Unless you’ve added some the most popular Kawasaki Mule accessories, the smallest side-by-side in the line of Mules, the Mule SX, may not impress you with its looks.
But don’t let its compact build and basic body styling fool you. I’m sure you’ve heard the old cliche “small but mighty” before.
Well the Mule SX epitomizes that saying, and will impress you with its abilities right from the start.
And in true Kawasaki fashion, the Mule SX is about as dependable and durable as you could ask for. And it’s one of the best cheap side-by-side options you’ll find.
But there are a number of other Kawasaki Mule models out there, so it can be hard to narrow down which one is right for you.
This Kawasaki Mule SX review will give you all of the good and bad about this model, including:
- Specifications & key features
- Build quality
- Performance
- What owners like
- What owners dislike
2023 Kawasaki Mule SX Reviews – About The Mule SX
When the classic Mule 610 was phased out in 2016, the Mule SX came along as its direct replacement the very same year.
It offers a number of upgrades over the older Mule 610 model, with more rugged styling resembling that of Kawasaki’s Mule Pro models and a number of added features.
The Kawasaki Mule SX is a compact, utility-focused two-seater UTV that is small enough to fit into the back of a full-sized pickup truck but offers plenty of power to tackle rough terrain and haul gear.
It makes for an excellent working vehicle, though it doesn’t quite compare with the similar but more powerful Kawasaki Mule 4010. That said, it offers very limited recreational appeal besides your more casual drives around the property.
If you’re looking for something with a little more balance between work and recreation, a step up to the Kawasaki Mule Pro MX or Kawasaki Mule Pro FXT is your best bet.
The Mule SX is offered in five different models for 2024:
- Kawasaki Mule SX ($7,799)
- Kawasaki Mule SX 4×4 FI ($9,099)
- Kawasaki Mule SX 4×4 XC FI ($9,399)
- Kawasaki Mule SX 4×4 FE ($9,799)
- Kawasaki Mule SX 4×4 XC LE FI ($10,399)
Specs, Key Features, Build Quality & Performance
Engine
The Mule SX is powered by a 401cc single-cylinder engine with a max power output of around 26 horsepower.
The engine offers good low-end power and torque, which helps this model to power through most mud, sand, puddles and up steep hills.
The base SX model will run into some issues on steep, soft terrain with a lack of 4WD.
While you can feel the low-end torque kick in initially, the engine is really only focused in that area and it falls off quickly in the upper RPM ranges.
This Mule will only reach a top speed of around 25 mph as a speed governor kicks in and shuts off the RPMs there, so recreational appeal is limited.
The engine is incredibly quiet, so you’ll never have an issue hearing your passenger or scaring off wildlife as a hunter.
And Kawasaki engines are about as bulletproof as they come, and will start right up day after day no matter the weather.
The 4×4 models all feature Electronic Fuel Injector, while the SX base model is carbureted.
| Engine Type | Four-Stroke, OHV |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Single Cylinder |
| Displacement | 401 cc |
| Bore x Stroke Ratio | 82 x 76 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel System | EFI (except in SX base model) |
| Engine Cooling | Liquid Cooling |
| Fuel Capacity | 4.2 Gallons |
Drivetrain
The four 4×4 Mule SX models offer selectable 4WD via a switch on the dash, along with dual-locking rear differential.
The base SX model only offers 2WD, but does have dual-locking rear differential as well.
This dual-locking rear differential means you lock the differential for added traction when needed, or unlock it to put these models in turf mode so they can turn tighter and not tear up the grass or leave tire marks on the driveway when doing so.
Mated to the engine is a fully automatic CVT transmission, with drive shafts providing power to the front and rear wheels.
These models offer a Low and High gear, along with Neutral and Reverse. Without a Park setting, you’ll need to engage the parking brake to keep them from rolling when stopped.
There is no automatic engine braking in the transmission but it engages just above idle, so with some awareness you can keep these models from free rolling down hills.
| Drive System | Shaft Drive, 2WD/4WD w/ rear differential lock |
| Transmission Type | Automatic CVT |
| Gearshift | H – L – N – R |
Suspension
The suspension system works just fine for what these models are intended for, which is working tasks or casual driving around one’s property.
The Mule SX models feature a Macpherson Strut style suspension in front and a swingarm suspension in the rear.
This set-up is non-adjustable and only makes for 3.1 inches of suspension travel in both areas.
Ground clearance varies in these models, with a pretty minimal 6.1 inches in the base SX up to a respectable 8.7 inches in the SX 4×4 XC FI.
When driving at lower speeds on standard terrain like these models are truly meant for, the suspension system offers a smooth and comfortable ride.
If you take it out on the trail or into rougher terrain and don’t watch your speed, you’ll get jolted around pretty good and will find the machine bottoming out quite a bit.
| Turning Radius | 10.8 feet |
| Wheelbase | 70.1 inches |
| Max Ground Clearance | 6.1 – 8.7 in |
| Front Suspension | Macpherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Swingarm |
| Front Travel | 3.1 in |
| Rear Travel | 3.1 in |
Tires & Brakes
The tire sizes on these models vary, from 22 inch tires in the front and rear on the SX base model, to 24 inches on the three mid-tier 4×4 models, up to 26 inches on the SX 4×4 XC FI.
These tires offer good traction for the type of driving they’re meant for, but will tend to run out of traction on steep, soft terrain.
Hydraulic drum brakes are located on all four wheels, and offer plenty of stopping power for these models in any terrain, even when carrying a load.
| Front Tires | 22 x 9-10 / 24 x 9-10 / 26 x 9-12 |
| Rear Tires | 22 x 11-10 / 24 x 11-10 / 26 x 9-12 |
| Front Brake Type | Drum |
| Rear Brake Type | Drum |
Dimensions
As some of the smallest utility vehicles in their class, the Mule SX models benefit from their compact size in a couple of ways.
They’re one of the few models that will fit into the bed of a full-sized pickup truck so you won’t need a trailer to tow them.
And there are many trails or wooded areas they can’t snake through with their narrow widths, though you’ll want to keep their limitations in mind while doing so.
These models are also quite easy to control and handle at their lighter weights, even without power steering.
And though they’re compact two-seaters, you won’t feel right on top of each other in the cab when riding with two bigger adults.
And as we mentioned before, these models are small but might with impressive 1,100 lbs towing capacities and 399 lbs hauling capacities in the rear cargo bed.
| Length | 106 in |
| Width | 53 in |
| Height | 73 in |
| Curb Weight | 967 – 1,082 lbs |
| Towing Capacity | 1,100 lbs |
| Cargo Bed Capacity | 399 lbs |
What Owners Like
- Durable, well-built UTVs that you’ll rarely need to make repairs to
- Plastic paneling is tough enough to resist scratching and abuse
- Engine is as dependable as they come
- Good low-end power and torque to tackle most working tasks
- Compact enough to fit in the bed of a full-size pickup
- Ability to put these models in turf mode so you don’t tear up the grass
- One of the more reasonably priced big name UTVs
What Owners Don’t Like
- Easily the slowest models in their class, offering very limited recreational appeal
- Steep, soft terrain will give these models issues due to limited power
- Suspension makes for a stiff and jolting ride when driving off-road at higher speeds
- Very minimal suspension travel and ground clearance leads to bottoming out when off-road
- Smaller stock tires make these models almost resemble a golf cart
You can read more into some of the drawbacks with this model in this guide to the most common problems with the Mule SX.
Final Word
If you’re in the market for a UTV that offers a good mix of both working ability and recreational appeal, the Mule SX is likely not the best fit for you.
But if you simply need a vehicle to help around the property with working tasks and casually ride you to your favorite hunting spot, these more basic models may make a good fit.
For similar models, check out the following before you go:
