Following multiple accolades for its MULEâ„¢ PRO series, Kawasaki continues to grow the MULE PRO family with the addition of the all-new MULE PRO-MXâ„¢ side x side to the 2019 lineup. The MULE PRO-MX features increased recreational abilities and rugged, no-nonsense styling that further establishes the mid-size, compact side x side as the customerÂ’s dependable choice for work or play.
The all-new 2019 Kawasaki, MULE PRO-MXâ„¢ side x side brings a mid-size option to the MULEâ„¢ PRO Series. A comfortable fit for two passengers, the muscle to cover more ground in less time, and the capability to get out for some fun when work is done.
The MULE PRO-MX EPS LE is the right size for work or play, the power for both. The fuel injected 695cc single cylinder engine is smooth and powerful with plenty of torque that contributes to its fun to drive nature, which is complemented by its speed-sensitive Kawasaki Electronic Power Steering (EPS), effective engine braking, and powerful disc brakes.
In contrast to the rest of the full-size MULE lineup, the MULE PRO-MX line offers a shorter and narrower wheelbase yet is still wide enough to provide a solid platform, paired with a powerful engine that makes it a perfect choice for almost any situation.
The all-new Kawasaki MULE PRO-MX was designed and built to offer the rancher, hunter, or weekend warrior a mid-sized highly capable trail and chore option to tackle any adventure. The MULE PRO-MX features high-quality pickup truck-styled bodywork, easy to read automotive style dashboards, bright quadruple headlamps, along with a number of tough, durable steel parts; as well as the legendary MULE performance, durability, and class-leading comfort.
A tight turning radius, heavy towing capacity, and high-volume storage that make the MULE PRO-MX an ideal work companion; but itÂ’s the carefully calculated wheelbase, independent double-wishbone front and rear suspension, and Shinari-tuned frame that make it a blast for the trails. The MULE PRO-MX is also backed by a Kawasaki STRONG, 3-Year Limited Warranty.
THE 2019 KAWASAKI MULE PRO-MX
• Mid-sized rugged and durable Shinari-tuned steel frame
• 695cc single cylinder fuel injected single overhead cam engine offers plenty of smooth and useable power
• 13.8-foot turning radius allows for nimble handling on the tightest of trails
• Class-leading comfort and convenience with standard features including roomy interior, contoured bench seat, doors and tilt-adjustable steering wheel
ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN
The heart of the all-new Kawasaki MULE PRO-MX side x side is a smooth and powerful liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 695cc SOHC, 4-valve, four-stroke engine that has smooth acceleration and plenty of torque. The fuel injection system assures fuel delivery to the engine is instantaneous, creating smooth and predictable power. With 43 ft. lb. of torque, it has excellent pulling power when fully loaded, but also excellent acceleration and agility when combined with the centrifugal clutch and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) design and four-wheel drive system. The MULE PRO-MX has smooth and dependable engine braking and also provides confidence-inspiring control when maneuvering down steeper descents.
The engine design and layout of the MULE PRO-MX was created with performance and durability in mind. The highly efficient intake and air cleaner design are placed high up in the engine bay, beneath the dashboard in a labyrinth layout, which utilizes a rubber seal and paper filter element to minimize the engineÂ’s exposure to dust and grime. To enhance reliability of the MULE PRO-MX the ECU, CVT duct layout, and differential breather layout were designed to minimize water exposure; the ECU was placed inside an enclosed container high up in the vehicle. Taking into account coolant temperature, air intake temperature and pressure, throttle position, vehicle speed and crankshaft angle, the fuel injection system automatically regulates the optimal amount of fuel for extremely stable power delivery. Fueling the good times of the MULE PRO-MX is a large, 9.5-gallon fuel tank, which is recessed far from the wheels to minimize damage from trail debris.
Transferring the engineÂ’s performance to the ground is a specially tuned CVT, complemented by a centrifugal clutch system that delivers smooth acceleration, maximizing traction and contributing to precise maneuvering. The MULE PRO-MX utilizes hard chrome plating on the CVT drive and drive shafts for long-lasting durability; the N7-grade CVT belt also ensures top-level durability. The CVT is paired with an electrically selectable 2WD/4WD system that has a dual-mode, locking rear differential. Convenient dash-mounted switches allow the driver to instantly engage the systems, giving full control over the 4WD system. The CVT also provides natural engine braking to assist when descending slopes, with consistent engine holdback to increase driver confidence, especially when the vehicle is loaded.
CHASSIS & SUSPENSION
The Shinari-tuned frame of the MULE PRO-MX side x side is what truly provides its incredible handling and comfort characteristics, but also its durability. Shinari is a Japanese term that describes the elasticity of an object, which enables it to bend but not break, all while retaining its original shape, similar to the characteristics of a hunting bow or fishing pole. The Shinari tuned characteristics of the MULE PRO-MX are derived from its construction and highly specialized materials chosen to do the job.
The MULE PRO-MX frame has been built from high-quality steel square tubing using a ladder-type construction. The frame components are joined together using a combination of welded and bolted members, which create the highly predictable chassis performance and durability. For specific high-load areas, such as the suspension mounting plates, high-tensile strength steel was chosen to ensure greater reliability. A fully rubber mounted engine helps ensure increased ride comfort by minimizing engine vibration.
Complementing the design and performance of the Shinari tuned chassis of MULE PRO-MX is a double-wishbone suspension design utilizing twin-tube shock absorbers, both front and rear, which allows each of the wheels to drive over obstacles with minimal effect on the chassis. The shock absorbers provide excellent bump absorption and off road performance, while also helping to minimize chassis body roll to help provide a smoother ride for passengers.
HANDLING & MANUVERABILITY
Just like the other members of the MULE PRO family of side x sides, the MULE PRO-MX was designed and built to offer smooth, easy handling. Its chassis features a design that positions the wheels as close to the corners of the vehicle as possible, which contributes to the overall handling performance, and minimizes overhang. The incredible handling and maneuverability of the MULE PRO-MX are made possible by a few of its design characteristics, such as the width of its track and length of the wheelbase, ample ground clearance, high approach and departure angles, and Kawasaki Electronic Power Steering (EPS) on select models.
The MULE PRO-MX features a 13.8-foot turning radius, which is complemented by a short 78.9-inch wheelbase and wide track width, measuring 52 inches in the front end and 50.5 inches in the rear end with over 10 inches of ground clearance, allowing it to navigate plenty of tight turns and technical terrain. A 67-degree approach angle and 63-degree departure makes the MULE PRO-MX a very capable choice for off-highway adventures, because it reduces the chances of hitting the bumpers or scraping the tail when ascending or descending steep slopes. KawasakiÂ’s high-grade EPS system on the MULE PRO-MX works best when you need it most: at extremely slow speed and when stopped.
The EPS system also enhances ride comfort and control by acting as a damping system, by using the inertia of the electric motor significantly reduces bump steer and kickback to the steering wheel caused. Complementing the Kawasaki EPS system is a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, which has a stepless range of 31-degrees and allows drivers to set the wheel to their preferred position while driving or exiting the vehicle.
TIRES, WHEELS & BRAKING
The MULE PRO-MX side x side comes equipped with 25-inch tires mounted to 12-inch rims. The large 25-inch Duro Frontier radial tires provide great off-road traction and ample ground clearance, and complement the rugged styling. The MULE PRO-MXâ„¢ EPS edition and EPS CAMO edition both feature rugged steel wheels, while the MULE PRO-MXâ„¢ EPS LE edition features cast aluminum wheels, which contribute to its high quality appearance.
The stopping duties of the MULE PRO-MX are handled by a powerful front and rear hydraulic disc brake package that offers consistent performance and brake pedal feel, complemented by the dependable engine braking system. All four corners of the MULE PRO-MX are equipped with 212 mm discs; the front discs are gripped by a pair of twin piston calipers, while the rear discs use a single caliper to slow the vehicle down. The MULE PRO-MX has a sturdy independent parking brake that helps keep it from rolling away when stopped, which is located conveniently the under the dash.
CARGO, STROAGE, TOWING CAPACITY
Because it is built Kawasaki STRONG, the MULE PRO-MX side x side has a sturdy 1.6 mm thick steel diamond-plate cargo floor with a maximum cargo capacity of up to 700 pounds (California model 600 pounds). Its spacious cargo bed measures 33.35 inches x 44.1 inches x 9.13 inches. The flat design of the cargo bed makes it easy to access and load from three sides, while its flat bottom provides efficient, useable space for chores around the property or gear for some outdoor fun. The bed utilizes a two-lever tailgate release system for easy opening and closing. The cargo bed has a gas-assisted tilt feature that makes it easier to raise the bed to allow easy access to the engine compartment.
The MULE PRO-MX cargo bed was engineered with convenience in mind, with many useful features integrated into it. New to the Kawasaki MULE PRO line up is the sturdy cargo divider system. A number of different cargo bed storage layout configurations are possible thanks to the slots that were built into the walls and tailgate, which allows dividers to be arranged laterally or longitudinally. The cargo bed also has an integrated one-inch square pipe, which provides six easy tie-down points that are compatible with the optional KQRâ„¢ accessory mounts. Another convenient feature of the cargo bed are the integrated tailgate cup holders, which are accessable when the tailgate is down.
Convenient storage options are another key feature of MULE PRO-MX. A 2.4-gallon storage compartment is located under the front hood; an additional 1.4-gallon storage compartment was built in beneath the passenger seat. A lockable passenger side glove box for small items was integrated into the dash, along with two cup holders, dashboard pockets and a tray for quick and easy storage of small items.
A standard two-inch tow hitch receiver allows the MULE PRO-MX to utilize a wide variety of accessory hitches while showcasing its impressive 1500-pound towing capacity, whether hard at work on the job or just helping friends along the trail.
TOUGH, RUGGED STYLING
The MULE PRO-MX side x side is built to be noticed; its tough high-quality pickup truck-style bodywork is inspired by its larger counterparts in MULE PRO Series lineup. It also takes many of its styling cues from KawasakiÂ’s flagship MULE line, such as the grill design, functional bumper and guard, and headlamp-area. The MULE PRO-MXÂ’s size is not overwhelming, which gives it an easy-to-use appearance. Its sleek styling elements are not just for good looks, they also help to increase driver confidence with features like the front hoodÂ’s downward slant, which allows for a large field of vision. The MULE PRO-MX also features its own unique backswept paneling design around the headlamps, and a steel front bumper adds to its tough and rugged image.
The theme of clean automotive inspired design continues into the interior of the MULE PRO-MX with its dashboard configuration, which includes switches for the headlights, selectable 4WD, and rear differential lock. It also contains a multi-function display that is built into the dash, which monitors fifteen features, including but not limited to driving mode (2WD/4WD) indicator, digital speedometer, digital fuel gauge, odometer, parking brake indicator lamp, reverse indicator lamp, and a neutral indicator lamp. The dash also contains a conveniently placed 12-volt DC power outlet to make charging easy.
The spacious interior of the MULE PRO-MX offers ample room for driver and passenger, as well as a comfortable cold resistant bench seat material, which are equipped with three-point anti-cinch seat belts. The interior also features KawasakiÂ’s Roll Over Protection System (ROPS), which includes a passenger handgrip and shoulder guards that are integrated into the frame.
MODEL VARIATIONS
The MULE PRO-MX™ is available in several different models and color ways. The MULE PRO-MX EPS edition comes in a Timberline Green or Bright White finish and also features: EPS, adjustable tilt steering, steel wheels, halogen headlamps, and two LED auxiliary headlamps complementing two halogen headlamps. The MULE PRO-MX EPS CAMO edition comes in a TrueTimber® HTC Green and also features: EPS, adjustable tilt steering, steel wheels, halogen headlamps, and two LED auxiliary headlamps complementing two halogen headlamps, and plastic roof. The MULE PRO-MX EPS LE edition comes in Firecracker Red and also features EPS, adjustable tilt steering, stylish aluminum wheels, halogen headlamps, plastic roof, and two LED auxiliary headlamps complementing two halogen headlamps.
KAWASAKI STRONG 3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Completing the appeal of the MULE PRO-MXâ„¢ is a standard Kawasaki STRONG 3-Year Limited Warranty to keep you running STRONG.
KAWASAKI MULE PRO-MXâ„¢ EPS
Color: Timberline Green, Bright White
MSRP: $11,999 (US)
Availability: TBA
KAWASAKI MULE PRO-MXâ„¢ EPS LE
Colors: Firecracker Red
MSRP: $12,499 (US)
Availability: TBA
KAWASAKI MULE PRO-MXâ„¢ EPS CAMO
Colors: Camouflage TrueTimber® HTC Green
MSRP: $12,649 (US)
Availability: TBA
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI) started full-scale production of motorcycles over a half century ago. The first Kawasaki motorcycle engine was designed based on technical know-how garnered from the development and production of aircraft engines, and KawasakiÂ’s entry into the motorcycle industry was driven by the companyÂ’s constant effort to develop new technologies. Numerous new Kawasaki models introduced over the years have helped shape the market, and in the process have created enduring legends based on their unique engineering, power, design and riding pleasure. In the future, Kawasaki’s commitment to maintaining and furthering these strengths will surely give birth to new legends. Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, side x sides, and Jet Ski® watercraft through a network of approximately 1,100 independent retailers, with close to an additional 7,700 retailers specializing in general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with approximately 260 of them located at KMC’s Foothill Ranch, California headquarters. Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll.®”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand is synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles.
Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of powersports products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at kawasaki.com.
