Considering purchasing a 2017. Will be used on Hill Country ranch for hunting, filling feeders, and general utility driving.

Any thoughts on the Kawasaki?

Thank you.

Bought one for the Company ranch (20k with extras) and I hate it. It looks good and the seats are comfortable.
Now- the dust thing is out of control. However they did the exhaust and undercarriage needs to change. Its almost undriveable. Took the windshield off and it makes it better. Windshield is a 2 man job- pain in the arse too.
As far as how it drives- just not impressed. It feels underpowered and don't like the lack of acceleration. I would rate it slightly ahead of the Yamaha but behind Polaris and Honda. Only problem with the Honda is the back fold down seats- no leg room, uncomfortable, and if it doesn't fold just right the seats stick and you have to take to dealer to fix.

If you haven't test driven one, I highly recommend it. I went ahead and bought another Polaris last week. Oh- and no matter what brand you decide on- if its 4 or more seats you want the Power Steering option. Best of luck and enjoy whatever you get.

Thanks for the response.

What did you mean about the dust?

And, does the exhaust put fumes in the passenger area?

Again, thank you.

We've got a 2016 and couldn't have a review that is further from jftx04. I'm not sure what is meant by the dust issue? I haven't had anything like that. It's not going to go as fast as the Polaris, but I don't think it's really designed for that. It gets up fast enough.

The only complaint I have is that you might want to put a lift on it. It sits pretty low stock. I'd also recommend some better tires.

And yes, EPS is a must. Test drive one without it and you'll see.

All in all, we love ours. It can nearly carry a full pallet of corn in the back, Has plenty of room for 3 dogs plus gear in the bed. Still gets up to 45 mph loaded down. 3 year warranty.

I have a Kawasaki Teryx 4 with 11,000 miles on it, and it is the most comfortable and dependable UTV I have ever owned.

As far as dust goes, any UTV with a windshield is going to suck dust in from the back, unless you also have a rear window or wind screen. I just run mine without a windshield.

We got one this year and so far 0 complaints. I think the ride and handling with the independent suspension is amazing. Definitely underpowered compared to other side by sides, but I'm not looking to go 50 mph.

I didn't buy it and the only reason I don't think I would buy one if I'm making the purchase in the future was the price. Seemed pretty high when compared to the Polaris.

I was considering the FXT because I really liked how it looked, and it has plenty of room. I ended up going with the Honda Pioneer 700-4, and I love it. It's a little smaller than most SXS vehicles since the backseats fold into the bed, so it fits on my 12' trailer. My kids are 3 and 4, so the back seat is fine for them, and mama rides on my lap. They didn't offer power steering on the 2016 700, but I installed the SuperATV Power Steering Kit, and it makes a huge difference. A friend has the Pioneer 1000 and loves it.

My dad has a Kubota RTV1140 Diesel. That one is fine on the jobsite, but weighs a ton, and is much slower than anything else. Not as fun to drive on the ranch.

I think it is important to note with discussing side by sides that one can top out at 25mph and not be underpowered. The traditional JD gator, mule and Kubotas are slower, but are workhorses.

If you want to race on a gravel/paved road, buy a ranger and get a helmet.

Lt. Joe Bookman said:

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The only complaint I have is that you might want to put a lift on it. It sits pretty low stock. I'd also recommend some better tires.

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I own the 2016 and absolutely love it. And you can't beat the 3 year warranty.

And I agree with LT Joe Bookman. It sits low and if I could start over, I would have the shop put a lift on it.

fightingfarmer09 said:

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I think it is important to note with discussing side by sides that one can top out at 25mph and not be underpowered. The traditional JD gator, mule and Kubotas are slower, but are workhorses.

If you want to race on a gravel/paved road, buy a ranger and get a helmet.

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This. I've seen a mule doe the work of a half ton pickup but it's not going to win any races.

Polaris Ranger >>>>>> Kawasaki Mule

fightingfarmer09 said:

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I think it is important to note with discussing side by sides that one can top out at 25mph and not be underpowered. The traditional JD gator, mule and Kubotas are slower, but are workhorses.

If you want to race on a gravel/paved road, buy a ranger and get a helmet.

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Have had a 2000 Diesel Mule on the family place for going on 16 years. It's a beast and has zero problems tackling the hill country and has survived lots of "stupid" over the years and kept on going. It has been so reliable that when I finally bite the bullet and get a UTV it'll likely be a 4 seater diesel Mule.

What do you like about the Polaris?

Thank you.

txaggie02 said:

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Polaris Ranger >>>>>> Kawasaki Mule

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I have owned 6 different brands of UTV. Polaris is the only one I would not buy again.

So the moral of the story HillCountry...its the Ford vs Chevy debate..haha.

As far as the dust, it constantly circulates and blows up into your face. Im not a mechanic and have no idea why. It is reduced with the windshield off but not totally fixed. None of our Polaris or Golf carts have that issue.
Im glad the Mule supporters mentioned how low they are. Id be curious what the clearance comparison is.
Also wonder if Kaw and Polaris will take notes off the yamaha reinforced undercarriage. I really wish that was an option. On the river side of our largest property we ride over a ton of downed trees.

Again, best of luck with your decision.

jftx04 said:

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Im glad the Mule supporters mentioned how low they are. Id be curious what the clearance comparison is.

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Looked it up. 10.2" vs 11.3"

Personally, I think both are too low and need a lift.

I know this is a little off subject but my neighbor works for a JD heavy equipment company that also sells gators. I asked him about checking out their new gator RSX and XUV's and his response was go buy a Polaris.

sounds like kawasaki has improved their engineering. company i worked for 10 years ago owned mules and they were constantly in the shop because of transmission trouble. Polaris Ranger has never been a problem to me or anyone i know