In Depth Look At 2016 Kawasaki Teryx

People who like their adventures to include mud, trails and the great outdoors, the 2016 Kawasaki Teryx side-by-side should be on the top of their shopping list. This incredibly versatile and sporty recreational utility vehicle combines great off-road ability and impressive comfort with legendary Kawasaki durability and quality. And for the 2016 model year, it has received a host of upgrades that will make it more appealing than ever.

New features include a redesigned front face that gives it a more aggressive persona to accompany its off-road toughness. The dashboard layout is new and tilt steering is standard on all models, plus a thicker, sportier steering wheel for more driver comfort and confidence as well as standard Electric Power Steering (EPS) on all models. Further updates see the Teryx family getting new tool-free adjustment for the driver’s seat as well as new optimized setting for its Fox Podium 2.0 shocks. Add bigger 14-inch wheels on the Teryx LE model, and four powerful LED headlights on the LE and Camo models, plus a Kawasaki STRONG three-year limited factory warranty, and the 2016 Kawasaki Teryx side-by-side is an unbeatable package.

Special Features Of The 2016 Kawasaki Teryx

• NEW Styling including hood, headlights and front bumper
• 783cc V-twin engine with strong mid-range and engine braking
• Stable body design with 50:50 weight distribution for confident handling
• OPTIMIZED Fox Podium 2.0 shock settings
• NEW Tilt steering column with thicker steering wheel
• NEW Tool-less driver’s seat adjustment
• NEW Dash layout with extra accessories switches and storage pocket
• NEW 14-inch aluminum wheels on the Teryx LE model
• NEW Four LED headlights on Teryx LE and Camo models
• Versatile cargo bed, large storage area behind front seats
• Standard Electric Power Steering on all models
• Standard hard top on Teryx LE and Camo models
• Standard Kawasaki STRONG three-year limited factory warranty

POWERTRAIN

The character-filled, purpose-built 90-degree V-twin engine is revered for its exhaust note, stump-pulling torque and amazing flexibility. The 783cc engine generates its power and torque where you need it most—in the low- and mid-range powerband, making short work of scrambling up hills, slogging through mud or crawling over rocks. The Teryx side-by-side also delivers great fuel efficiency, providing plenty of range between fuel stops.

Transferring all that torque to the ground is a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with a centrifugal clutch assembly and a three-mode electronically selectable four-wheel drive system with access to either 2WD (light steering, great handling), 4WD or 4WD +  Front Differential Lock. The latter helps to provide optimum traction in difficult conditions by simply rotating a dash-mounted switch.

The CVT is known for its quick response and direct engine “feel” in sportier riding situations and its unique engine braking ability can increase driver confidence on descents, while turning and in rough conditions.

So whether it’s climbing a rocky trail, crossing a stream or just hauling down a wide-open track, the Teryx side-by-side has the ideal drivetrain mode to handle it.

ELECTRIC POWER STEERING

Easy, low-effort and precise steering are hallmarks of the standard Electric Power Steering (EPS) system in the 2016 Kawasaki Teryx side-by-side.

The Showa-built system eliminates the need for a traditional power steering pump found on most of the competition, so steering inputs do not rob the engine of power. In fact, the EPS is only active when the engine is running, so there’s also limited battery drain.

Input from vehicle speed and torque sensors determine the amount of steering assistance required, giving more during slow-speed use and less as speed increases, similar to a state-of-the-art sports car. EPS offers additional benefits, especially on rough surfaces, where reduced steering kickback and bump-steer mean less fatigue for the driver.

New for the 2016 model year is a tilt steering column available on all models. It allows the steering wheel to be tilted to a position that suits the driver, or can be moved out of the way to ease cabin access when wearing work tools, for example.

To reflect its sporty performance and handling, all Teryx models have received a thicker steering wheel. This is designed to be more comfortable in the driver’s hand, giving more confidence on trails and improving the overall feel of the driving experience.

CHASSIS

The Teryx side-by-side’s durable Double-X frame construction takes technical terrain in its stride. The rigid, square tube chassis effectively combats flex to help provide superior handling over rough ground.

This stout frame was designed using detailed computer analysis and plenty of off-road testing to create the Double-X design. It features two X-shaped cross members bridging the frame’s box structures from corner-to-corner for maximum strength and optimum durability.

The extremely tight 16.7-foot turning radius makes maneuvering in close quarters a cinch—a real benefit over some of the competition that can be forced to make multi-point turns in the same amount of space.

The frame is also reinforced by the Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS), which extends all the way out to the edges of the bodywork to maximize cockpit space and help shield the chassis and bodywork in the event of a rollover occurring.

The Teryx side-by-side has underbody engine guards that offer an added measure of protection by shielding vital components; their smooth reinforced surfaces act as a skid plate when it might be necessary to grind over the occasional obstacle.

This impressive chassis package is further enhanced with a wide-track/wide-body design, which contributes to superb handling characteristics. The wide track helps resist body roll during cornering and boosts its ability to navigate rough terrain. Mid-engine placement also helps by centralizing the vehicle’s center of mass, which reduces the turning inertia and promotes fluid direction changes.

Large 26-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires offer the type of ride comfort, control and traction you would expect from a Teryx side-by-side . Their construction and tread design helps maximize traction, while optimizing driver feedback during cornering.

The Teryx side-by-side has an 85.8-inch wheelbase, contributing to its tight turning radius and overall agility. The vehicle also offers a substantial 11.2-inch of ground clearance, helping to prevent it from high centering when cresting a ridge or obstacle. The high approach and departure angles (79- and 65-degrees, respectively) also reduce the possibility of fouling the front bumper when approaching a steep slope or scraping the tail when exiting.

SUSPENSION & BRAKING

The independent suspension on the Teryx side-by-side incorporates one of the best names in the high-performance suspension business: Fox. This means that stout steel A-arms at all four corners are mated to adjustable Fox Podium 2.0 remote reservoir coil over shocks, which are adjustable for spring preload and 24-way compression damping. They allow the driver to tailor the ride to the terrain or the personal preference and offer 8 inches of plush travel up front and 8.3 inches out back, giving the Teryx side-by-side side plenty of trail-taming comfort. And new settings for the shocks mean the vehicle has even more composure at high and low speeds.

Kawasaki and Fox incorporated a dual-mode design ideology so the adjustable Fox Podium 2.0 coil over shocks provide everything from cruising comfort with two passengers and a full cargo bed, to sport-style bump absorption when driven solo. It’s a difficult combination to get right, but the Fox Podium 2.0 shocks get the job done by maintaining consistent, progressive and fade-free damping.

With the performance and handling potential of the Teryx side-by-side, consistent brake performance is essential and the Teryx side-by-side delivers with high-performance hydraulic discs up front. These use 200mm rotors gripped by dual-piston calipers for exceptional feel and stopping power. The brakes are recessed within the wheels to help keep them free from dirt, rocks, water and debris, while sturdy steel-braided brake lines help keep the pedal feeling crisp and progressive.

At the rear, Kawasaki employs its unique sealed internal wet brake, which features internal components that are completely sealed from mud, water, dust and debris. The result is powerful and enhanced braking performance whether descending hills or running on trails, wet or dry.

HAULING & TOWING

The Teryx side-by-side excels at all sorts of tasks, from hauling family members to towing. Its sizable 27.6 x 43.3-inch cargo bed is 10.4 inches deep and boasts a heavy-duty 600 lb. payload capacity. The cargo bed has a flat bottom that is big enough to hold a large cooler, several spare fuel cans or other essentials.

The bed also features the ability to add Kawasaki’s optional tool snap-mount system, which allows quick-mounting of Kawasaki Genuine Accessories and/or tools to the bed rails. Four tie-down loops help secure the cargo, and two water-resistant rear storage compartments offer 48 gallons capacity.

The Teryx side-by-side also features a latching tailgate, which can be removed without tools if greater capacity is required. The tailgate also features molded drink holders for added convenience.

A 2-inch hitch receiver is standard equipment. This allows the Teryx side-by-side to tow up to a substantial 1,300 lbs. once equipped with the optional draw bar.

CONVENIENCE

Convenience features on the 2016 Kawasaki Teryx side-by-side include two DC power outlets providing up to 120 watts of peak electrical power, while nearly eight gallons of fuel capacity and impressive fuel economy mean the Teryx side-by-side has substantial range, enough for a long day on the trail. There’s also a handy cab roof (sun top) to maximize comfort (standard on the Teryx LE and Teryx Camo models, optional on the Teryx EPS model), plus a conveniently located beverage holder for each occupant.

New this year is a restyled dashboard layout that incorporates four accessory switches, allowing Teryx side-by-side owners to operate their chosen optional Kawasaki Genuine Accessories, such as a winch, auxiliary LED lighting, etc. The dashboard is also able to accommodate the Kawasaki Genuine Accessories audio system to provide music or news throughout the day. A number of convenient storage pockets were also incorporated into the new dash design to increase its utility.

STYLING

The Teryx side-by-side’s aggressive new styling matches its performance. It includes a new hood and scratch-resistant front bumper. Along with its angular fenders, the Teryx side-by-side has a look that says “sporty” and “functional” at the same time. To prove the point, the aggressive-looking hinged hood opens for ease of maintenance and is finished in automotive-quality paint.

New lightweight polished 14-inch cast aluminum wheels on the Teryx LE model could garner a fair share of attention at any custom car show, but it doesn’t stop there. The Teryx LE also features a strong tubular-steel front brush guard, while both the Teryx LE and Teryx Camo models now receive four new high-intensity LED headlamps that are engineered to keep the path well-lit long after sunset. 

Textured paint on the brush guards and ROPS cage help keep the Teryx LE looking sharp for a good long time.

INTERIOR AMENITIES

Both the driver and passenger will enjoy riding in the Teryx side-by-side during a long day, because it’s one of the most comfortable side-by-sides in its class.

Its roomy interior gives the driver and passenger ample room, with plenty of hip, shoulder and legroom. Three-tone high-backed bucket seats feature high-quality cushioning and cold-resistant seat material for all-day plushness. The adjustable seats eliminate the need for a headrest and feature wraparound ergonomics to hold driver and passenger firmly in place.

The driver’s seat can now be adjusted without using tools, allowing different-sized drivers to comfortably get behind the wheel. And when the going gets rough, automotive-style three-point seatbelts offer a high degree of security, helping to keep the driver and passenger in place. Shock-absorbing comfort mounts and an anti-cinch feature on the seatbelts also help prevent over-tightening when the belts lock during sudden deceleration (or when the tilt sensor is activated).

Unlike many of its competitors, the Teryx side x side features premium factory-designed secure latching, automotive-style doors that are easy to use, look good and offer a high level of protection from the elements.

The instrumentation includes a multi-function electronic display that provides an array of useful information: speedometer, fuel gauge, odometer and hour meter, clock and dual trip meters. There are also indicator lights for the 2WD/4WD, front differential, parking brake, water temp and a fuel injection warning plus a reverse indicator—everything you need to know at a glance.

ONE TERYX, THREE MODELS

The two-seat 2016 Kawasaki Teryx side-by-side is available in three different levels of specification. All pack the same combination of powerful, reliable engine, selectable all-wheel drive traction, durable, tough chassis, sporty suspension, all around versatility and fun.

The first model is the 2016 Kawasaki Teryx EPS model, which is equipped with advanced Electric Power Steering to help the driver maneuver at low speed and reduce terrain kickback as the speed increases. The Teryx EPS model is available in Bright White, which looks great on the aggressive lines of this sporty vehicle.

The 2016 Teryx LE model incorporates everything on the EPS model, including its Electric Power Steering, and adds new lightweight 14-inch cast aluminum wheels for extra style. These are fitted with some of the largest tires available in the side-by-side category and provide outstanding rough terrain performance, obstacle clearance and cornering confidence.

In addition, the Teryx LE model gets four powerful LED headlights and a hard sun top to protect the occupants from the hot sun or falling rain. This vehicle can be purchased in a choice of Candy Lime Green paint or Metallic Flat Raw Graystone.

Finally, there is the 2016 Teryx Camo model, which is equipped with standard EPS, four powerful LED headlights and a hard sun top. As its name suggests, the Camo model is finished in the authentic RealtreeXtra Green Camo pattern that makes it ideal for hunters, photographers, backwoodsmen or anybody who wants to maintain a low profile while off-road.

KAWASAKI STRONG 3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

When you look at all the features of the 2016 Teryx side-by-side, it’s clear there is no competition for its outstanding excellence. Yet Kawasaki did not stop with simply building the most capable, comfortable and durable side-by-side in the world; they backed it up with the Kawasaki STRONG 3-Year Limited Warranty. 

It’s well known that the premium engineering on the Teryx side-by-side makes it a long-lasting and dependable product. That peace of mind is further enhanced by factory-backed support for a full three years on every 2016 Teryx side-by-side.

Strength. Power. Comfort. Convenience. Hauling and towing ability. Reliability. The Teryx family has been at the pinnacle of off-road fun and function since its inception, and the 2016 model ushers in a new era of Kawasaki side-by-side performance, reliability and comfort.

ACCESSORIES

A large selection of Kawasaki Genuine Accessories is available through authorized Kawasaki dealers across the country. As with all off-highway vehicle recreation, Kawasaki encourages side-by-side users to drive responsibly and to respect the environment.

All Kawasaki Genuine Accessories are developed in conjunction with the vehicle to ensure fit and functionality. They include items such as a snowplow and several Warn winches. There is a fabric cab enclosure, fabric, plastic and aluminum roofs as well as full-length fabric doors. There is a cargo box system that secures to the cargo bed using special clamps. Teryx side-by-side owners can also purchase an audio system, auxiliary lighting, tow hitch balls, a full and half windshield as well as gun cases and a mounting system. To protect Teryx vehicles off-road, there is a full complement of underbody guards and skid plates from front to rear, as well as light guards, a rear bumper, fender flares and more.

2016 Kawasaki Teryx EPS LE Specifications*

*Specifications are subject to change.