Kawasaki Jet Ski is making good on its promise to refresh – and expand – its model line-up after more than a decade lost at sea and trailing in the wake of Sea-Doo and Yamaha.
The company has doubled-down with massive changes to the Kawasaki STX 160, going from two to four variants – and delivering the biggest changes to this model in 20 years.
The only downside is that we will need to wait another 12 months before it hits the water.
The 2026 Kawasaki STX 160 – unveiled at the Jet Ski World Cup in Thailand at the weekend – is not due in showrooms until this time next year.
In the interim, Kawasaki has given the current version of the STX 160 a small but important update for the 2025 model year (which you can read about here).
After releasing limited information about the redesigned 2026 Kawasaki STX 160 over the weekend – where Kawasaki allowed members of the public to reveal the new models with blurry photos and shaky videos via social media – we now have a clearer picture of the sweeping changes.
The 2026 Kawasaki STX 160 has a completely new top deck and will expand to four models.
While the sharper design has been inspired by its bigger brother – the recently updated Kawasaki Ultra series – the trickle down of technology is more like a flood, such is the long list of new features for this model.
Highlights from the recently revamped Kawasaki Ultra series that have made their way onto the 2026 Kawasaki STX 160 include the availability of daytime running lights, a rear view camera, a 7-inch digital instrument display – and finally, a reverse trigger and trim adjustment.
We have included the full list of changes below.
The Kawasaki STX 160 (and its predecessors of a different name) has remained largely unchanged since it was released in 2003 as a 2004 model, after the STX platform debuted way back in 1997.
While the hull, sponsons and the 160-horsepower 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine carry over from today’s model, Kawasaki says the major redesign delivers tangible benefits.
Kawasaki says the front bumper on the 2026 model is 100mm higher and 115mm further forward than the current STX 160, in an attempt to reduce splash and the amount of water entering the foot wells.
While the bow of the current STX 160 tends to plough below the waterline, Kawasaki claims the new front bumper “submerges less and is better able to break waves”.
Meanwhile, the 2026 STX 160 also gains the option of a rear deck extension (similar to the rear deck extension available on the Ultra 160 and Ultra 310 series).
Two of the four models in the 2026 Kawasaki STX 160 line-up come with the rear deck extension already fitted at the factory, but customers who buy a model without this feature can add it later as an extra-cost option.
As with the rear deck extension on the Ultra 160 and Ultra 310 models, the longer platform on the 2026 Kawasaki STX 160 enables the fitment of optional accessories such as a wet storage bag or a cooler box.
Prices and specifications for Australia will be announced closer to local showroom arrivals.
Here is what we know so far, based on information released globally.
2026 Kawasaki STX 160 highlights:
- Four models: 160X, 160R, 160LX-S, 160LX
- New top deck (all models)
- New gunwales (all models)
- Three-piece front bumper (all models)
- Bow storage 114 litres (all models)
- Centre console storage 4.4 litres (all models)
- Waterproof compartment inside centre console 0.8 litres (all models)
- 7-inch digital display and controller dial (all models)
- Reverse trigger (all models)
- Adjustable trim, seven positions (all models)
- Three power modes (all models)
- Cruise control (all models)
- ‘No wake’ mode 8kmh (all models)
- Larger centre console (all models)
- Docking cleats (all models)
- Daytime running lights (LX, LX-S, R)
- Rear view camera (LX, LX-S, R)
- Rear deck extension (LX, LX-S)
- Three seat layout (LX, LX-S, X)
- Two-seat layout (R)
- Two-speaker audio (LX)
- Meter visor (LX)
- Camera mount bars on redesigned handlebars (LX, LX-S, X)
- Camera mount bar above rear wet storage area (all models)
- Motocross-style handlebars, round hand grips (R)
What’s not new:
- Kawasaki STX hull and sponsons (date back to 2003)
- 160hp 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine carries over
- 78-litre fuel tank carries over
Other technology highlights:
The immobiliser key slot is located inside the centre console; the ignition switch is on the left handlebar.
When the craft is linked to a smartphone via Bluetooth, notifications of calls and messages appear on the instrument display.
However, it is not a touchscreen. The information on the instrument display is accessed via a controller dial and buttons to the left of the centre console.
The sound system on the LX has an amplifier rated at 200W (x 2 channels) and the speakers are rated at 60W (x 2 channels).
Kawasaki says the speakers on the LX also serve as splash guards.
2026 Kawasaki STX 160 available colours:
- 2026 Kawasaki STX 160X: Metallic Surf Blue / Crystal White
- 2026 Kawasaki STX 160LX-S: Pearl Citrus Yellow / Metallic Matte Twilight Blue
- 2026 Kawasaki STX 160LX: Crystal White / Metallic Phantom Silver
- 2026 Kawasaki STX 160R: Lime Green / Ebony
MORE: All our Kawasaki Jet Ski coverage in one click
MORE: All our Sea-Doo coverage in one click
MORE: All our Yamaha WaveRunner coverage in one click
MORE: All our news coverage in one click
MORE: Follow us on Facebook
MORE: Follow us on YouTube