The Kawasaki Mule? 3010 Trans4x4?, recipient of the 2006 American Hunter Vehicle of the Year Award, is the world?s most unique off-road utility vehicle. It is the first to give the driver the ability to transform it from a four-passenger 4x4 to a two-passenger 4x4 with an extended cargo bed with a few quick adjustments. The operator can fold down the rear bench seat and extend the cargo bed farther forward to increase payload capacity. When the operator wants to transform it back to a four-passenger vehicle, the same quick adjustments are made in reverse order.

The wheelbase of the Mule 3010 Trans4x4 is 11.6 inches longer than that of the Mule 3010 4x4, but features the same styling, car-like controls, dashboard and front under-hood storage. Additional body features for the Trans4x4 include retractable rear seat belts and padded rear-passenger grab handles.

The Mule 3010 Trans4x4 utility vehicle utilizes the same durable and reliable powertrain as the Mule 3010 4x4. The quiet, liquid-cooled industrial V-twin engine has a proven record for hard-working reliability and is matched to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The CVT is fine-tuned for the Trans4x4?s higher passenger and cargo capacity, and features high and low range, plus reverse. The driver can also select either two- or four-wheel drive operation, with power being transferred to a shaft-driven dual-mode rear differential and limited-slip front differential.

One of the benefits of the Mule 3010 Trans4x4?s extended chassis is its ability to carry an extra gallon of fuel. Combined with a heavy duty DeDion/leaf spring rear suspension system, it has a cargo capacity of 400 pounds in four-passenger mode, and 800 pounds with the cargo bed extended forward. Plus, the Trans4x4 can tow up to 1,200 pounds with an optional towing hitch.

Other chassis features include smooth-riding MacPherson strut front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering, which helps to make steering light and accurate.