Kawasaki RIDGE vs Can-am Defender?
- Thread starter supersix
- Start date
azbronco96
New member
- Dec 21, 2023
- 1
- 1
I have a 2020 Defender Max XT currently and its been a good machine for the past 4k miles.
I was waiting for the Ridge to be released before deciding to upgrade. Ranger XD is a little too much money for my budget-and the QDR seems to be lacking in the Polaris units.
I’m a little disappointed in the Ridge to be honest.
I need 4 doors- and camo instead of paint is better for my use.
A 95% hunting/camping rig gets scratched pretty hard by brush-camo doesn't look bad scratched up. Paint is pointless.
Very little additional hp/tq with the 4 cylinder, and listening to the videos it’s not all that quiet. Might be different in person.
No front locker is a deal killer for me
. Defender has an established aftermarket pipeline it will take a while to build for the Ridge.
Defender for the win for now-but I’ll look again in 4 years or so.
YMMV
I was waiting for the Ridge to be released before deciding to upgrade. Ranger XD is a little too much money for my budget-and the QDR seems to be lacking in the Polaris units.
I’m a little disappointed in the Ridge to be honest.
I need 4 doors- and camo instead of paint is better for my use.
A 95% hunting/camping rig gets scratched pretty hard by brush-camo doesn't look bad scratched up. Paint is pointless.
Very little additional hp/tq with the 4 cylinder, and listening to the videos it’s not all that quiet. Might be different in person.
No front locker is a deal killer for me
. Defender has an established aftermarket pipeline it will take a while to build for the Ridge.
Defender for the win for now-but I’ll look again in 4 years or so.
YMMV
Kawasaki Ridge what a BIG DISAPPOINTMENT.
If I wanted a Polaris I’d of bought one. Like azbronco96 said, the engine doesn’t make enough power for a 4 cylinder. I don’t like the wheels , to small. I don’t like a dump bed . I will say it doesn’t look ugly but I was hoping with all the Kawasaki hype they would have released something close to a Polaris Expedition or something capable of competing with the Razor or Can Am Maverick.
- Nov 29, 2023
- 81
- 53
I'm shocked the Ridge doesn't have a camo option. I'm also a four-door model buyer so only a two-door option right now is a bummer.
This Machine seems torn in a Coulple different Directions...it's Not the Xd Ranger competer I had Hopef for. And that High reving little 4 cylinder is Just What I feared it would be...!This Machine is a Competer for the Ranger XP SERIES ...AND DEFENDER. ITS A NICE MACHINE NO doubt but it Looks Built a little Light in the Chassis department..especially the Front Frame..A arms and Such. Seems Kawasaki is trying to Sell it just on its 4cylinder engine. But will reserve final judgment till I see one for Myself.
I think Peak Hp. Numbers are at 8500rpm..that's screaming...lol. But the More I see of these Machines as i have today. They are quite well thought out for Maitenance and Such. Iam liking the Limited maybe to Replace my NS.ULTIMATE....
I've allways felt a little cramped in My Xp Rangers...seems the Newer Machines are adding wheel base to atleast add some more Depth to The Cabs. My xp has 81in. Wheel base...Ridge is 91...so there should be more Cab room in the Ridge. Actually Kawasaki placed this thing very Smartly...Between the Xp Rangers and Defenders...and New Xd Ranger. The Horsepower even Best the XD Ranger in XR trim. I'll be following Closely as these Go.
ridgegramps
New member
- Jan 25, 2024
- 6
- 6
I like what I see. The air intake for the clutch and motor is up front unlike the Defender. The Defender intake is in the rear and seems to be subject to a lot of dust. I haven't driven a Defender but most complain of body roll. It looks like the Ridge handles better than a Defender but it's hard to judge when I haven't driven one. I will be in the market later this year for a new side by side and the Ridge will be on my short list. I love the automotive quality of the interior.
I allso noticed what appears to be a Door stop rod on the Door of the limited...a good idea...That's a Gripe I have with My Ranger. I allso like the Park Brake..but should have a Park in the Transmission. What would be the Proper way to Park in in...?...or Start it up.
I currently have 2023 Defender HD9 that I pretty much hate. Came from a 2018 Mule Pro. The Can Am is loud, rides rough, and has terrible leg room especially for the left driver foot (I am 6'2). Other gripes include the loud fuel pump (I assume that's what it is), inadequate tailgate latches, grease zerks that are hard to get at and shouldn't be there in the first place, and weird clutch surge when rolling to a stop in the low gear.
I was able to do a short spin around the dealers SMALL parking lot in their Ridge Ranch edition. Quick thoughts vs the Defender is that it is far more comfortable and roomy. The engine runs exponentially smoother as expected and it is much quieter at slow speeds. I wasn't able to go over about 15mph. The Ridge is TALL, which I don't love for work- the bed height isn't ideal for loading stuff.
My dealer is supposed to let me know when they get a cabbed model. I will get a legitimate test drive and as long as sound levels are acceptable and there are no bizarre quirks, rattles, or anything like that I plan to buy one. Other option would be a Ranger Northstar, but I would prefer a Kawasaki... they build excellent stuff.
I was able to do a short spin around the dealers SMALL parking lot in their Ridge Ranch edition. Quick thoughts vs the Defender is that it is far more comfortable and roomy. The engine runs exponentially smoother as expected and it is much quieter at slow speeds. I wasn't able to go over about 15mph. The Ridge is TALL, which I don't love for work- the bed height isn't ideal for loading stuff.
My dealer is supposed to let me know when they get a cabbed model. I will get a legitimate test drive and as long as sound levels are acceptable and there are no bizarre quirks, rattles, or anything like that I plan to buy one. Other option would be a Ranger Northstar, but I would prefer a Kawasaki... they build excellent stuff.
Just some other random thoughts after reading through the comments again- The dash area, storage compartment lids and latches still feels cheap like most side by sides. I don't know that it will feel like "automotive quality"... maybe like early 90s automotive quality.
I hate that there is a park brake and not a park gear, but it seems easier/quicker to function than the one on my mule. It's weird, but simple and functional, I guess.
I think the cabbed model will feel very roomy, not just leg room but overall.
The inline 4 is a huge selling point for me... Kawasaki has been building inline 4s and building them well for what, 50 years? It should be a great motor and long outlast the rest of the machine. I don't need more than the 90 or so HP but hopefully the aftermarket steps in, I bet a guy could easily get 120-130hp.
Lots of people on social media seemed REALLY disappointed by this machine. No need to trash talk it/Kawasaki because it's not the high HP desert racer guys were hoping for. Kawasaki never advertised it as that... it's not supposed to be that and never will be. It's meant to be a 50/50 work/light play machine. It's a perfect machine for acreage/property owners who want to be able to work during the week and go play a little on the weekends. I think the cabbed model will sell as fast as they can build them here in the Midwest.
If anyone is ever in Lincoln or Omaha NE on a Thursday I highly recommend looking into a tour of the Kawasaki plant in Lincoln. My wife and I did the tour back in 2018, we were the only 2 on the tour and it was great. The people working there are VERY passionate about what they do.
I hate that there is a park brake and not a park gear, but it seems easier/quicker to function than the one on my mule. It's weird, but simple and functional, I guess.
I think the cabbed model will feel very roomy, not just leg room but overall.
The inline 4 is a huge selling point for me... Kawasaki has been building inline 4s and building them well for what, 50 years? It should be a great motor and long outlast the rest of the machine. I don't need more than the 90 or so HP but hopefully the aftermarket steps in, I bet a guy could easily get 120-130hp.
Lots of people on social media seemed REALLY disappointed by this machine. No need to trash talk it/Kawasaki because it's not the high HP desert racer guys were hoping for. Kawasaki never advertised it as that... it's not supposed to be that and never will be. It's meant to be a 50/50 work/light play machine. It's a perfect machine for acreage/property owners who want to be able to work during the week and go play a little on the weekends. I think the cabbed model will sell as fast as they can build them here in the Midwest.
If anyone is ever in Lincoln or Omaha NE on a Thursday I highly recommend looking into a tour of the Kawasaki plant in Lincoln. My wife and I did the tour back in 2018, we were the only 2 on the tour and it was great. The people working there are VERY passionate about what they do.