Kawasaki has officially dropped the hammer on what may be its most ambitious side-by-side platform to date. The all-new 2026 Teryx H2, Teryx H2 Deluxe, and Teryx5 H2 Deluxe are purpose-built to dominate wide-open desert and dune terrain—delivering a precise mix of firepower, suspension control, and rider comfort that redefines what a performance side-by-side can be.

Supercharged Muscle: 250 Horsepower With Instant Throttle Response

At the core of the Teryx H2 lineup is a 999cc liquid-cooled, in-line four-cylinder engine delivering a staggering 250 hp and 146.2 lb-ft of torque. Unlike turbochargers that rely on exhaust gas, the Teryx’s supercharger is gear-driven off the crank, producing boost with zero lag. It revs to a sky-high 9,500 rpm, making power all the way to its 9,000-rpm peak. With an estimated dry weight of 2,363 pounds on the Teryx4 H2 Deluxe, that’s a power-to-weight ratio of just 9.4 lb/hp.

The supercharger itself spins to nearly 130,000 rpm via a 13.6x gear multiplication. Borrowed and adapted from the Ninja H2 motorcycle, it’s a compact, forged aluminum centrifugal unit with custom airflow-tuned impeller blades. Kawasaki’s engineers added a large intercooler behind the rear seats with dedicated ducting and a fan to maintain consistent intake temps. Combined with dual injectors per cylinder (low- and high-rpm stages), a four-throttle-body layout, and tuned camshafts (270-degree intake, 260-degree exhaust), this engine is a high-revving monster.

“The supercharged performance is harnessed by a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a highly rigid frame complemented by long-travel suspension,” Kawasaki states. That CVT was specially designed to handle high-horsepower, high-heat output from this engine, featuring a 17.6mm rubber belt, an advanced cooling system, and a clutch engagement tuned for smooth but rapid acceleration.

Tuned For Terrain: CVT, Power Modes, And 4WD Lock

Kawasaki didn’t just drop in a big engine and call it a day. The driveline complements the power with Full, Mid, and Low Power modes (approx. 100%, 80%, and 60% output respectively), letting drivers tailor performance to terrain or skill level. A gate-style shifter provides fast selection between High, Low, and Reverse, while on-the-fly 2WD/4WD/diff-lock engagement lets you adapt instantly.

A temperature sensor in the CVT relays real-time heat levels to the display, while airflow-optimized ducting keeps belt temps under control. Reinforced driveshafts and robust CV joints ensure the entire system can stand up to abuse from the 250 hp powerhouse.

Teryx H2 Frame and Suspension: Strength Meets Articulation

The Teryx H2 chassis was developed using Kawasaki’s dynamic rigidity analysis. With a 126-inch wheelbase and a wide 74-inch track width, the machine stays planted at speed and poised over chop. The design integrates the roll cage structure into the main frame for both strength and weight savings.

Suspension is handled by massive Fox 3.0 internal bypass shocks (standard), with the Deluxe trims receiving KECS (Kawasaki Electronically Controlled Suspension) powered by Fox Live Valve tech. The system uses acceleration sensors near each shock for real-time damping adjustments and is up to 40-percent faster than standard systems. Modes include Soft (comfort), Normal (all-around), and Firm (high-speed sport).

Suspension travel is impressive: 23.2 inches front via dual A-arms and 24 inches rear through a 4-link trailing-arm system. With over 16 inches of ground clearance, a 34-degree breakover angle, and steel skid protection throughout, this machine is designed to attack obstacles.

Big Brakes, Bigger Tires

Stopping power comes from four 270mm petal rotors paired with three-piston front and two-piston rear calipers. Kawasaki tuned the pedal feel for progressive engagement, with rear bias up front and strong linear action.

Rubber comes in the form of massive 33-inch MAXXIS Carnivore Plus tires wrapped around lightweight 16-inch aluminum wheels. Deluxe models feature beadlock wheels.

Teryx H2 Interior: Room for Everyone and Then Some

The Teryx4/5 H2 is built with families and groups in mind. Teryx4 H2 and Deluxe versions get four high-backed bucket seats with four-point harnesses, while the Teryx5 H2 Deluxe swaps in a contoured three-person bench in back.

Interior fitment is automotive-grade: D-shaped steering wheel with tilt, molded door panels, generous legroom, and weather-resistant seating materials. “The roomy cockpit allows excitement to be shared with friends and family,” says Kawasaki. Each seat is purpose-built for sport riding with bolstered cushions and sliding adjustability.

Tech That’s Trail-Ready

Mounted behind the steering wheel is a full-color 7-inch TFT display that includes CVT temps, boost pressure, gear position, selectable layouts, and Rideology App smartphone integration. The Deluxe models add a massive 10-inch Garmin Tread infotainment system with off-road GPS, group ride communication, rear camera integration, and four waterproof speakers with optional subwoofer.

Each model features signature Kawasaki design cues: aggressive LED headlights, 27-element accent lights, painted bodywork, and Lime Green suspension arms. The dual-exit exhaust system makes a visual statement—and a sound one too. Between the high-rev howl of the inline four and the signature supercharger chirp, the Teryx4/5 H2 sounds as radical as it looks.

Three Trail-Ready Teryx H2 Configurations

Three configurations will be available:

• Teryx4 H2 – Base trim, $37,199 MSRP
• Teryx4 H2 Deluxe – KECS suspension, roof, beadlocks, Garmin Tread, $43,199 MSRP
• Teryx5 H2 Deluxe – Three-seat rear bench, otherwise Deluxe-equivalent, $43,699 MSRP

All models are available in Kawasaki Lime Green and begin arriving at dealerships in August 2025.