2016 Kawasaki Mule PRO-DX and DXT Review
- Updated: November 24, 2015
Switches, the shifter and parking brake are all perfectly placed and give a good quality feel. The thick grip steering wheel is also on point and all models include tilt wheel with 30 degrees of adjustment. The steering wheel can also be tilted out of the way to ease entering and exiting the operator area. In my opinion, the seats don’t quite match the rest of the vehicle however. The Mule PRO offers Cadillac Escalade looks, experience and performance but the golf cart-like flat bench seats wrapped in a sheet of vinyl, while adequate, don’t seem to fit the rest of the fit and finish of the elite PRO badge if you ask me. I do like that the rear seat in the DXT is slightly elevated allowing back seat passengers better visibility.
I’m a big fan of full doors on an off road machine like this. No net-style doors here, I’m happy to report you get quality doors as standard equipment (four of them if you elect to go the DXT route). The doors should do a good job of keeping your legs and feet dry in wet conditions. If I’m nit picking I have to report that I would have liked the doors to open a little wider. Conventional three-point seat-belts are supplied for all passengers, and should be used at all times. Also supplied are handholds to ease entry and to provide brace points for all passengers.
There’s colossal storage space under the front seat, but I’m sorry to say, in order to use this space you’ll have to spend $300 for optional bins as they are only available as an accessory. The glovebox door worked well and has big enough space to be useful for more than just gloves. You also get three dashboard pockets. The center pocket is large enough to accommodate an optional audio system, one of the many available Kawasaki Genuine Accessories. Lastly, there are two cup holders built into the bodywork in front of the dashboard.
Speaking of accessories, Kawasaki has 65 Kawasaki Genuine Accessories available, such as a winch package or a plow to clear your driveway of snow or level the gravel ruts that develop from repeated use. You might also choose to equip the vehicle with a brush guard, rear bumper and skid plates, providing a measure of added protection from damage. An engine block heater is also available for vehicles working in temperatures below 14˚F. To provide some protection from the elements, Kawasaki offers everything from complete hard and soft cabs, to full- and half windshields in glass or polycarbonate, as well as a plastic roof and rear panel. A few models had many of these accessories that I got to check out first hand. They did not disappoint. Click the video below for an inside look at some of the most popular accessories available for the Mule PRO series machines.
LE models include EPS, LED auxiliary headlights, a composite sun top and two additional DC power outlets for rear passengers. As is the FX and FXT, the Mule PRO DX and DXT is assembled in the United States with foreign and domestic components at the Kawasaki manufacturing facility in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Last but not least, like all other Kawasaki products, your new Mule PRO DX or DXT is backed by the industry-leading Kawasaki STRONG three-year limited factory warranty.
Pros and Cons
| PROS: |
| 3-cylinder diesel engine provides good torque for hauling or towing heavy loads High-capacity alternator 55-amp alternator provides ample electrical power Haul up to 1000 lbs and tow up to 2000 lbs with 2” hitch receiver Steel cargo bed Impressive ride even when fully loaded Independent front and rear suspension. Disc brakes on all four corners! Easy to get at maintenance areas N7-grade CVT belt should last a long time Large-capacity radiator and fan maintain consistent engine temperatures Glow Plugs for cold weather starting Electric fuel pump eliminates the need for manual priming Main filter and pre-filter for fuel lines separates oil and water Outstanding Electric Power Steering System Genius Trans Cab system can quickly transform from three to six-person seating. A dump-able 2 foot cargo bed even in six-passenger mode Rubber bushings, no more creaks and squeaks ROPS and three-point seat-belts for each occupant More than 65 Kawasaki Genuine Accessories available Kawasaki STRONG Three-Year Limited Factory Warranty |
| CONS: |
| Slow top speed compared to the gas-powered FX The diesel engine is noisier than the FX Engine braking takes some getting used to Bench seats lack high-end feel that the rest of the vehicle offers Under-the-seat storage is not standard equipment Sun top not available as standard equipment LED lights not available as standard equipment |
Learn more about the new Kawasaki Mule PRO DX and DXT at kawasaki.com
