Kawasaki has officially entered the high-horsepower UTV arms race with its latest creation—the Teryx H2. Packing a jaw-dropping 250 horsepower, this side-by-side doesn’t just compete—it dominates. The secret? A supercharged 998cc four-cylinder engine, borrowed straight from the legendary Kawasaki Ninja H2 superbike.
A Game-Changer in the UTV World
While competitors like the Polaris RZR Pro R (225 hp) and the Can-Am Maverick R (240 hp) have led the charge in off-road performance, Kawasaki has taken it up a notch. At a starting price of $37,199, the Teryx H2 comes in below its four-door rivals, offering unmatched power at a relatively competitive cost.
This is the first supercharged engine in a performance UTV, and Kawasaki has made sure it performs. Its centrifugal-style supercharger—designed in-house—spins at 13.6 times the engine speed. That means when the engine hits its 9,500 RPM limit, the supercharger is pushing nearly 130,000 RPM, generating boost pressures of up to 35 psi. To manage all that pressure, an ECU-controlled blow-off valve vents excess boost efficiently.
Smart Fueling for High Performance
To feed this power-hungry engine, Kawasaki skipped the conventional single throttle body and went for four 40mm throttle bodies. It also features dual injectors—a pair of 12-hole downstream injectors for low RPM and a set of 10-hole upstream injectors that activate above 5,000 RPM. This setup not only maximizes fuel delivery but also helps cool the air-fuel mix before it reaches the combustion chamber. The result? Better performance and efficiency.
No DCT, But A Serious CVT
Rather than using a dual-clutch transmission, Kawasaki opted for a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This system uses a 17.6mm thick rubber belt—much stronger than the one in the KRX. Plus, the CVT has its dedicated air intake snorkel to stay cool during intense runs.
And if 250 hp sounds like overkill in tight off-road sections, Kawasaki has you covered. The Teryx H2 includes Full, Mid, and Low Power modes, limiting output to 100%, 80%, or 60% depending on conditions. It also features an on-the-fly 4×4 selector and a front differential lock for added traction.
Built to Handle the Power
Kawasaki didn’t just focus on raw numbers—it made sure the Teryx H2 could handle rugged terrain. The suspension setup includes Fox 3.0 internal bypass shocks, while the Deluxe models upgrade to electronically controlled Live Valve units. These systems are industry standard, ensuring that the Teryx H2 stays competitive with its Polaris and Can-Am counterparts.
Suspension travel stands at 23.2 inches in front and 24 inches in the rear—a bit behind the class leaders, but still impressive. The Teryx H2 rides on 33-inch Maxxis tires and features dimensions of 159.4 inches long, 74 inches wide, with a 126-inch wheelbase. In the Deluxe spec, it weighs 2,373 pounds, lighter than the Maverick R (2,640 lbs dry) and Polaris (2,480 lbs).
Roomy, Tech-Packed, and Surprisingly Affordable
The Teryx4 H2 starts at $37,199, with the four-seater Deluxe model priced at $43,199. Need room for more? The five-seat version costs $43,699. Despite these numbers, the Teryx H2 remains the most affordable among the high-performance UTV trio.
Only the Deluxe trims come with a 10-inch Garmin infotainment screen, adding some tech to the rugged ride.
Final Thoughts
Kawasaki’s Teryx H2 isn’t just another UTV—it’s a statement. With superbike power, smart design choices, and an aggressive price point, it challenges the market leaders head-on. Once real-world testing begins, it’ll be interesting to see how it stacks up against the RZR Pro R and Maverick R. But based on specs alone, the green machine is off to a blazing start.
