Three unique power modes allow the driver to set power delivery to suit their preference and adapt to current conditions. 

– Work mode offers a milder throttle response, contributing to superb low-speed control when driving at an ultra-low pace. 

– Sport mode, the sharper, more linear throttle response suits recreational driving, offering a direct feeling between the gas pedal and the engine. 

– Normal mode, a perfect balance of the two, offers smooth engine response from the time the throttle is opened.

A continuously variable transmission (CVT) offers incredibly smooth engine response, contributing to the silky-smooth power delivery—especially from start to 20 mph. Thanks to carefully tuned engine settings, the CVT belt catch and release is extremely natural, ensuring the belt stays engaged until almost completely stopped, adding to confident downhill engine braking.

The snorkel-style intake for the engine and CVT is located under the hood, where the chance of dust or water ingestion is minimal. A high-quality Donaldson air filter keeps debris and dust from entering the engine with superb dust collection performance. Plus, rear-facing exhaust ports keep heat away from the cabin, while a dual-wall heat shield further contributes to heat shielding. 

On-the-fly electrically selectable 4WD and front and rear differential locks allow drivers to quickly and easily switch between drive systems to better match terrain conditions. Locking the differential causes the wheels to act as a single axle, (preventing wheels from free spinning in low traction situations or when a wheel is suspended in the air) helping produce maximum traction when riding in muddy or snowy conditions.  
 
– 2WD offers light steering.
– 4WD delivers enhanced traction while minimizing ground disturbance.
– For maximum traction, select 4WD + differential lock.

A factory cab comes with heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), creating a comfortable escape from the heat in summer, the cold in winter, and everything in between. Excellent seal performance ensures climate control in the cabin.

The full cab includes: a glass windshield, full doors with power windows, glass rear panel, plastic roof with roof liner, windshield wiper and washer, rearview mirror, and interior ceiling light. HVAC units include multiple vents with mode selection (defrost, defrost + floor, floor, dash + floor, dash), adjustable fan strength, choice of fresh or recirculated air, and fast acting temperature control.

The RIDGE® XR side x side’s ride comfort starts inside the cabin, with high-backed bucket seatsᵀ and three-point seatbelts for support. Ample legroom is complemented by lever-adjustable seats, and tilt steering allows the driver to further fine-tune their position for increased control and comfort. Sliding behind the wheel feels like getting into a car—from the natural sitting position to the position of the steering wheel and controls. 

Double-wishbone suspension enables all wheels to navigate obstacles with minimum effect on the chassis, while long wheel travel offers high 13.4-inch ground clearance on the RIDGE® XR and 14.6-inch ground clearance on the RIDGE® XR HVAC model (max preload). Rear shocks with dual-rate springs and carefully tuned suspension settings offer stellar performance for a composed, comfortable ride. 

Besides adding to the premium, rugged style, 30-inch large-diameter tires and 14-inch aluminum wheels contribute to excellent off-road capability. 

With 1,000-lbs. cargo capacity and 2,500-lbs. towing capacity, RIDGE® XR is built for hard work. The 37.6 x 49.0 x 12.8-inch flat cargo bed design facilitates loading from three sides and helps secure items being transported with four built-in hooks serving as handy tie-down points. Easy engine access comes thanks to a gas-assisted tilting cargo bed and features a single-latch tailgate release system for easy opening and closing. 

On RIDGE® XR, the tailgate’s injection-molded design includes built-in cup holders, a convenient feature when the tailgate is down. The tailgate can also be removed without tools for extended hauling capability.

Maintaining your vehicle has never been easier with simple access to the oil filter, dipstick, battery, and air filter. On RIDGE® XR, the air filter element is located under the center console. On the RIDGE XR and RIDGE® XR HVAC, it’s accessed by lifting the armrest console, and on the RIDGE® XR Deluxe, it’s accessed by lifting the passenger seat bottom. The oil filter can be easily accessed by removing the fender panel forward of the rear wheel. The dipstick can be found by lifting the tilting cargo bed, while the battery can be located behind the seat base access panel.

RIDGE® XR boasts a high-grade, 7-inch, full-color TFT LCD screen featuring multiple selectable display modes and vehicle information—all available at a glance. In addition to Riding Logs, community features and maintenance and display notifications, Kawasaki’s Powersports-exclusive RIDEOLOGY app offers several new functional and entertainment features designed to enhance group rides.

Built-in Bluetooth® technology enables drivers to connect to RIDGE® XR wirelessly, and with RIDEOLOGY THE APP POWERSPORTS, riders get vehicle information directly from the instrument panel.

On the RIDGE® XR and RIDGE® XR HVAC, high-backed, form-fitting, lever-adjustable bucket seats provide support during sport riding and stellar ride comfort at cruising speeds. RIDGE® XR Deluxe features a three-person bench seat, contoured for the driver and right-side passenger. The seat material has superb elasticity for an even more comfortable ride. Each seat position is equipped with a three-point seat belt, and the seats’ ergonomic shape cradles passengers, providing greater support. The interior design allows a wide space between the dashboard and the seats, making it possible to walk through the cabin.

Complementing its sporty and tough styling, the RIDGE® XR side x side’s sleek exterior includes painted fenders and all-LED lighting. A fierce expression comes from the front headlights’ line-type LED position lamps, a large aluminum Kawasaki emblem on the front grille, a light-looking steel front bumper, and LED accent lights on the bumper shrouds.

Roof and doors are standard on all RIDGE® XR models, adding to the premium quality feel. Doors include both exterior and interior handles, and on full cab models, electric power windows. Automotive-style dashboard and controls are further enhanced by high-grade fit and finish details like floor lighting, backlit switches and decorative components.

Premium fit and finish details like an automotive-style ignition key, ambient floor lighting and backlit switches further contribute to the automotive-style interior. A high-grade, D-shaped tilting steering wheel is reminiscent of a luxury vehicle.

Storage space abounds in RIDGE® XR. Three covered compartments and a center console in the dashboard provide space for small items and easy-access storage.

A DC socket in the dashboard provides power for accessories, and two USB ports are available inside the lidded storage above the glove box.

Storage space abounds in RIDGE® XR. Multiple covered compartments in the dashboard provide enclosed storage for small items. Two cup holders are built into the left and right sides of the dashboard, which are large enough to accommodate 30 oz cups and feature a design that makes room for cup handles. On the Ridge XR and Ridge® XR HVAC, easy-access storage space is available behind the seats as well as a handy storage space underneath the armrest console. The armrest console also features two cup holders in the back, and another two near the floor. 

On the RIDGE® XR Deluxe, the center portion of the back seat folds down, enabling access to storage space behind the seats. When folded down, the center piece offers two more cup holders. Additional storage space on RIDGE XR Deluxe is also available beneath the passenger seats. 

Like all MULE™ side x sides, RIDGE® XR is backed by a three-year Kawasaki STRONG limited warranty.