Once upon a time there was a special Kawasaki Teryx. Just like the rest of his family, this side-by-side loved to play hard, but deep down it knew it wasn’t like the other UTVs. Ever since it emerged from the assembly line, the little Teryx had felt a deep loneliness, and he could never talk to his sporty friends about it or else they would tease him. And then one day he met a beautiful farm girl, named Mule…

Ok, you get the picture. Kawasaki’s UTV division has been clearly divided between work and play with the longstanding Mule for grunt labor and the high-revving Teryx for inducing grins. However, the two have paired somewhat to form a new creation, the 2010 Mule 610 4x4 XC. With its lineage pointing primarily to the Mule side, engineers infused the laborious workhorse with some off-road potential.

Equipping the XC with 26-inch Maxxis Bighorn tires and 12-inch steel wheels adds a few extra pounds to the standard Mule model for a claimed curb weight of 1051 lbs. It also makes for a slightly wider turning radius (11.8 vs. 10.8 feet), taller height (73.8 vs. 70.9 inches), a 1.3-inch wider track and 8.1-inches of ground clearance. Longer front and rear suspension arms add to the off-road capabilities along with an updated brake lever ratio, stronger master cylinder mount and new brake shoes to better control any aggressive off-roading or heavy loads.

It gets the smaller, sportier steering wheel from the Teryx line as well as the tailgate for easier operation. The bed still holds 10.9 cubic feet with a capacity of 400 pounds. With towing capacity listed at 1100 pounds, the Mule is still a work animal. Standard bash plates protect the engine and differentials whether you’re practicing for Baja or just hauling hay bales. The 401cc motor is unchanged and engineers ignored the CVT transmission as well so it exhibits the same Hi/Lo range and reverse. But, the cockpit is updated with a more durable seat cover to withstand the elements.

One of the ways Kawasaki is setting the new model apart from its Mule sibling is a repositioned front bumper and graphics that hint at an aggressive attitude. Realistically, the XC isn’t massively different from the standard Mule, but for people who want more than the stock 610 but aren’t looking for a full-blown Teryx, the XC helps bridge that gap.

2010 Kawasaki Mule 610 4x4 XC Specs:
Engine: 4-stroke, fan-cooled single, OHV
Displacement: 401cc
Bore x stroke: 82 x 76mm
Compression ratio: 8.6:1
Carburetor: Nikki 6C1026
Air filter: Snorkel-type with two-stage dry replaceable element
Oil filter: Automotive-type spin-on canister
Ignition: Magneto and transistor
Electrical: 12V DC, 14 amp-hour battery, alternator
Transmission: Continuously variable transmission with high and low range, plus reverse
Final drive: Shaft-driven selectable four-wheel drive, dual-mode rear differential
Exhaust: Muffler with USFS-approved spark arrestor
Front tires: AT26 x 9R -12 Maxxis tubeless
Rear tires: AT26 x 9R -12 Maxxis tubeless
Front suspension / wheel travel: MacPherson strut / 3.1 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: Unit swing axle, adjustable shocks / 3.1 in.
Steering: Rack-and-pinion
Brakes: Four-wheel hydraulic drums, triple sealed
Fuel capacity: 4.1 gal.
Curb weight: 1051 lbs.
Overall length: 108.5 in.
Overall width: 52.0 in.
Overall height: 73.8 in.
Wheelbase: 70.1 in.
Ground clearance: 8.1 in.
Roll over protective structure (ROPS): This structure meets ROPS requirements for wheeled tractors under SAE J1194, 7.1.1, 7.1.2, and 7.5 and also meets FMVSS 216 Roof Crush resistance requirement
Cargo bed dimensions (LxWxH): 41.1 x 35.4 x 9.6 in. / 10.9 cu. ft.
Load capacity: 926 lbs.
Cargo bed capacity: 400 lbs.
Towing capacity: 1100 lbs.
Turning radius: 11.8 ft. (differential unlocked)
Top speed: 25 mph, governed
Instruments: Oil temperature meter, hour meter, 35w headlights, taillight and stoplight
Color choices: Super Black
MSRP: $7799
Warranty: 12 Months