The vehicle architecture contains protection systems against mines, rocket propelled grenades and kinetic energy threats. In addition up to date electronic subsystems are also integrated together with high performance power pack, heavy duty suspension and tracks which enables the vehicle to carry heavy loads such as 105 mm gun systems.

KAPLAN-20 has a low silhouette, and with its twin 6 road wheeled tracks, has the ability to operate in hot/cold weather conditions at high speed not only on asphalt and stabilized highways, but also in soft soil, muddy and rough terrains. KAPLAN-20 can reach a speed of 70 km/h. The advanced suspension system, tracks has been designed to reduce vibration and increase road holding. Access to the vehicle is gained through a personnel door on the ramp or the hydraulic ramp located at the rear of the vehicle. On the top. there is a wide hatch for personnel and another hatch that has been specifically designed to maximize the driver's field of view. The maintenance and repair of the power pack are performed via the cabin access hatch and hatches that are at the front of the vehicle. The two fuel tanks are located at the rear for balance and are fully-armored and isolated from the vehicle to ensure the security of personnel.

KAPLAN-20 is one of the very few vehicles that have amphibious characteristics. Thanks to the two water propulsion systems located at the rear of the vehicle, KAPLAN-20 can perform in deep and water current rate. It can perform pivot turns in the water and even move backwards. In addition to this, it allows the driver to enter the water without any preparation.

Survivability systems such as, reduced thermal signature, laser warning system and sniper detection and CBRN protection systems are also applied the vehicle. The KAPLAN-20 showcased at IDEF 2015 was fitted with a French made Metravib PILAR V Integrated Acoustic gunshot Detection System, also selected for the French Army program Scorpion for VBMR Griffon and EBRC Jaguar vehicles.