KAWASAKI MULE PRO-MX EPS

KAWASAKI MULE PRO-MX EPS

In the world of utility-focused recreation UTVs, Kawasaki’s Pro-series Mules are well-known for their refinement, room and massive hauling and towing capacity. Most people also think of Pro-series Mules as big machines priced like the premium-quality machines they are. The mid-size Mule Pro-MX vehicle family aims to deliver Pro-series Mule comfort and quality for smaller spaces and budgets. We tested the Kawasaki Mule Pro-MX EPS Camo to see if it succeeds.

HOW DOES COST COMPARE?

The Mule Pro-MX starts at $10,299, or $10,399 for the 2022 model. Our test machine, the Pro-MX EPS Camo, is $12,699, or $12,749 for the 2022 model. The Pro-MX EPS LE is $12,599, or $12,699 for the 2022 model.  The full-size Mule Pro-FX starts at $12,199. Honda’s Pioneer 700 starts at $10,999. The Polaris Ranger 570 Full Size starts at $10,799.

WHAT SIZE IS IT?

All Kawasaki Pro-MX models seat two and are 60 inches wide with a 78.9-inch wheelbase. Full-size Pro-series Mules are 64 inches wide, seat three or six and have a 92.3-inch wheelbase.

CAN IT DO FULL-SIZE JOBS?

Yes. The Pro-MX has a tilting cargo bed with a steel floor that can carry 700 pounds and the vehicle can tow 1500 pounds. The cab floor is steel also. You have to release latches on both sides of the bed to tilt it and latch them to secure it, which is less convenient than the lever releases on many machines, but the latches hold the bed very securely.

WHAT COMES WITH THE CAMO MODEL?

You get TrueTimber HTC Green bodywork, power steering, roof, LED and halogen headlights.

WHAT POWERS IT?

A single-cylinder, 695cc, single-overhead-cam, four-valve engine. A well-silenced intake and vibration-absorbing engine mounts make the single almost as refined as the outstandingly smooth, quiet, 812cc, three-cylinder engine that powers the larger Mule Pro models.

WHAT KIND OF TRANSMISSION DOES IT USE?

A fully automatic belt type continuously variable transmission with a centrifugal sprag clutch. The centrifugal clutch provides smooth, even clutch engagement, four-wheel engine braking in 4WD and protects the belt.

WHAT KIND OF 4WD SYSTEM DOES IT HAVE?

Selectable 2WD/4WD with a lockable rear differential. Unlock the rear differential to protect turf, prevent tire marks on pavement or to make tighter turns. The front differential doesn’t lock.

HOW FAST IS IT?

It moves pretty well for a utility-focused 700cc UTV. Top speed is 45 mph. More important, the 700 handles hilly terrain easily with two men and cargo aboard.

HOW IS THE POWER DELIVERY?

When you need tractability for precise maneuvers in tight work areas or challenging trails, it’s like butter. It also keeps pulling at higher revs, so it doesn’t feel strained when cruising at higher speeds.

HOW IS THE SUSPENSION?

The Pro-MX has the comfortably plush ride we’ve come to expect from Kawasaki Pro-series Mules. Front and rear double-A-arm suspension with spring preload-adjustable shocks offer 8.6 inches of front suspension travel and 9.1 inches in the rear. The shocks’ sport UTV-like threaded spring preload adjusters take more time to adjust than simpler stepped adjusters.

HOW DOES IT HANDLE?

The Pro-MX is lighter and more agile than the larger Pro-series Mules, and it corners with less body roll. The Pro-MX’s sculpted seats also offer more support than the flat bench seats on bigger Mules, which helps the machine’s feel in challenging terrain and when driving fast.

HOW IS IT IN CHALLENGING TERRAIN?

The 700 has enough power in reserve for big hills, and its engine braking and four-wheel disc brakes are as predictable as they come. Because the parking brake is separate from the transmission range selector, the selector doesn’t bind on hills like the type with a park position as a parking brake. Steep, rutted terrain isn’t a problem with the Pro MX’s stability. The Pro-MX doesn’t have a locking front differential, but 10.6 inches of ground clearance and intakes under the hood are more than a match for most wet, muddy routes.

HOW ARE THE DETAILS?

Some are better than on the larger, more expensive Pro-series Mules. In challenging terrain, the Pro-MX’s sculpted bench seats hold you in place better than the big Mules’ flat bench seats, and the cab has plenty of room for two big adults. There’s also plenty of storage in the dash, under the hood, under the seat and under the bed. The air intakes are high under the hood. The bed floor has a mild rearward slope to make it easy to rinse out. The engine braking is excellent. The Pro-MX isn’t quite as quiet and smooth as the multi-cylinder Mules, but it is impressively smooth and quiet. You can converse while riding, and the low noise and vibration make long rides less tiring.

If you want more accessories than any of the three Pro-MX models come with, Kawasaki has Sportsman, Open Range and Adventure accessory packages for the machine, as well as a huge selection of individual accessories. Like all Pro-series Mules, the Pro-MX is covered by a three-year warranty.

WHAT IS OUR FINAL ANSWER?

The Kawasaki Mule Pro-MX lets you enjoy Kawasaki Pro-series Mule refinement at an entry-level UTV price, and its smaller size is ideal for confined work areas and tight trails. 

SPECS:

KAWASAKI MULE PRO-MX EPS CAMO

ENGINE/TRANSMISSION

Engine type Single cylinder, liquid-cooled, SOHC,

4-valve

Displacement 695cc

Bore x stroke 102mm x 85mm

Compression ratio 9.5:1

Lubrication system Wet sump

Fuel metering 44mm EFI

Starting/back-up Electric/none

Starting procedure In neutral or any gear with

brake engaged

Choke NA

Air filter access Remove access cover and 4 clips

on airbox lid

Transmission Dual range fully automatic CVT with

reverse and EBS

Reverse procedure Move range selector to “R”

Drive system Selectable 2WD/4WD with lockable

rear diff

Final drives f/r Shaft/shaft

DIMENSIONS/CAPACITIES/WEIGHTS

Fuel capacity 9.5 gal.

Wheelbase 78.9”

Overall length/width/height 110”/60”/74.4”

Ground clearance 10.6”

Wet weight 1594 lb.

Hitch Yes

Towing limit 1500 lb.

Bed capacity 700 lb.

ROLLING CHASSIS

Frame Steel tube

Suspension/wheel travel:

  Front Double A-arms with preload-adj. shocks/8.6”

  Rear Double A-arms with preload-adj. shocks/9.1”

Brakes:

  Front Hydraulic discs

  Rear Hydraulic disc

Parking brake Dash-mounted hand lever

Tires:

  Front 25x9R12 Duro Radial

  Rear 25x9R12 Duro Radial

ELECTRICAL

DC outlet Waterproof automotive-style plug

Lighting

  Front Two halogen headlights, two LED headights

  Rear Dual tail/brake lights

DETAILS

Instruments Multi function digital meter with

indicators

Colors

Suggested retail price $12,699

Contact Kawasaki, (800) 661-RIDE

See UTV Action’s test of the ne CF Moto Uforce 600 here: 2021 CFMOTO UFORCE 600 TEST – UTV Action Magazine