This Kawasaki UTV Feels More Like an SUV

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The first time I took the 2025 Kawasaki Ridge XR Crew Limited out on the trails at a friend’s 1,400-acre family farm in Virginia, it didn’t feel like a typical side-by-side. It felt more like stepping into a compact SUV from a decade ago—just with better tech, a smaller footprint, and far fewer concerns about what lay ahead on the trail.

I’ve tested plenty of UTVs over the years, from bare-bones machines built solely to get you from point A to point B, to higher-end rigs outfitted with windshields, stereos, navigation, selectable drivetrains, and even air conditioning. The Ridge XR Crew stands apart because it doesn’t feel like a utility vehicle trying to play luxury—it feels purpose-built from the ground up to be both capable and genuinely comfortable.

On rutted trails, through deep mud, across smooth pine forest lanes, and over gravel paddocks, the Ridge XR moved with a level of composure and refinement that made it feel closer to an SUV than any side-by-side I’ve driven. It soaked up uneven terrain without drama, stayed predictable when conditions got sloppy, and—perhaps most surprising—kept everyone very comfortable while doing it.

What It Is

The 2025 Kawasaki Ridge XR Crew Limited HVAC is a premium crew-cab UTV designed to bridge the gap between serious off-road capability and true all-season comfort. It’s meant to pull double duty as a workhorse and a trail machine for families or groups, and it does so without leaning too heavily in either direction—a balance that’s increasingly rare in the crowded premium UTV space.

2025 Kawasaki Ridge XR Crew Limited HVAC Overall Impressions

I recently commented to my friend, as I was wrapping up this 9-month long-term review of the Ridge XR Crew Limited in early December, that it was so nice not to have to bundle up with gloves and face masks when heading out for night time excursions—whether wrapping up daytime chores, or having a few off-road adventures. In the past, in UTVs with a windshield, the winter temps would chill us to the bone and make our hands red and unresponsive if we didn't mount up properly prepared for the weather.

The factory HVAC system warms the cab fairly quickly, making cold-weather riding far more approachable. The sealed cabin also keeps dust and wind at bay no matter the season, and the overall fit and finish of the air conditioning system feels solid and purpose built, rather than tacked on like other UTVs that get their units installed at the dealer.

Other welcome amenities include adjustable driver and passenger seats that are firm but surprisingly plush, a bright TFT display for instrumentation, an 8-inch Garmin Tread unit centered in the dash, front and rear cameras, a WARN VRX 45-S winch with synthetic rope, and an eight-speaker sound system that’s actually usable at speed. It’s the kind of setup that encourages you to stay out longer—not because you’re pushing limits, but because there’s no reason to head back early.

Over my four season test, the Ridge XR performed all of the duties we threw at it with steadfast competency mixed with understated luxury. The farm I tested it at has a mixture of tight, wooded trails filled with ruts and mud puddles to airy pine plantations with wide trails and open fields filled with various hidden hazards. From carrying kayaks and SUPs to the farm ponds or toting chainsaws to do trail maintenance and loading up with wood, it never failed us. The tilt bed is plenty spacious to hold most of what you'd need for a day of chores or plenty of camping gear, and it's easy to open and empty, plus has plenty of lashing points.

And not only was it used for the usual farm chores and weekend adventures, it put in near constant use as a bird hauler once the upland game bird season started in September. For that, it was put through continual loading of bird crates in the back and then had to endure a constant run of stop and go use as we plante the birds in the fields for bird hunters and their dogs. The Ridge also had to stand up to a multitude of dogs of all breeds jumping up and in the side-by-side with muddy and wet paws—which were also abrading and scratching at the seats as we trundled along, through fields or bumpy trails. The seat fabric is still in fine shape with no cuts or worn spots anywhere.

Power & Performance

Power comes from a 999cc liquid-cooled inline-four producing 116 horsepower and 73.8 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smooth CVT—once you're going about 5 mph. Very low speeds—like when just starting off—can induce a bit of jerkiness in the powertrain, especially for newbies to the machine that haven't learned to modulate the throttle to reduce that unevenness. The combo of the inline-four and the CVT (no annoying belt slip to worry about) translates to confident trail performance and plenty of grunt for hauling or climbing when needed. Selectable 2WD and 4WD with locking differentials handled everything from muddy puddles to rocky or technical sections of trails without complaint.

Three on-the-fly power modes—Work, Normal, and Sport—let you tailor throttle response to the task at hand. Work mode smooths things out for chores and towing, while Sport sharpens response for quicker trail sections. It’s a useful feature rather than a gimmick, and one I found myself using regularly.

Long-travel double wishbone suspension and 30-inch tires on 14-inch aluminum wheels keep the Ridge XR composed over uneven ground, even with passengers onboard. It’s not a rock crawler, but for mixed terrain and long days outdoors, it strikes an effective balance between control and comfort.

Cab Comfort & Tech

The factory full cab with HVAC is the Ridge XR’s defining feature. Unlike dealer-installed systems, everything here feels integrated and well thought out. Airflow is consistent, controls are intuitive, and the cab seals tightly enough to make riding in regular clothes a relative non-issue across seasons. We used the A/C in the heat of the Southern summer sparingly as we usually were in and out of the UTV doing this and that, but in the moments when we had to drive or sit for an extended period of time, it worked great, keeping us chilly enough to break the sweat temporarily and get jealous glances from friends in non air-conditioned rigs. Power never seemed to be affected when running either the heat or air.

Tech highlights include the Garmin Tread navigation system with group-ride functionality, front and rear cameras for improved visibility, LED lighting, USB ports, and Kawasaki’s Rideology app compatibility. The four glass door windows are all powered, with two buttons on the left A-pillar for the driver to control both fronts, and two buttons on the dash for the rear—there are also controls on the respective door panels for the remainders. None of it feels excessive, but all of it adds to the sense that this is a side-by-side designed to be used often—and for long stretches at a time with few compromises in comfort and capability.

No machine is perfect. Some will notice more engine and road noise inside the cab than with certain competitors, particularly at speed. But it's not anything that should concern outdoor adventurers—it is a UTV after all, no matter the amenities. And, as noted, low-speed throttle response can feel a bit abrupt until you get used to it, and under-seat storage is more limited than in rivals.

Over my months of testing, the biggest problem I encountered were a loose center console, which resulted from the bolts that hold it down eventually working themselves out after miles and miles of rough riding. The only other minor issue is that the steering column/steering wheel just started making a squeaking noise when turning it. But, thankfully Kawasaki offers a three-year warranty to help offset any build or mechanical concerns you may encounter.

Pros

• True factory HVAC
• Robust powertrain with selectable modes
• Premium tech and connectivity
• Spacious, well-finished cab
• Great suspension for mixed terrain
• Solid warranty support

Cons

• Cab and engine noise can be noticeable
• Low speed power delivery can be jerky
• Storage space could be better

Final Verdict

The Kawasaki Ridge XR Crew Limited HVAC stands out as one of the most capable and comfortable crew-cab side-by-sides available with true factory HVAC. It’s not trying to reinvent the category—but it does refine it in meaningful ways with premium features placed with a robust powertrain. For buyers who want year-round usability, real comfort, and strong off-road capability without stepping into a full-size SUV, the Ridge XR should be on your short list.

2025 Kawasaki Ridge XR Crew Limited HVAC Specs

• Engine: Liquid-cooled DOHC inline-4
• Displacement: 999cc
• Transmission: CVT
• Horsepower/Torque: 116 hp/73.8 lb-ft
• Ground Clearance: 13.4 inches
• Fuel Capacity: 12.9 gallons
• Price: From $38,099