Kawasaki’s UTV Revolution: Teryx H2 vs. KRX 1000

By Pavel September 5, 2025

In the ever-escalating battle for side-by-side supremacy, Kawasaki has thrown down a gauntlet that’s impossible to ignore. The introduction of the 2026 Teryx H2, a supercharged beast boasting a claimed 250+ horsepower, has sent shockwaves through the UTV community. But how does this new king of the desert stack up against its highly respected, naturally aspirated sibling, the Teryx KRX 1000? In this in-depth comparison, we’ll break down the key differences between these two incredible machines, helping you decide which Kawasaki is the right choice for your off-road adventures.

The Foundation of Excellence: The Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000

Before we dive into the mind-bending performance of the Teryx H2, it’s crucial to understand the machine that paved the way. The Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000, since its introduction, has earned a reputation as one of the most capable and reliable sport side-by-sides on the market. Its robust chassis, impressive suspension, and well-balanced power delivery have made it a favorite among trail riders, rock crawlers, and everyone in between.

At the heart of the KRX 1000 is a 999cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that produces a respectable 110 horsepower and 75.2 lb-ft of torque. While these numbers may seem modest in the face of the H2’s supercharged fury, the KRX 1000’s power is delivered in a smooth, linear fashion that inspires confidence on technical trails. The CVT transmission with a centrifugal clutch provides seamless power delivery, and the selectable 2WD/4WD system with a locking front differential ensures you have traction when you need it most.

But the KRX 1000’s true genius lies in its suspension. With 18.6 inches of travel in the front and a whopping 21.1 inches in the rear, the KRX 1000 soaks up bumps and whoops with ease. The Showa 2.5 piggyback reservoir shocks are fully adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune the ride to your liking. And with a 68.1-inch width and 98.8-inch wheelbase, the KRX 1000 is both stable at speed and nimble enough to navigate tight, wooded trails.

In short, the KRX 1000 is a master of all trades. It’s a machine that’s equally at home crawling over rocks, blasting through the desert, or exploring your favorite trail system. It’s the benchmark against which all other sport side-by-sides are measured, and it’s the foundation upon which the Teryx H2 is built.

The New King of the Hill: The Supercharged Teryx H2

If the KRX 1000 is the master of all trades, the Teryx H2 is the undisputed king of high-performance. This is a machine built for one purpose: to dominate the desert and leave everything else in its dust. And with a supercharged 1.0-liter inline-four engine that pumps out a staggering 250+ horsepower, it has the firepower to do just that.

The heart of the Teryx H2 is a 999cc, liquid-cooled, inline-four engine that’s closely related to the fire-breathing powerplant in the Kawasaki H2 superbike. But what truly sets it apart is the in-house developed supercharger. This isn’t some bolt-on afterthought; it’s a purpose-built unit that’s been integrated into the engine from the ground up. The result is instantaneous power delivery with zero turbo lag. As one reviewer put it, the Teryx H2 feels more like a rally car than a UTV, with a multi-dimensional weight distribution that allows you to throw it into corners with confidence.

But the Teryx H2 is more than just a powerful engine. It’s a complete performance package. The suspension has been upgraded to handle the extra power, with 23.2 inches of travel in the front and 24.0 inches in the rear. The Fox Podium 3.0 Live Valve adaptive dampers on the Deluxe eS model are a game-changer, automatically adjusting to the terrain to provide a smooth, controlled ride, even in the most brutal conditions. And with a wider 74.0-inch stance, the Teryx H2 is incredibly stable at the triple-digit speeds it’s capable of reaching.

Of course, all this performance comes at a price. The Teryx H2 is significantly more expensive than the KRX 1000, and its thirst for fuel is likely to be just as impressive as its acceleration. But for those who demand the ultimate in off-road performance, the Teryx H2 is in a class of its own.

Specifications

Kawasaki Teryx H2
Vehicle Type: mid-engine, rear/4-wheel-drive, 4- or 5-passenger, 4-door buggy

PRICE
Base: Teryx4 H2, $39,594; Teryx4 H2 Deluxe eS, $45,594; Teryx5 H2 Deluxe eS, $46,094

ENGINE
supercharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, port fuel injection
Displacement: 61 in³, 999 cm³
Power: 250 hp @ 9000 rpm
Torque: 146 lb-ft @ 8800 rpm

TRANSMISSION
continuously variable automatic

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 126.0 in
Length: 159.4 in
Width: 74.0 in
Height: 71.5–73.8 in
Curb Weight (C/D est): 2450–2500 lb

PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 5.5 sec
1/4-Mile: 13.8 sec
Top Speed: 100 mph

Head-to-Head: Teryx H2 vs. KRX 1000

So, how do these two incredible machines stack up against each other? Let’s break it down in a head-to-head comparison:

Feature	Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000	Kawasaki Teryx H2
Engine	999cc Parallel-Twin	999cc Supercharged Inline-Four
Horsepower	110 hp	250+ hp
Torque	75.2 lb-ft	146 lb-ft
Suspension Travel (F/R)	18.6″ / 21.1″	23.2″ / 24.0″
Width	68.1″	74.0″
Curb Weight	~1,895 lbs	~2,450-2,500 lbs
Price (MSRP)	$22,199	$39,594 (base)

As you can see, the Teryx H2 is the clear winner in terms of pure performance. It has more than double the horsepower and torque of the KRX 1000, and its suspension and wider stance are designed to handle that extra power. But the KRX 1000 is no slouch. It’s a highly capable machine that’s more affordable, lighter, and more nimble than the Teryx H2. It’s also likely to be more reliable in the long run, as its naturally aspirated engine is less stressed than the H2’s supercharged powerplant.

Which One is Right for You?

So, which Kawasaki UTV is the right choice for you? It all comes down to your priorities and your budget.

If you’re looking for a versatile, do-it-all machine that can handle a wide variety of terrain, the Teryx KRX 1000 is an excellent choice. It’s a proven performer that’s backed by Kawasaki’s legendary reliability. And with a starting price of just over $22,000, it’s a great value for the money.

But if you’re a speed demon who craves the ultimate in off-road performance, the Teryx H2 is the only choice. It’s a machine that will leave you breathless with its incredible acceleration and top speed. Just be prepared to pay a premium for that performance, both at the dealership and at the gas pump.

No matter which machine you choose, you can be sure you’re getting a top-quality UTV that’s built to last. Kawasaki has a long history of building some of the best off-road vehicles on the market, and the Teryx H2 and KRX 1000 are no exception.