Kawasaki MULE PRO-FXT 820 2026: price, specs and what changed with the move to Mexico

© Kawasaki

Kawasaki has moved production of its utility side-by-side MULE PRO-FXT 820 from the United States to Mexico, and the switch comes with two notable changes to the vehicle. Curb weight climbed from 867 to 884 kg, roughly a 2% increase, while maximum payload dropped from 733 to 717 kg, down 2.2%. Sales of the updated version in Japan begin on November 14, 2026.

Pricing stays put at 2,783,000 yen including tax, roughly $18,700 at current exchange rates. The MULE isn't a conventional off-roader or even a classic pickup: Kawasaki classifies it as a utility side-by-side, built primarily for farms, ranches and off-road work.

The hardware backs up that positioning. According to Kawasaki's official specs, the MULE runs a 812cc three-cylinder gasoline engine paired with a CVT, selectable 2WD/4WD and a locking rear differential. Maximum towing capacity reaches 907 kg, and independent suspension is fitted at both axles.

The most unusual part of the design is the Trans Cab system. The second row folds down in about a minute, turning the six-seat machine into a three-seat one and expanding the cargo bed. That approach sets it apart even from off-road-oriented pickups like the Mitsubishi Triton Raider with reinforced suspension: the MULE was engineered from the ground up as a work vehicle.

There's one hard limit worth noting. Kawasaki explicitly warns that the MULE cannot be driven on public roads in Japan. So the roughly $18,700 price tag doesn't make it an alternative to a regular SUV — it's effectively a specialized off-road utility vehicle with car-like seating for six and serious hauling and towing capability.