Frankly, we’re starting to wonder who is in control over at Kawasaki USA when it comes to these new product roll-outs. Traditionally, Kawasaki waited well beyond that of Sea-Doo and Yamaha Motor Corp. to draw the curtain back on its latest models, typically “dropping” around the first weekend of October (oftentimes overlapping with the first days of the IJSBA World Finals). There’s no written rule saying as much, but it’s been the tradition.
Well that is, until recently. As of late, Kawasaki has “shaken things up” by releasing press images and information on units for next year as early as late-January of the current model year. It was January of 2024 when Kawasaki revealed to The Watercraft Journal it’s fishing-equipped Ultra 160LX-S Angler in all of its glory. Unfortunately, the early reveal confused would-be buyers, and several wandered into dealerships only to be told, “Oh, I’m sorry. That’s next year’s model.”
Above: Kawasaki revealed the Ultra 160LX-S Angler so prematurely and without ANY media support that when it did arrive in dealers, nobody actually knew or cared.
Then as 2025 came around, the shine on the new Angler seemed to have faded. There was zero press introduction to the unit. No test days for the media to try it out. Nothing from Kawasaki corporate. Suddenly, customers wandered in to find the Angler (MSRP $18,899) sitting on the show floor to their surprise. Equipped with zero outside information, buyers weren’t too keen on the Angler and consequently, sales have reflected the ill-conceived strategy.
Enter the entirely mishandled 2026 rollout. In early December of 2024, press releases for a fixed-steering standup – the SX-X 160 – were sent out. We dutifully published it and awaited the reveal. Meanwhile, spy photos from Thailand showed a display of completely redesigned lineup of STX units, including a STX-R 160! What about these? The response from Kawasaki USA was “Oh those? Yeah, those are next year’s new STX models. Please focus on the SX-X.”
Above left: The STX 160R revealed officially by Kawasaki in December 2024 now removed from the 2026 lineup. Above right: The STX 160LX-S also expected to be revealed for 2026 but now shelved for an undisclosed amount of time.
Well guess what? Today, we received the press packet for the 2026 lineup and it’s all about the redesigned STX models. And what’s missing? The SX-X 160; the STX-R 160 (actually, it was officially the “STX 160R”) and STX 160LX-S that were also on display last December too. The unofficial, off-of-the-record reason is a slower than normal sales year(s) meant Kawasaki needed to reduce how many units it should roll out at once.
It’s understandable but a bit of a bummer. Oh yeah, and don’t go looking for a 2026 SX-R 160 or Ultra 310X. With so many unsold units languishing on dealer lots, Kawasaki’s not producing any new models of those units either. Thankfully, motivated dealers are already discounting these units (and many others) with generous rebates and sales incentives. It’ll just take you shopping around to find the best deal.
Above: The yet-to-be-officially-revealed 2026 Kawasaki SX-X 160 fixed-steer standup. Where did it go? We’ve heard a few things, the least being, “Hold on a little while longer.”
According to the updated website, the Kawasaki SX-R 160 standup (Ebony/Ice Gray) retails for $11,999 as the holdover Ultra 310X (Ebony/Neon Red) fetches $19,199 MSRP. Amazingly, at the exact same price as the standup is the newly rebranding 2026 ST 160X ($11,999 MSRP). This runabout is last year’s STX 160X in Metallic Bluish Gray/Pearl Neon Yellow. It retains it’s old school manual reverse lever and electronic cruise control.
The ST shares the identical 1,498cc inline 4-cylinder DOHC four-stroke plant as all other naturally-aspirated JetSkis listed here (of which, there are several). Above the ST are the STX models. Sharing the same hull as each other and the ST, the STX models – specifically, the STX 160X and 160LX – borrow heavily from the larger Ultra siblings and incorporate most all of their technological amenities, controls and accessories.
And what might those be? Let’s start with KSRD (Kawasaki Smart Reverse and Deceleration) and electric trim control. Next, you’ve got these massive splash deflectors with built-in cleats, larger central storage, cruise control, and one-touch 5mph mode. For the LX model, toss in the JetSound audio system, LED accent lights and rear view camera, the extended rear deck with multi-mount system, LXury seat and meter visor.
The STX 160X (Metallic Surf Blue/Crystal White) carries an MSRP of $13,899 as the STX 160LX (Crystal White/Metallic Phantom Silver) retails for $15,999. Again, it’s worth noting that the yellow STX 160LX-S shown in Thailand won’t be made available yet. All ST and STX JetSki models include the same 148mm axial flow jet pump, 35-gallons of storage and 20.6-gallon fuel cell. Curb weight depends on each model and trim level.
The naturally-aspirated Ultra 160 JetSki models seem to get the lion’s share of creative colorings. First of all, there remains no naturally-aspirated Ultra 160X, which is an absolute shame. The tow-sports ready 2026 Ultra 160LX-S (MSRP $17,799) stays in Metallic Bluish Gray and remains unchanged from 2025. The Ultra 160LX also receives no modifications for 2026 apart from its gorgeous Metallic Stardust White/Ebony coloring and $18,799 price tag.
As previously stated, the supercharged Ultra lineup receives few updates save for some new colorways and pricing. The Ultra 310X ($19,199) continues unchanged in its Ronald McDonald-esque red-and-yellow livery, almost intentionally deterring would-be buyers from purchasing the lowest priced entry. The 310LX-S is slathered in Riptide Turquoise/Ebony (MSRP $20,799) giving the JetSki a Tron-like pixelated appearance, and something altogether unique.
Above: Waitaminute! Every single one of these “lifestyle” images are recolored versions of last year’s models (and earlier). These are entirely fake photos! There’s two recolored versions of the same image in the photo gallery attached below!
The top-of-the-heap Ultra 310LX JetSki is $21,799 and is, from our initial observation, surprisingly competitive with Yamaha’s two highest FX SVHO offerings and Sea-Doo’s GTX Limited 325 (in Pearl White) particularly when comparing features, capabilities, amenities and most importantly, durability. Additionally, the Ultra comes in Metallic Deep Red/Ebony and already equipped with the Ultra deck extension with its Multi-Mount track system.
As noted, 2025 was a very slow year for new PWC sales (as was 2024) and there’s not much momentum going into 2026, according to early powersports industry reporting. This cooled market will likely strain dealers, so reducing the total amount of new units was likely wise on Kawasaki’s behalf. We’ll see how these new changes to the ST and STX models grab potential buyers as rebates and discounts on existing models lures others in.
