2025 Kawasaki Ridge XR Buyer’s Guide

A sport trim of Kawasaki’s rec-ute side-by-side, the Ridge XR makes a solid 116 hp, which is 24 horses more than the base trim, through an impressively smooth 999cc inline-four engine. A comfortable interior with a well-thought-out dash and controls keeps the Ridge XR easy to operate. An all-new four-door five-seater trim is available for 2025. A fully enclosed cab with HVAC comes standard.

Low towing numbers hold the Ridge XR back from being a proper utility rig, and a work-first chassis that underperforms on the trail keeps Kawasaki’s rec-ute side-by-side from holding up to the sport crowd. While the interior is impressive at a glance, panel gaps and exposed parts leave it lacking in fit and finish.

The Ridge XR is a strong contender among other industry rec-ute side-by-sides. A solid 116 hp coming through one of the best engines in its class makes it capable of keeping up with your friends on the trail while still being able to go home and put it to work. While towing and hauling numbers are lacking, it’s plenty for a rec-ute rig.

The 2025 Kawasaki Ridge XR makes a solid 116 hp, 24 more than the base model, through a 999cc inline-four. Along with the power increase, the XR trim gets bucket seats, larger tires, and a locking front differential.

Both the Ridge and the Ridge XR got a four-door, crew cab option for 2025.

2025 Kawasaki Ridge XR HVAC: $29,999

2025 Kawasaki Ridge XR Deluxe HVAC: $30,299

2025 Kawasaki Ridge XR Crew HVAC: $33,099

2025 Kawasaki Ridge XR Crew Limited HVAC: $38,099

Pricing does not include the $1,195 destination charge for the two-seater or $1,495 for the four/five-seater. Although Kawasaki says the dealer sets the actual amount.

Extra seats and a longer wheelbase for just $3,100 more makes the XR Crew a no-brainer. Whether you want to opt for the Limited, which comes with a third rear seat, Garmin GPS, and audio system, is up to you.

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The Ridge XR is powered by a 116 hp, 999cc inline-four engine that’s mated to a traditional CVT. The XR also gets high and low gears with a locking front diff.

The Ridge XR gets long-travel double-wishbone suspension with 12.7 inches of travel in the front and 10.1 in the rear. Shocks are Kawasaki’s in-house units.

The brakes are dual hydraulic 249mm discs with two-piston calipers in the front and dual hydraulic 249mm discs with single-piston calipers in the rear.

The XR model gets bucket seats for added comfort in place of the base model’s bench seat. Both seats can slide and the steering wheel is adjustable. HVAC comes standard for the XR.

All Ridge trims get 2,000 pounds of towing capacity and can haul 1,000 pounds (600 in the Golden State) in the bed. Total payload capacity is 1,275 pounds (875 pounds for the California units).

The Ridge XR gets a 7-inch color TFT display as well as a Garmin GPS center tablet.

Kawasaki recommends an initial service after 20 hours or 120 miles. After that, the suggested regular maintenance is every 100 hours or 1,200 miles.

Every new Kawasaki model comes with a three-year limited warranty.

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