Anticipating that the Kawasaki Ridge would blur the line between UTVs and trucks, my experience revealed a distinct separation between them instead. While not a letdown, it serves as a cautionary tale to always test drive a new model before getting swept away by the marketing hype.
My day with the 2024 Kawasaki Ridge took me through West Virginia’s Hatfield-McCoy trail network, offering a diverse array of terrains ranging from ice to mud to dust across 1,000 miles of trails. This provided an ideal backdrop to put the Ridge through its paces and inquire about Kawasaki’s latest offering.
In summary: The 2024 Kawasaki Ridge is a luxury workhorse that caters to those who prefer a touch of sophistication in their rides. However, some drawbacks like an uncomfortable driving position and a noisy cab prevent it from achieving optimal comfort or the promised weekend fun.
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Engine Displacement:
999 cc -
Engine Type:
Inline Four-cylinder -
Drivetrain:
2/4WD, Lockable rear differential. Lockable front and rear on XR -
Front Suspension:
Non-branded, 12.7″ travel -
Rear Suspension:
Non-branded, 12.7″ travel -
Brakes:
Dual hydraulic discs, twin-piston calipers front, single piston rear -
Wheelbase:
90.7″ -
Towing Capacity:
2,500 lbs. -
Cargo Bed Capacity:
1,000 lbs. -
Ground Clearance:
13″ average (14″ XR) -
Dry Weight:
1,808 lbs (Ridge HVAC) / 1,960 lbs (Ridge XR) -
Fuel Capacity:
12.9 gallons
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Smooth engine -
Well-sealed cab -
Truck-like interior design -
Clear digital dash -
Excellent stability
