2016 Kawasaki Teryx LE Review at Rally on Rocks

I was asked if I would be interested in spending nearly a week testing out a 2016 Kawasaki Teryx LE at this year’s Rally On The Rocks event in Moab, Utah.

I’ve heard a lot of good things about the revised Teryx, and remembered how well John Pellan liked the new 2016 model when he reviewed it at West Virginia’s Hatfield McCoy Trail System in the snow, so I jumped at the opportunity to test it out in beautiful Utah, where as they say, “life is elevated”.

Upon receiving the unit from Kawasaki I took the opportunity to give it a good look over and inspected all of the updates and features that I remember John talked about in his review a few months ago. The first thing that caught my attention was the new styling of the front end. The hood and grille have received a makeover and the first thing you notice is that the headlights have been relocated closer to the front edge of the machine. In addition there are now four powerful LED headlights compared to only two last year. The grill is more vertical and extends all the way to the bottom of the radiator as compared to the shorter shark nose look of last year’s model. At the center of the new hood is a large easily removable panel that allows access to the air filter, radiator fill, and electrical fuse block. The hood no longer flips up like it did last year, but you can easily maintain the machine through the removable hood area.

Also at the front there is a completely restyled front bumper and our test unit was equipped with a 3500 pound Warn Winch that was neatly mounted and tucked into the frame at the bottom of the bumper. Kawasaki also provided our test unit with an aluminum skid plate package, which included A-arm guards on all four corners, perfect for the rocky Utah terrain. As you’ll see in the photos the underside of our Teryx looks as though it’s ready for whatever comes its way.

It also had a well-made center-mounted Kawasaki accessory rear-view mirror and a Jenson stereo system.

For our adventure on the slick rock of Moab we decided to replace the great all around versatility of the 27″ Maxxis Big Horn 2.0 tires that come stock on the machine with tires that are more specifically designed for the terrain we would be traversing all week.

We chose the new STI Chicane RX in the 28x10Rx14 size along with the very stylish 14X7 STI HD4 wheel in gloss black and machine finish.

 

Among other things that stand out for 2016 are the new redesigned seats with automotive type seat position adjustment sliders, a new dashboard layout with digital display, new 14” wheels and a new thicker and sportier steering wheel with a tilt steering column. The engine is Kawasaki’s tried and true 783cc V-twin that has a reputation for making usable power with Kawasaki-like reliability. The engine coupled with Kawasaki’s legendary CVT clutch combination add up to an unrivaled combination of usable smooth power. Don’t let the 783cc size fool you, the Teryx makes snappy fun power. I didn’t quite expect the Teryx to get up and go like it did. You feel as though you are driving a vehicle with an all-mechanical non-belt-drive-system. Despite the smaller displacement than most of the machines we were riding with, we got a kick out of being able to keep up with anyone out on the trail.

 

Other standard features include Electric Power Steering, which steers like a dream, we highly suggest you don’t ever buy a UTV without power steering, Kawasaki won’t let you as all the Teryx models, even the $12999 base model, come with rack-and-pinion EPS. I was also thrilled that our LE model came with a hard top roof and very well-thought-out large sealed storage compartments behind both seats.

Following a long day’s drive from southern California to eastern Utah it was finally time to get the new Teryx out in the legendary terrain that rolls across scenic Moab. Upon gearing up and getting buckled in the Teryx, several nice features are immediately evident. First the seats are some of the best in the business, and they somehow seem to get more comfortable as you drive, plus the seating position is upright which allows for excellent visibility of the terrain directly in front of the machine. The combination of the adjustable driver’s seat, the newly designed steering wheel and tilt steering column make it easy and comfortable to select your optimum position. I really loved how comfortable I felt at the wheel.

What’s more, the digital dash display is angled toward the driver and is always in easy view. The ignition key, and 2WD/4WD mode control switches are also within easy reach. The ratchet type automotive style parking brake, located just to the right of the drivers seat, is a simple but important feature that really proves vital on the trail, especially on smooth sloping rock where the slightest parking mistake could really cost you. A four position gear selector is located in the center console and makes choosing between R, N, H & L quick and easy. Turning the key quickly brings the big V-twin to life and I have to tell you it sounds great!

After a short warm up we were underway and I was all smiles. The power is smooth and plentiful, steering is light and precise, and like I said, the driving position is extremely comfortable and confidence-inspiring through aggressive terrain.

The reinforced X-brace chassis feels very stout and stable. The 85.8” wheelbase provides the perfect combination of maneuverability and stability and the adjustable, tunable Fox Podium 2.0 shocks give the A-arm suspension on all corners a positive and controlled feel. The Teryx is sure footed and stable, and that’s exactly what you want out of a side-x-side.

The Teryx conquered all of the Moab terrain and the many tricky rock challenges we assigned it to with ease. Typically we drove it in 4WD and when faced with a major obstacle we just turned the 4WD selector to the DIFF LOCK position to make sure every tire was digging at the rock beneath it. This feature quickly engages and makes it so that no one tire can move at any different speed than the other three tires — allowing us to tackle even the toughest challenges with full control. The Kawasaki CVT drive system is the optimum arrangement for all types of off road driving, especially the challenges of Moab. Many UTVs have CVT systems, but unlike many other brands, there isn’t any lag or surge in its engagement under acceleration and it delivers very strong positive engine braking without any annoying disengagement at low RPM. It’s a very well-done system that deserves mention. Whether we were climbing or descending the commonly found steep rock faces we always felt confident and sure with the connection of the power-train to the ground. The certified rollover protection system (ROPS) along with the LE’s hardtop roof afforded us protection and shade. If you agree with us on making sure your rig has power steering – trust us, you want a roof as well so you don’t bake out in the sun or get drenched when it rains.

 

The Teryx also has the benefits of great storage capacity. It does this better than any other UTV we’ve tested! Whether it’s the rear mounted spring-assisted dump-bed or the huge sealed compartments behind the seats you will easily be able to carry and secure all of your equipment with the Teryx. Furthermore all of these features and benefits are protected under the umbrella of the Kawasaki Strong 3-Year Limited Warranty, which is the best warranty in the business!

The Bottom Line
The Kawasaki Teryx is a great all around performer that appeals to many markets with the right combination of sport and utility. After all was said and done the Teryx proved to be a fun, versatile and a reliable machine over the week that we had it on the epic trails of Moab. The feeling of knowing you aren’t going to break down when you dare to venture far into the Utah wilderness is so rewarding – if you ask me, that’s where the heavy duty well-built Teryx really shines.

Likes:

• Optimum wheelbase for both maneuverability and stability
• Kawasaki CVT performance is outstanding
• Strong easily accessible parking brake
• Generous storage capacity
• Power Steering (EPS)
• Comfortable seats and Steering wheel
• Excellent visibility
• Well built, durable and extremely rugged
• Well-made Kawasaki Accessories

Dislikes:

• Low doors without an inside door handle
• Low ground clearance for difficult terrain
• Engine noise at higher RPM

Learn more about the new Kawasaki Teryx lineup at kawasaki.com

Purchase the mods we used on Amazon:
STI Chikane RX Radials: amzn.to/2gOQIpn
STI 14×7 HD4 Wheels:  amzn.to/2yipEdg
3500 Pound Warn Winch: amzn.to/2yjPU75

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