Rugged and reliable, the 2026 Kawasaki Brute Force 450 is a considered refinement of the current machine with a useful new approach to front and rear cargo carriers.

This versatile and powerful mid-size ATV enjoys the benefit of Electronic Power Steering (EPS) as well as on-demand 2WD/4WD plus a handy dual mode front differential allowing egress in even the stickiest situations. Lighting the way, LED headlamps are supplemented by a useful handlebar mounted LED work light. For the rider, a multifunction back-lit LCD instrument panel shows speedometer, tachometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, clock, odometer, hour meter, trip meter, Differential Lock/4WD indicator, and a number of indicator lights.

At its heart – in the “engine room” – is a sturdy and highly durable liquid-cooled, 443 cm3 SOHC, 4-valve single-cylinder engine delivering ample power rated at 12.7 kW {17 PS} / 6,000 rpm and 25.4 N·m {2.6 kgƒ·m} / 4,000 rpm while the CVT transmission provides smooth acceleration and direct control, with low, high, neutral and reverse gears available to choose via a “gated” gear lever on the left of the machine.

Boasting independent suspension that allows the wheels to navigate obstacles with minimal disturbance to the chassis, hydraulic disc braking is progressive and with excellent feel. Two ø202 mm discs at the front are complemented by a single ø202 mm disc at the rear.

New for 2026, the cargo carriers are now mounted at a revised angle with reduced forward tilt (Front: 10.4° >> 5.5°, Rear: 8.4° >> 5.5°), enhancing the steadiness of loaded cargo while the carrier shape has been modified to be compatible with KQR (Kawasaki Quick Release) accessory mountings. Load capacity is 34 kg (75 lbs) up front and 68 kg (150 lbs) to the rear. Equally practical is the provision of a trailer hitch mounting point and – beneath the bodywork - a strong and rigid tubular chassis ready to take the expected knocks and bumps of ATV life.

All round versatility is manifested by the fact that the Brute Force 450 specification complies with European WTVA and can be registered for road as well as off-road use falling conveniently within the T3b category which stipulates a maximum legal road speed of 60 km/h.

A utility vehicle it may be, but the 2026 Brute Force 450 has form as well as function. Sharing the automotive styling of its partners in the Brute Force range, colour options of Grayish Blue or Firecracker Red each align with carefully considered design elements creating a lightweight and aggressive image while the overall design has a massive yet condensed quality for a look befitting a mid-size four-wheeler. In the 2026 mid-capacity ATV market there is only one vehicle built for what drives you, the Kawasaki Brute Force 450.