OutdoorHub
OutdoorHub Adventures: Kawasaki Ridge Crew
In the mountains of Montana, a group of outdoor and motorsports writers descended on the Ranch at Rock Creek — a sprawling 6,600-acre property with access to fly-fishing, skiing, and, most importantly, the all-terrain mountain trails. We gathered here with the crew from Kawasaki for a shared outdoor experience, spotlighting the all-new 2025 Ridge Crew side-by-side — their first enclosed UTV, built for both power and comfort. Over the course of three days, we set out to uncover the Ridge Crew’s full potential.
As we arrived at the ranch, we got our first glimpse of the new 2025 Ridge Crew. I didn’t know it at the time, but we were in for a long day of riding to put this premium side-by-side through its paces. Expecting a long, cold day in the wilderness, I packed my thickest layers and jacket, ready to set out. The Montana air was chilly this time of year, with temperatures ranging from 19 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Wind and snowstorms cascaded from the mountains throughout the day—perfect conditions to test out a fully enclosed, climate-controlled UTV. I knew the Ridge Crew had a unique HVAC system, but I never expected I would be shedding layers shortly after we started on the trail.
After a good night’s rest and a hearty breakfast, we headed to the Rod & Gun Club located nearby on the ranch. The brisk mountain air cut deep through my generous winter layers. The previous evening, we sat through a brief presentation over dinner, reviewing the features of Kawasaki’s new Ridge Crew lineup. We learned about four new models in the series: the Ridge Crew HVAC, Ridge Crew Camo, Ridge Crew XR, and Ridge Crew Limited. Today, we’d be testing the Limited model — lucky for us, it’s positioned as the premium tier in the lineup. The Limited model comes standard with an 8” Garmin Tread infotainment unit. Leveraging this head unit, we were able to share the experience using the group ride capability, which let us track the team and lead vehicle with GPS on the trail. I was told later that the head unit integrates with other Garmin-compatible accessories. Brad, one of the writers in our group, brought along a Starlink Mini that we tossed in the 1,000-lb capacity cargo bed. While it wasn’t anywhere near 1,000 pounds, it was perfect for streaming music on these remote mountain trails. Appreciate the hook-up, Brad.
We learned that this wasn’t the only tech in the UTV. Each model also comes standard with a 7” full-color TFT meter. Paired with the Kawasaki RIDEOLOGY app on our phones, we could record trip logs, view additional GPS data to share with friends, and review vehicle information. Being out all day — taking pictures, shooting videos, and jamming to tunes — was taking a toll on some of our phones’ and cameras’ batteries. Thankfully, each model comes stocked with USB ports, 12V DC power outlets on the dashboard, and another in the rear.
Armed with knowledge about this new machine, we geared up and headed out to the trail. We were all paired with another writer and a member of the Kawasaki crew. As the sun crested the mountain ridges, filling the valley below, we stepped into the Ridge Crew for the first time. Each model features a premium interior with an insulated roof liner and a dome light. The Ridge Crew XR is equipped with adjustable seats for both driver and passenger, while the Limited and base models offer an adjustable driver’s seat. Already starting to get chilly, I cranked the UTV on. Kawasaki’s 999cc inline four-cylinder engine came to life. Thanks to a unique exhaust system, the Ridge Crew’s design keeps the cabin comfortable and free from fumes. The engine’s orientation and dual-wall exhaust heat shield allow the rider to maintain an ideal cab temperature in any environment. Adjusting the HVAC was straightforward, with options for fan strength, fresh or recirculated air, and a defrost mode. It almost made me forget I was in a UTV.
Starting down the trail, we began to understand what had previously only been head knowledge. While built for comfort, the Ridge Crew does not compromise on power. The Ridge Crew comes equipped with Kawasaki’s 999cc inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 92 horsepower in the base model and 116 in the XR, with top speeds reaching 68 mph. It strikes a balance between low-end torque and high-RPM power. Starting out, I didn’t notice the usual jolt I’m used to from other UTVs when the transmission shifts into gear. Updates to the 2025 Ridge Crew, as well as the XR’s CVT system, allow for smoother initial takeoff and less belt deflection, keeping the belt taut so the CVT can engage it more smoothly. The CVT provides a smooth, strong response with predictable engine braking, using a “catch and release” method that translates to a stable, confident downhill feel — adding to the driver’s confidence.
As we traversed the terrain, we stopped along the way to test various features of the Ridge Crew. Much of the trail was still covered in deep snow from the night before. In other areas, the snow had melted, giving way to loose rock and steep inclines. Each Ridge Crew was built with generous ground clearance — between 13 and 15 inches, depending on the model — and full-length skid plates. Paired with steel wheels, the Ridge Crew offers superior durability and occupant protection.
Driving to each station, I couldn’t help but wonder about all the use cases this particular side-by-side would fit into. With its all-season design, there’s no excuse not to go farther and deeper into the hard-to-reach corners of the wilderness. Equipped with a 2” receiver hitch and 2,500 lbs of towing capacity, you could easily keep hunting plots, remote cabins, and survival caches stocked year-round. I thought back to a fly-fishing spot I frequent in Western North Carolina that often has its roads washed out, making it difficult to get to with my full-size truck. The Ridge Crew’s tires are 27” Duro Power Grip V2s, while the XR comes equipped with 30” SunF tires. Each model features 14” aluminum wheels and hydraulic disc brakes, front and rear. Combined with 4WD and 4WD with diff-lock drive modes, it’d be a cakewalk through those washed-out trails.
I didn’t have to imagine for long. We were tasked with loading hay bales into the cargo bed — probably a better test than the Starlink Mini. Loading and unloading hay bales with the assisted cargo bed took no time at all. I found the Ridge Crew hard to fit into a single category. While it’s stacked with premium features, it doesn’t fall short as a workhorse either. When we came across a few downed trees, we put the Crew back to work. The Limited model, equipped with a WARN VRX 45-S winch, made short work of them — clearing the trail for us to continue on our journey.
The ride in the Ridge Crew was smooth — we barely noticed the rough terrain beneath us. And by no means were we taking it slow, either. The power drive modes consist of Sport, Work, and Normal. We spent most of our time in Sport mode. I’ve ridden plenty of UTVs — on hunting properties, mountain roads between cabins, and for good old-fashioned joyriding. But the Ridge Crew felt like something special. It’s something I could see myself sharing with my spouse — or maybe even a future little one — no exhaust fumes, no dust in the eyes, no uncomfortable ride that cuts the day short.
After driving all morning, I handed the wheel over to my riding partner, Joel, for the afternoon. This gave me the chance to experience the Ridge Crew from the passenger’s perspective. Every ride feels right when you’re the one driving. But it’s always a different story from the passenger seat. The Ridge Crew XR model comes with adjustable seats for both the driver and passenger, while the Limited and base models include an adjustable driver’s seat. I stand at 5’11” on a good day and weigh in at 165 pounds — exceptionally average — but I never felt cramped in the passenger or rear seats. Rear legroom extends under the front seats, letting you stretch out on those longer rides. The rear safety bar rubbed against some taller riders’ knees, but I can see where the engineers were coming from — balancing safety and legroom.
The afternoon brought new challenges for the Ridge Crew — steeper inclines, heavier snowfall, and stronger winds as we climbed higher into the mountains. At a few points, the trail narrowed into sharp 30-degree turns with steep cliffs just beyond the edge. Leveraging the Ridge Crew’s front and rear cameras gave us some peace of mind as we navigated these tight spots. They’d also come in handy when hooking up a trailer or backing up to a recently harvested deer. Unfortunately, the cameras don’t turn on automatically when shifting into reverse — a detail we flagged for the Kawasaki techs, who were onsite and taking all our feedback with grace.
As we headed back to the ranch after summiting the mountainside, I rolled the power windows down — it was starting to get warm inside the cab. Glancing at my phone, I saw the outside temperature read 19 degrees. I turned down the heat and was stunned by how well insulated we were. The cab cooled down, and we rode comfortably back to the ranch, already dwelling on the memories we’d just made.
The outdoors is all about experience. Christopher McCandless — better known as Alex Supertramp — ventured into the Alaskan wilderness alone, looking to escape modern society and the routines of day-to-day life. One lesson I take to heart from his story is this: the world is best seen through a shared experience. The Kawasaki Ridge Crew UTV offers that in a premium package. It’s built for peak performance with comfort and power in mind. I see it giving those who wouldn’t normally venture farther up the trail — or stay out longer, in any season — a real chance to experience the wild. A chance to create new shared experiences.
The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun…Happiness is only real when shared. —Alex Supertramp
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