What a Ride: The Ultimate 2020 Kawasaki Sport Side by Side Review
If you're looking for a new UTV to get out on the trails, the rocks, or the desert, the 2020 Kawasaki Sport Side by Side needs to be on your list.
For all-around performance, capability, and comfort, this side-by-side fits the bill. Designed by Kawasaki from the ground up to inspire confidence no matter the conditions, it's reasonably priced, starting at just over $20,000.
To help you make the decision on whether this vehicle is the best option for you, we've put together the ultimate review. Read on to learn all about the engine, its performance, comfort, and other features.
The Engine
The 2020 Kawasaki Sport Side by Side is powered by a 999cc, 4-stroke engine. It's a brand-new unit that provides 112 horsepower and 77 ft-lbs of torque. This engine produces a top speed of about 70 mph.
For most users, the engine is well suited to what they will do. It provides enough power and speed to handle most activities.
You get consistent power and speed through the range. It's not lightning fast off the start, but it offers a smooth transition as you move towards faster speeds. What's most pleasing and surprising about the engine is that you don't even realize the speed you're going.
Transmission
Kawasaki has a continuously variable transmission (CVT) system on the 2020 Kawasaki Sport Side by Side. This differs from Kawasaki's main competition in the market.
The CVT is excellent on this side by side. It handles hard rides easily and doesn't overheat. Even on rocky terrain with a lot of gear changes, the CVT stands up to the task.
The transmission is also great when it comes to engine braking. In both high range and low range gears, the braking feels smooth and strong. We found that on steep hills, putting it on low gear means you don't even have to brake with your foot.
Finally, you can select four-wheel-drive on the fly. It's an easy shift and it gives you more control over tricky terrain. There's also a front differential lock, although it's unlikely you'll need it very often.
Frame and Suspension
The 2020 Kawasaki Sport Side by Side has a superior frame. In fact, it's probably one of the best frames we've seen on a UTV.
The frame is built from tubing that is 1.75 inches in diameter. It weighs more than some of the competition, but it is built to withstand rough terrain and offer longevity.
It has excellent rollover protection from the 8-point system. The joins are all welded cleanly. What you get with this Kawasaki is a great chassis that can take the punishment.
As for the suspension, well, it's more excellent manufacturing from Kawasaki. The Sport Side by Side has a wheelbase of 99 inches. It's just over 68 inches wide.
The size of this UTV provides great handling and ground clearance. In fact, with the Fox 2.5 Podium LSC shocks, you get 19 inches of clearance.
The top-end Fox suspension makes the ride smooth and comfortable. It's great on trails and rocks.
Tires, Wheels, and Brakes
Standard on the Kawasaki Sport Side by Side UTV are 31-inch tires. They're Maxxis Carnivores, and the wheels are 15-inch.
These are some serious, off-road-capable tires. For rock trails, you get incredible grip. However, they might be too sticky to start with if you're out in the sand.
When it comes to stopping, the four disc brakes bring you to a halt fast. The standard brakes are 258mm discs. They're powered by 32mm twin-piston calipers on the front and 38mm pistons on the back.
The front brakes kick in first when you hit the brake pedal. Almost immediately the rear brakes engage.
The benefit of this approach is that your braking feels natural and under control. Because the front brakes kick in first, you also get better cornering and overall handling.
Power Modes
One of the best things that Kawasaki has included on the Sport Side by Side is a dual power feature. This system gives drivers the option to choose the best mode for the terrain. For high-speed activities, the driver selects Full Power Mode, and for tricky rock trails, they select Low Power Mode.
Low Power Mode is essentially a rock crawl option. You get a lot more control over the throttle. It's especially useful and effective on steep, rocky downhill sections.
When you combine the four-wheel-drive on the fly capability, you get unsurpassed control for any conditions.
The Ride
Because of the large size of the Kawasaki Sport Side by Side, the quality of the ride is excellent. It's easy to climb into, and the interior is roomy. As a result, the comfort of this UTV is top-of-the-line.
Everything in the cockpit is set up to make the drive and the ride easy. The adjustable steering wheel allows different size drivers to set things up to suit them. Everything on the dashboard is also easy to access.
The new digital instrument panel is a joy. The backlighting and large size of the readout make it easy to see even when you're bouncing around on a rough trail or zipping along at high speed.
Kawasaki packed twenty-three different functions into the digital cluster. And they made the instrument panel so that it swivels with the steering wheel. This keeps it aligned so that drivers don't have to struggle to see what's going on.
There is a large storage area behind the seats. The noise levels in the cockpit are reasonable. The cockpit is also cool, even when things heat up in the desert.
The driver and passenger seats are adjustable, too. The seats are bucket seats with high backs and have been designed with good driving ergonomics in mind.
Five cup holders are complemented by storage nooks throughout the cockpit. There is even a 120 watt DC socket on the dashboard.
The 2020 Kawasaki Sport Side by Side Does It All
For one of the most complete UTVs on the market, choose the 2020 Kawasaki Sport Side by Side. From power and control to driver experience and comfort, this excellent vehicle has everything you need to hit the trails.
The engine is strong enough to hit good speeds and also deal with tricky terrain. The frame and wheels give you a comfortable ride no matter what you're doing. And, inside, both driver and passenger are treated to comfort and protection.
All in all, this UTV is a great choice for all-round excellence and multiple uses.
For more insights about off-road vehicles and pro motorsports in general, check out our blog. We've got you covered with reviews of new vehicles, insider tips, and advice about all things involving motors! And if you need expert opinions and advice, get in touch with us today.
