2026 Kawasaki Teryx5 H2 Review
The horsepower wars rage on within the recreational sport side-by-side arena and Kawasaki has entered the fold with a challenger that boasts bigger numbers than all the rest.
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The Kawasaki Teryx H2, either in four or five-seat guise, is a massive high-performance side-by-side that comes packing 250-hp, more than any other machine on the market. The current second place spot is held by the Can-Am Maverick R at 240 hp. But does it offer more than just bringing more ponies to the party?
To understand what the H2 is, you first must get your head around its size. Its dimensions are 159.4 in. long, 74 in. wide, and 73.8 in. tall, with a 126-in. wheelbase. There are hopes that Kawasaki will roll out a two-door version in the future, but for now it’s the only size available.
To be fair to this massive machine, it is no larger than other four-seat models; the Polaris RZR Pro R, for example, has even larger dimensions. However, the entire four-seat sport segment has become so massive that these proportions are now commonplace; expected even. When you consider that the H2 weighs 2,504 lb., the result is a heavy-duty machine designed to carry multiple people across wide-open spaces at incredible speeds.
Power and Delivery
Power comes from a 999 cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, inline four-cylinder engine. This powerplant uses a supercharger to output 250 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque, sent through a belt-driven CVT with both high and low ranges. The auditory experience is unique to this segment; the choice to use a supercharger rather than a turbocharger results in delightful chirps and whooshing sounds. This is paired with buttery-smooth power delivery that provides an overwhelming wave of linear acceleration the moment you press the pedal.
Suspension and Ride Quality
While the engine is impressive, the suspension truly brings the H2 to life. It so adeptly absorbs the ground’s imperfections underneath, it leaves occupants with the sensation of floating smoothly over what should be a rough, rutted trail. The H2 is one of those modern side-by-sides with such incredibly high-performance limits that it takes an experienced pilot to truly extract all the speed on offer—one of the primary justifications for the premium price tag.
Making this “magic carpet ride” possible are Fox 3.0 Live Valve internal bypass shocks, providing 23.2-in. of wheel travel in the front and 24-in. in the rear. These active dampers adjust on the fly, reacting near-instantaneously to terrain inputs. The driver can also manage this via the Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS) system, which allows for on-the-go adjustments to firmness from inside the cockpit.
Technical Terrain and Gearing
A set of 33-in. Maxxis Carnivore tires provide ample grip and the necessary diameter to tackle rocks and technical obstacles. However, slow-speed rock crawling is the only area where the H2 feels slightly out of place. The CVT is geared for a top speed of approximately 100 mph; consequently, when you need low-range torque to haul this beast up steep inclines, the revs climb quite high before the power kicks in. This can make it tricky to modulate the throttle smoothly at slow speeds.
To offset this, Kawasaki included selectable power modes: Low, Mid, and Full, allowing the driver to limit output for more precise control and less “jumpiness.” Low power mode makes parking, navigating tight quarters, or loading a trailer significantly less stressful. Mid-power is an excellent starting point for most drivers to get acquainted with the machine before unleashing all 250 ponies.
Interior and Technology
Inside, the H2 balances technology, comfort, and safety. Factory-installed four-point harnesses are standard at every seat, while a 10-in. Garmin Tread off-road navigation system is integrated into the center stack. In front of the driver, a sharp 7-inch full-color TFT display conveys vital vehicle information.
Pricing and Trims
The base model Teryx4 H2 starts at $37,199, however that price excludes key upgrades like the 10-inch Garmin, the plastic roof, and the KECS suspension. To access those features, you must step up to the Teryx4 H2 Deluxe eS, which starts at $43,199. For those who prioritize seating, the five-seat Teryx5 H2 Deluxe starts at $43,699 and goes up from there.
Kawasaki has made a clear statement with the Teryx H2: they will not play second fiddle to anyone. With this latest release, they have successfully delivered segment-topping performance.
Stephen Elmer
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