CFMOTO U10 Pro Highland vs Kawasaki Ridge Crew HVAC: The Real Head-to-Head
Two fully enclosed HVAC side-by-sides, two different philosophies. Here's how to choose the right fit for your riding life.
If you're shopping a fully enclosed HVAC side-by-side, two units dominate the conversation right now: the CFMOTO U10 Pro Highland 2026 and the Kawasaki Ridge Crew HVAC. We've had both at Motoplex Mirabel, we've shown both to customers, and we've helped buyers commit to each. Here's our honest read.
No bias either way. Both vehicles are excellent choices depending on your use case. Our job is to help you understand why they aren't actually that similar, despite spec sheets that look close.
Engine: inline-3 vs inline-4
The U10 Pro Highland runs a 998 cc inline three-cylinder DOHC 12-valve with VVT, delivering 90 hp at 7,000 rpm. The Kawasaki Ridge runs a 999 cc inline four-cylinder DOHC EFI putting out 92 hp.
On paper, the gap is tiny. In real use, it's noticeable. The CFMOTO three-cylinder has a more generous mid-range character, which helps on climbs and during towing on uneven terrain. The Kawasaki four-cylinder pulls higher in the rev range, with a sportier audio signature, especially in Sport mode.
U10 offers two drive modes: Work and Normal. Ridge offers three: Work, Normal and Sport. Edge to Kawasaki if more adjustable behaviour matters to you.
Drivetrain, 4WD and off-road capability
Both vehicles use a CVT: OmniDrive on CFMOTO, Kawasaki's own CVT on Ridge. Both offer 2WD / 4WD. But the details diverge.
If you ride demanding terrain — forest roads, steep grades, muddy Laurentians trails — the U10 has the edge thanks to its front locking differential and Hill Descent Control. If you want an ultra-low torque range for slow, precise work such as forestry towing or tight maneuvering, Kawasaki's Hi-Lo brings useful flexibility.
Suspension and ground clearance
Here's a clear gap. The Kawasaki Ridge offers 322 mm of travel front and rear, with 350–370 mm of ground clearance. The U10 Pro Highland offers 280 mm front, 260 mm rear and 330 mm of ground clearance.
Practically, the Ridge swallows bigger obstacles and gives you more headroom in rough terrain. The U10 stays very capable and feels stable on faster trails. For technical Laurentians trail users, the Ridge has a slight edge on raw margin. For fast, flowing trails, it's near-parity in real-world feel.
Cabin and comfort: 3 vs 6 passengers
Major difference: the U10 Pro Highland seats 3 on a bench. The Ridge Crew seats 6 across two rows. If you transport a family, coworkers or a hunting party, the Ridge becomes obvious. The CFMOTO U10 Pro Highland is also available in an XL version for 6 passengers.
HVAC comes standard on both vehicles. That's a category shift in Quebec side-by-sides, especially for year-round riders: AC in summer, heat in winter, and humidity management in shoulder seasons.
U10 adds an electrically tilting windshield with wiper, and a sliding rear window. The Ridge has a fixed windshield on base trim and a fixed rear window. Edge to U10 for weather modularity.
Onboard technology
U10 packs an 8-inch RideSync touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, push-button start with NFC key, 12V + USB-C fast charging, and the CFMOTO RideSync mobile app with T-Box. The Ridge offers a 7-inch colour TFT display, push-button start, 12V + USB outlets, and the RIDEOLOGY mobile app.
If smartphone integration, Apple CarPlay, navigation and integrated Bluetooth audio matter to you, U10 takes the lead. If you prefer a classic TFT interface without smartphone dependency, Ridge is more direct.
Winch and utility
The U10 Pro Highland comes standard with a 4,500-lb winch and synthetic cable. The Ridge does not include one as standard, but it can be added as an option. For utility or forestry work, that's a tangible point in U10's favour, especially if you were going to add a winch anyway.
Who should choose what?
Pick the CFMOTO U10 Pro Highland if:
- You prioritize strong off-road capability with front locking differential and Hill Descent Control.
- You want a 4,500-lb winch included from the factory.
- Modern smartphone connectivity matters: Apple CarPlay and 8-inch touchscreen.
- You do not need six seats, or the 3-passenger configuration fits your use.
- The modular windshield appeals to you for shoulder-season riding.
Pick the Kawasaki Ridge Crew HVAC if:
- You regularly transport more than 3 passengers: family, hunting party or crew.
- You want maximum ground clearance and the most generous suspension travel.
- You value the third Sport drive mode for adaptable behaviour.
- You want 4WD Hi-Lo for slow, precise work.
- You prefer Kawasaki's long-term durability reputation.
FAQ
Which is cheaper to maintain?
Both are recent platforms with solid support. CFMOTO benefits from a growing parts network and generally competitive maintenance costs. Kawasaki leans on decades of Quebec dealer network depth. Our technicians at Mirabel are certified on both brands.
Can I test both in demo?
In powersports, test rides are generally not offered for insurance reasons. However, you can visit the dealership to see available units, sit in both, compare ergonomics, speak with our side-by-side specialist and confirm availability based on current inventory.
Which has better resale value?
Kawasaki has historically held excellent resale on side-by-sides. CFMOTO, newer to North America, is seeing its resale stabilize upward as the brand establishes itself. For a resale under three years, Kawasaki retains a marginal edge.
Are they delivered assembled and ready to ride?
Yes. Every vehicle delivered by Motoplex Mirabel is inspected, assembled per manufacturer spec, and prepped by our technicians. You ride away in a fully ready unit on delivery day.
Conclusion: come see them, we'll find the right fit
On paper, these vehicles look similar. In reality, they serve two different use cases. The U10 Pro Highland leans into raw off-road capability and onboard tech. The Ridge Crew HVAC leans into multi-passenger flexibility and suspension margin.
The best way to decide is to come see them. Stop by Motoplex Mirabel at 13930 rue de la Chapelle, get into both, talk with our side-by-side specialist. We'll find the right fit for you — new or used, U10 or Ridge.
Our Purpose, Your Passion!