With so much focus as of late on four-person side-by-side vehicles, it’s nice to see that Kawasaki has made some major upgrades to its two-seat Teryx UTV. There are quite a few changes to the vehicle for 2014, but it’s the chassis updates, engine upgrades and new Fox shocks that highlight the changes.

For starters, Kawasaki decided to boost the performance of the 90-degree V-twin engine powering the Teryx, increasing its displacement from 749cc to 783cc to provide 26 percent more power and a 12-percent torque increase in the low end and midrange. Along with more power, Kawasaki engineers also were able to improve fuel economy on the 2014 Teryx by 20 percent. Kawasaki says the power increase and improved economy were accomplished by optimizing the camshaft profiles and revising the exhaust headers.

The new Double-X chassis on the Teryx is also noteworthy, as this new design features two X-shaped cross members to bridge the frame’s box structure for maximum strength and rigidity in rough off-road terrain. The new chassis offers 11 inches of ground clearance, a wider track and a longer 85.8-inch wheelbase for improved climbing. Kawasaki also upgrades its Roll-Over Protective Strucure (ROPS) that extends to the edges of the bodywork.

The chassis upgrades are complemented on the 2014 Teryx with new bodywork and what Kawasaki refers to as “aggressive styling” to match the upgraded performance of the side-by-side. New secure-latching doors are also found on the 2014 model, which Kawasaki notes are now painted to match the rest of the bodywork.

With the engine and chassis upgrades, it only makes sense that Kawasaki also went and upgraded the suspension. The Teryx will now feature piggyback-reservoir coilover Fox Podium Shocks for 2014. These new sport-minded shocks feature adjustable spring preload and 24-way compression damping for performance in brutal off-road conditions. The new Fox shocks will help provide 8 inches of travel in the front and 8.3 inches of clearance in the rear.

Inside the 2014 Teryx, Kawasaki provides improved ergonomics that gives the unit “best-in-class shoulder and legroom.” The high-back bucket seats are three-way adjustable as well. The rear storage compartments were redesigned to provide 182 liters of storage space – also best in class. The utility aspect of the Teryx UTV is also upgraded for 2014, as Kawasaki fit the vehicle with a new 600-pound-capacity cargo bed, which features standard cargo hooks and the option to upgrade with Kawasaki’s Tool Mount System to use the bed rails to carry tools and accessories.

Kawasaki will also offer an LE version of the 2014 Teryx, which includes upgrades such a high-intensity LED headlights, high-strength steel brush guard, aluminum wheels, handy cab roof/sun top, premium paint on bodywork with automotive-qualify paint, color-matched shock springs and suspension arms matched to bodywork, and three-tone high-backed bucket seat covers.

For more information on this or other 2014 Kawasaki product, visit the company’s website at http://www.kawasaki.com/.