2012 Kawasaki Mule™ 610 4x4 XC

2012 Kawasaki Mule™ 610 4x4 XC

What happens when a Mule™ 610 4x4 is crossed with a Teryx™? A Mule 610 4x4 XC is born. With its dirt-worthy design, it will transport those who seek to go slightly father afield from the job site. And with an XC designation revealing its off-road motives, the Mule 610 4x4 XC is loaded with great features designed to hold up better to the rigors of off-road riding.

The Mule XC’s off-road ability is enhanced by its aggressive, 26-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 radial tires, each of which is mounted on a 12-inch wheel. A load of features, including a slightly wider track and ground clearance, complement the XC’s bold nature, infusing it with a healthy dose of what can only be described as cool factor.

The standard Mule 610 4x4 can go just about anywhere, but the new 4x4 XC takes that functionality quite a few steps further. Not only do those burly 26-inch Maxxis tires provide loads more traction, their extra width increases the Mule’s track by 1.3 inches. Their greater height also gives this Mule a full 8.1 inches of ground clearance. Combined with longer front and rear suspension, this helps the Mule climb over larger obstacles, while standard skid plates protect vital systems.

When designing the XC, Kawasaki engineers made room for those large tires by kicking the Mule’s front bumper forward 1.2 inches. And while they were at it, the team added sporty graphics, a comfortable seat covered in a pliable material and a small-diameter sport steering wheel lifted straight from the Kawasaki Teryx.

In spite of its wide-ranging capabilities and radical design, you can be sure of the XC’s reliable and economical drivetrain. A durable, 401cc fan-cooled overhead-valve engine mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) feeds power to all four wheels as needed, and simple automotive controls mean it couldn’t be much easier to operate. An enrichening system partially opens the throttle for easy engine starts, hot or cold, and the Mule can be started in forward (Hi or Lo) or reverse gear, provided the brake pedal is applied. Select 2WD or 4WD and away you go.

MacPherson strut front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering combine great bump absorption with light handling, while the Mule’s mid-engine layout and swingarm rear suspension provide plentiful traction in back. A powerful braking system brings it all to a reliable halt.

As fun as it looks, the XC is all about hard work. A special black-texture paint applied to its 400-pound-capacity all-steel tilting cargo bed allows even greater aesthetics and durability, while a 1,100-pound towing capacity means you can haul whatever gear you need. Dual cup holders help keep riders hydrated while on the clock, a capacious glove box can carry more than just gloves, and the front hood pops open to reveal more than 12 gallons worth of storage. Popular accessories include an enclosed cab, snow plow, winch and soft or hard tops, all available through Kawasaki dealers.