Kawasaki has rolled out a game-changer for off-road enthusiasts with the 2026 Teryx H2 series, a lineup built to conquer the toughest dunes and desert trails. The Teryx4 H2, Teryx4 H2 Deluxe, and Teryx5 H2 Deluxe bring raw power, rugged engineering, and family-friendly comfort to the table, making them a top pick for anyone craving high-octane adventures. With a supercharged engine, cutting-edge suspension, and a cockpit designed for long days on the trail, these side-by-sides are ready to dominate.
A Supercharged Powerhouse Under the Hood
At the heart of the 2026 Teryx H2 series lies a beastly 999cc liquid-cooled, inline four-cylinder engine that pumps out an jaw-dropping 250 horsepower and 146.2 lb-ft of torque. Unlike turbocharged systems that can lag, Kawasaki’s supercharger is gear-driven directly from the crankshaft, delivering instant throttle response that hits hard and keeps pulling all the way to a 9,000-rpm peak. The supercharger, inspired by the Ninja H2 motorcycle, spins at a mind-blowing 130,000 rpm, thanks to a 13.6x gear multiplication. This setup ensures relentless power, whether you’re blasting across open sand or crawling over rocky terrain.
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To keep things cool under pressure, Kawasaki engineered a large intercooler tucked behind the rear seats, complete with dedicated ducting and an electric fan to maintain optimal intake temperatures. The engine also features dual injectors per cylinder—one for low-rpm grunt and another for high-rpm power—paired with four throttle bodies and precisely tuned camshafts (270-degree intake, 260-degree exhaust). The result is a high-revving monster that screams performance and delivers a unique supercharger chirp that’ll turn heads at every dune.
The power is harnessed by a heavy-duty continuously variable transmission (CVT) built to handle the engine’s massive output. With a 17.6mm rubber belt and an advanced cooling system, the CVT ensures smooth, linear acceleration without the jerky spikes often found in turbocharged rigs. A built-in temperature sensor displays real-time CVT heat levels, while optimized airflow ducting keeps the belt cool during intense runs. Reinforced driveshafts and beefy CV joints round out a driveline that’s ready to take a beating.
Power You Can Control
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Kawasaki didn’t just throw in a big engine and hope for the best. The Teryx H2 series offers three power modes—Full (100%), Mid (80%), and Low (60%)—so drivers can dial in the right amount of grunt for the terrain or their skill level. Whether you’re unloading from a trailer or tearing through the desert, these modes make the machine approachable for everyone. A gate-style shifter lets you quickly flick between High, Low, and Reverse, while on-the-fly 2WD, 4WD, and front differential lock options give you instant control over traction. This flexibility makes the Teryx H2 as versatile as it is powerful, ready for everything from slow crawls to high-speed sprints.
A Chassis Built for the Long Haul
The Teryx H2’s chassis is a masterclass in durability and stability. Designed using Kawasaki’s dynamic rigidity analysis, it integrates the roll cage into the main frame for added strength without piling on extra weight. With a 126-inch wheelbase and a 74-inch track width, the Teryx stays planted at high speeds and glides over rough terrain with ease. At 159.4 inches long and boasting 16.1 inches of ground clearance, it tackles obstacles with confidence, offering approach and departure angles over 90 degrees and a 34-degree breakover angle for navigating steep dunes or rocky trails.
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The suspension is where the Teryx H2 really shines. Standard models come with Fox 3.0 internal bypass shocks, delivering 23.2 inches of front travel via dual A-arms and 24 inches of rear travel through a 4-link trailing-arm setup. Deluxe models step it up with Kawasaki’s Electronically Controlled Suspension (KECS), featuring Fox 3.0 Live Valve shocks that adjust damping in real time using acceleration sensors. With Soft, Normal, and Firm modes, the system adapts to your driving style or terrain, offering a plush ride for cruising or a tight setup for aggressive runs. The KECS is 40% faster than standard systems, ensuring the suspension keeps up with the action.
Heavy-duty steel skid plates protect the undercarriage, while 33-inch Maxxis Carnivore Plus tires—designed specifically for the Teryx H2—grip the ground through sand, gravel, or mud. These tires are mounted on lightweight 16-inch aluminum wheels, with Deluxe models adding beadlock rims for extra security in rough conditions. Whether you’re bombing down a dune or crawling over boulders, the Teryx H2’s chassis and suspension are built to handle it all.
Stopping Power That Matches the Muscle
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With 250 horsepower on tap, stopping power is critical, and the Teryx H2 delivers. Four 270mm petal disc brakes, paired with three-piston front calipers and two-piston rear calipers, provide confident, progressive stopping power. Kawasaki tuned the brake pedal for a balanced feel, with a slight rear bias for better control during aggressive driving. This setup ensures you can slow down or stop on a dime, even when flying across the desert at full throttle.
A Cockpit Built for Comfort and Control
The Teryx H2 series is designed to share the thrill with friends and family. The Teryx4 H2 and Teryx4 H2 Deluxe feature four high-backed bucket seats, each equipped with four-point harnesses for safety and support during spirited drives. The Teryx5 H2 Deluxe swaps the rear buckets for a contoured three-person bench seat, making it one of the most powerful five-seaters on the market. Every seat is built for sport riding, with bolstered cushions and sliding adjustability to fit different body types.
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The interior feels like it belongs in a high-end truck, with a D-shaped steering wheel that tilts for comfort, molded door panels, and weather-resistant materials that can handle dust and mud. There’s plenty of legroom, and the automotive-grade fit and finish make long days on the trail feel effortless. Storage is plentiful, with a lidded dashboard compartment, a passenger-side glovebox with a 120W DC socket, and a center console pocket. The Teryx4 H2 Deluxe and Teryx5 H2 Deluxe add storage nets on the front doors and rear seatbacks, while a 300-pound-capacity rear carrier with four D-rings keeps your gear secure.
Tech That Keeps You Connected
The Teryx H2 series is packed with tech to enhance the off-road experience. A 7-inch full-color TFT display sits front and center, showing critical info like CVT temperature, boost pressure, gear position, and customizable layouts. It also integrates with Kawasaki’s Rideology App for smartphone connectivity, letting you track ride data or stay connected on the trail. Deluxe models take it further with a 10-inch Garmin Tread infotainment system, featuring off-road GPS, group ride communication, rear camera support, and a four-speaker audio system with an optional subwoofer for cranking tunes in the desert.
Style That Stands Out
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Kawasaki’s signature styling makes the Teryx H2 series impossible to miss. Aggressive LED headlights, 27-element accent lights, and bold Lime Green suspension arms give it a menacing look that screams performance. The painted bodywork and dual-exit exhaust add a premium touch, while the supercharger’s red cover and high-rev engine note deliver a sensory experience that’s as thrilling as the ride itself. Whether you’re parked at a desert meetup or tearing across the dunes, the Teryx H2 turns heads.
Three Models, One Mission
The 2026 Teryx H2 series comes in three flavors, each built to deliver unmatched performance:
- Teryx4 H2 ($37,199 MSRP): The base model packs all the power and capability, with standard Fox 3.0 shocks and a no-frills setup for those who want raw performance.
- Teryx4 H2 Deluxe ($43,199 MSRP): Adds KECS suspension, a factory-installed roof, beadlock wheels, and the 10-inch Garmin Tread system for a premium experience.
- Teryx5 H2 Deluxe ($43,699 MSRP): Swaps the rear buckets for a three-person bench seat, keeping all the Deluxe features for those needing extra passenger space.
All models come in Kawasaki’s iconic Lime Green and start hitting dealerships in August 2025. Compared to competitors like the Can-Am Maverick R Max ($39,199) and Polaris RZR Pro R 4 ($38,999), the Teryx4 H2 offers better value, while its 2,363-pound dry weight (Teryx4 H2 Deluxe) undercuts the Can-Am by nearly 300 pounds and the Polaris by 100 pounds, giving it a superior power-to-weight ratio of 9.4 lb/hp.
Why the Teryx H2 Stands Alone
The 2026 Kawasaki Teryx H2 series isn’t just another side-by-side—it’s a statement. With a supercharged 250-horsepower engine, a chassis built for punishment, and an interior that balances comfort and control, it’s ready to take on the desert and leave competitors in the dust. Whether you’re a weekend warrior chasing thrills or a family man looking to share the adventure, the Teryx H2 delivers an experience that’s hard to beat. Get ready to hit the dunes—this beast is built beyond belief.
