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2026 Kawasaki STX 160 Revealed [X, LX, LX-S, R]

2026 Kawasaki STX 160 Revealed [X, LX, LX-S, R]

Along with the all-new 2026 SX-X 160, Kawasaki also announced the redesigned 2026 STX 160 series. This second-generation STX line returns with a new top deck design and plenty of innovative features.

If you want to find out more about this revamped Kawasaki sit-down, this post is for you.

We at JetDrift have compiled all we know so far under one roof!

2026 Kawasaki STX 160 Review

Hull and Top Deck

The most noticeable novelty of the new STX 160 series is arguably its heavily redesigned top deck.

To keep up with competitors, the new deck now has a more modern design featuring angular lines and new elements.

It returns with a revamped center console, seats, gunwales, bumpers, and handlebars with camera mounts.

Storage compartments include a standard bow storage and a large center storage. The latter houses a small waterproof pocket for storing documents and phones.

Unlike the deck, the 20.6-gallon fuel tank, hull, and sponsons were inherited from the predecessor.

Believe it or not, this STX platform has been carried over from the 2003 STX-15F until today without any significant changes.

Hence, no matter how good the new STX looks, it’s still built on a hull that was developed more than two decades ago.

Engine and Propulsion

The power source of the new STX 160 is a 4-stroke, 1498cc, fuel-injected, 4-cylinder Kawasaki marine engine rated at 160hp out of the box.

Just like the hull and sponsons, this engine has also been around since 2003 and remains unchanged for the 2026 season.

Yet, to modernize the propulsion system, Kawasaki finally upgraded it with an electric brake and reverse.

This system is very similar to Sea-Doo’s iBR and Yamaha’s RiDE systems, meaning that the STX 160 finally allows you to control the brake and reverse functions via a finger lever.

(The predecessor first-gen. STX 160 featured an outdated mechanical reverse that also lacked a braking function.)

You can also electronically adjust the trim in seven different positions.

What’s more, you can choose from many different riding modes including No Wake mode and a Cruise Control mode.

Features

The second-generation Kawasaki STX 160 family consists of four members, including the 160X, 160LX, 160LX-S, and the new 160R.

Each of these models shares the same hull, top deck, engine, propulsion, and 7” digital display.

Essentially, they only differ in their features and color schemes.

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about each in detail!

STX 160X:

Even though this is the entry-level model in this breed, the 160X comes standard with many bells and whistles like a three-rider seat, a camera mount bar on the handlebars, docking cleats, deck mats, and more.

Available colors: Metallic Surf Blue / Crystal White

STX 160LX-S:

The LX-S mid-range model in the SXT series. It comes with everything the base model has, plus enjoys daytime running lights, a rearview camera, a two-tone seat, and a removable rear deck extension.

Available colors: Pearl Citrus Yellow / Metallic Matte Twilight

STX 160LX:

The LX is the most luxurious model in the STX family. It has everything the LX-S has, but it also comes standard with a meter visor and an advanced audio system. The latter utilizes two 60W marine-grade speakers and a 200W amplifier. Interestingly, the speakers were designed to function as splash guards as well.

Available colors: Crystal White / Metallic Phantom Silver

STX 160R:

The new model in the STX line is the sporty 160R. As the name suggests, this model is tuned for performance rather than comfort. It features a two-rider sport saddle and motocross-inspired handlebars with rounded grips. Unfortunately, it lacks the rear deck extension and the camera mount bars on the handlebars.

Available colors: Lime Green / Ebony

For a better comparison, we’ve compared the key features of the four models in one chart:

ModelXLX-SLXR
Rider Capacity3332
Running Lights-YesYesYes
Rear Deck Extension-YesYes-
Rearview Camera-YesYesYes
Audio System--Yes-
Meter Visor--Yes-
Sport Handlebars---Yes
Camera Mount Bars on HandlebarsYesYesYes-
Brake and ReverseYesYesYesYes
Adjustable TrimYesYesYesYes
Power ModesYesYesYesYes
Cruise ControlYesYesYesYes
Mooring CleatsYesYesYesYes

Each of these models comes standard with a 7” digital dashboard, which, contrary to expectations, is not a touchscreen.

Even though you can pair your smartphone to this display via Bluetooth, you can control its functions with traditional buttons.

Takeaways

Kawasaki introduced the second generation STX 160 series for the 2026 season.

The new models return with an all-new top deck and a plethora of bells and whistles like an electric brake and reverse system, adjustable trim, rearview camera, 7” digital dash, rear deck extension, and more.

On the other hand, the STX hull and the engine have been carried over from the current model.

In a nutshell, the key highlights of the new line are as follows:

  • New top deck with larger center console and new gunwales
  • New electric brake and reverse system
  • New adjustable trim system
  • New 7” digital display with Bluetooth capability (not a touchscreen)
  • Power modes – including No Wake and Cruise Control mode
  • New features (rearview camera, swim platform extensions, camera mounts, running lights, and more) – depending on the model
  • New model – 160R: a “Race inspired STX 160” with a two-seat layout and sport handlebars.
  • Unchanged hull and sponsons*
  • Unchanged 1498cc, 160hp engine*

* Debuted on the 2003 STX-15F.

Prices and exact release date are not yet announced at the time of publication of this post.