2024 KAWASAKI MULE PRO-FXT 1000 PLATINUM RANCH EDITION – TESTED

2024 KAWASAKI MULE PRO-FXT 1000 PLATINUM RANCH EDITION

Sporty Trans Cab for up to six adventurers By the staff of Dirt Wheels

As we reported in November 2023 and March 2024, Kawasaki has continued the evolution of the Mule (Multi-Use Light-Equipment) utility line into a recreation-utility UTV that’s much more sporty and worthy of adventure after the day’s work is done. To showcase the recreational prowess of the all-new 2024 Pro-FX Mule 1000s with a 999cc twin that’s based on the Teryx KRX 1000 engine, Kawasaki had us out to Utah’s Arapeen Trail System for two days of testing the Pro-FXR Limited Edition and Pro-FXT Platinum Ranch Edition’s performance. The Pro-FXT 1000 comes in four trim choices: the LE, LE Camo in True Timber Strata, the LE Ranch Edition with a Warn VRX-45 winch, and the top-shelf Platinum Ranch Edition.

WHAT’S NEW WITH THE KAWASAKI MULE PRO-FXT 1000?

A lot! Only the 2024 Platinum Ranch Edition comes with self-leveling rear shocks to handle heavy loads in the bed, four LED headlights, steel brush and headlight guards, a steel rear bumper, rear-view mirror, additional under-seat storage, a Warn VRX-45 powersports winch, and Platinum Ranch Edition color seats and badges. 

The Pro-FX line gets the Kawasaki-built, 999cc, parallel-twin engine that’s loosely based on the same engine in the pure-sport KRX 1000, improving horsepower (from 47 to 70 horsepower), torque (from 48 to 61.5 pound-feet), acceleration, and top speed. The Mule 1000 is fed via a single 38mm throttle body for smoother operation, while the KRX has two 50mm throttle bodies. Compression is reduced from 11.5:1 to 10.1:1 for smoother acceleration, and the engine air intake has been relocated to ingest cleaner air.

The hood, grill, and fenders have updated and more aggressive styling. Suspension travel and ground clearance have increased substantially without reducing payload capacity. In the past, a terminal block could be purchased as an add-on to simplify adding electronic accessories, but it’s standard equipment on Pro-FXs. The Mule Pro-FXR 1000 comes with 27-inch, six-ply Duro Power Grip II radial tires on 12-inch aluminum rims, while Pro-FXTs come with 26-inch Duro Frontier tires on the same rims.

HOW DOES THE KAWASAKI MULE PRO-FXT 1000 COMPARE IN COST?

The Mule Pro-FXT 1000 series pricing begins at $18,799 for the Pro-FXT 1000 three- to six-seater and $18,899 for the LE Camo version. The 1000 LE Ranch Edition is $20,399, and the Platinum Ranch Edition is $21,899. The Pro-DXT Diesel is $19,599. The 2023 812cc Pro-FXT is $14,399, and the Pro-FXT EPS is $15,899. Can-Am’s Defender Max starts at $16,999 with the HD9 engine, and the Max DPS is $21,399 with the 82-Hp HD10 engine. The Defender Max XT HD10 is $23,499, the Max Lone Star is $25,299, the Max Lone Star Cab is $35,999, and the Max LTD is $32,999. The Polaris Ranger Crew 1000 starts at $14,799 or $16,499 for a Ranger 1000 Crew EPS. A Crew XP 1000 is $19,699, and a Crew XP Premium is $22,099.  A Crew Northstar Premium is $30,799, and Ultimate trim is $35,399. The Yamaha Viking VI 700 EPS is $16,599, and the Ranch Edition is $17,899. Arctic Cat’s Prowler Pro Crew starts at $17,899 for the EPS, the XT is $20,599, and the LTD is $21,999. Honda’s Pioneer 1000-6 Crew Deluxe is $22,199.

HOW FAST IS THE PRO-FXT?

Compared to the Pro-FXR, acceleration is much smoother, so it takes longer to get to the rev limit of 65 mph in high; top speed in low is 32 mph. Acceleration in high is exceptionally smooth, while it’s more peppy in low range. The Pro-FXT Platinum is 284.4 pounds heavier than the Pro-FXR LE, so it feels incredibly planted and is actually hard to break the tires loose in 2WD, and 4WD is even more planted. That’s a big plus on mud and slush, and we never wanted more power even on the most technical Arapeen trails (#37, #38 and #39). On the tight stuff, we stayed in low for more response and fun. There is a noticeable whine of the CVT in low, but conversing in high range was easy in the quiet cabin, thanks to the new 8-liter muffler. The exhaust is also redesigned to flow heat away from the engine to help keep the running temperature cooler.

HOW IS THE PLATINUM  SUSPENSION? 

It’s well-named. Wheel travel and ground clearance are increased over the 812cc Mules, and travel is equal to Kawasaki’s Teryx-4 800 S. Wheel travel increased from 8.7 inches to 11 inches up front and 8.5 inches to 10.1 inches at the rear. Rear A-arms are beefed up with boxed lower A-arms, and the shocks received new A-arm mounting for more shock stroke and travel. Shock tuning is excellent with superb compliance on rocks, ruts and roots, yet the shocks firm up to prevent harsh bottoming at faster trail speeds. Our front shocks were on two of five preload settings, and the Platinum Ranch Edition is the only Pro-FXT 1000 to get the self-leveling rear shocks. Neither end has an anti-sway bar, but body roll during hard cornering wasn’t an issue. Even more impressive is how much articulation this Mule’s suspension is capable of when crossing uneven obstacles. Ride quality is limousine-like on the Platinum.

HOW DOES THE PRO-FXT HANDLE?

Both the 812cc Pro-FXR and Pro-FXR 1000 have a wheelbase of 79.7 inches, while the Pro-FXT has a wheelbase of 92.3 inches. That extra foot makes for a much more stable machine at speed, and so does the extra weight.  Kawasaki’s innovative electric power-steering system provides more assist at slower speeds, so it turns easily and rails around corners. As the pace picks up, the EPS motor backs off for a more connected trail feel while doubling as a steering damper against blows from rocks and tree roots. It’s so stable and planted that it’s almost impossible to break the rear tires loose, even on USFS gravel roads in 2WD. Excellent EBS aids descents, providing four-wheel engine braking and slip-free traction, even in snow, slush, and mud. Even the over-molded steering wheel adds to the sporty performance and great trail manners. We never put a wheel wrong in two days of great trails, but the Pro-FXT has slightly less ground clearance than the Pro-FXR, so we dragged the skid plate a couple of times over obstacles.

HOW ABOUT TRAIL COMFORT?

The Mule Pro-FXT 1000 Platinum Ranch is an off-road limousine with excellent ride quality via plush suspension and very low noise levels in the cabin. The steering wheel is sturdy and comfortable, the range selector is slick to shift, and the foot pedals are well-placed. The two-tone bench seats are super comfortable and provide a secure platform with a great view over the hood. The Platinum Ranch also has padded, color-matched covers over the tubular side bolsters, and we leaned against them comfortably in hard cornering. Rear passengers can hang on to a full-length padded and color-matched cover on the grab bar. There is plenty of storage with a large glove box, center cubby and a bin under the driver’s seat. The passenger grab bar on the A-pillar makes it easier to get in and out, and the shoulder belts didn’t chafe necks. Rear seats are comfortable, and it takes a minute for the Trans Cab to slide the head-ache rack forward and convert to the extended cargo bed. The accessory bed extender makes the cargo area larger still by dropping the tailgate and flipping the extender. Or, flip it forward for a tailgate lunch on the trail.

We rode in many weather and trail conditions over the two days, including icy winds at high elevations, dust, smoke from a USFS prescribed burn, washouts from Hurricane Hilary, slick black mud, ice, slush and even some snow. The Mule Pro-FXT 1000 handled everything with luxury and comfort. The accessory half windshield diverted wind blast over our heads, and nothing rattled or buzzed. We had four Mule 1000s on the ride and didn’t get one flat. The Duro Frontier tires maintained excellent traction in all conditions, and the engine has the power to turn taller tires for even better ride quality. We calculated fuel consumption to be 13.8 mpg, and we did about 130 miles.

WHAT ABOUT MAINTENANCE? 

The 999cc Pro-FX engine is more accessible to service than the 812cc. The pleated-paper air filter is also double the size of the 812s, and the intake draws cleaner air. Both changes increased the air-filter service life from 500 miles to 2000 miles (or 50 to 200 hours). The radiator also has a higher capacity to keep the larger engine cool, and the bed lifts for more engine access. Kawasaki consolidated the location of the air-filter box, battery, oil dipstick, and oil filter to under the rear seat. The oil dipstick has been extended for direct access without reaching inside the engine compartment. The air box has a tool-less access lid held in place by two clasps, and the lid pivots down on two bottom mounts. The automotive-style, twist-on oil filter is on the top of the engine so the bottom of the filter points upward for less spilled oil during removal. Engine design incorporates a catch tray for what little oil might drain out. You can check your air-filter condition and oil level in seconds before every ride.

KAWASAKI MULE PRO-FXT 1000 – CONCLUSION

While the three-seat Pro-FXR 1000 LE tested in March is much more sport-oriented than the Mule Pro-FXT 1000 Platinum Ranch Edition, the six-seater tackled every nasty obstacle and did every technical trail on the ride with luxurious style and grace. It was a lot of fun, and we pushed it even harder than the FXR to try to break the tires loose in turns. Nope, the Pro-FXT wouldn’t spin the tires, which is a very good thing. It is planted to the ground like it has roots, so the extra power of the 999cc twin is harnessed very efficiently and put to work or play, as the case may be. Power delivery is smooth and predictable, the suspension is super smooth, and there are no surprises in handling, no matter how challenging the terrain. The Pro-FXT Platinum is more versatile with its convertible bed, so it’ll do all the heavy lifting during the week and be ready for a family adventure on the weekends. It’s an impressive trail machine with adventure-ready power, suspension, handling, brakes, and top-shelf creature comforts, right down to the extra cup holders. This recreation-ready utility UTV is backed by the Kawasaki Strong three-year limited warranty and up to four-year Protection Plus optional plans. And, it is more equipped and costs less than the Honda Pioneer 1000-6 Crew Deluxe tested last month. www.kawasaki.com