The Kawasaki Ridge is a new model that has been added to the manufacturer’s range, which is rare among Japanese manufacturers. It must be said that Kawasaki has shown remarkable dynamism this year in its range of off-road vehicles. The Ridge is the latest addition to the range of crossovers initiated by the General from Polaris.The purpose of vehicles in this category is to fulfill both recreational and work roles, all with a good dose of comfort. To this end, the Ridge is available in a regular Ridge version, which is more of a work vehicle, and in a Ridge XR version, which is more performance-oriented. In addition, the Ridge XR comes standard with an enclosed, air-conditioned cab for occupant comfort.
The heart and soul of the Ridge is the 999 cm3 inline four-cylinder engine that is also found in the manufacturer’s range of road motorcycles. This is an atypical engine in the industry, Kawasaki is the only UTV that has a four-cylinder. Its greatest strength is the absence of vibration and the low noise level during operation. In the regular version, the engine produces 92 hp and 65 lb-ft of torque, which is decent but not exceptional. However, the sportier version develops 116 hp and 73 lb-ft of torque. This puts the Ridge XR at the top of the category in terms of power.
Such power must be supported by adequate suspension. However, the four-wheel independent suspension is more calibrated for comfort than for sportiness, even on the XR version. Indeed, it lacks rigidity and the springs quickly compress the shock absorbers. This results in a floating sensation in corners, even on small trail imperfections. Its utilitarian side is evident from the excessive body roll. The lack of adjustable gas shock absorbers, at least on the Ridge XR, is regrettable, as they would greatly improve the driving experience of a vehicle that claims to be sporty.
The interior design is very successful. The dashboard is beautifully refined and integrates the 7-inch color digital instrument panel, the gear selector and the air conditioning controls at the top of the dashboard very well. The whole is neat and in the style of an automobile. The seat configuration is different between the Ridge and the Ridge XR. In the case of the Ridge, there is a bench seat for three passengers, like in a pickup truck. The backrest of the central seat leans forward to form an armrest. Unfortunately, there are no headrests, as required by law in Quebec. As for the Ridge XR, there are two bucket seats separated by a console that offers an armrest and a good-sized closed storage compartment. The cabin is equipped with many features that will make your stay in the vehicle a pleasant one: plenty of storage space, USB port, ambient interior lighting, adjustable driver’s seat and steering column, backlit dashboard switches, etc. In addition, the enclosed, air-conditioned cab is available on both the Ridge and Ridge XR and comes with a factory-fitted heating and air-conditioning system.
In order to meet the needs of the widest possible range of customers, there are three versions available:
- Ridge Ranch Edition (with 3 seats) offers from the outset: solid roof and half doors, aluminum wheels with 27-inch tires, power steering, storage space behind and under the passenger seat, ambient lighting, LED headlights, Warn VRX 45 winch.
- Ridge HVAC (with 3 seats) adds: insulated cabin with heating and air conditioning, solid doors with electric windows.
- Ridge XR HVAC, which is similar to the RIDGE HVAC, but differs in some respects: performance-tuned engine, bucket seats, center console with storage space, grille accent lights, 30-inch tires.
WHAT’S NEW?
- New model introduced in 2024.
We like:
- The engine, which has a smoothness of operation unique in the industry.
- The Ridge offers a nice blend of ride comfort, work capacity and level of equipment to meet your needs.
We like less:
- Absence of headrest with the regular Ridge.
- No adjustable gas suspension offered with the Ridge XR.
Skills
