I'm Dreaming of a Cart-Friendly Town and the Kawasaki NAV 4e Electric Cart Has Me Making Plans

Yahoo

03-03-2025

When we moved to a new neighborhood, I noticed some neighbors drove golf carts to the pool or mailbox. Other neighbors even rolled up to restaurants nearby. But when we looked into buying a cart we were disappointed; many were pretty basic, lacking the power, efficiency, and creature comforts you'd hope for, especially when you're investing thousands of dollars. Then I had the chance to spend a few days driving around in the Kawasaki NAV 4e and it changed by mind about the category: an electric cart and a golf cart are not the same thing.
Kawasaki, a pioneer in power sport vehicles from motorcycles to ATVs, side by sides and Jet Skis, calls it a Personal Transportation Vehicle. The NAV 4e, which stands for neighborhood activity vehicle and is the brand's first ever electric, is priced from $13K to about $20K and built for for cart-only cities or cart-friendly places, such as cities like Peachtree City, GA or Sandestin, FL as well as resort communities like Hilton Head, SC or any one of the many Sun City developments.
This story is 100% human researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of motor vehicles. Additionally, I was a guest of Kawasaki for this test drive.
Electric carts can be a more environmentally friendly option to get around, offering flexibility and freedom and lower cost. They allow some families to get rid of a second car in lieu of a cart and allow—with caveats—teems to learn to drive earlier than they might in a car.
Kawasaki brings power, performance, all-day driving range, seating for four and car-like details to the NAV 4e. This residential electric cart is easy to drive, with space considerations for whatever you might have on the schedule: fishing, swim club or just running errands around the neighborhood.
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Known for performance and speed, it would be a disappointment for Kawasaki to produce anything that isn't fun. Thankfully, the NAV 4e is a thrill to drive. I had a blast with its smooth acceleration and kicking it up to 19 mph at top speed—the maximum speed for electric carts to sidestep regulations and still remain street legal many states.
The NAV 4e has a rear-mounted single-electric motor which drives the rear wheels. There is a simple set of three drive modes: forward, neutral, and reverse. To start, insert the key must and release the brake. Then select a drive mode and head on your way through the neighborhood.
For parents who want to use a cart to teach kids to drive, this is a simple setup for them to easily learn.
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The Kawasaki NAV4e takes inspiration from the company's side by sides like the Ridge Crew, adding all-terrain tires and 7.3' of ground clearance, blending it with electric vehicle-inspired styling including a frunk and bright LED lights. Inside the feeling of a car continues; it's not the standard stripped down dash with little golf ball holders.
And there are color choices: the NAV 4e Standard model is offered in Vibrant Blue; NAV 4e LE in Super Black; and the NAV 4e Limited in Metallic Deep Red, the color we test drove. And I totally need one to customize with more lights and a proper hot pink wrap. But that's just me.
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Sit in the driver's seat and you'll see that it's much more like a car than a golf cart, from the D-shaped steering wheel to the digital driver's display and a 7' multimedia screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are 4 overhead speakers for the sound system.
Then, sink into the two-toned leatherette seats. Legroom is ample for the driver and front and rear seat passengers. Even for shorties like me, the driver's seat doesn't feel so far away where I'd need to adjust my seat. At 5'4', I could reach the accelerator and brake perfectly. Even with the SUV-like ground clearance, everyone should be able to get ind out comfortably.
Driving around the neighborhood or to activities there's always someone who needs to charge a phone. But each NAV 4E trim has four USB outlets (two in the front and two in the back); the NAV 4e Limited has two extra outlets, a type-A and a Type-C center storage console.
And once you get there you want to leave a few things (that phone, maybe?) in the car. The Kawasaki NAV 4e has this taken care of too, with lockable storage.
And it comes with a unique key for each cart. This was sort of a surprise. Turns out that most electric carts have a universal key. It's a common mix-up in cart-friendly places for someone to take of with the wrong cart. With a unique key that won't happen.
One of the more clever details that Kawasaki included are 6 cupholders: four in the front and two in the back, and there is a cutout designed specifically for those of you who want to fit your favorite, popular 30 oz. handled cups—you know the one. But it'll fit other cups, too, which is thoughtful.
With the 14' chrome-plated wheels on 23' off-road style tires, fully-painted body and lockable storage standard, the NAV 4e looks good as is. But it's also customizable with of accessories and options, much the way off-roader side x sides are. On the top trim, NAV 4e Limited, a brush-guard style front bumper, flip-down windshield, floor lighting and speakers come standard. For extra storage, unclip the front hood to find a frunk with a 6-gallon storage bin that can hold up to 10 lbs.
And of course there are accessories, including Kawasaki Quick Release accessories, so owners can personalize their NAV 4e. Accessories range from a KQR cargo barrier, a rear cargo rack f, a storage net for the back passenger floor area, and a soft enclosure to keep the rain out. Owners can even add a hitch and tow up to 500 lbs. Hello, Instagramable gardens
The NAV 4e can be stored for up to 24 months in the off season, provided it remains charged to at least 30%. Those who might need it in cold weather should look at the longer range models, powered by lithium-ion batteries that have the ability to charge in cold temperatures as low as -31° F. Another benefit to the lithium-ion batteries is that they don't require any maintenance, can recharge in about 11 hours and are housed in rust and corrosion resistant housing so they should not deteriorate.
For those who opt for the NAV 4e Standard model, the lead-acid battery pack requires around 10 hours to charge to 100%. And, the battery requires regular maintenance to ensure the liquid mix of distilled water and sulfuric acid are maintained. This is something that should be done regularly, but only after the batteries are completely charged.
This is one of my favorite features in the 2025 Kawasaki NAV 4e: a rear fold-flat seat and you can even operate it with one hand. This is a great place to put a cooler, buckets, pool noodles, backpacks, groceries or other things that won't fit on the floor and might slide off the seat. This fold-flat cargo area can hold up to a 150 lbs. capacity and has anti-slip grooves.
Can the Kawasaki NAV 4e be driven on the street? Can children drive? Do we need helmets? Are there seatbelts? The laws vary per city and state; some allow carts like these on lower-speed limit streets, others do not; some allow teens without licenses to drive, others do not. And private communities with cart paths have their own rules, so check before driving. The Kawasaki NAV 4e, with a max speed under 20 mph, keeps it off the NHTSA radar, so it avoids a lot of regulation such as helmets and seatbelts, though both are a good idea.
For those who live in a place where teens can drive the NAV 4e, it's a great way to introduce basic driving skills. Teaching responsibility, safety, and discipline can start with sharing cart access with your kids.
The 2025 Kawasaki NAV 4e just went on sale and here's how the pricing breaks down:
Kawasaki NAV 4e Standard in Vibrant Blue – $12,999
Kawasaki NAV 4e LE in Super Black – $15,999
Kawasaki NAV 4e Limited in Metallic Deep Red – $19,999
At first I thought I'd be spending the week tooling around in a golf cart; nothing wrong with that. But the rugged frame and tires, the electric car personality and car-like details set it apart.
And for anyone who lives in a cart-friendly community, the family time alone is worth the investment; its a fun way to get to local activities and scoot around town without sparing the tech or comfort we get in our cars. Now, I'm rethinking that cart for my driveway. Now, I just have to convince my husband.
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