RMax vs KRX - Is it Fair to Compare? 

Great video Garrett, I'll give you my opinion owning both machines. Disclaimer I have the 4 seater LE Rmax not 2 seater. I will say they are totally different machines. Suspension hands down the krx is king. I had a pro xp too as you also know and krx out of the box is better than that as well imo. If you ride fast trails with g-outs and a lot of woops the krx is the machine to get it just eats that stuff up. I also had my krx at Glamis and did amazingly well. The Rmax has an advantage by a long margin in my opinion in all day in the cabin ride comfort (not suspenion). The dead pedal is much better situated in the rmax than the krx. My only 2 complaints with the krx when I had it was the dead pedal was to high and the stock seats you tend to get tossed around a lot for whatever reason I never felt planted in the seat when i turned quickly for whatever reason. In my Rmax the cabin comfort is amazing. I rode all day on really harsh trails with my wife a couple weekends ago and when I got home 7 hrs later I could have rode another 7 hrs. The power steering is second to none in the Yamaha for technical trail riding and the over all smoothness of even the shifter is mind boggling. The rmax is really a well put together comfortable user friendly machine for a long ride. the Rmax in sport mode is also way faster than the krx, and I have the 4 seater that Yamaha claims a "wet" weight of 2050. The different drive modes is great, low gear in rmax in crawl mode with the suspension in comfort is like bill goat mode, its unreal. With that being said if you ride fast g out wooped trails at a fast pace more than technical tight trails then the krx is better simply for the suspension alone. Also if you ride the dunes regularly the krx is better choice because although power is a huge thing in the sand the mid range power in krx is more than adequate and the suspension is so good it allows you to keep a faster steady pace which is key when transitioning. In my krx i kept on my buddies rear end all day in his X3. Both great machines but both totally different. I would have zero regrets buying either one, just choose the one that best suits what you do with it most. since i ride my quad in the dunes mostly and need a 4seater at this time the rmax is amazing for trail riding I like to do which is more rough and exploratory in nature.

Great video. I’ve been having this exact dilemma about my next machine in Northwest Arkansas. Definitely, helps to hear your input. 👍

Great video I’ve owned both machines in the last year, traded in my 2021 Yamaha Rmax2 for 2021 Kawasaki Krx ES couldn’t be more happier with the Kawasaki , the Yamaha is a great machine and built better than the Krx in my opinion and the fit and finish on the Rmax2 is second to none, the Rmax2 is more tighter than the Krx for example my seat and the grab bar moves a little on Krx but not on the Rmax2 Yamaha put a lot of effort and attention to detail when they built this machine my biggest dislike about the Rmax2 is the leg room wasn’t long enough for me being 6 ‘ tall I always felt cramped when riding for long rides also the Rmax2 has a rougher ride compared to the Krx, the Krx is so smooth when I go over bumps it just soak’s them up effortlessly not like the Rmax2 it would nose drive first and the rear would come slamming down hard when going over whoop’s and I tried all 3 shock settings, for the life of me I don’t understand how Kawasaki design a car that has holes in bottom behind the battery and gear shift that expose the elements to the cabin area makes no sense and yes I installed the cab kit it’s a poor design, but I enjoy riding the Krx much better, it’s also is so much easier to do maintenance on the Krx than the Rmax2 that has about 6 drain plugs for oil changes compared to Krx with only 1 drain plug, I have a lot more leg room and cabin room now on the Krx I enjoy my long rides now and seating position much better than before on the Yamaha I like where the battery and filter is located on the Rmax2 up top, Yamaha Engineers put more thought into the machine than Kawasaki Engineers did, the Yamaha Engineers started laughing 😂 when they looked inside the Krx because how poor the design is, Yamaha Clutch is second to none in the industry and I believe Kawasaki suspension is second to none in the SXS market I love being able to switch shock modes on the fly , I didn’t buy the machine for speed I ride east coast PA areas , so for me I love riding my Krx over the Rmax2 just wish they would have built it a little better that’s all, I can’t lie I do miss the sport mode in the Rmax2 sometimes !!!!

Rmax fit and finish and interior are on another level!!!!!!!

I purchased my 1st sxs. Yamaha rmax xtr and so far unbelievably impressive. I'm middle aged, grew up loving to go fast on anything I was on. Perfect machine for me, I wish for a 2nd one because my wife loves it too

I think you are spot on, great video!👍🏻

All my buds have razors. Me and Rmax 2 went to lake City last week rode engineer and cinnamon passes. I love my rmax for this type of riding. They were all impressed with the fit and finish of my machine. When you stay out all day I have more room for a larger cooler. Camp chairs we even had a waterproof bag with extra clothing. BUt if i rode dessert all the time I would at the KRX. When you get off road 50 miles rebility is KING

Great video! Congratulations on 20K! To be brief…I would personally buy the R-Max for overall riding in the AZ desert 🌵. Since switching to Quads for the dunes big power isn’t necessary. Yamaha builds high quality machines and that factors heavy on my decision.

A few comments from a guy who is in Northern Ontario Canada. Sort of an east coast category but not quite. We have no dunes, very little sand. We have lots of trees, sharp rocks, lots of water, mud and swamps and lots of snow. (I forgot summertime blackflies and mosquitoes.) KRX's really don't fit generally up here, Hands down, for me, the RMAX 2 1000 Sport. It is a versatile choice with top shelf FOX multi adjustable clicker compression and damping, and spring load adjustable shocks. Needs included a big winch, rock guards both bottom and running boards and glass front and back windows. optional is fully enclosed side doors. From the utility side I may put a plow on it for winter. From a Sport side, I love that engine and an occasional drag race too. It absolutely must be maneuverable in tight spaces and sharp corners. Capacity to pull a 2,000 lb trailer is awesome too. It's on its second year now, Still not a squeak or rattle in it and performance wise it's been bullet proof. (In this category, Polaris and others come with squeaks and rattles right from the factory.)

One thing to keep in mind is the electronic suspensions are not at all comparable. The Rmax is just electronic in cab adjustment. The KRX is live valve, computerized automatic valving done hundreds of times a second taking inputs from steering, throttle and brakes on top of the in cab base adjustment.

I like the Kawasaki but to big for my state, I bought the rmax I love it!

Hey thank you for a awsome vid I live on Vancouver island to be honest every ride breaks here doesn’t matter what you drive they all get the crap beat out of them…..

Thanks for this video. As you stated they are obviously 2 different breeds of machine. However with that said, Many of us apparently are on the fence between the two. I have made my decision to go with the KRX before seeing the video but for me it came down to what can I sacrifice? I will sacrifice some tighter trails but I have dirt bikes and quads for that anyway lol. Thanks again!

Great review! I can't help but think the questions are coming because the magazines are hyping the Rmax so much lately? The KRX has been labeled slow , when at most riding areas 70% of the drivers (most on Razors) never get off green trails? I love my KRX but you're right , buy what your riding habits are. Trails are getting wider everywhere. In Tennessee the KRX is fine. Shops around Windrock are becoming KRX only because their beasts.

A very on point realistic review of both. I’m a fan of both, I own the Rmax 2 and talked my brother into the KRX. We ride moab and sand hollow quite a bit. I got the Rmax for the cargo and tight mtn trail factor where I use it the most. It is very amazing at crawling in its class. Being a sport/rec machine it definitely out performs the Maverick sport XRC at crawling, which is similar, but considered full sport and rock crawling specific for its model. Pretty impressive I’d say! The KRX is not in the same class. It does things the Rmax can’t. Kawasaki should really do a better job with there door hinges seats grab bar etc. They are all loose and sloppy. Fit and finish is quite sub par IMO. It’s a durable quality built machine compared to many others where it matters but down low on the scale Inside the cab. One other thing not mentioned I’ll say about the KRX and slow speed crawling on rock is that the steering is way better in diff lock than Rmax. Diff lock engages better too. Rmax in diff lock on slick rock at slow or no movement is like no power steering at all. This makes maneuvering in these sticky situations even worse. Big kudos to Kawasaki on that one.

Thanks for sharing!

Great view of everything!!!! I’m looking for the 4 seater Rmax and it sounds like even though it’s missing some suspension travel in back it could be a middle of the road machine, perfectly capable of driving fast or slow on most trails without legit being out of control. I ride dirtbikes and atvs very hard and so I can always use those to skim whoops at 60mph and hit jumps and for very tight trails, I’ve only driven a older early 2010’s RZR 900 in Ocotillo wells and that was very fun even at some whoops. Other wise I’ve only ever driven a 2 seater 2012 Teryx 750 which faired just fine on its trips to Durhamtown in Georgia. Good for most atv trails and have some fun on the GP track. That Teryx was no good for rough and fast sections so if the Rmax is the same or even better than the RZR 900 i rented I’ll be happy

What about stability? Mainly side trekking in the woods? Does the KRX feel more planted and less top heavy than the RMax?

Well done, although it seemed like an apples versus oranges comparison. As you stated, each machine has a niche.

I was told by the Yamaha dealer near me in Merrillville , IN. that Yamaha doesn't even make a side by side UTV ? I told them good , you don't have any business selling products for Yamaha 🤣😂 And now I find out that in 2022 models of the RMAX discontinued the green one ? Maybe I'll just go with the Polaris general 🤷🏻‍♂️

would the rmax be top heavy or bad for hill climbs? which would be more durable and reliable?

I have the 2022 RMAX XTR 2-seater. I'm not nearly as impressed with it as everyone else seems to be. I am really leaning toward selling it and picking up a KRX with a kraftwerks supercharger.

Well, I think the reason people want to compare the two is not bc they are so similar. You can tell that just by lookibg at them. They are however similarly PRICED. Now one is more suited to your style of riding but youre curious about the other. Is one better? Where does one excell over the other? Maybe the one that suits your style should be obvious but you just kinda like the other better. Does it do what you want good enough? Maybe yiu have fin with both styles of riding and looking at pros and cons.

I think one thing you should bring up is the width and length on the KRX has much to do with the stability and ride but prohibits you from riding at all in many or most of the state owned trails east of the Mississippi. People do it but you are at risk 100% of the time.

The 68" width means the KRX is not legal for wisconsin trails (65"). Also their site says the krx tow capacity is NA (not a good sign). Publications quote it at 1300-1500 lbs. Meaning its not even rated to tow its own weight (or many other sxs weight). The yamaha has a 2000 lb capacity so if you have to pull someone home you are not going to be as nervous putting the extra strain on the machine (especially with their belt warranty confidence). I have an x2 xtr and its a pretty good machine but would trade it for a trailing arm setup as my back is not as forgiving as it used to be.

I need to plow a lot of snow along with some chores around the farm. Would the RMAX be the best choice?

I would like to see someone that compares the quality of the machines. I have a Teryx le it’s been a POS I wish someone one would have clued me in on the quality, I traded off a RZR for the Teryx that was a bigggg mistake.

Rmax2 all the way!

It's really an apples and oranges comparison. Sport versus sport utility.

I was looking for a 4 seater and looked at the rmax and didn't like the rear seats ended going with a teryx4 800 S le

You keep saying they're not the same.. Well yeah they're not even the same class. Rmax is in the Utility class. Polaris general is its competition. I was on the fence between the KRX, until I kept reading about things failing on it often. The reliability just isn't as good. To me our 22' Rmax2 LE is the perfect all around machine. There's a reason it got utv of the year.

some of the krx jumps out of gear when down hill decent kawasaki knows about it do u know if they have a fix for it thats what is keeping me from buying one

You are comparing two totally different machines not even in the same category. Its like comparing a Cadillac to a Ford Taurus Wagon

If you was 6’4 which machine would have more leg room???? This question is for anyone who’s road both machines

The Rmax doesn't really do anything superbly, I got rid of mine for a RZR, it rode kind of rough, not much travel, not real fast, not really a utility vehicle, not real quiet, not real stable, not real reliable, not real sporty, it just does a little of everything kind of good, it doesn't really have a category to fit in. I loved It for what it was, an "ok" offroad vehicle.

Nice Compare a sport machine to a sport utility 🤦‍♂️