2024 Kawasaki Mule 4010 Buyer’s Guide

Stout build quality. A long-respected name from a giant in the business. Packs a lot of utility into a relatively small footprint. Rear bench in four-seat models can be converted to extra cargo room. And who doesn’t love a good Mule?

The looks and spec sheet haven’t seen a significant update in ages. Suspension travel is limited.

A smart, affordable answer if you need a trustworthy, capable, no-fireworks utility rig where resale, low maintenance, and low buy-in matter.

As workhorse Kawasakis go, this one is fairly compact. Only the company’s wee Mule SX—which is small enough to fit in the bed of a full-size pickup—is smaller. The Mule 4010 is essentially Kawasaki’s similar Mule 4000 plus 4WD and $1,800 of sticker price, and in a rig like this, that’s a significant upgrade for a reasonable amount of money. The powdercoated steel bed is even large enough to fit a standard-size pallet. (Note: The Mule 4000 is not available as a 2024 model, only as a 2023.)

Not much changes for the current model year. All 4010 models have received a $500 price increase, and last year’s Camo model, which featured—you guessed it—a camouflage livery, has been discontinued. Again, the 4010 hasn’t seen much change in some time; the model’s last significant update came for 2021, when the line received fuel injection and the jobsite/fleet-focused FE (Fleet Edition) model.

2024 Kawasaki Mule 4010 4x4: $11,999

2024 Kawasaki Mule 4010 4x4 FE: $12,199

2024 Kawasaki Mule 4010 Trans4x4: $13,299

2024 Kawasaki Mule 4010 Trans4x4 FE: $13,499

We’d go with the Trans4x4 FE (Fleet Edition) model. It’s the most expensive in the range, sure, but the added versatility is worth it. The Trans4x4 spec brings two extra seats and the largest available cargo bed; FE trim adds a plastic roof, hi-vis orange seat belts, a horn, a universal key, and a bright white body. No 2024 Mule 4010 offers more—or more useful—standard equipment.

Why is the Fleet Edition’s white paint appealing? No idea, it just is? Kawasaki says its fleet models are white so you can easily add, and see, your company’s logo and identifying marks like serial numbers. Yeah, sure, OK. We just like seeing sassy-fancy white bodywork covered in mud.

A 617cc fuel-injected V-twin. A raging 34.7 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm. No, it’s not a Harley, and the engine won’t sound like one, either, especially since it’s leashed to a CVT. But there is, at least, some character here. And useful torque. Designed for abuse.

Top speed is limited to 25 mph.

Stiff springs, a relatively high load capacity: This is not a Cadillac. The 4010 rides a shade rough when unloaded but settles down with some weight in the bed. Suspension travel is limited, at just 3.9 inches up front and 2.8 inches rear, but nobody buys a 4010 to go rock crawling. Front suspension is by MacPherson strut, like a Ford Mustang. The rear suspension uses a De Dion tube, a layout best described as a halfway point between a solid axle and a true independent suspension.

Cars that use a De Dion rear suspension: the 1950s Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa. Caterham/Lotus Seven. Smart Fortwo. That last one will probably, maybe possibly outrun your 4010 to 25 mph. But hey, you can tell your friends your new rig has something in common with a Ferrari that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans!

Drum brakes are fitted at all four corners. Standard for the class, really, and adequate. Did you know that the 250 TR also had drum brakes on all four corners for the first two years of production? See? This is basically a Ferrari.

This is a relatively compact rig, given its hauling ability. Shoulder room is in short supply, and the seating position is fairly upright. Hip-protection bars and a headache rack are standard. Two-point (lap) seatbelts are fitted, a nod to the 4010′s low speed limiter. The low, flat floor makes ingress and egress easy. Twin glove boxes and large cupholders add convenience.

The Kawasaki’s large dump bed can hold up to 800 pounds. A 2.0-inch automotive-style hitch receiver is standard, and the 4010 is rated to tow up to 1,200 pounds. A full-size pallet will fit in the bed. In Trans4x4 models, the rear seat can be folded down and locked in place without tools, extending the bed by 20 inches.

Electric power steering is standard. An instrument cluster is not. The 4010 has no gauges, only a set of warning lights on the driver’s side of the dashboard. A digital hourmeter lives in the center of the dash.

You know what else had minimal gauges? The Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa. Forza, Kawasaki!

All 4010 models offer a standard 36-month limited warranty. Kawasaki’s extended Kawasaki Protection program is available for longer-term coverage.

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