Kawasaki Updates Ridge & Ridge Crew Premium Utility-Recreation UTVs For 2026
Kawasaki has refreshed its premium utility-recreation UTV lineup, including updated 2026 Ridge and Ridge Crew side-by-side models that offer enhanced comfort, handling, and control. Among the most notable improvements is a new front stabilizer bar that comes standard on all Ridge UTVs except at the ST trim level; it’s designed to suppress chassis roll during medium- to high-speed cornering for improved stability.
The company continues to emphasize the Ridge lineup’s automotive-inspired cabin, which it says helps set the models apart from typical utility-recreation side-by-sides.
What The Ridge Lineup Offers
The 2026 Ridge family includes multiple 2-door Ridge versions that seat up to three passengers and 4-door Ridge Crew versions that can seat up to six passengers. Both lines come in Standard, Camo, Platinum Ranch Edition, and ST trims. Standard trims omit the fully sealed HVAC-equipped cab designed for all-season comfort that’s found in higher trims.
New Updates For 2026
In addition to the front stabilizer bar, Kawasaki has introduced several comfort and drivetrain updates across most trims, including:
- A new idle collar bar on the primary pulley shaft (all but ST trims) that reduces belt flutter, enhances responsiveness, and improves acceleration
- Continuously variable transmission (CVT) ratio updates that complement these enhancements
- Added cabin sound-dampening rubber sheeting to reduce ambient noise levels
- New all-black wheels for Camouflage HVAC models
- A revised driver seat mechanism allowing a wider range of adjustment
- Rearview camera functionality is displayed on the 7-inch LCD screen for all trims except the ST when shifting into reverse
Key Features & Capabilities
A rubber-mounted, liquid-cooled, inline 4-cylinder engine rated for 116 horsepower (86.5 kilowatts) and 73.8 pounds-foot (100 newton-meters) of torque powers the majority of Ridge and Ridge Crew trims. The ST trims’ power plants are rated for 92 HP (68.6 kW) and 65.8 lbf-ft (89 N-m) of torque.
Kawasaki pairs the engines with a CVT and provides Work, Normal, and Sport power modes to match power delivery to usage scenarios, whether navigating demanding trails, rough pastures, or paved community streets.
Additional capability for most models comes from on-the-fly electrically selectable four-wheel drive and front and rear differential locks, which together allow for quick, easy traction adjustments. An electric power steering (EPS) system improves handling and rider comfort and reduces kickback. Long-travel front and rear double-wishbone suspension helps maintain chassis stability over uneven terrain.
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