Got it—you don't always have time to go through a detailed car review, so think of this as the TL;DR version, presented with pictures. However, if you do to get all the details, take a look at our initial impressions review of the completely new 2025 Kawasaki RIDGE® Crew XR with HVAC Luxury Edition In brief, this represents Kawasaki's finest all-around performer to date, merging substantial functionality with unexpected comfort due to complete cabin climate control, space for six passengers, and an engine delivering between 92 to 116 horsepower.
We ventured to Bull Run Ranch situated close to Rock Creek near Philipsburg, Montana—a functioning cattle ranch characterized by rugged landscapes and vast expanses—allowing the RIDGE Crew to fully extend its capabilities. Browse through to view how the RIDGE appears in its native environment.
In short, take a moment for yourself and browse through our photo gallery from Montana during your getaway.
The expanded RIDGE Crew now offers seating for four people, maintaining all the superior characteristics of its previous version while providing additional space for your supplies, tools, and naturally, your family, friends, and coworkers.
We may have talked about the HVAC more than once, maybe even up to five times already. However, after spending numerous hours outdoors appreciating all that the Ranch provided, it felt like a luxury to return to the cozy warmth of the Ridge cab and thaw out comfortably.
To properly put it through testing, we journeyed to one of the unspoiled, snowy valleys in western Montana.
Introducing the completely new 2025 Ridge® XR Crew Limited HVAC in a metallic bluish-gray finish, featuring an enclosure as installed at the factory.
Rock Creek Ranch served as an ideal testing site, featuring vast meadows, challenging paths, and practical tasks to thoroughly evaluate the capabilities of the Ridge XR Crew Limited HVAC system.
We made our way directly to the paths—the Ridge Crew, at 64 inches wide, complies with trail regulations in every single state across the country, ensuring it is just as lawful as it is competent.
The large hall at the ranch, nicknamed the "Buckle Barn," served as the main focal point for both visitors and employees engaging in various activities. It was where meals were shared, presentations held, and after-work socializing took place within its spacious confines.
You have Normal, Work, and Sport modes—and on weekends, similar to our experience, you can fill it with people, throw some equipment in the back, and switch it to Sport mode for tackling mountain trails.
The 2-inch hitch is essential for a reliable utility vehicle. The RIDGE Crew, similar to the two-seater RIDGE models, comes equipped with a 2,500-pound towing capability to help you check off everything on your task list.
We utilized that winch effectively to remove a few oddly placed fallen trees from the path—even though the Kawasaki crew insisted they had nothing to do with it.
What’s the purpose of having a winch if you never get to put it to use? Thus, we quickly located some fallen trees, attached them, and effortlessly dragged them away from our path—only to reveal even more branches.
Across the ranch, the 1,000-pound bedding capacity along with its ability to tow up to 2,500 pounds allowed us to transport equipment, fodder, or even a heavily laden trailer effortlessly.
We still needed to work up a sweat loading hay onto the Ridge—since lifting is your responsibility, of course.
Racing horses are frequently seen around these parts. We got sweaty "preparing" their midday feast. Every splendid horse galloping over the ranch to secure their lunch spot.
Although working at the ranch provided a feeling of achievement, it was the exhilarating ski tour among the towering evergreens that brought the greatest joy. The landscape resembled a magical winter fantasy land, all thanks to the efficient heating and ventilation system. looked cold.
The back seat can accommodate up to three adult passengers with ease, or it can be quickly adjusted to make room for toolboxes, a shovel, and all sorts of items needed to fill the truck bed with snow.
We had to do exactly that to participate in a snowman-building competition. She isn’t beautiful?
The 30-inch tires along with the 14-inch aluminum wheels confidently tackled the snowy landscape.
With optional attachments such as a plow kit, it can easily transition from recreational use to heavy-duty tasks in an instant.
The Ridge’s cabin, featuring a vibrant TFT screen, phone integration capabilities, numerous USB outlets, and strategically located drink holders, exudes an atmosphere reminiscent of a luxury automobile rather than just another truck. This model manages to feel as refined as a regular car but retains its practicality for tasks such as transporting hay or pulling trailers.
The Ridge XR Limited features both front and rear cameras, which greatly simplify operations such as plowing, winching, and navigating tight spaces. These camera views are discreetly displayed behind the steering wheel.
Although the RIDGE team excels in mild, temperate weather conditions, they were particularly remarkable as we traversed extensive snow-covered landscapes and ascended to higher elevations. We weren’t the only ones out there; with keen observation, one can spot a group of elk moving gracefully between the forested areas.