First Ride with Kawasaki’s 2023 KRX 4 1000
Sailing Across a Sea of Sand with the New Four-Seater Teryx
Words: Kyra Sacdalan
Photos: Provided by Kawasaki
It didn’t really register right away. I caught the panorama from the corner of my eye, immediately turning my attention off the road and onto a sight which, when perfectly bathed in sunlight, was capable of evoking one’s inner poet. Until now, we’d been traveling through dusty ravines, narrow canyons or around massive oblong rock formations. Our view was altogether obstructed up to ten or so feet away. Then the horizon suddenly cleared. A tunnel of sandstone fell to one side down a sheer cliff giving us the most magnificent view of the valley. What I love about the high desert is its sheer vastness.
Being able to see all of the nooks and crannies for miles upon miles in any direction my helmet swivels. And while the often enclosed two-track that day forced me to focus on the tasks at hand, the drastic change of scenery was refreshing. Not because of the elbow room it offered us, per se, but more so the immense vista. I caught my breath for a moment after it felt I’d held it in over the coming obstacles. You know… Trying to stay light on my feet, of course.
There was a staggering contrast in the environment my last time behind the wheel. Foregoing gravel and clay for sand and slabs – the parched badlands of Hurricane, Utah was a far cry from the slick channels of storm-greased trails woven into Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest’s thick canopy. In fact, the only real similarity aside from their mutual allure to off-road motor heads was the terracotta color lining their floors. Here at Kawasaki’s 2023 Teryx KRX 4 launch it was quintessential Southwest.
Dry hot air filled nostrils with purpose, warming the chest uncomfortably. Every shallow inhale didn’t quite satisfy and sitting still was when you’d become really aware of the shortness of breath. It was a regular Thursday for the locals, but for the band of expats invited from all over the US to test ride the new Teryx KRX 4 1000 eS & eS Special Edition UTVs, the weather was oppressive. A tad ironic considering these models are intended to offer passengers a touch of luxury with their riding experience.
We took to the cars late morning. Even by then, I was concerned about overheating – despite spending a majority of my time riding or traipsing around deserts. Had Kawasaki not put so much effort into making their new machines cozy, simple and fun as hell, I might have wasted too much energy on adjusting everything (including myself) to genuinely appreciate the sheer pleasure of our bantamweight/mini adventure. It was a particularly sweltering day. An arid climate contributed to the shimmery veil of sand rendering our tracks virtually untraceable, but didn’t slow us down in the least. I lingered a little at a stop to give the lead KRX some room.
With newfound distance between us, the Teryx KRX 4 1000 eS could yaw and skip and dance its way to the next junction at whatever pace felt best for the terrain, essentially as swiftly as I could manage before spotting brakes lights ahead. I played chicken with a corner, leaning precariously on the edge of its suspension. Yet each MPH I squeezed was still far below what that four-seater Kawasaki could really handle. At least we carried enough momentum for the blistering wind to lick across any exposed skin it could find. Mixed with granules and sun, it scratched at my soft flesh. But who cares? I like the wind on my face. And so does the Teryx – which is no surprise if you’re familiar with the OG two-door iterations.
Despite its elegance, this 4d-stretched vessel sailed less like a pleasure cruiser and more like a power boat. Voyaging across the brick red dunes or sliding down the narrow tunnel-like ravines, the soft sandy waves yield to our presence, allowing momentum to continue in a fluid tempo even as random outcropping of slabs, stones or ripples appeared with hardly a warning. Each were devoured by 18.6 and 21.1 inches of wheel travel, Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS), Selectable 3-mode Semi-Active Damping Control – Soft, Normal and Firm – and a hungry set of MAXXIS Carnivore tires (31 x 10.00R15 8PR all-around).
On the dash, a dial pointed at Soft when the ride was about to become a little or a hell-of-a lot bumpier. Switch to Normal when the rhythm picks up through sleek, sweeping turns or climbing the steep banks of a positively cambered curve. Admittedly, I barely rotated towards Firm because, well, nothing seemed hard enough for my glorious land yacht. It’s meant for thrust; for procuring an appropriate amount of “wheee!” and for winning point-to-point races. Even in rolling dunes or clawing up the face of a steep rock shelf, the Teryx KRX 4 never struggled. Whatever I demanded, it obliged; it always let me feel in command.
As groups split into two, I placed my orange and black 1000 eS carriage at the tail of a similar, albeit two-door, KRX 1000 model manned by seasoned marketing maestro, Jon Rall. He didn’t take it easy on us when the road called for velocity, but ever the responsible Kawasaki tour guide, he wasn’t going to completely ditch the cars relegated to the back either. I opted for second in the queue so I could open things up sufficiently for a thorough trial. I wanted to figure out the KRX 4’s 4-stroke 8-valve parallel-twin, liquid cooled engine pumping out 112 horses and 76.7 ft-lbs of torque coupled with FOX 2.5 Live Valve Internal Bypass Shocks, KECS and, when applicable, the hydraulic disc braking system equipped with two-piston calipers up front and single-piston calipers in back. Even the TFT display had a number of elements to uncover.
At a stop, we noticed small details evidencing Kawasaki spent as much time being passengers as driving to cover all comforts, any need. Consideration was also spent on access points to the engine and filters – like one behind the fully removable backseat. Even the new eight-turn removable caps on the doors are more convenient to pop off on the move to than the old rubber version, although they can sometimes remove themselves for you if you’re not paying attention.
I was moderately surprised by how much input the gas pedal needed to roll off the line, but once engaged, only minor pressure was required to really send it. While the brakes are apparently unchanged from their former versions, they were responsive, especially when braking late into corners, playing catch up on the trails, or just generally driving quicker than my eyes could make out deviations in all of the dust. Engine braking gave an adequate amount of resistance to gravity too. All the while, my passenger and I rode with ease, letting the KRX 4’s suspension absorb every contour which shaped our path. I’m a glutton for punishment, sometimes I do dumb things like take my small-displacement dual-sport motorbike on long-distance trips or ride across the country in December (despite blizzard warnings).
As such, I may not be the best judge of comfort. However, I am still familiar with the pain of traveling on a freshly graded road with stiff shocks or crossing a sequence of bunny hills with small tires and no ground clearance. In both the KRX 4 1000 eS and es Special Edition models, the usual dread approaching whoops was instead replaced by immense joy in knowing the brisker I drove, the less abrasive they’d become. As the space between these sharp mounds grew wider, We’d gas hard at the bottom hoping for as much lift as possible off the top. Granted what felt like meters was likely only several inches, but it procured a toothy grin nonetheless. Even in rougher terrain, the Kawasakis let rocky or washboard sections melt under us.
The first half of the day, our route was fast and flowing. It was wide through many parts, but still a bit sunken beneath the tall brush lining the way. We maneuvered stony shelves, banks turns and hill climbs with some grace. The steering is just forgiving enough; the sort of leeway good design can give an average driver and prevent a catastrophe. Imagine something startles or catches you off-guard; the wheel won’t yank the car around when flinched.
It seemed the 1000 eS had everything anyone could want, plus the three-mode adjustable 7-inch TFT display offering a laundry list of features, like auto adjusting screen brightness; speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, gear indicator; driving mode (2WD/4WD/4WD+Diff Lock), power mode (Full/Low), suspension mode (Soft/Normal/Firm), clock, CVT temperature, all the usual digital instruments and so much more. Add in the accessories – HMW full skid plate, front A-arm guard set, trailing arm guard set, and rock slider set – and the package was complete… Almost. If you ask me, no movie-worthy adventure is truly ready until the soundtrack has been set. And with the Bluetooth sound system installed in the eS Special Edition, I looked forward to Round Two.
The prospect of joyriding these comfort-forward rigs for a second time kept up morale as we sweltered under Kawasaki branded awnings. Fortunately, the Kawi crew has come prepared: fresh loaner jerseys, cold wet face towels, cup holders full of room-temp water bottles. Our party was as equipped as could be for the temperature. And for another high-speed parade through the complex network of silty ravines. Our new chariot, a metallic flat Graystone eS Special Edition came with all the same reliable KRX 4 1000 base, but with a few extra qualities like my beloved high-grade HIFONICS® Bluetooth®/AM/FM audio system, a WARN® VRX 45 powersport winch and the KQR™ sport roof.
This go around, the walls of the embankments rose above our roof tops and tightly enclosed the lane, forcing steadier concentration as we hurdled like bobsled down unfamiliar ice, looking for the curve. This was nearly the end of our journey, one last opportunity to go wild. Pedals were floored, roost was thrown, and the cars edged ever closer to the top of each bank letting G-forces aid control. When we’d break free of the smooth effortless two-track, it would be time to crawl – rock that is.
Slow-speed ascents up tall slabs with shelves or teetering over blind crests to descend into an unseen abyss, well, isn’t in my wheelhouse. Yet, somehow, my confidence never waivered. I conquered the obstacles like anything else throughout the day, with mild indifference to danger and a lingering sense of accomplishment. All the while, Spotify and 600 Watts of sound cheered me through every challenge. Had Kawi really wanted to spoil us, they would have slapped on the eS Special Edition’s cushy extras, like the KQR full windshield with wiper & washer to save us from debris. (Just saying…)
Paul Simon’s Graceland blared into the atmosphere while we blurred the lines in the horizon, racing through the wasteland to reach home base. Even with a cold towel and fans waiting for us in the shade of the Kawasaki trucks, I was sad to put it in park. A novice to the Teryx family, and to the desert in this capacity, the performance, the comfort and the experience exceeded my expectations.
Parked at the top of a ledge, staring at a tremendous expanse unfurled by scaling a rocky canyon, gave me an epiphany. Without these vehicles, could I have arrived here to see heaven on earth sprawled out before me – to feel small for a moment and question my perspectives? That’s the real value of a UTV (or overlander, quad, motorcycle…): the ability to explore further, make discoveries, witness each corner of the world and have a fresh take on life. With Kawasaki’s KRX 4 1000 series, you’ll be able to do it all with class.
DOMINATE ADVENTURE
TECHNOLOGY
- Economical Riding Indicator
- Power Modes
- Ergo-Fit
- KECS (Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension)
CAPABILITY
- Front Suspension / Wheel: Travel Double wishbone, FOX 2.5 Podium Live Valve Internal Bypass shocks with piggyback reservoir, fully adjustable preload, and KECS controlled compression damping/18.6 in.
- Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel: 4-link trailing-arm rear suspension, FOX 2.5 Podium Live Valve Internal Bypass shocks with piggyback reservoir, fully adjustable preload, and KECS controlled compression damping/21.1 in.
- Front Tires: MAXXIS Carnivore 31 x 10.00R15 8PR
- Rear Tires: MAXXIS Carnivore 31 x 10.00R15 8PR
- Steering: Electric Power Steering (EPS) / rack-and-pinion
- Front Brakes: Dual hydraulic discs with two-piston calipers
- Rear Brakes: Dual hydraulic discs with single-piston calipers
- Ground Clearance: 15.2 in (max), 14.2 in (std)
- Fuel Capacity: 10.6 gal
- Turning Radius: 23.3 ft
- Cargo Bed Dimensions (LxWxH): 14.6 x 33.1 x 9.1 in
- Cargo Bed Capacity: 351 lbs
- Load Capacity: 1001 lbs
- Seating Capacity: 4
- Towing Capacity: N/A
- Lighting: (2) LED headlights, (2) LED taillights, LED stoplight
POWER
- Engine: 4-stroke, DOHC, 8-valve parallel-twin, liquid cooled
- Displacement: 999cc
- Bore x Stroke: 92.0 x 75.1 mm
- Compression Ratio: 11.5:1
- Maximum Torque: 76.7 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm
- Fuel System: DFI with two 50mm throttle bodies
- Ignition: TCBI with electronic advance
- Starting System: Electric
- Transmission: Automatic CVT with centrifugal clutch (H,L,N,R)
- Final Drive: Selectable 2WD/4WD with locking front differential, shaft
- Engine Braking: Yes
DETAILS
- Frame: Ladder type, tubular steel
- Overall Length: 157.3 in
- Overall Width: 68.1 in
- Overall Height: 76.2 in
- Curb Weight: 2105.8 lbs (2108.0 lbs CA)*
- Wheelbase: 125.8 in
- Wheel Type: Alloy wheels
- Color Choices: Metallic Flat Raw Graystone/Candy Steel Furnace Orange
- Warranty: 6 months
- Kawasaki Protection Plus™ (optional): 12, 24, or 36 months
- Instruments: Multi-function digital meter with high-grade full-color TFT LCD screen that offers three selectable display modes (Digital, Analogue, Simple) and can auto adjust screen brightness to suit available light. Display functions include speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, gear indicator (L, H, N, R), driving mode (2WD/4WD/4WD+Diff Lock), power mode (Full/Low), suspension mode (Soft/Normal/Firm), clock, CVT temperature, digital tachometer, odometer, dual trip meters, total time, trip time, average speed, water temperature, battery voltage, Bluetooth indicator**, telephone call indicator, main indicator, economical riding indicator, maintenance reminder, neutral indicator, reverse indicator, headlight high-beam indicator, battery warning lamp, EPS warning lamp, CVT belt warning lamp, seatbelt warning lamp, parking indicator lamp, oil warning lamp, water temperature warning lamp, engine check lamp.
TERYX KRX®4 1000 SE, Starting at $27,499
Two colorways:
Lime Green/Metallic Onyx Black | Sunbeam Red/Metallic Onyx Black
- FOX 2.5 PODIUM LSC shocks with piggyback reservoir
- WARN® VRX 45 powersport winch
- KQR™ sport roof
- Multi-function digital instrumentation
- Large volume Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with centrifugal clutch and high-quality belt
- On-the-fly electrically selectable 4WD and front differential lock
- 31 in. tires with 15 in. aluminum wheels
- Large-diameter hydraulic disc brakes
- Power mode selection
TERYX KRX®4 1000 eS, Starting at $28,499
One colorway:
Metallic Flat Raw Graystone/Candy Steel Furnace Orange
- FOX 2.5 Live Valve Internal Bypass Shocks
- Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS)
- Selectable 3-mode Semi-Active Damping Control
- 7″ High-Grade, Full-Color TFT Instrumentation with Smartphone Connectivity
ACCESSORIES
- HMW Full Skid Plate
- HMW Front A-Arm Guard Set
- HMW Trailing Arm Guard Set
- HMW Rock Slider Set
TERYX KRX®4 1000 eS SPECIAL EDITION, Starting at $29,999
One colorway:
Metallic Flat Raw Graystone
- FOX 2.5 Live Valve Internal Bypass Shocks
- Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS)
- Selectable 3-mode Semi-Active Damping Control
- 7″ High-Grade, Full-Color TFT Instrumentation with Smartphone Connectivity
- High-grade HIFONICS® Bluetooth®/AM/FM audio system
- WARN® VRX 45 powersport winch
- KQR™ sport roof
- Special Edition color and graphics
ACCESSORIES
- Soft Upper Door Set
- Read Panel, Polycarbonate
- KQR Full Windshield, Glass
- Windshield Wiper/Washer
