[law.74]

I have been looking at the KRX hoping it might be a viable replacement for my four seat RZR Turbo.
This car started out as my do everything unit, but has become my primary rock crawler and secondary dune machine.

Until the KRX gets a boost in power it will never compete against the turbo cars on the big dunes.
Lately, the turbo is only "needed" a few trips a year when the whole family gets on the sand. My thoughts are the KRX would be "ok" as a back up dune car and excel on the trail and rock crawling. My biggest question is whether the wheel base is ideal.

I know the fan boys on the site will boast the KRX's abilities. I am well aware how well it does on the trail. I am genuinely impressed with the car overall. I'm not impressed with the power to weight ratio, but that could be overlooked...
I'm looking for advice, however, from those that have rock crawled both the KRX and the four seat RZR. I realize this is a narrow request. Please correct my assumptions and offer your experiences. Please no brand bashing, that is so 2020.

From what I gather...

Pros of the KRX:
reliable and durable
suspension geometry
readily accepts 35" tires

Cons of the KRX:
shorter wheelbase (99")
under powered (some of the time)
less storage (rear seating area of four seater get used for gear)

Pros of RZR (Four seat turbo):
More power than needed (most of the time)
More storage
longer wheelbase (117") for the taller climbs

Cons of RZR:
Needs moderate to major suspension mods to run 34-35" tires.
regearing for larger tires.
reliability (relatively speaking)

thanks in advance for your input

 

[Supertramp]

I like how your first post on the forum is directing people how to answer your post rather than an introduction or yourself... You know....the Fanboy and no brand bashing comment! What a dick

 

[KRok]

What a dick

Look in the mirror.
That is a dick.

 

[Brent]

LoL... I don't know what's more humorous Super's reply or that KRok registered 7 months ago and waited until Super's reply to make a post. Clearly there are emotions flowing in this thread already!

But moving on to the OP's question...I've ridden in a 4-seater (Can Am Max) all of one time, but it was on a trail ride with a fair amount of mild rock climbing. It did not do very well on both sections that required a fair amount of low torque climbing over some decent sized rocks but I thought it was because the driver struggled to see/place his front left in an ideal position. Take that for what it's worth, as my experience is next to nothing.

But that said, my KRX seems to have a really good wheelbase for the mountains and rocks in this area (So. Az.). I find the ground clearance excellent for going down large "steps" of boulders, especially those that are flat tops with lots of loose rocks amongst them, and I am on stock tires. Going up I can always place my front left exactly where I want it by slightly leaning out the "window" area and with the tires far in front of the rig climbing back up those stair step boulders is super easy. Plenty of power with two adults and a ton of gear in back. And my rig is on the heavy side having the full protection pkg, full recreation pkg and a spare tire and rack. I've yet to be forced to drop into low for a climb but I have no doubt the extra torque will be there when I need it.

 

[KRok]

LoL... I don't know what's more humorous Super's reply or that KRok registered 7 months ago and waited until Super's reply to make a post. Clearly there are emotions flowing in this thread already!

More humorus than emotional. The op has a valid question and explained it pretty well. New member. Nice and cordial is better. JMHO

 

[Supertramp]

Look in the mirror.
That is a dick.

More humorus than emotional. The op has a valid question and explained it pretty well. New member. Nice and cordial is better. JMHO

Look in the mirror??? HAHAHAHA... Are you a child? I mean WTF? While you are correct the OP does have a valid question But half way through his question he begins with calling anyone who might be bias on a KAWASAKI forum "fan boys" Then once again tells people not to brand bash... With his very FIRST post. No high emotions or brand loyalty here just pointing out plain facts. Now back to your safe space.

 

[KRok]

Are you the unofficial public relations director?

You need to look in that mirror again.

No child here. I am old enough to be your daddy, probably grand daddy.

 

[Supertramp]

Are you the unofficial public relations director?

You need to look in that mirror again.

No child here. I am old enough to be your daddy, probably grand daddy.

Well then back to your safe space grandpa

 

[samo]

RZR gearing is too tall for what I do. They should offer a factory gear reduction option for dedicated rock crawlers. I like the RZR wheelbase overall and prefer these over the CanAm's they are just too long. As much as I like the KRX, a turbo or supercharged option would be great. The KRX wins in the reliability section for sure. That is huge for me so I keep everything else in perspective. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Rickn62]

I have been looking at the KRX hoping it might be a viable replacement for my four seat RZR Turbo.
This car started out as my do everything unit, but has become my primary rock crawler and secondary dune machine.

Until the KRX gets a boost in power it will never compete against the turbo cars on the big dunes.
Lately, the turbo is only "needed" a few trips a year when the whole family gets on the sand. My thoughts are the KRX would be "ok" as a back up dune car and excel on the trail and rock crawling. My biggest question is whether the wheel base is ideal.

I know the fan boys on the site will boast the KRX's abilities. I am well aware how well it does on the trail. I am genuinely impressed with the car overall. I'm not impressed with the power to weight ratio, but that could be overlooked...
I'm looking for advice, however, from those that have rock crawled both the KRX and the four seat RZR. I realize this is a narrow request. Please correct my assumptions and offer your experiences. Please no brand bashing, that is so 2020.

From what I gather...

Pros of the KRX:
reliable and durable
suspension geometry
readily accepts 35" tires

Cons of the KRX:
shorter wheelbase (99")
under powered (some of the time)
less storage (rear seating area of four seater get used for gear)

Pros of RZR (Four seat turbo):
More power than needed (most of the time)
More storage
longer wheelbase (117") for the taller climbs

Cons of RZR:
Needs moderate to major suspension mods to run 34-35" tires.
regearing for larger tires.
reliability (relatively speaking)

thanks in advance for your input

I have been looking at the KRX hoping it might be a viable replacement for my four seat RZR Turbo.
This car started out as my do everything unit, but has become my primary rock crawler and secondary dune machine.

Until the KRX gets a boost in power it will never compete against the turbo cars on the big dunes.
Lately, the turbo is only "needed" a few trips a year when the whole family gets on the sand. My thoughts are the KRX would be "ok" as a back up dune car and excel on the trail and rock crawling. My biggest question is whether the wheel base is ideal.

I know the fan boys on the site will boast the KRX's abilities. I am well aware how well it does on the trail. I am genuinely impressed with the car overall. I'm not impressed with the power to weight ratio, but that could be overlooked...
I'm looking for advice, however, from those that have rock crawled both the KRX and the four seat RZR. I realize this is a narrow request. Please correct my assumptions and offer your experiences. Please no brand bashing, that is so 2020.

From what I gather...

Pros of the KRX:
reliable and durable
suspension geometry
readily accepts 35" tires

Cons of the KRX:
shorter wheelbase (99")
under powered (some of the time)
less storage (rear seating area of four seater get used for gear)

Pros of RZR (Four seat turbo):
More power than needed (most of the time)
More storage
longer wheelbase (117") for the taller climbs

Cons of RZR:
Needs moderate to major suspension mods to run 34-35" tires.
regearing for larger tires.
reliability (relatively speaking)

thanks in advance for your input

I prefer the gearing on the KRX over both the Polaris and the Can Am, but we do mostly trail riding with a fair amount of rock work as well, with that being said the KRX has more than enough power for what we do, I’ve had it up to 65 out in the desert and that’s plenty fast for me, I also believe it has the most cabin space of any 2 seat side by out there. My buddy owns a repair shop and he’s hates the KRX because they don’t break very often, but he’s plenty busy so enough said on that, last thing is the 4 seaters are to long for a lot of the trails we do, to much backing up to make some of the turns, and also for some of the downs and ups, just my opinion, good luck.

 

[Speedyg]

I have been shopping around for a 4 door. And after looking at them this weekend, I’m gonna be placing an order on a can am 4 door. The other 4 door competitors were weak sauce compared to the can am. A lot more value for the money.

KRX’s aren’t meant to be fast. You’d really have to do a tear down sleeve the motor, forged internals, and use some sort of forced induction to compete against any STOCK turbo Polaris or can am. That’s why it isn’t worth it to me. You’re gonna spend all that money to be left in the dust. Especially in the dunes.

 

[law.74]

Thank you all for the advice and laughs.

I seriously think a KRX is in the cards, but probably not for another year or so. I think I will miss the extra storage and wheelbase at times but hopefully all the other benefits will make up for these two issues. The RZR does what I need and with income slashed by covid I need to be smart about the next purchase. I'll be reading here in the mean time so I'm ready when the time comes.

I definitely agree 2018+ RZR low-range gearing is way too high for rocks. I can do 45 in low in the 19 Turbo-S and 20 RS1. That does have its advantages when putting young or novice drivers behind the wheel. The 17 in question has an appropriate low-gear. I'm still planning on regearing all ranges by 12% to help with the larger tires (32 instead of stock 29). I just didn't get around to it this winter and now I can't have it down that long. Not with trips planned... FWIW the rock and trail RZR still has a real low-range, but doesn't come in a 4 door.

Regarding Can-am. The X3 max is way too long for me, especially on the rocks. A 2-seat X3 may replace my two seat RZR Turbo-S someday. I'd need to figure out how to fix the seating position (too low and reclined for my tastes). A factory turbo KRX with KECS would be almost perfect.

I do realize a naturally aspirated KRX won't compete with the turbos in the dunes. I will always have a turbo (or other forced induction) car for the sand. I'm hoping the KRX will do well enough to not disappoint when needed on those family trips to the sand (five drivers fighting over three driver's seats).

Thanks again for the warm welcome

 

[FJ80MAN]

i live near a few of the most famous rockcrawling areas everer....one being the Rubicon Trail.... i can safely say the KRX does excellent over the rocks as it's powerband seems more than adequate for any obstacle I've ever faced it against.... i only have a couple of negatives: the sight lines over the front aren't the greatest (and I'm 6-4), and I want more ground clearance. can't do much about the first one, but I'm in the market to upgrade the tire size to 35's. As far as the speed aspect: I've recently installed a new exhaust and programmer and it woke my KRX up. I love running fast and my KRX does that plenty well for me. if i ever make it to Glamis or Johnson Valley I'm sure I'll have more than enough power to have alot of fun.

 

[Mike Davis1107]

Welcome aboard Law

Have both rzr and Krx

Love them both... hard to pick one.
But I’m in agreeance, I’m a man.... I like speed!!!
KRX is underpowered for me, for some it’s not.
But several things
On a trail the suspension will make up for its lack of speed any day. Hands down. While I am thrower all over the place in my rzr at same speeds the krx soaks it up.

The good part for me...
KRX is about to get TONS of upgrades in means of performance as the machine and all machines are hugely sought after at this point. Everyone is racing to do so as the market is up 25%+.
I am one of those guys, I am patiently waiting for one of these upgrades, and will have it “custom” to my liking.

There or others who are fine with were it is as of now, understandable, and the good side is I understand that to.

Love my rzr, love the turbo and the raw power, it has its in place, and I am a PROUD owner of a KRX

Personal preference on each, if available test each one of you can.

Good luck and thanks for being part of the forums!

 

[Rickn62]

I have been shopping around for a 4 door. And after looking at them this weekend, I’m gonna be placing an order on a can am 4 door. The other 4 door competitors were weak sauce compared to the can am. A lot more value for the money.

KRX’s aren’t meant to be fast. You’d really have to do a tear down sleeve the motor, forged internals, and use some sort of forced induction to compete against any STOCK turbo Polaris or can am. That’s why it isn’t worth it to me. You’re gonna spend all that money to be left in the dust. Especially in the dunes.

Agreed, although they compete very well against non turbo models from both, and the entry price is way cheaper, and the suspension on the KRX is better, the KRX is really not a sand dune machine, and turbo models from the others are not really trail machines, they do ok on trails but you don’t need the power other than to overcome gearing that is to high, it seems like we’re just talking sand dunes, and at least for me they get boring quickly, and I agree, I wouldn’t choose a KRX for that.

 

[Jraoffroad]

Around here the KRX wheelbase is about perfect. We used to stretch Jeep's and Samurai's to get to 95-105 for a 35 inch tire with around a 20" belly height. Much longer became an issue in the trails or high centered often.

 

[Mike Davis1107]

Around here the KRX wheelbase is about perfect. We used to stretch Jeep's and Samurai's to get to 95-105 for a 35 inch tire with around a 20" belly height. Much longer became an issue in the trails or high centered often.

Where’s around here?

North Carolina here

 

[Speedyg]

Agreed, although they compete very well against non turbo models from both, and the entry price is way cheaper, and the suspension on the KRX is better, the KRX is really not a sand dune machine, and turbo models from the others are not really trail machines, they do ok on trails but you don’t need the power other than to overcome gearing that is to high, it seems like we’re just talking sand dunes, and at least for me they get boring quickly, and I agree, I wouldn’t choose a KRX for that.

Yep agreed 100%. I tried running up dunes with my KRX and I was last every time. Was up against the usual competitors.

The 4 door can am will be great fun, will need the extra power to haul 4 people up a dune. Should be fun. Won’t win any races but it will get it done.

 

[snuffnwhiskey]

I have been looking at the KRX hoping it might be a viable replacement for my four seat RZR Turbo.
This car started out as my do everything unit, but has become my primary rock crawler and secondary dune machine.

Until the KRX gets a boost in power it will never compete against the turbo cars on the big dunes.
Lately, the turbo is only "needed" a few trips a year when the whole family gets on the sand. My thoughts are the KRX would be "ok" as a back up dune car and excel on the trail and rock crawling. My biggest question is whether the wheel base is ideal.

I know the fan boys on the site will boast the KRX's abilities. I am well aware how well it does on the trail. I am genuinely impressed with the car overall. I'm not impressed with the power to weight ratio, but that could be overlooked...
I'm looking for advice, however, from those that have rock crawled both the KRX and the four seat RZR. I realize this is a narrow request. Please correct my assumptions and offer your experiences. Please no brand bashing, that is so 2020.

From what I gather...

Pros of the KRX:
reliable and durable
suspension geometry
readily accepts 35" tires

Cons of the KRX:
shorter wheelbase (99")
under powered (some of the time)
less storage (rear seating area of four seater get used for gear)

Pros of RZR (Four seat turbo):
More power than needed (most of the time)
More storage
longer wheelbase (117") for the taller climbs

Cons of RZR:
Needs moderate to major suspension mods to run 34-35" tires.
regearing for larger tires.
reliability (relatively speaking)

thanks in advance for your input

Where do u ride? Huge difference in location.

 

[law.74]

thanks again for the input...

I saw a KRX on the Rubicon last year. Looked great with 35s. How easy is it to regear?
One more reason I'm steering away from my 17 four seat RZR is it won't accept 35s without major suspension modifications (64" stock width). The Turbo S will with its 72" width. That car, however, would definitely need to be regeared for rocks and taller tires. Having owned UTVs ranging from 62"-72" wide I often thought a 68" wide machine would be ideal.

I'm a bit bummed to read about poor site lines. I am definitely not tall...

I've read and heard great things about the KRX suspension. No scrub as the front cycles. No change in toe as the rear cycles. I've been meaning to rent one to try it for myself. Shock Therapy is very complimentary.

I'm interested to see what forced induction the aftermarket comes up with for the KRX. Should I hold my breath for a factory turbo?! I think you're right its only a matter of time.

My first three rock crawlers were built on Jeep XJ and WJ platforms. 101" and 106" respectively, IIRC. Makes my current 117" feel a bit long. The full belly HDPE skid plate certainly helps... 😬

Any reliable intel on a four seat unit? I imagine it would be fairly long given the current two seat starts at 99".
By the numbers...
RZR 2seat: 90 or 96", RZR 4seat: 117" or 125", an increase of ~30%
X3: 102", X3max: 135", an increase of ~32%

so if the KRX four seat added a similar 30%, it would have ~129" wheelbase.