Introducing the 2017 Kawasaki MULE SX
- Updated: May 19, 2016
Your business is growing, but your land isn’t a multi-acre farm—not yet. You need a vehicle that’s going to grow with your needs. A vehicle that will be there when you need it the most, whether it’s your first Mule™ side x side or a part of a fleet. It’s designed to go almost anywhere with its compact size, but pull well above its weight. The S stands for small; the X stands for strong, introducing the Small but Strong MULE SX.
Unlike other models, the MULE SX side x side is designed for modesty. Built for those who need a hard working, go-anywhere machine, but without the size, speed and expense of its bigger MULE™ PRO series. Maybe your farm or business requires more, needing multiple Mules for your fleet, the MULE SX is also a great affordable option and easier to transport when you have multiple units to carry between job sites.
- Modern MULE PRO-inspired styling
- Industry-leading 3-year limited warranty
- Steel cargo bed, front bumper and ROPS
- Centralized and ergonomically comfortable controls
- Compact size for easy transport, maneuverability – fits into the bed of a full-size pickup truck
Size doesn’t always matter, but dependability, durability and strength always does. The newest member of the Mule family, the MULE SX side x side is the little brother with many MULE PRO family styling cues. Like the little brother in the family, it’s here to prove it’s much stronger than its size may convey. Designed to be compact, small enough to fit into the bed of most full-size pickup trucks, but built with the strength and durability that Kawasaki Mule side x sides are known for. The MULE SX can work hard and play hard, get into more compact places and do almost as much as its larger counterparts. The MULE SX is available in six configurations, starting with the standard SX two-wheel-drive model up to the XC options.
MULE SX
- MULE SX™
- MULE SX™ 4X4
- MULE SX™ 4X4 SE
MULE SX XC
- MULE SX™ 4X4 XC
- MULE SX™ 4X4 XC CAMO
- MULE SX™ 4X4 XC SE
The MULE SX 4×4 XC is designed with campers, hunters and explorers in mind, with a camouflage option that helps you toblend into your surroundings when venturing into the woods or hunting. All XC models feature 4X4, bigger 12-inch wheels, and 26-inchtires providing more ground clearance and new more aggressive, wider tread.
The MULE SX 4×4 XC SE is feature packed for an even more comforts, convenience and style. It includes aluminum wheels, a sun top, underseat compartment and four LED headlights for times when you need the light the path home… or maybe the path deeper into exploration.
STYLING
- Inspired by MULE PRO Series
- Rough and rugged styling
- Steel bumpers and cargo bed
- New headlight design
- New automotive-inspired dash with driver friendly controls
The pickup-truck style front hood, front grill and headlamp design were modeled after the MULE PRO Series, the flagship models in the Mule lineup. These styling cues give the MULE SX models a tough, rugged appearance. The compact headlights, similar to those found on the Kawasaki Teryx® and Teryx4™ side x sides, also contribute to modern styling.
The dash on all of the models has been redesigned to give it more automotive styling while also making access to the controlsmore driver friendly.
The MULE SX 4×4 XC SE model features four high-intensity LED lamps, while the XC Camo features two LED lamps, both resulting in high-quality looks.
A large-tube steel front bumper is a standard feature, positioned close to the body to give it a highly integrated look. Large fender flares and mud flaps add to the voluminous design while helping to keep mud and rocks from hitting the color molded bodywork.
ENGINE
- Proven performance
- Simple, reliable 401cc, 4-stroke OHV engine
- Tuned for good fuel economy
- Compact, lightweight and durable design
The engine of the MULE SX side x side is a 401cc, 4-stroke, OHV, air-cooled engine, that’s compact, lightweight and durable. The highly efficient carburetor also helps to improve fuel economy. The 401cc engine is a proven workhorse in the Mule lineup.
The engine’s air supply enters the air cleaner box via a snorkel intake routed through the tubing of the ROPS, ensuring the engine is provided with a steady supply of clean air, even in wet or dusty working conditions. Vehicle speed restricted to 25 mph.
TRANSMISSION & DRIVETRAIN
- Lockable rear differentials on all models
- Lockable front limited-slip differentials on 4×4 models
- Rack and pinion steering for easy maneuverability
- Hi-Lo dual-range transfer case (except MULE SX 2WD)
All models feature a lockable rear differential, which allows rear wheels to have equal transfer of power for maximum traction in mud or snow. Ground disturbance is minimal when the rear axle is unlocked.
All MULE SX 4×4 models have an easy and simple to use switch to move between 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive located on the dash to the right of the steering wheel. This front differential on the 4×4 models contributes to confident handling over rough terrain, providing great traction with low steering effort, with its limited-slip differential.
The MULE SX Family features a belt-driven automatic transmission with a Hi-Lo dual-range transfer case that delivers excellent off-road capability. Two forward speeds to choose from lend flexibility when working or playing.
CARGO BED & TOWING CAPACITY
- 400 pound capacity cargo bed
- Integrated cargo bed rails compatible with KQR™ accessories
- 1,100-pound towing capacity
- Diamond-plate steel flat cargo bed
The diamond-plate steel flat bed is designed to maximize the space and the texture black surface helps keep items in place.The special textured black surface is also scratch resistant, contributing to the Mule’s looks and durability. The tailgate’s two-level release system allows for easy opening and closing, also the tilting bed allows for easy access to the engine.
Integrated cargo bed rails are added to the top of the bed adding more surfaces to help tie-down loads. This rail is also compatible with the optional KQR™ accessory mounts with quick release capability—brackets that allow for items like cargo boxes tobe securely mounted into the cargo bed.
CHASSIS
- Newly designed springs for enhanced comfort
- Tubular steel frame
- Ground clearance (6.1-inch SX 2wd Models; 6.7-inch SX 4X4 Models; 8.1-inch XC models)
- Newly designed tread for tires (4×4 Models)
The MULE SX Family has a highly durable ladder-type tubular steel frame designed for an ideal blend of rigidity and ride comfort. The resulting frame delivers high durability while allowing just the right amount of chassis flex to be able to provide a comfortable ride off-road.
Rack-and-pinion steering provides precise, easy handling and a tight turning radius. Independent front suspension withMacPherson struts allows each wheel to track over uneven ground for maximum traction. Minimal wheel camber change throughout the suspension stroke facilitates easy handling and maneuverability.
Both the Kawasaki MULE SX 4×4 and MULE SX 4×4 SE side x sides feature meaty 24-inch tires with a new tread patterns thatprovide great off-road traction, contribute to ground clearance and complement the tough, rugged styling.
Front and rear brake drum seals are triple-lipped for water and mud resistance. Skid plates for the front differential, engine and rear differential are fitted as standard equipment. An optional trailer hitch is available for the MULE SX 4X4 and 4×4 SE models, as part of the selection of Kawasaki Genuine Accessories, but comes standard on the MULE SX 4×4 XC SE.
THE SX XC ADVANTAGE
- Bigger tires (26-inch)
- Bigger wheels (12-inch)
- Sportier looks
- Larger ground clearance (8.1-inches)
Like the Mule side x side, you play as hard as you work. Enter the MULE SX 4×4 XC. The MULE SX 4×4 XC models are designed for those wanting a Mule for recreational purposes. Whether it’s hunting, fishing or just plain exploring, this vehicle is designed to go anywhere with ease. All models feature larger wheels and tires than the standard SX versions, to supply ample ground clearance and improve traction, along with all models featuring 4×4 standard. Models with 4×4 allow for lockable front and rear differentials for managing rough terrain.
The 26-inch (22- or 24-inch on SX models) bias-ply tires contribute to improved off-road handling and add to the rugged image. Wheels feature larger 12-inch rims instead of 10-inch. The tread is not only more aggressive, but also wider for a better footprint. While tire tread is larger, the body size remains unchanged, so the MULE SX XC models can still be transported in the back of a full sizepickup truck.
FROM THE COCKPIT
- 16 gallon front storage, with removable lid
- Dual cup holders
- Glove box and DC socket
The MULE SX features an automotive-style dash console with a thick-gripped steering wheel for comfort and ease of use. The dash also includes a right-side mounted gear shifter that smoothly locks into the proper gear. Also around the dash are easily reachableaccessory switches with additional removable blank spots for owner-specific arrangement of Kawasaki Genuine Accessories, promoting easy installation and a professional look. The dash also includes allocation for an accessory radio.
An easy to read digital hour indicator is located immediately below the dash-mounted, digital, block-style fuel gauge. The front compartment is removable, making it easy to load and unload. Tilt steering is standard on all models of the MULE SX, with 29 degrees of movement.
Seatbelts are retractable for ease of use. The bed is separated from the cabin by a grid-style cargo screen for better visibility, mounting surface and to help secure the payload.
The seat material has superb elasticity, offering increased comfort and holding performance. The material is also resistant to cold, allowing it to maintain its suppleness when temperatures drop and reducing the chance of tearing/ripping when exposed to cold temperatures.
Increased preload for the front suspension results in a flatter front-rear balance; softer rear settings offer increased ride comfort in the MULE SX’s most commonly encountered riding situations.
ACCESSORIES
A wide variety of Kawasaki Genuine Accessories are available for all Mule side x sides. The MULE SX side x side is built with the expectation that an owner will add accessories, since the vehicle comes standard with pre-recessed slots for accessories switches already in the dash. With more than 50 accessories available, consumers interested to see how their new MULE SX side x side will look with Kawasaki Genuine Accessories installed can build their vehicle online, adding their favorite accessories or accessories package and seeing them in place. They then have the opportunity to print their custom build list and take it to their local Kawasaki dealer to purchase the vehicle with the specifications they selected. Visit www.kawasaki.com for full details.
A hard cab package is available that includes a hard cab glass for protection from the winter elements; fixed windshield, doors, roof, rear panel, heater, wiper, windshield washer, mirrors, cab dome light, head rest, back-up alarm, snow blade, winch, and strobelight. There is also a recreational package that includes a brush guard, winch, LED lights, CV joint guards, audio system, flip up windshield, rear view mirror, and KQR™ cargo box. Finally, there is also a hunting package with soft cab (camo), camo seat covers, gun boots, cargo bed mat, a KQR cargo box , trailer hitch, and rear cargo bed light.