2pz]

It reminds me on the Artic Cat Hovoc. Due to its price, this unit will be equally as popular 😂

[@dirttraxtv]

Kinda has a similar style to the Havoc. Rides very, very differently than the Havoc.

[@CMM-sv8xk]

Make the XR with 3 seats I’d I’d take one.

[@milesabove5259]

It’s coming out as the XR Deluxe. Top spec but with the bench seat. I was going to get a defender xmr but this will be worth waiting a little extra for.

[@dmcmc4837]

The tire size is inadequate. To me at least. It looks weird.

[@wasupfool5692]

Im sure the 4 cylinder is much quiter than the twin thats huge for us older fellas

[@dirttraxtv]

It is smoother running than the twin. Definitely wouldn't say it is quieter though.

[@wasupfool5692]

​@dirttraxtv bummer, at these prices old fellas like me want to have a conversation with my passenger while riding. These machines are way to noisy. I want to buy a new Hvac machine but my money will go to whoever makes a quite machine

[@stevew3718]

To me this looks more comparable to the polaris ranger northstar and can am defender limited

[@EastCoastATV]

I really like the Ridge. It has a lot going for it. It's almost identical in size to a Defender and priced almost the same. I did a video a few weeks ago comparing dimensions and box sizes of the Ridge, Ranger and Defender. I think it will cause both Polaris and Can Am to up their game with the interiors of their machines.

[@MrTjulius]

I don't understand these Japanese manufacturers that have incredible engine and suspension setups available to them and they stay status quo. Yamaha should have a yzx that dominates against the x3 amd mav r and Kawasaki should too.

[@ARKDYNE]

Not addressing how bad and high the seat positioning is crazy I’m 5’11 and have never sat in anything as uncomfortable as this thing.

[@dirttraxtv]

Actually didn't find the seating position uncomfortable. There's a bunch of stuff I don't love about this machine, but that wasn't one of them. Luke probably didn't find it uncomfortable either, which would explain why he didn't mention it.

[@SGT12XU]

Looks more like a Ranger or Defender competitor, not Commander.

[@TT-ch2pz]

This thing is listed at 84" tall. Good luck getting in an enclosed trailer.

[@dirttraxtv]

Have to deflate the tires a bit to see if you can get it in.

[@mikestowe6136]

whats this once a month shit should be once a week video lol its almost like every company just wants to make utvs and forget about the atvs example antique 750 brute force price goes up every yr b ut been the same since 2005 beside efi n power steering n headlights oh boy

[@dirttraxtv]

Appreciate the enthusiasm. We're just wrapping up our snowmobile show and will be back to regular posts on this channel very soon.

[@BarnStangz]

There is no way that this thing will out perform an RMAX. It's a cool machine, but not as sporty. I do think that that Kawasaki is going to run this engine configuration for a few years before they modify it a bit and dump it into something like the KRX. That I4 could make 150 horse pretty easy knowing Kawasaki, so the future may be bright.

[@MrMagic700]

The ridge xr might not have the suspension numbers of the R-Max but ill bet its quicker in a drag race.

[@BarnStangz]

I honestly doubt it. The RMAX is pretty explosive out of the hole. I'm sure we'll see someone do a shoot out at some point. I bet that I4 of the Kawasaki is an overall better choice for an engine however. I like the twin with the RMAX, but an i4 would be super smooth and quiet too.@@MrMagic700

[@Dreamscythe1]

definitely in the defender and ranger category, a sport machine it is not lol at least not in the same league as the general XP and commander or Rmax

[@tomg6284]

Price is proof that the Dollar is lost it's value. Soon it will be cheeper to use than toilet paper.

[@appalachianpursuit2924]

Price is ensuring I stay an ATV owner

[@otahu26]

I wanna know when Government is going to allow us to drive these on the road.. They are after all bigger then a 1990's Suzuki Samurai Or geo tracker

[@stevencorrell6450]

Kawasaki seems nice but boring. Please do a review on the Honda pioneer. 1000-6

[@inteligentvtec]

Makes sense to just get an 8,000$ jeep tj.

[@dirttraxtv]

But then you have to drive a Jeep...

[@ruedaricardo]

This is what the Gator RSX was

[@dirttraxtv]

Nooo. Very different machines.

[@TT-ch2pz]

And get a good run at it

[@petewilson8727]

I have owned a Kawasaki mule pro MX and also a Kawasaki mule pro FXR I traded for a Can-Am defender the can am will be my choice so far with a Can-Am defender never had any issues the Kawasaki's I have had multiple issues

[@reddzrzrrider1086]

🧢

[@pyrostwistedride4821]

Kawasaki missed the mark for me, just like Yamaha keeps missing the mark with the YXZ. I want a non Polaris machine to make me question keeping my X3.

[@jimfleury6349]

After 30 years building clutches. I’ll stick with my experience on that one.

[@MidnightPolaris800]

How much did kawasaki pay you? 😂😂

[@dirttraxtv]

Ahhhhh, looking forward to another season of comments like this.

[@pajamatime5750]

@@dirttraxtvThey’ll never go away…. Best part is these people come and watch your content so that’s good! They think they know everything but they don’t.

[@Infamouscoma885]

We won’t even bother mentioning the 2024 brute force that thing is a ugly joke