Kawasaki has officially brought its range of side-by-side vehicles (SxS) to India, and it’s a line-up that caters to vastly different applications. At one end are workhorses designed for agriculture, utility duties and passenger transport, while at the other are machines built purely for adventure. The range includes the Teryx 4 H2, Teryx KRX 1000, Teryx KRX4 1000, Ridge Crew and Mule Pro-FXT 1000 LE. We got the opportunity to spend a short time behind the wheel of the Teryx KRX4 1000, a four-seat performance-focused buggy designed to tackle the roughest of terrain.
Think of it as an oversized, highly capable off-road buggy. Power comes from a 999cc parallel-twin engine producing 110hp at 8,300rpm and 102Nm at 7,000rpm. It rides on 15-inch wheels wrapped in chunky Maxxis Carnivore tyres, gets long-travel Showa suspension with adjustable damping, Electric Power Steering (EPS), selectable two- and four-wheel drive, and a CVT transmission. So, on paper, it has all the ingredients required for serious off-road exploration.
Our short drive took place on the course at Pro Dirt Adventure, and my allocated two laps weren’t much, but they were enough to understand what makes the KRX4 such an interesting machine. The first thing to note is that it is a left-hand-drive vehicle, but it’s not street legal anyway, so on dirt trails and farms, this is ok. The CVT transmission keeps things simple, select High, Low or Reverse, choose between 2WD or 4WD, release the brake and you’re off. Given the steep climbs, descents and loose surfaces on the course, I kept it in 4WD throughout.
Initially, the KRX4 creeps forward gently, but push the throttle pedal harder and it suddenly comes alive once it hits the mid-range rpms. The acceleration isn’t neck-snapping, but it is strong enough to make the buggy feel lively. The CVT keeps the power flowing smoothly and removes the stress of gear changes or stalling, allowing you to focus entirely on picking your line.
What impressed me the most, however, wasn’t the engine. It was the suspension. The amount of abuse this chassis can absorb is remarkable. Mounds that would stop a bona fide SUV are dismissed with ease. It simply plows through and carries on. I also got the chance to ride as a passenger while one of the lead drivers tackled a rocky section that looked completely impossible from the outside. Large boulders that would have most drivers second-guessing their route barely seemed to faze the buggy. It constantly gives you the impression that you’re nowhere near its limits.
The Maxxis Carnivore tyres deserve equal credit. Designed specifically for aggressive off-road terrain, they claw into loose dirt with confidence. Of course, because the cabin is completely open, every burst of throttle also means mud, dirt and stones are being flung towards the occupants. It’s all part of the experience, and oddly enough, it adds to the fun.
One section of the course featured a small jump where you could really commit to the throttle. The KRX4 launched cleanly, landed with complete composure and simply carried on as if nothing had happened. It’s difficult not to come away impressed by just how confidence-inspiring the suspension package is.
That said, the motorcycle-oriented track did expose one limitation. The hairpin corners were simply too tight for something this large. During my first lap, I actually had to reverse a couple of times just to negotiate the sharpest turns. With more seat time, experienced drivers would no doubt learn to slide it through these corners, but as a newcomer, there was always the thought of tipping it over if I got my steering or throttle inputs wrong.
The learning curve, however, is surprisingly short. By the beginning of my second lap, I already felt significantly more comfortable. I carried more speed, trusted the suspension more and found myself driving much more naturally. It’s one of those machines that becomes less intimidating with every passing minute.
The Teryx KRX4 1000 has the raw, playful nature of riding an enduro motorcycle, but combines it with the ease, security and practicality of four wheels. You’re strapped into a proper roll cage, splashing through mud, climbing impossible-looking terrain and jumping over obstacles that would stop most vehicles in their tracks. It feels familiar to anyone who enjoys off-road motorcycles, while also offering an entirely different perspective on the same adventure.
Of course, ownership in India won’t be entirely straightforward. These side-by-sides aren’t road legal, so they’ll largely live at private properties, farms or dedicated off-road parks. There’s also the issue of fuel. Since they aren’t E20-compatible, sourcing the right petrol in remote locations, exactly where owners are likely to use them, could require a bit of planning. Kawasaki says it will support customers with maintenance, but the logistics of ownership are certainly something prospective buyers will need to consider.
Then comes the price. Kawasaki’s side-by-side range starts at Rs 38 lakh and stretches all the way to Rs 78.90 lakh, firmly placing these machines in niche territory, with this model costing Rs 52.9 lakh. The Teryx KRX4 1000 isn’t something you buy because you need it. You buy it because it unlocks a type of adventure that few other machines can offer. After just two laps, I walked away wanting more, and after experiencing it, I can only imagine how wild the 250hp supercharged Teryx 4 H2 must feel like.
