Kubota RTV-X 2025 Review

Kubota’s RTV-X side-by-side range has long been a favourite among farmers, contractors, and outdoor enthusiasts alike, thanks to its reliability and ease of use.

In 2025, Kubota is taking the range to the next level by adding more power and practical enhancements to make the much-loved vehicle even better.

And from the entry-level model to the range-topper, with plenty of space for both cargo and passengers alike, Kubota has gone to some lengths to ensure that everyone is catered for.

We had the opportunity recently to put the RTV-X through the wringer on some farmland in Mia Mia, central Victoria.

Kubota has taken an “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach with the 2025 RTV-X range, while still adding some key improvements.

It maintains some tried-and-true features from its previous models such as the Variable Hydraulic Transmission, power steering, and hydraulic dump bed, while new features found across the range include a rugged new exterior, LED headlights, and tough new tyres.

The new RTV-X series offers three models – a two-seater base model, a two-seater premium model, and a four-seater RTV-X Crew model.

The base model has pretty much everything you need to run a variety of errands around the farm, but the premium model is where things get a bit fancy, with plenty of niceties thrown in.

These include alloy wheels, a premium front brush guard, two tyre choices (ATV or heavy-duty multi-purpose tyres), spray on bed liner and a three-way Pro-Konvert tray. More on the latter later, as it’s one of Kubota’s most exciting innovations in its utility vehicle range.

Models brought into Australia will only be available in Kubota’s signature orange paint scheme. Pricing for the range starts from $30,383 excluding GST.

At the heart of the range, the new three-cylinder Kubota diesel engine delivers 24hp – enough grunt to handle both heavy loads and challenging terrain.

It’s a modest but effective power bump over previous models, ensuring reliable performance for both work and play. And with Kubota’s renowned Variable Hydraulic Transmission, the RTV-X maintains smooth and consistent power delivery with dynamic braking for added control.

Simplicity is key in the Kubota RTV-X’s cabin. The open-air design provides a true off-road feel while still offering windshield protection.

The standard bench seats are wide and comfortable enough to accommodate two full-sized adults in each row, ensuring a pleasant ride for both driver and passenger.

And while it may not have a luxury finish, everything is built with durability and ease of use firmly in mind.

Kubota’s RTV-X Crew four-seater is the epitome of versatility. While it seats a maximum of four people, the back passenger row can be easily converted into extra cargo space.

I found it easy enough for one person to carry out the conversion as it involves only a few steps, but some components are a bit heavy to lift and lower, so you’ll need to be careful and watch your hands when doing so.

Need to haul gear around the farm or job site? The RTV-X won’t disappoint.

All models come with a sizeable tray, with the two-seater models offering 0.43 cubic metres of space and a 500kg load capacity. Meanwhile, the RTV-X Crew with the back passenger row folded up offers 0.54 cubic metres of space (but the same 500kg load capacity).

Kubota’s new Pro-Konvert tray on the premium two-seater model further adds to the RTV-X’s versatility. This innovative tray can be opened up on both sides or at the rear for loading or unloading. Users can also lower all the cargo bed’s panels to create a flatbed configuration – helpful for carrying oversized or awkwardly shaped loads.

A great thing about the flatbed conversion is that no tools are required, although I did find the process a bit fiddly. Some of the panels required some shaking and jiggling and elbow grease to lower, but this could get easier over time with further use.

Unloading the tray is simple thanks to the hydraulic dump function that allows users to slide whatever is in the tray to the ground with a simple pull of a lever. After all, why strain your back when you don’t have to?

Towing capacity varies between models, with the two-seater versions capable of pulling up to 1000kg, while the X-Crew model has a lower 590kg rating.

Kubota has once again kept things super simple with the operation of the vehicle, to the extent that an inexperienced person can jump straight in and drive away with confidence.

There are only two gears to worry about – high and low – in addition to neutral and reverse.

The Variable Hydraulic Transmission offers smooth but powerful acceleration without any sudden jerking or jolting.

The dynamic braking system, I found, is what makes driving the RTV-X so easy, giving all drivers regardless of their level of experience the confidence to go zooming around in next to no time.

It essentially provides one-pedal operation – push the pedal down and you accelerate; take your foot off and you slow down quickly, before eventually coming to a complete stop.

This function is especially useful when going down hills or steep slopes, as it provides a safely controlled descent.

Hydraulic power steering makes manoeuvring effortless, and selectable 4WD allows for confident tackling of rough terrain.

I had a go in both the two-seater and four-seater models with passengers and sufficient load in the tray, and not once did the vehicles feel overly weighed down. They handled the extra weight in the back masterfully and manoeuvrability was not affected in any way.

While top speed was rated at 40km/h, I didn’t quite get there, only managing to push it to around 34km/h.

Thanks to its solid suspension, sturdy underbody skid plates and great ground clearance, the RTV-X glides over uneven or rocky ground with ease. Best part was, I wasn’t thrown around like a sack of potatoes and I didn’t lose any load or passengers. Win!

The 2025 Kubota RTV-X is a no-nonsense, work-ready utility vehicle that delivers durability, ease of use, and improved versatility.

It’s not about bells and whistles – it’s about getting the job done, and the RTV-X certainly ticks that box.

And work duties aside, simply taking it for a spin around the farm is a pretty fun experience in itself – and reason enough to buy one, I think.

Kubota’s RTV-X range is available now at dealerships nationwide.