2025 Kawasaki RIDGE XR

Key Features

Features

Engine

• All-new liquid-cooled, in-line four-cylinder engine produces a crisp response that is ideal for recreational driving, yet it retains a smooth and predictable power delivery for excellent acceleration feel and control.
• Approximately 25% more power than the RIDGE due to revised engine mapping and muffler opening.  The muffler opening was also designed to provide a distinctive exhaust note to add to the driving experience.
• Engine is fully rubber mounted to help prevent vibration from reaching the cab for a more comfortable ride.
• Baffle plates in the oil pan help ensure that the oil pump is continuously fed with oil during high-performance maneuvering and high lean angles.
• Valve sizes - 29mm intake and 24mm exhaust - chosen to help provide maximum power and torque for a good balance between low-end pulling power and high-rpm performance.
• Long intake manifold contributes to low- to mid-range performance.
• Snorkel-style air intake entrance for the engine and CVT is located under the hood to prevent dust and water intrusion.  High-performance Donaldson cyclone-style air filter also provides superb dust collection performance.
• Air filter is located under the center console and can be easily accessed by lifting the console.
• Electronic throttle valve system enables the ECU to control the volume of both the fuel (via fuel injectors) and the air (via throttle valves) delivered to the engine.  Ideal fuel injection and throttle valve position results in smooth, natural engine response and ideal engine output.  Single 52mm throttle body was selected to elicit smooth, driver-friendly response.
• Rear- facing exhaust ports so that the exhaust pipe exits at the back of the engine to help keep heat away from the cabin.  The pipe has a double cover that further contributes to heat shielding.
• Despite the shorter distance for the exhaust to exit at the rear of the vehicle, a long exhaust pipe is utilized to help increase low-end performance.
• A cooling fan on the right side of the engine helps draw hot air out of the engine compartment for increased cooling performance and durability.
• Large-capacity radiator is located behind the front grille for maximum airflow and better cooling performance.

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

• Automatic CVT setting simulate the characteristics of a CVT and centrifugal clutch for a very smooth, linear response to facilitate vehicle operation, especially at speeds up to 20 mph and when backing with a trailer.
• Dependable engine braking is achieved by the CVT working in conjunction with the electronic throttle valve, the carefully-tuned engine settings allowing extremely smooth CVT belt catch and release.  The engine braking effect works until the vehicle has almost come to a complete stop, adding to driver reassurance when descending slopes.
• Gear selection (Forward-High, Forward-Low, Reverse) is extremely smooth since the selected gear simply engages without clunking or jerking, similar to what one would expect from an automotive system.

Electrically Selectable 4WD & Rear Differential Lock

• Electrically Selectable 2WD/4WD and dual-mode rear differential system allow easy changes between drive systems to suit changing terrain and applications.
• Flipping the switches causes the systems to be engaged instantly, ensuring the driver has full control of 4WD or rear differential lock activation.
• Dual-mode rear differential provides maximum traction when in locked mode and minimizes ground disturbance when unlocked.

Power Modes

Drivers can choose from Work, Normal and Sport modes to set power delivery for driver preference and conditions.

• Work mode provides a milder, very smooth throttle response that is ideal when carrying a load or when a smooth, constant pace is required.  The Work mode's programmed response reduces the chance of a sudden change in vehicle speed or engine rpm.  Throttle response and engine braking characteristics are set so that, at low speed, precise speed control is possible using only the gas pedal, ideal for tasks like lining up a ball hitch with a trailer.
• Sport mode provides sharper, more linear throttle response with a very direct feel between the gas pedal and the engine for sportier driving.  Pressing the gas pedal produces a rapid increase in engine rpm and strong acceleration.
• Normal mode offers a balance between Work and Sport mode with smooth engine response from the time the throttle is opened.

On-The-Fly Electrically Selectable 4WD and Rear Differential Lock

• Electrically selectable 4WD and rear differential lock allow drivers to quickly and easily select drive systems with a turn of a switch to suit changing terrain and applications.
• With each turn of the switch the system engages quickly and smoothly so that the driver has full control of when 4WD or the differential lock is activated.
• Locking the rear differential causes the rear wheels to act as a single axle, preventing them from free-spinning in low traction situations of if a wheel is suspended in the air for maximum traction when driving in muddy or snowy conditions.

Abundant Driving Range

• Large 12.95-gallon fuel tank provides ample range for long work days or long forays  into the great outdoors.
• The fuel tank is located well away from the wheels to help prevent it from flying debris and has a steel guard for further protection.

Chassis

Designed for Comfort

Designed for maximum occupant comfort, the RIDGE's wide-body chassis contributes to a composed handling character without compromising maneuverability or performance.

• Wide track contributes to vehicle performance.
• Optimized wheelbase contributes to the composed handling, helps create space in the cabin for ample legroom without unnecessarily increasing the overall length and contributes to a relatively tight turning radius which makes it easier to maneuver in close confines. 
• Combined with the high ground clearance, the wheelbase dimension also contributes to a more favorable break over angle that reduces the chance of bottoming out when cresting a ridge or driving over obstacles for greater accessibility at work or play.
• High approach and departure angles also contribute to off-road performance.  Minimizing bodywork overhang (positioning the wheels as close to the bumpers as possible) reduces the change of hitting the bumper or scraping the tail when negotiating steep terrain.
• Steel front wheel wells are rugged to help deflect rocks and other debris.
• The frame features a ladder-type construction and is built from square tubes of high-quality steel for highly predictable chassis performance and high durability.
• High-load areas such as the suspension mounting plates are constructed of high-tensile steel.
• After undergoing extensive stiffness balance testing, the resulting frame offers a good balance between lateral and torsional stiffness.  This delivers high durability while allowing just the right amount of chassis flex to be able to handle variations in terrain and provide a high level of ride comfort.
• The RIDGE-exclusive ROPS frame design provides high seal performance for models equipped with doors and windows.

Long-Travel Suspension

• Four-wheel independent, double-wishbone suspension allows each of the wheels to drive over certain obstacles with minimum effect on the chassis.
• The rear shocks have dual-rate springs to provide excellent bump absorption and rough-road performance, while their ground-hugging ability tends to follow uneven ground to help keep the cab undisturbed for a more comfortable ride.
• Suspension setting help minimize chassis body roll speed, contributing to the composed ride.
• The shocks on 49-state models have five-way adjustable preload so operators can set the suspension for various load and driving conditions.
• Rear shocks are mounted to the lower A-arms, enabling a long shock stroke while keeping the cargo bed height lower for easier loading.

Large-Diameter Tires

• Big 30-inch tires contribute to the RIDGE XR's excellent off-road capability.
• The large tires also provide extra ground clearance over the standard RIDGE model.

4-Wheel Disc Brakes

• Front and rear disc brakes provide strong, predictable, sure stopping power.
• 249mm front discs are gripped by two-piston calipers with 27mm pistons.
• 249mm rear discs are slowed by single piston calipers with 34mm pistons.
• Stretch-resistant brake lines help deliver brake fluid to the calipers more effectively for a strong brake feel, better controllability and brake performance.
• Parking brake lever conveniently located on the dash to the right of the steering wheel.  The ECU has a fuel injection control that limits engine speed if the operator attempts to drive away with the parking brake still engaged.

High-Grade Electric Power Steering

• The electric power steering system (EPS) reduces steering effort, especially at low speeds.  Input from a vehicle speed sensor and torque sensor determine the amount of steering assistance required from the system's electric motor.  At slow speeds, or when stopped, assistance is greatest.  Assistance is reduced as vehicle speed increases.  It all adds up to superior handling.
• The EPS system also enhances ride comfort and control by acting as a damping system.  The inertia of the electric motor significantly reduces bump steer and kickback to the steering wheel often caused when encountering rock or ruts.
• Since the system is electric, it works immediately, without the time lag sometimes associated with hydraulic systems that, when the engine is first started, require time to pump engine oil to the power steering system.
• Because the EPS system does no rely on oil pumped from the engine, there is no engine power loss.

Interior

Tilt-Steering Wheel

• Tilt steering allows drivers to set its position to suit their preference, as well as lift it our of the way to facilitate entering and exiting the vehicle.
• High-grade D-shaped steering wheel is comfortable and contributes to the RIDGE's high -quality feel.

Roomy, Comfortable Interior

The spacious cabin is enhanced by high-backed bucket seating for two.  Ample legroom for all is complemented by a lever-adjustable driver's seat and the tilt steering, sot hat sliding behind the wheel feels like getting a car.

• Seat material has superb elasticity for comfort and holding performance, which driver and passenger contours also contribute to comfort and a high-grade appearance.
• Each seat is designed to cradle the occupant for both comfort and support.  The backrests are sculpted to provide support from the shoulders to  the sides with a wide contact patch, making it easy to relax and sink comfortably into the seat while helping to provide reassurance during hard driving.  The long, wide bottom cushion  provides leg support to contribute to comfort, while hip support contributes to reassurance and reduced fatigue when sitting for long periods.
• Differing foam density is used so that the seat bottom is firm for proper support and long-term comfort, while the seat back is softer for more comfort.
• The RIDGE SC Deluxe HVAC features a three-person bench seat for carrying an additional passenger.  The driver and right-side passenger seats are contoured for increased comfort.
• Lever-adjustable driver's seat has a total forward-rearward range of five inches, adjustable in half-inch increments.
• Each seating position has a three-point seat belt to support the occupants, and anti-cinch belts for the driver and right-side passenger help increase ride comfort.
• Standard doors help keep mud and debris our of the cabin, while their above-shoulder height provide additional occupant support.
• Each door has both internal and external handles for ease of use, and the inside of the doors are designed to be as flat as possible to maximize passenger space.
• Wide space between the dashboard and the seats makes it possible to walk through the cabin.
• Standard plastic roof helps keep the elements off the occupants.
• Floor lighting, backlit switches and decorative components contribute to the premium car-like interior.

7-Inch TFT Color Instrumentation

A large 7-inch high grade full-color TFT LCD screen built into the dashboard contributes to the RIDGE XR's car-like quality.  Multiple selectable display modes offer information at a glance in the format of the driver's choice.  The high-grade instrumentation even includes a number of features with infotainment potential.

• Three selectable display modes - Digital, Analogue, Simple - allow drivers to select how they want information presented.  The screen background can also be set to black or white to suit preference.
• Screen brightness adjusts automatically so suit available light, contributing to the instrument's high legibility.  Brightness can also be set manually to suit driver preference.  LCD bonding technology allows the screen to be positioned close to its glass covering, helping to minimize glare for high clarity.
• Screen display functions include:
• Speedometer
• Tachometer
• Fuel gauge
• Gear indicator (L, H, N, R)
• Driving Mode (2WD/4WD/4WD + Diff Lock)
• Power Mode (Work/Normal/Sport)
• Clock
• CVT Temperature
• Selectable display that includes: digital tachometer, odometer, dual trip meters, total time, trip time, average speed, water temperature, battery voltage
• Bluetooth indicator
• Economical Riding Indicator
• Maintenance reminder (2 driver-selectable reminders)
• Surrounding the screen, a number of indicator lamps provide at-a-glance information:
• Neutral indicator
• Reverse indicator
• Headlight high-beam indicator
• Battery warning lamp
• EPS warning lamp
• CVT belt warning lamp
• Seatbelt warning lamp
• Parking indicator lamp
• Oil pressure lamp
• Water temperature warning lamp
• Engine check lamp
• When linked to a smartphone via Bluetooth, notification of calls and messages received will be indicated on the instrument display.
• The large screen size makes it ideal for infotainment functions like vehicle-mounted cameras (up to two accessory cameras can be linked to the display) and lighting status of the headlights.

Smartphone Connectivity

• Bluetooth technology built into the instrumentation enables wireless connection to the RIDGE.  Using RIDEOLOGY THE APP POWERSPORTS, information from the instrument panel can be viewed remotely on a phone contributing to an enhanced off-roading experience.
• Functions include:
• Vehicle Info: information such as fuel gauge, odometer, maintenance schedule, etc. can be viewed via the smartphone.
• Trip Log: GPS route information as well as vehicle running information can be logged and viewed via the smartphone.
• Tuning - General Settings: general instrument display setting (such as preferred units, date, date format, etc.) can be adjusted via the smartphone.
• Communication (Sharing): driver profile and trip logs can be shared with other RIDEOLOGY THE APP POWERSPORTS users, allowing drivers to interact with other like0minded side x side enthusiasts.
• Group Rides: the location of other riders in the group can be seen within the app.
• Geo-Fence: prohibited areas on the map (potentially dangerous areas, private land, etc.) can be set and shared.
• Poker Run: enjoy a poker run with friends using shared checkpoints.
• Maintenance Log/Reminders: maintenance history like oil changes, consumable parts replacement, and periodic inspections can be managed.  Notifications can set to remind the user when it is time to perform maintenance.

Chassis

Unique RIDGE XR Styling

• Complementing its rugged, sporty styling, the RIDGE XR's premium exterior includes painted fenders and all-LED lighting.
• Bright LED headlights feature line-type LED position lights to help create a fierce expression.
• Automotive-style front grille is complemented by a large aluminum Kawasaki emblem and a solid-looking steel front bumper.  The bumper is painted black and matched with a high-quality plastic cover to enhance its appearance.
• Bumper shrouds with built-in LED accent lights add to the distinctive, sporty image.
• Colored suspension A-arms provide contrast to the bodywork and contribute to the sporty styling.

Cargo Bed

• Substantial cargo bed can carry up to 1,000 pounds.
• Flat design helps ease loading from three sides, while the flat bottom helps make an efficient use of space and makes it easier to secure loads using the four hooks built into the bed.
• Tilting cargo bed allows easy access to the engine.
• Single-latch tailgate release system makes it easy to open and close the tailgate, which includes built-in cupholders for added convenience when the tailgate is lowered.
• The cargo bed walls have slots for cargo dividers, allowing cargo to be separated and stowed more securely.
• Standard two-inch two hitch receiver is compatible with a wide range of accessory hitches for towing up to 2,000 pounds.

Storage

• Three covered compartments in the dashboard provide enclosed storage for small items: a lidded compartment above the dashboard center console (except for HVAC models), a passenger-side glove box and another lidded compartment above the glove box.
• A pocket in the dashboard center console provides additional space for small items.
• Cup holders at each end of the dashboard can accommodate 30-ounce cups and are designed to make room for cup handles.
• Easy access storage space is available behind the seats, and the armrest console cover can be raised to reveal a handy storage space.

Power & USB Ports

• A DC socket integrated into the dash provides a power supply for accessories or personal devices.
• Two USB ports are included inside the lidded storage above the glove box.

Terminal Blocks & Accessories Pre-Wiring

• Terminal block below the glove box provides a connecting point for accessories.
• Non winch-equipped models have a second terminal block behind the front bumper that provides a connecting point for an accessory winch.

Full Cab with HVAC

• Factory-standard full cab comes complete with heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), creating a comfortable escape from the heat in the summer and the cold in the winter.
• Full Cab consists of:
• Glass windshield with a ridgeline graphic at the bottom
• Full doors with power windows.
• Glass rear panel.
• Windshield wiper and washer.
• Rearview mirror.
• Interior ceiling light
• The automotive-style HVAC unit includes multiple vents with model selection (defrost, defrost + floor, floor, dash + floor, face), adjustable fan strength, choice of fresh or recirculated air, and fast acting temperature control.
• Since the RIDGE was first designed with the full cab with parts then removed for the other model variations, seal performance is excellent, contributing to efficient climate control in the cabin and passenger comfort.

Specifications