RJ: Welcome back to 60 Showdown.
In this episode, we're bringing back the battle of the RZR XP versus the Kawasaki KRX ES, going head-to-head this time, highlighting the rock crawling capabilities.
Diesel Dave: I'm excited for this one.
RJ: We're here with Cory, Engineering Director here at the top-secret Polaris proving grounds. Cory, let's talk rock crawling capabilities between these two machines.
Cory: With these customers, we find a lot of them are rock crawling with their machines. So one way we can demonstrate that here at the proving grounds is on our simulated rock walls.
We can have both these machines crawling up these rocks. This will really demonstrate the superiority of the XP, not only highlighting the ground clearance, but the maneuverability and handling.
One of the big benefits of the XP is the 32-inch tires versus the 31-inch tires on the KRX. This is what leads to the 16 inches of ground clearance on the XP versus the 13.4 on the KRX — a huge difference that you'll find noticeable in the rocks.
Additionally, with Polaris On-Demand All-Wheel Drive, you've got true four-wheel drive when you need it. Always there, always reliable. No messing with the switch to do the diff lock.
So with all these factors, the RZR is the clear favorite. I'm really looking forward to seeing what you guys think.
Heavy D: It's time for the verdict, my friend. 60 seconds. RJ, go.
RJ: All right, let's just keep rallying on what we learned hands-on in demonstrating here. The XP is really the UTV equivalent of a mountain goat.
It's built with robust ProStar drivetrain similarities, which we already know the KRX struggles with in the drivetrain components. So with the robust XP drivetrain, it's the same platform we just saw Twitch, Branden Sims, and Cayden Mac tackle King of the Hammers — the toughest one-day race in the United States — with absolutely zero issues.
Let's talk about what matters in the rocks: suspension and ground clearance. The XP has 16 inches of ground clearance, while the KRX only has 13.4, which I found out the hard way.
But the KRX also only has suspension adjustments for soft, medium, and hard, whereas the XP actually has drivability mode switches where you can switch your throttle mapping to control your throttle positions, which helps a ton when you're crawling different types of terrain.
I also really want to hammer home the point of the Polaris On-Demand All-Wheel Drive. If you do happen to get yourself in a sticky situation, I can't explain how crucial it is to have the on-demand all-wheel drive at the switch of a button.
Diesel Dave: Time's up. That's 60 seconds.
RJ: Honestly, after two episodes of this, I rest my case.
Diesel Dave: I couldn't agree with you more.
After what we've seen today, it's pretty clear that the XP has got the KRX beat in every way.
Heavy D: Sounds like that's a wrap, folks. But don't take our word for it. Head on down to the dealer and check out these machines for yourself.
And we'll see you next time on 60 Showdown.
RJ: This episode is brought to you by the opinions of RJ Anderson, Diesel Dave, and Heavy D.
