2023 Kawasaki TERYX KRX4 1000 UTV Review: Smooth, Capable Comfort for 4 People
The 2023 Teryx KRX4 1000 is the latest addition to a portfolio of Kawasaki sport performance side-by-side all-terrain vehicles that serve to reconnect with the outdoors and bring along your favorite peeps to share the memories.
These all-new UTV four-seaters are brilliant for getting you and fam up and over the mountains, across rugged terrain, and wickedly fun to boot.
Kawasaki invited GearJunkie to hammer the Teryx KRX4 1000 eS and eS Special Edition models in the Southern Utah desert. The following is an evaluation of the new sport UTVs after spending hours learning about their outstanding features and testing their capabilities on trail.
Teryx KRX4 1000 Review
The KRX4 1000 adds room for two more passengers and matches its smaller sibling in almost every way since it’s based on the Teryx KRX 1000 two-seater — an all-new design that went into production starting in 2020. Nothing was compromised — retaining its tall ground clearance, long-travel suspension, and rock-solid chassis.
The new four-seater side-by-side comes in three trim packages, two slated for delivery this summer. The SE model has a $27,499 MSRP and comes outfitted with a WARN VRX 45 powersport winch, FOX 2.5 podium LSC shocks, and KQR Sport Roof. Deliveries for the SE begin in October.
The eS and eS Special Edition trims, priced at $28,499 and $29,999, begin arriving in July. The Teryx KRX4 1000 eS trim gets a shock upgrade with the FOX live-valve system, KECS electronic suspension, and a 7-inch full-color TFT display. The eS Special Edition trim adds on the sports roof, winch, and integrated 600-watt Hifonics stereo system.
Guts and Glory
To start, a 999cc liquid-cooled, parallel twin-cylinder engine with three selectable power modes motivates this mad UTV. Mated to the engine is a durable CVT with a centrifugal drive clutch that enables precise throttle control when rock crawling.
A pair of snorkel intakes for the engine and CVT are mounted high and have recessed entrances to avoid dust and water reaching the internals. A Donaldson air filter captures any dust that does make it into the snorkels.
Tactile knobs and old-school toggle switches within easy reach enable the driver to select 2WD, 4WD, and 4WD + diff-lock drive modes to match changing trail conditions on-the-fly and while wearing gloves. A light gray three-position knob, located directly to the right of the power-mode toggle switch, permits the driver to quickly adjust the Kawasaki Electronic Controlled Suspension (KECS) to optimal comfort and stability.
The KRX4’s wide stance, 126-inch wheelbase, speed-sensitive power-assisted steering, and hefty curb weight bestow the UTV’s stability and comfort when hammering the trails. Using the KECS switch to dynamically increase the stiffness of the suspension from soft to normal to firm works magnificently, keeping the four-passenger coach rock steady as the speed ramps up.
A double-wishbone front suspension with 19 inches of travel, a four-link trailing arm rear suspension with 21 inches of travel incorporating a set of FOX Live Valve shocks, and dual-rate coil springs soak up terrain admirably.
The gummy 31-inch MAXXIS Carnivore tires on 15-inch single-piece wheels make for a highly competent and downright comfortable ride — whether sailing at a fast clip on a choppy trail, clawing up a steep, rocky pitch, or rock crawling through a technical passage.
The KRX4 1000 will eat up the chunder, exhibit tenacious grip, and put a colossal smile on your face without the serious beatdown on the body.
Nuts and Bolts
Kawasaki’s rev-happy Teryx KRX4 1000 embodies capability, confidence, and all the amenities to make the ride enjoyable. Here are some highlights contributing to the UTV’s prowess on the trails.
FOX Live Valve Electronic Suspension
One of the core reasons that the Teryx performs brilliantly on the trails is the FOX Live Valve suspension, KECS, and how well they work together. The FOX 2.5 Live Valve uses dual coil springs and internal bypass shock absorbers.
Within the inner body of the shock, oil moves around the main piston in a specified “ride zone,” which results in less resistance and a plush ride in light terrain.
Bigger bumps will push the piston past the “ride zone” and into the “bump zone” of the piston. Now the oil has to go through the main piston and prevent bottoming out at max compression, enabling bottom-out control and support.
During the transition from compression to rebound, the piston momentarily pauses and prevents bucking. On the rebound stroke, fluid bypasses the piston outside the inner sleeve of the shock tube through the open refill holes and flows back in through the bleed hole.
As the piston moves past the refill holes into the rebound catch zone, the fluid is forced to flow through the piston’s rebound valving at full force. This action firms up the shock absorber and prevents a harsh top-out load.
Working with the shock absorber to control jouncing and bumps are two coil springs. The top coil spring has a softer rating that quickly soaks up the small jolts; a longer coil spring with a progressively higher rate handles the harsher impacts and maintains control. The payoff is a responsive suspension tuned to tackle small and large strikes, control the motion, and stabilize the ride.
I occasionally heard a clunking noise at certain speeds because the two springs were compressing and rebounding at different rates as the damper went through its strokes. In no way did it sound like anything was broken.
The Bosch electronic control suspension system receives input from multiple vehicle sensors and sends the collective signals to a CPU. Within milliseconds the data is processed, and adjusts the shocks’ damping in real time.
Three dynamic settings for tuning the desired comfort level are soft, normal, and firm. The Kawasaki engineering team accomplished optimal performance by fine-tuning the algorithm that calculates the responses from the sensor input. The outcome is a soft mode that is incredibly plush and impressive at soaking up the chop when roving at a casual pace.
The normal setting works terrific for most conditions and feels grand at speeds around 20-30 mph. At higher, aggressive rates, the firm position does a tremendous job of keeping the UTV securely planted on the trail and tight in the corners.
If there were a KECS control button on the steering wheel, that would be preferable to reaching over and changing the comfort level while in motion. This way, both hands are on the steering wheel, and attention stays focused on what lies ahead.
Nitpicking aside, a 7-inch full-color display will show real-time suspension info, CVT and water temperatures, engine management details, and stereo settings.
Passenger Comfort
Ergonomics was a key design goal for the team developing the KRX4, and the level of accomplishment is a step above its class competitors. First, there is plenty of room to seat four adults comfortably — including the back seat passengers.
Tall passengers in the back row have lots of legroom. And a tall roofline accommodates wearing helmets with lots of space above to spare.
Getting in and out of the cab is straightforward without wriggling through a roll cage. The doors are light, swing open and close with little effort, and latch securely. It was pointed out that all four doors are hinged at the front, which is a crucial detail if one of them comes unlatched when hustling through the whoops and jumps at 40 mph.
There’s even a small elbow rest on the door panel — large enough to be useful without intruding on the passenger space but insignificant in the event of an accident.
The sizable rear cargo area will support up to 351 pounds and will fit a 32-inch spare tire, a 40-quart cooler, or both if using the available rear cargo/tire rack.
Teryx KRX4 1000 Impressions
It’s more of a party when you can bring along family and friends on exciting excursions across the trails. After some seat time with the Teryx KRX4 1000, we walked away happily impressed.
The sport-ute four-seater side-by-side demonstrated a high level of capability, comfort, and performance. Plus, Kawasaki does a great job with the quality of its fit and finish.
I also liked how the KRX4 boosted my confidence levels. Whether rock crawling, sending it through the whoops at speed, or racing at a fast clip, Kawasaki’s four-seater with the FOX Live Valve delivered a superb ride and predictable handling.
I was a little hesitant and cautious when I first jumped in for a morning session on the trails. Nevertheless, my reservations faded away by mid-afternoon after tackling a variety of terrain and getting a good feel as to how it behaved on the trails.
Make It Your Own
To complement the spacious interior, the Kawasaki Teryx KRX4 1000 includes sport seats designed for comfort and support, all-digital instrumentation, and a highly rigid frame with an integrated Rollover Protection Structure (ROPS).
Straight out of the box, the side-by-side is ready to rock the trails and already outfitted with some marvelous features. However, there’s a comprehensive list of 55 new and carryover accessories and upgrades at your disposal.
Upgrading the Teryx KRX4 1000 is an ideal way of personalizing your UTV, and Kawasaki makes it easy with its accessory packages. Buyers can cherry-pick genuine factory parts out of the catalog or customize their ride with one of the packaged kits listed below.
Protection Package
Part number 99974-0163 | MSRP $3,253
- Sport front and rear bumpers
- Headlight and taillight guards
- HMW front A-arm guard set
- HMW trailing arm guard set
- Nerf bar set
- HMW rock slider set
- Intrusion bar
Lighting Package
Part number 99974-0165 | MSRP $1,858
- Alternator kit
- 8-in. LED K-Glow light bars (quantity 3)
- Light bar sport front bumper install kit
- 38-in. LED K-Glow light bar and install kit
- Rear 8-in. LED K-Glow light bar install kit
Recreation Package
Part number 99974-0166 | MSRP $4,218
- VRX 45 winch kit KRX4
- KQR half windshield – polycarbonate
- Tow hooks (quantity 2)
- Lighted wide-angle rear view mirror
- Rear cargo/tire rack
- KQR premium roof, black
- KQR tailgate
- Spare tie-down – coated
- Dash net with anti-slip tray
Entertainment Package
Part number 99974-0168 | MSRP $3,328
- Interactive display and mount kit
- Front and rear cameras
- Camera extension harness
- Interactive display audio system
Cab Package
Part number 99974-0164 | MSRP $4,684
- KQR full glass windshield
- KQR sport roof
- KQR rear panel – polycarbonate
- Windshield wiper/washer kit
- Soft upper door set
- Heater kit
- Dash net with anti-slip tray
- Cab seal kit
Mud Package
Part number 99974-0164 | MSRP $4,462
- VRX 45 winch kit, KRX4
- KQR full windshield – glass
- Windshield wiper/wash kit
- KQR rear panel – polycarbonate
- Tow hooks (quantity 2)
- KQR tail box
- Wide fender flare kit
- KQR premium roof, black
- Dash net with anti-slip tray
- Mud flap kit
Beadlock Wheel Package, Black
Part number 99994-1513-BK | MSRP $1,819
2023 Kawasaki Teryx KRX4 1000 Specs
- Engine type: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
- Displacement: 999 cc
- Maximum torque: 76.7 lb.-ft. @ 7,000 rpm
- Bore and stroke: 92.0 75.1 mm
- Compression ratio: 11:5:1
- Fuel system: DFI with two 50mm ETV throttle bodies
- Transmission: CVT w/centrifugal clutch
- Drive system: Dual range H/L/N/R, 2WD/4WD, Shaft Drive
- Tires: Maxxis Carnivore 31 x 10.00R15 8PR
- Wheelbase: 125.8 in.
- Front brake type: 258mm Hydraulic Discs, 32mm Twin-piston Calipers
- Rear brake type: 258mm Hydraulic Discs, 38mm Single-piston Calipers
- Front suspension type: Double wishbone, FOX 2.5 PODIUM LSC shocks with piggyback reservoir, fully adjustable preload, and 24-position adjustable compression damping
- Rear suspension type: 4-link trailing-arm, FOX 2.5 PODIUM LSC shocks with piggyback reservoir, fully adjustable preload, and 24-position adjustable compression damping w/Preload Adjustment, 24-way compression damping adjustment
- Front wheel travel: 19 in.
- Rear wheel travel: 21 in.
- Ground clearance: KRX4 eS: 15.2 in. (max) | KRX eS Special Edition 14.4 in. (max)
- Fuel tank capacity: 10.6 gal.
- Bed length x width x height: 14.6 x 33.1 x 9.1 in.
- Bed load capacity: 351 lb.
- Limited warranty 6 months
- Kawasaki Protection Plus: 12, 24, or 36 months
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