Featuring a pick-up-truck-type design, the Kawasaki MULE™ concept revolutionized the lightweight utility vehicle. Powered by a liquid-cooled 454cc twin-cylinder engine mounted in an open-cab utility chassis with independent front and rear suspension, and rolling on four all-terrain tires with rear differential lock feature, the MULE™ 1000 utility vehicle was an immediate success.

The combination of selectable 2WD or 4WD with a Hi/Lo transmission made the MULE™ 2010 the most versatile utility vehicle on the market. Independent front and semi-independent rear suspension, plenty of load-carrying capacity and a reliable 535cc engine made this MULE™ model suitable for almost any work environment.

Nicknamed the “Tenderfoot” MULE™, this medium-class “turf” MULE utility vehicle was specially designed for use on golf courses, sporting fields and other places where a soft “footprint” is important. Powered by a fan-cooled single-cylinder engine the MULE™ 2020 featured a dual-mode differential that could be locked for maximum traction or unlocked to minimize ground disturbance. Turf-type tires and easy-to-operate controls made this hard-working MULE an instant hit.

In 1991, sales of the MULE™ 2030 utility vehicle commenced. Offering many of the features of the MULE™ 2020, this 2WD model was designed especially for industrial work. It had special fuel and electrical systems to meet strict industrial standards, a flat bed and hard-surface tires that offered long life on paved in-plant surfaces commonly found in manufacturing companies and warehouses.

In 1991, the MULE™ 500 utility vehicle was also introduced. This personal-sized utility vehicle was compact in size, easy to use, and could easily fit into the back of a pick-up truck for transportation to work sites.

A larger, more-powerful liquid-cooled 617cc V-Twin engine, 4WD, heavy-duty carrying capacity and a tilting cargo bed made the 2510 a top-of-the-line MULE™ model. Other advanced features included dual-mode differential, a high-mounted cab-frame air intake, a fan-cooled belt converter and all-wheel self-adjusting hydraulic brakes.

In 1993, sales of the MULE™ 2520 utility vehicle, the second in the MULE™ 2500 series, began. The combination of a quiet-running liquid-cooled V-Twin engine with a sound-insulated engine box and turf tires made it possible to handle the toughest jobs with a quiet and light “footprint.”

With the MULE™ 2500 series setting industry standards, Kawasaki introduced the MULE 2500 utility vehicle. With most of the same features as the MULE™ 2510, this 2WD fully automatic version was a class leader.

In 1997, sales of the MULE™ 550 utility vehicle began. Newly designed, its fan-cooled engine with internal engine balancer and proven four-wheel suspension gave the MULE 550 a relaxing ride quality. A bench seat for two made this the first two-person compact MULE™ model.

Powered by a liquid-cooled, three-cylinder, 953cc diesel engine, the MULE™ 2510 Diesel offered outstanding fuel economy and increased load capacity. Dual-mode differential, independent strut-type front suspension and 4WD made this heavy-duty MULE™ utility vehicle a popular choice on work sites around the world where diesel is the primary fuel, such as in agriculture and underground mining.

The release of the 4WD MULE™ 3010, turf MULE™ 3020 and 2WD MULE™ 3000 marked the latest evolution in Kawasaki’s MULE™ history. Powered by gutsy, liquid-cooled, 617cc, V-Twin engines coupled to all-new Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT), they were some of the hardest working and most durable machines Kawasaki had ever produced. Radical new pick-up truck styling, improved ergonomics and other automotive design features made this new generation of stylish, hardworking utility vehicles an instant hit.

Another machine in the MULE™ 3000 series, the 3010 Diesel featured the proven, liquid-cooled, three-cylinder, 953cc diesel engine of the 2510 Diesel dressed in the pick-up truck styling of the other 3000 Series models. Upgrades included a stronger CVT belt, improvements to the exhaust system and a new cylinder block. Hardworking and highly versatile, the 3010 Diesel’s fashionable new styling package clearly positioned it at the top of the MULE™ line.

In 2003, sales of the first camouflage MULE™ utility vehicle commenced. Based on the successful MULE™ 3010, the latest addition to the MULE™ 3000 Series provided woodsmen a rugged companion with ample load-carrying capability.

In 2005, sales of the MULE™ 610 4x4 and 600 commenced. The new “baby” MULEs featured new 401cc engines, more rugged suspension, new high-volume bodywork and a number of other features designed to increase their comfort and convenience. The 610 4x4 also featured selectable 2WD/4WD—a class first—and large 24” tires. Both models were still small enough to fit in the back of a pick-up truck.

It was only fitting that Kawasaki, as pioneers in the utility vehicle market, be the first to release the world’s first convertible MULE™. At first glance the MULE™ 3010 Trans4x4® looked like other 3000 Series MULEs. But the Trans4x4® featured two rows of seats, enabling it to accommodate four passengers. Being easily able to switch between two-passenger and four-passenger modes gave the Trans4x4 much greater flexibility. In four-passenger mode, a family, work crew or group of hunters could be accommodated; in two-passenger mode, cargo space was maximized.

For those really tough jobs, Kawasaki offered the MULE™ 3010 Trans4x4® Diesel. Its powerful 953cc diesel engine churned out mountains of torque for serious hauling and towing capability. Coil-reinforced shocks for the De Dion axle and leaf-spring rear suspension ensured a high load capacity. And being a Trans4x4® meant high versatility—whether transporting a work crew in four-passenger mode or hauling cargo with the extended cargo bed in two-passenger mode.

Making it even easier to do a hard day's work, the MULE™ 3010 Trans4x4® Diesel received a high-grade electric power steering system. Using input from a vehicle speed sensor and torque sensor, the ECU determined the amount of steering assistance necessary. Assistance was greatest when needed most (at extremely low speeds and when stopped) and reduced at higher speeds to ensure stable handling. Kawasaki's other diesel MULE™, the MULE 3010 Diesel 4x4, received the same update.

The MULE™ 4000 Series marked the next step in the evolution of the MULE™ utility vehicle concept. A new, no-nonsense, big-truck styling package reflected the tough, powerful nature of MULE utility vehicles and their ability to get the job done. The gasoline-powered MULEs came with fuel injection, ensuring easy starting and consistent, stable power in all operating conditions. And speed-sensitive electric power steering (first seen on the 2008 diesel MULEs) was now featured on all 4WD models, offering natural handling at all times.

The newest addition to the MULE™ utility vehicle line, the MULE™ 610 4x4 XC (or “Bigfoot” MULE) featured larger, 26” tires and 12” wheels. Its enhanced off-road capability and increased ground clearance was complemented by a sporty design and graphics package. Combined with the dependable performance of the MULE 610 4x4, this latest compact utility vehicle opened the door to greater potential for leisure activities.

In 2015, Kawasaki changed the utility side x side market with the introduction of the MULE PRO-FXT™. Since the inception of the MULE™ over 35 years ago, and with over 130 years of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. engineering, the latest edition of the MULE PRO-FXT has become a truly innovative new way to work and play. This full-size, high capacity, three-to-six passenger Trans Cab™ model brings a whole new level of comfort and performance.

In 2016 we introduced the newest additions to our expanding line of class-leading MULE™ PRO side x sides—the MULE PRO Diesel Series. Built strong to work hard, the MULE PRO-DX™ and MULE PRO-DXT™ vehicles boast a massive 933cc triple-cylinder power plant to handle your toughest work demands, helping you power through the workday.

Featuring a bold and rugged new appearance, the new 2017 MULE SX™ side x sides are packed with value and undeniable capability. As a durable and compact workhorse it's capable of maneuvering in tight spaces and easily fits in the bed of a full-size pickup truck, giving you the freedom and flexibility to take on the toughest jobs.

Kawasaki celebrates 30 years of MULE™ by adding two impressive side x sides to its arsenal. Packed with premium styling and powerful capability, the new compact 2018 MULE PRO-FXR™ plays just as hard as it works so you can cut loose when you want and ride like a boss. The 2018 MULE 4000 Trans™ features a Trans Cab™ system that allows it to quickly convert between a 2-passenger cargo hauler and a 4-passenger crew mover. Needless to say, both machines are truly worthy of carrying forth the Kawasaki STRONG legacy.

Kawasaki introduces a new series of side x sides to its 2024 MULE™ lineup with the MULE PRO-FX™ 1000, MULE PRO-FXR™ 1000, and MULE PRO-FXT™ 1000 models. Kawasaki's MULE PRO 1000 models are renowned as full-size utility/recreation side x sides that offer high capability, durability, and class-leading comfort.