Anyone who says Kawasaki dropped the ball is either new to the sport or an idiot…. Kawasakis approach is conservative. They take time to react and enter new segments. When they do, they may not have the biggest tires, highest travel or latest and greatest tech but they’re built like tanks and backed by a 36 month bumper to bumper warranty. The Ridge is a HUGE step in the right direction for a company like Kawi. It shows they’re interested and willing to enter new market segments. Give them time. They’re the only ones I’d trust to buy a product in its first model year. You can’t say that about Polaris or Canam. This is good to see. No other Japanese manufacturer offers a fully enclosed HVAC cabbed vehicle from factory. So, Kawi is first to do that amongst those manufacturers. It’ll be a winner. Looking at it on video it simply looks like a quality unit. I also can’t understand all the disappointment people are expressing…. Like did ya watch the teasers? Unless these people are blind the teasers literally told us this was the machine we were getting. And there’s no way Kawi releases a 4 door first year. That’ll come. That’s the one I want but it’ll come as it did in the KRX. People need to relax and appreciate this machine for what it is…. Stop complaining. Go back to Polaris if ya want. Have fun with recalls and 12 month warranty that they’ll try to get out of at any turn. Trust me, I’ve owned several Polaris vehicles. While I had decent luck with them, they’re not built anywhere near close to Kawis!
I would go for the Kawi. It has metal front wheel wells on it. I think that’s a good thing for safety. I heard a story of a Can-Am that had a large stick go through the plastic foot well into the passenger compartment. Luckily, she was not hurt. I have an old Prairie 650 with metal footboards. Yeah they’re beat up from hitting rocks but they’re still there. It didn’t take long for my plastic foot wells on my Kodiak 450 to break. That 4 cylinder should be sweet.
I agree 100 percent. Let’s be honest here, the defender is outdated and nothing to write home about, the dash looks like something from the 80s and the HVAC controls look like something fisher price developed. I hear all kind of issues with the defenders HVAC!!!! The defender sucks on trails!!! The Polaris Ranger is no better… it rattles, seating positions suck, drivetrain is clunky and the suspension sucks on trails… Drake or the rest of the world hasn’t even spent time in the Ridge and he’s saying the defender is better by looking at a computer lol. Give this Ridge unit a chance. STOP PRAISING THE DEFENDER LOL. Honestly I’d buy the RANGER 1500 over the Defender. I looked at the 1500 and rode one. It’s hands down better than the OUTDATED DEFENDER LOL.
@@SPACE-IS-FAKE-777 Wow!!! someone who gets it!!! I haven’t seen anyone show any common sense when it’s come to the Ridge release other than you haha!! Thanks!!!!
lol. It’s the truth. Drake raves about the defender but read the comments in the defender web page. Everyone upgrades the shocks, clutch kits, complains about the AC lol. They suck
This is a Work / Recreation class vehicle. People need to be realistic. There’s not one machine available with HVAC that can work and pound woops all day lol. If you you want speed and great suspension then it’s a sport class you’re looking for.
The doors on the defender are a big no. The seats are very uncomfortable. And the can am has no electronics package like radio and navigation. Add a radio and nav then compare prices. The Kawi wins hands down. Plus the ridge limited is now 3k cheaper than the defender limited
Looking forward to actual reviews of the Ridge. I'm curious to see if that four cylinder is quieter and smoother than the competition. Also,how much heat comes into the cabin from the engine.
I’m seeing a discrepancy on the Kawasaki USA site and the Kawasaki Canadian site. Canadian site is showing 12.7 inch wheel travel all around where is the American site the rears are down to 10.1. I’m also seeing many websites stating 12.7 at all four corners. What’s the deal here?
Compare engine rpm at 57 mph against the Defender, you will find it is around 2000 rpm higher in the Ridge, which will be not only noisy it makes the clutch stay closed a lot and wears it out faster just like the KRX does when used as faster riding machine. Just google the flyweight/roller issue with the KRX and this most likely will suffer the same fate. Why? Geared too low in high range. If it was not for that, I would highly consider one for our test fleet.
@@americandream_89 In one of the demo videos I watched, the tach and speedometer were shown, it showed 57 mph and 8500 rpm and the driver said it was too much RPM for his taste and i agree if you using it around for work etc not ripping it around like a sport utv The Buyer needs to know this if they want it for work/farm/hunting use
According to what I've been seeing the ridge limited comes standard with the Garmin and other center screen feature and the xr it is an option . I'm ayamaha guy and I do own a can am defender limited plus 2 JD gators 835's but I'm pretty impressed with what the Ridge looks like and is offering . The 3 year warranty is a big thing for me personally on the ridge being that I run a farm/ranch business and we use the daylights out of our side×sides
I agree. These companies giving a 6 month to one year warranty is ridiculous. I think the ridge has come out swinging. Many are going to switch and I see why.
Polaris has turf mode, which is one wheel drive to save the turf. It’s crucial if you’re going to be operating on grass or other terrain that you don’t want to tear up. It would be interesting to see how much of the ridge is made is Japan vs most of the competitors being made in China.
I think all of these have turf mode. I know for sure that the defender and ranger have it. I agree on parts. But I’ve come to the conclusion almost all gets parts from China or cheapest place.
Wonderful video you had you spoke about Kawasaki warranty of being 3 years I bought a Kawasaki mule pro FXR 23 model and the transmission went out on it Kawasaki would not cover it under warranty so I bought a Can-Am defender so far I like it .
Thank you No joke? That’s horrible! Any reason on their part for no coverage or compensation? I do know all of these companies try to get out of warranty for any reason possible. I’ve seen this so many times.
@@americandream_89 I'm very disappointed with Kawasaki I think they do make okay machines I only had 141 hours on the on the mule they was trying to tell me that when I was driving down a back road they was saying that I had to put the lever in reverse so with that being said they would not covered under warranty question is who in the heck would ever put a machine in reverse driving down the road . I think that would be dumb on anybody's part to do something like that
Yep.. I was waiting for this to be released as I was choosing between the 3 manufactures.. Man was I disappointed when I seen this.. Was expecting so much more with the lead up to this.. I ordered my Polaris Ranger 1500XT today.
The Ranger 1500 is a sweet machine! You will love it. They are a bit long on the trail, and it takes some getting used to how the transmission shifts in comparison to a CVT. But they are a farmers dream
with all the hype I am disappointed, I am a Defender Limited guy and will be hard to be convinced otherwise. However I know Kawi makes solid units. I think down the road in a few years the four door will be nice. For now there are enough farm vehicles out there. They already have the Mule so I dont know what this Ridge is. I myself prefer a little more sporty to the HVAC models that are out. I would love for Can Am to come out with a Defender Limited Fox Edition with some beefed up suspension. we ride trails in WV and all around NC and Tenn... the Defender Limited is perfect for anything but just like to see a little more perfection underneath.. maybe a 1500cc Fox Edition would be epic...the quality of a Kawi is great and the warranty is just nuts how good that is. excited to see new things coming out for sure
The Defender and Ranger are comparable to the 92 hp version. The XR is in the Commander and General category but with an option for a hvac cab. Either way it’s a win for the consumer as more options are always better. To me the Japanese manufacturers are always better fit and finish and is the reason they don’t come out with a new model every year.
I’ve owned Polaris ranger and can-am defender, would take defender any day of the week, the ridge is exactly what I hoped it would be a crossover sport utility, would I buy it, I’d have to see it in person and drive it, wish the defender had 116 hp👍… I would want the xr if I was going with Kawasaki, love there warranty
This unit from kawasaki is pretty cool. But I think they are priced way to high. Kawasaki missed the mark on a few things, and having such a high price tag will definitely affect their sells numbers. I'm also pretty sure that this will force Polaris and Can-Am to come down on their price a bit therefore making them a better buy then the kawasaki. The other problem i see is with the price of these machines it makes much more sense to buy a small pickup or jeep.
I’m going to guess the defender will have the least cab noise. As for plowing they all weigh about the same. So the Kawasaki might possibly plow slightly better but none will do significantly better than the other. The Polaris has the best option for plowing as ride command works great with plows. As it will raise and lower automatically in forward and reverse.
@@americandream_89I plow with a 2-seat General and it’s AMAZING! Only thing that’ll stop it is ice. No chains required! It’s a beast. Upper half doors work great but look like crap. Polaris heater works great too. I wish it wasn’t Chinese. Another thing I think is important is the turf mode. Why wouldn’t Kawasaki have turf mode?
I think you’re not the demographic for the kawi. The full cab and HVAC is a work/Ag machine. For a farmer you ruin a machine putting huge tires on. The kill torque, tear up the ground.
You Crazy as heck if you think Can Am or Polaris builds a better machine. If they did they would give consumers more than a 1 Year warranty. That alone tells you how much confidence they have in the build quality of their machines.
Warranty isn’t a indicator or reliability. Like I said I think the defender is a better buy in the scenario of it being able to take 32s from factory and price point. That isn’t saying the ridge is garbage. After driving one it has potential for sure. I’ll be happy to see some on the trail.
You're crazy!!! You should be comparing the Kawasaki Ridge against the Yamaha RMAX like everyone else!!! Don't you realize the Ridge is an all new Farm Sport class SxS!???!
@@MassiveOverkill 😂 sorry man totally missed it! I get so many haters on here. Any more I don’t know which way people think. Appreciate it man. I try to give a real world perspective.
I have to disagree with you on this review, with all due respect you or anyone else haven’t even spent time in one lol. The Defender is nice but it’s slow and outdated. I wish Kawasaki would’ve put a better suspension on it but the XR still looks better than the competition. I’ve had several Polaris ranger 1000s and I’ve pushed them as hard as you can on the trails. I think the ridge XR will do better in the woods than you think. That being said if you want a great ride and suspension travel for trails you’re never going to get that with the DEFENDER, RIDGE, OR RANGER.
I understand your thought process, I’m simply going off what they have given us. Along with my experience. I’ve had many experiences with UTV’s. I agree as I said over 15mph will beat you up.
Canam is far behind when it comes to interior comfort it isn't close... and most miles on a utility side by side are made on dirt roads. So power, interior noise and create comfort win. I bet there is another 40hp in the kawasaki unlike polaris and canam. No canam or polaris will be able to keep up. They struggle to get to 60.
Anyone who says Kawasaki dropped the ball is either new to the sport or an idiot…. Kawasakis approach is conservative. They take time to react and enter new segments. When they do, they may not have the biggest tires, highest travel or latest and greatest tech but they’re built like tanks and backed by a 36 month bumper to bumper warranty. The Ridge is a HUGE step in the right direction for a company like Kawi. It shows they’re interested and willing to enter new market segments. Give them time. They’re the only ones I’d trust to buy a product in its first model year. You can’t say that about Polaris or Canam. This is good to see. No other Japanese manufacturer offers a fully enclosed HVAC cabbed vehicle from factory. So, Kawi is first to do that amongst those manufacturers. It’ll be a winner. Looking at it on video it simply looks like a quality unit. I also can’t understand all the disappointment people are expressing…. Like did ya watch the teasers? Unless these people are blind the teasers literally told us this was the machine we were getting. And there’s no way Kawi releases a 4 door first year. That’ll come. That’s the one I want but it’ll come as it did in the KRX. People need to relax and appreciate this machine for what it is…. Stop complaining. Go back to Polaris if ya want. Have fun with recalls and 12 month warranty that they’ll try to get out of at any turn. Trust me, I’ve owned several Polaris vehicles. While I had decent luck with them, they’re not built anywhere near close to Kawis!
I would go for the Kawi. It has metal front wheel wells on it. I think that’s a good thing for safety. I heard a story of a Can-Am that had a large stick go through the plastic foot well into the passenger compartment. Luckily, she was not hurt. I have an old Prairie 650 with metal footboards. Yeah they’re beat up from hitting rocks but they’re still there. It didn’t take long for my plastic foot wells on my Kodiak 450 to break. That 4 cylinder should be sweet.
I agree 100 percent. Let’s be honest here, the defender is outdated and nothing to write home about, the dash looks like something from the 80s and the HVAC controls look like something fisher price developed. I hear all kind of issues with the defenders HVAC!!!! The defender sucks on trails!!! The Polaris Ranger is no better… it rattles, seating positions suck, drivetrain is clunky and the suspension sucks on trails… Drake or the rest of the world hasn’t even spent time in the Ridge and he’s saying the defender is better by looking at a computer lol. Give this Ridge unit a chance. STOP PRAISING THE DEFENDER LOL. Honestly I’d buy the RANGER 1500 over the Defender. I looked at the 1500 and rode one. It’s hands down better than the OUTDATED DEFENDER LOL.
@@SPACE-IS-FAKE-777 Wow!!! someone who gets it!!! I haven’t seen anyone show any common sense when it’s come to the Ridge release other than you haha!! Thanks!!!!
lol. It’s the truth. Drake raves about the defender but read the comments in the defender web page. Everyone upgrades the shocks, clutch kits, complains about the AC lol. They suck
Japanese machine take longer to come out but they are 10 times more reliable
This is a Work / Recreation class vehicle. People need to be realistic. There’s not one machine available with HVAC that can work and pound woops all day lol. If you you want speed and great suspension then it’s a sport class you’re looking for.
I agree with you , for the money the limited defender is the Best Buy
The doors on the defender are a big no. The seats are very uncomfortable. And the can am has no electronics package like radio and navigation. Add a radio and nav then compare prices. The Kawi wins hands down. Plus the ridge limited is now 3k cheaper than the defender limited
Looking forward to actual reviews of the Ridge. I'm curious to see if that four cylinder is quieter and smoother than the competition. Also,how much heat comes into the cabin from the engine.
Suspension numbers are not good. The rmax has 16" of rear travel. Hopefully aftermarket is gonna have a nice long travel kit for it.
I’m seeing a discrepancy on the Kawasaki USA site and the Kawasaki Canadian site. Canadian site is showing 12.7 inch wheel travel all around where is the American site the rears are down to 10.1. I’m also seeing many websites stating 12.7 at all four corners. What’s the deal here?
Thanks for the comparison always enjoy your channel buddy
Appreciate the comments!
Compare engine rpm at 57 mph against the Defender, you will find it is around 2000 rpm higher in the Ridge, which will be not only noisy it makes the clutch stay closed a lot and wears it out faster just like the KRX does when used as faster riding machine. Just google the flyweight/roller issue with the KRX and this most likely will suffer the same fate. Why? Geared too low in high range. If it was not for that, I would highly consider one for our test fleet.
Appreciate the input! I had wondered about this very thing but haven’t had hands in so waited.
@@americandream_89 In one of the demo videos I watched, the tach and speedometer were shown, it showed 57 mph and 8500 rpm and the driver said it was too much RPM for his taste and i agree if you using it around for work etc not ripping it around like a sport utv The Buyer needs to know this if they want it for work/farm/hunting use
According to what I've been seeing the ridge limited comes standard with the Garmin and other center screen feature and the xr it is an option . I'm ayamaha guy and I do own a can am defender limited plus 2 JD gators 835's but I'm pretty impressed with what the Ridge looks like and is offering . The 3 year warranty is a big thing for me personally on the ridge being that I run a farm/ranch business and we use the daylights out of our side×sides
I agree. These companies giving a 6 month to one year warranty is ridiculous. I think the ridge has come out swinging. Many are going to switch and I see why.
Polaris has turf mode, which is one wheel drive to save the turf. It’s crucial if you’re going to be operating on grass or other terrain that you don’t want to tear up. It would be interesting to see how much of the ridge is made is Japan vs most of the competitors being made in China.
I think all of these have turf mode. I know for sure that the defender and ranger have it. I agree on parts. But I’ve come to the conclusion almost all gets parts from China or cheapest place.
Wonderful video you had you spoke about Kawasaki warranty of being 3 years I bought a Kawasaki mule pro FXR 23 model and the transmission went out on it Kawasaki would not cover it under warranty so I bought a Can-Am defender so far I like it .
Thank you
No joke? That’s horrible! Any reason on their part for no coverage or compensation? I do know all of these companies try to get out of warranty for any reason possible. I’ve seen this so many times.
@@americandream_89 I'm very disappointed with Kawasaki I think they do make okay machines I only had 141 hours on the on the mule they was trying to tell me that when I was driving down a back road they was saying that I had to put the lever in reverse so with that being said they would not covered under warranty question is who in the heck would ever put a machine in reverse driving down the road . I think that would be dumb on anybody's part to do something like that
Yep.. I was waiting for this to be released as I was choosing between the 3 manufactures.. Man was I disappointed when I seen this.. Was expecting so much more with the lead up to this.. I ordered my Polaris Ranger 1500XT today.
The Ranger 1500 is a sweet machine! You will love it. They are a bit long on the trail, and it takes some getting used to how the transmission shifts in comparison to a CVT. But they are a farmers dream
with all the hype I am disappointed, I am a Defender Limited guy and will be hard to be convinced otherwise. However I know Kawi makes solid units. I think down the road in a few years the four door will be nice. For now there are enough farm vehicles out there. They already have the Mule so I dont know what this Ridge is. I myself prefer a little more sporty to the HVAC models that are out. I would love for Can Am to come out with a Defender Limited Fox Edition with some beefed up suspension. we ride trails in WV and all around NC and Tenn... the Defender Limited is perfect for anything but just like to see a little more perfection underneath.. maybe a 1500cc Fox Edition would be epic...the quality of a Kawi is great and the warranty is just nuts how good that is. excited to see new things coming out for sure
I love the Ridge!
It’s a nice unit
The Defender and Ranger are comparable to the 92 hp version. The XR is in the Commander and General category but with an option for a hvac cab. Either way it’s a win for the consumer as more options are always better. To me the Japanese manufacturers are always better fit and finish and is the reason they don’t come out with a new model every year.
The suspension on this ridge is not even comparable to a commander or General
The suspension is closer in comparison than two 82 hp bench seat machines to a 116 hp bucket seat machine.
@@canamyooper9566 explain?
@@canamyooper9566 no matter the hp if you don’t have the suspension to work with you can’t go fast woods riding
I’ve owned Polaris ranger and can-am defender, would take defender any day of the week, the ridge is exactly what I hoped it would be a crossover sport utility, would I buy it, I’d have to see it in person and drive it, wish the defender had 116 hp👍… I would want the xr if I was going with Kawasaki, love there warranty
In my eyes it’s a utility not a sport utility at all
I don’t know, you don’t think it favors a general or a rmax, guess I’ll have to see it in person 👍
@@p.t4769 rmax has like 16 inches of travel with dual rate springs and general is close to that
This unit from kawasaki is pretty cool. But I think they are priced way to high. Kawasaki missed the mark on a few things, and having such a high price tag will definitely affect their sells numbers. I'm also pretty sure that this will force Polaris and Can-Am to come down on their price a bit therefore making them a better buy then the kawasaki. The other problem i see is with the price of these machines it makes much more sense to buy a small pickup or jeep.
I agree Polaris and can-am adjust price or rebate to keep sales.
what would be the best for power for plowing snow in the winter and a better work horse?
I’m going to guess the defender will have the least cab noise. As for plowing they all weigh about the same. So the Kawasaki might possibly plow slightly better but none will do significantly better than the other. The Polaris has the best option for plowing as ride command works great with plows. As it will raise and lower automatically in forward and reverse.
@@americandream_89I plow with a 2-seat General and it’s AMAZING! Only thing that’ll stop it is ice. No chains required! It’s a beast. Upper half doors work great but look like crap. Polaris heater works great too. I wish it wasn’t Chinese. Another thing I think is important is the turf mode. Why wouldn’t Kawasaki have turf mode?
@@michaelingold9961 thanks for the great info. That will help others
I’d spend the money and get XD 1500 with 32” tires
I would also but that is a Hugh money jump from these units.
I think you’re not the demographic for the kawi. The full cab and HVAC is a work/Ag machine. For a farmer you ruin a machine putting huge tires on. The kill torque, tear up the ground.
You Crazy as heck if you think Can Am or Polaris builds a better machine. If they did they would give consumers more than a 1 Year warranty. That alone tells you how much confidence they have in the build quality of their machines.
Warranty isn’t a indicator or reliability. Like I said I think the defender is a better buy in the scenario of it being able to take 32s from factory and price point. That isn’t saying the ridge is garbage. After driving one it has potential for sure. I’ll be happy to see some on the trail.
Are you buying one?
I’m not sure yet. It’s temping to test
Only downside of kawasaki is they dont have 4 seater ridge yet
Why don’t u add rmax in your comparison cause it’s a more superior machine and looks a hole lot better fit and finish Yamaha quality
This to me isn’t a rmax competitor
You're crazy!!! You should be comparing the Kawasaki Ridge against the Yamaha RMAX like everyone else!!! Don't you realize the Ridge is an all new Farm Sport class SxS!???!
These are a hvac unit with no suspension travel and a 1000lb dump bed. Majority of people with a defender or ranger will be cross shopping these.
@@americandream_89 I was being sarcastic. Good job on comparing it to fellow rec/utes and not sport/recs like everyone is doing.
@@MassiveOverkill 😂 sorry man totally missed it!
I get so many haters on here. Any more I don’t know which way people think.
Appreciate it man. I try to give a real world perspective.
Rmax more top speed 75 lighter ridge is going suck fuel Yamaha better quality better drive system doesent look like a tank ridge is polaris copy
Polaris and can am quality is crap … always has been
Do you feel Kawasaki is much better?
@@americandream_89 absolutely… I’ve owned both
A little can am favorable I see
I do like the defender but I currently own Polaris.
I’m simply reading from what they offer online.
What makes you say I favor a defender?
Kawasaki dropped the ball on this big time it looks like it came from 2013
You honestly think a Defender or 1000 Ranger is any better? They suck
I have to disagree with you on this review, with all due respect you or anyone else haven’t even spent time in one lol. The Defender is nice but it’s slow and outdated. I wish Kawasaki would’ve put a better suspension on it but the XR still looks better than the competition. I’ve had several Polaris ranger 1000s and I’ve pushed them as hard as you can on the trails. I think the ridge XR will do better in the woods than you think. That being said if you want a great ride and suspension travel for trails you’re never going to get that with the DEFENDER, RIDGE, OR RANGER.
I agree... it's painful to spend time in the Defender.
I understand your thought process, I’m simply going off what they have given us. Along with my experience. I’ve had many experiences with UTV’s. I agree as I said over 15mph will beat you up.
Canam is far behind when it comes to interior comfort it isn't close... and most miles on a utility side by side are made on dirt roads. So power, interior noise and create comfort win. I bet there is another 40hp in the kawasaki unlike polaris and canam.
No canam or polaris will be able to keep up. They struggle to get to 60.
When you say interior comfort, what’s your reference?