Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 Reviews Summary

The Teryx KRX 1000 is Kawasaki’s long awaited entry into the high performance recreational UTV segment. SVR analyzed several Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 reviews and the two-seater appears to be worth the wait as the reviews are overwhelmingly positive. The Teryx KRX 1000 is in the same class as the Honda Talon 1000R, Yamaha YKZ1000SE and Polaris RZR XP 1000.

Positive Comments

• Very good suspension that soaks up bumps, holds a straight line and handles turns well with controlled body roll
• Smooth power curve
• Low power mode provides smooth and precise throttle response and helps make the KRZ 1000 excellent for rock crawling
• Excellent engine braking
• Speed-sensitive EPS works really well especially at low speeds but some riders might want more feedback at higher speeds
• Good nightlines to driver side front wheel
• Very good approach and departure angles
• Roomy cab and adjustable seats can accommodate larger riders well
• Easy cab ingress and egress
• Looks to be well built and durable
• Large cargo bed

Reviewers noted some other positive features including the styling of the Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000, several easy maintenance aspects, the 31″ Maxxis Carnivore tires and the digital gauge with CVT temperature reading.

Negative Comments

Some reviewers had negative comments, but they were relatively minor and most were not consistently noted across all of the reviews.

• The Teryx KRX 1000 is heavier than comparable vehicles from competitors, about 350 lbs heavier
• The vehicle’s initial acceleration was slow
• Some drivers might find the steering wheel too far away when the seat is slid back
• Some front end push in turns at high speed
• Engine noise

Key Vehicle Specs

• 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve parallel-twin, liquid-cooled, 999cc engine with EFI
• Automatic CVT with centrifugal clutch
• Selectable 2WD/4WD with locking front differential
• Engine braking
• FOX 2.5 PODIUM LSC shocks with piggyback reservoir, fully adjustable preload, and 24-position adjustable compression damping
• 18.6″/21.1″ of front/rear suspension travel
• 31″ Maxxis Carnivore tires on 15″ alloy beadlock wheels
• 14.4″ of ground clearance
• Speed sensitive EPS
• Dual hydraulic disc brakes
• LED lighting
• Digital gauge
• Full skid plate
• Curb weight: 1,896 lbs

SVR’s Overall Take

The industry trade publications are overwhelmingly positive about Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000. The machine appears to be well thought out with attention to details. If you had to pick one aspect of the vehicle that stands out the most it would be the suspension and next up would be the powertrain. The engine is not the most powerful but more than adequate and paired with a good performing drivetrain. The durability of the chassis and other components foretells more powerful engine options in the future as the product line expands. The Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 is slightly more expensive and heavier than comparable vehicles but should be competitive in the market.

Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 Reviews

The following highlights are from the reviews we analyzed to assess the vehicle. The reviews are based on a Kawasaki sponsored riding event at Moab, Utah. The vehicles were tested in a variety of terrains.

TFLoffroad Video Review

• Big cargo bed
• 31″ tires and beadlock wheels
• High intakes CVT and engine
• Factory half doors
• Nice styling
• EPS – more feedback and heavier wheel at speed needed, better at slower speeds
• 4WD works well
• Good sight line to driver side front wheel
• EPS and low power mode good for low speeds, smooth and precise throttle
• Easy cab egress and ingress
• Plenty of seat adjustment, 6″
• Digital gauge moves with steering wheel
• Roof accessory has sunroof – lets sun in but allows for scenic views
• Centrifugal clutch smooths out power delivery but not superfast off the line
• Suspension smooth
• Little noisy and engine noise not appealing – “droney”
• Beauty of the machine is the suspension; swallows whoops; flat and straight and minimum work at wheel; better than Honda Talon
• Incredible engine braking on steep rocky downhills
• Pricing $500 less than the Honda Talon 1000R; $1,500 more than Yamaha YXZ1000 and $2,000 more than Polaris RZR XP 1000
• Weight an issue – heavier than comparable models

Rocky Mountain ATV MC Video Review

• Good at rock crawling in low power mode
• Smooth drivetrain
• Excellent engine braking
• Easy to drive for average person
• Very stable in fast turns
• A little slow acceleration at the beginning
• Good speed and stability

Overview Video with Kawasaki Product Manager

This video explores many of the Teryx KRX 1000 details.

UTV Guide Video Review by Joe Crowley

• Straight, soaked up bumps, well planted
• Really impressed by the suspension
• Lot of leg room in cab
• Steering wheel a little farther away than I like
• Really liked rock crawling
• Low range is “spot on”
• Approach and departure angles great
• Comes with steel skid plate but HMWPE option available
• Smooth throttle
• Bed can hold 32″ tire

UTV On Demand Video Review

• Only high end gem with automatic CVT
• Belts look durable with centrifugal clutch
• Sight window for oil check
• Powertrain has surge on the bottom, flat in the middle and surge again at top end power
• Top speed restricted around 68 mph
• More endurance than drag racer because of weight
• Low power mode removes unwanted throttle inputs and slippage on steep rocky terrain
• Plastic and steel skid plates
• Beefy components
• Fun to drive hard
• Chassis and suspension step above engine output
• Suspension soaked up bumps
• Chassis sounded and felt solid, no noises or lose stuff, felt tight and solid
• Very little body roll
• Some front end push at higher speed in turns but suspension adjustments can be made to improve
• Good brakes
• Plenty of room for ingress and exit
• Lot of seat adjustment but more bolstering would be better
• Good sight lines out driver side to front wheel
• Highest cargo bed capacity for this vehicle class
• Great candidate for building a race machine

ATV and SxS Illustrated Review

• Extremely smooth engine
• Smooth suspension over whoops
• Body roll is controlled
• KRX carries extra weight
• Good sight lines over the hood
• Roomy cabin and higher sitting seats
• Smooth transmission and deceivingly fast
• Awesome digital gauge
• Low power mode for rock crawling gives smooth throttle control
• Easy maintenance with oil sight glass, oversized fill hole, accessible oil filter, accessible CVT cover and coolant reservoir window
• CVT temperature readout on digital guage
• Perfect EPS steering input and feel but could use a quicker steering ratio
• Beefy and clean chassis should be durable
• 31″ Maxxis Carnivore tires a good all-around choice