Using All Wheel Drive (AWD)
The All Wheel Drive (AWD) System delivers engine power to front and rear wheels for maximum traction. AWD is useful when extra traction is required, such as when driving slippery, muddy, wet, or snow-covered roads.
If the system determines there is a need for four wheel drive, the engine's driving power is distributed to all four wheels automatically.
If the AWD warning light (
) stays on the instrument cluster, your vehicle may have a malfunction with the AWD system. When the AWD warning light () appears, have your vehicle checked by a professional workshop. Kia recommends to visit an authorised Kia dealer/service
partner.
To reduce the risk of SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH:
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Do not drive in conditions that exceed the vehicles intended design such as challenging off-road conditions.
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Avoid high speeds when cornering or turning.
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Do not make quick steering wheel movements, such as sharp lane changes or fast, sharp turns.
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The risk of a rollover is greatly increased if you lose control of your vehicle at highway speeds.
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Loss of control often occurs if two or more wheels drop off the roadway and the driver over steers to reenter the roadway.
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In the event your vehicle leaves the roadway, do not steer sharply. Instead, slow down before pulling back into the travel lanes.
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Do not drive in water if the level is higher than the bottom of the vehicle.
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Check your brake condition once you are out of mud or water. Depress the brake pedal several times as you move slowly until you feel normal braking return.
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Shorten your scheduled maintenance interval if you drive in offroad conditions such as sand, mud or water (refer to More Details.)
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Make sure that AWD vehicle is towed by a flatbed tow truck.
For safe AWD operation
Before driving
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Make sure all passengers are wearing seat belts.
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Sit upright and closer to the steering wheel than usual. Adjust the steering wheel to a position comfortable for you to drive.
Driving on snow-covered or icy roads
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Start off slowly by applying the accelerator pedal gently.
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Use snow tyres or tyre chains.
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Keep sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
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Use engine braking during deceleration.
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Avoid speeding, rapid acceleration, sudden brake applications, and sharp turns to prevent skids.
Driving in sand or mud
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Maintain slow and constant speed.
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Use tyre chains driving in mud if necessary.
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Keep sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
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Reduce vehicle speed and always check the road condition.
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Avoid speeding, rapid acceleration, sudden brake applications, and sharp turns to prevent getting stuck.
When the vehicle is stuck in snow, sand or mud, place a non-slip material under the drive wheels to provide traction OR slowly spin the wheels in forward and reverse directions which causes a rocking motion that may free the vehicle. However, avoid running the engine continuously at high rpm, doing so may damage the AWD system.
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When putting the tyre chains to the tyre, be sure to attach the chain to the two rear wheels. In this case, drive below 30 km/h and minimise the driving distance. High-speed or long-term driving with putting the tyre chains may cause malfunction or damage to the four-wheel drive.
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If tyre chains must be used, use Auto Sock (fabric snow chain) and install the tyre chain after reviewing the instructions provided with the tyre chains.
For more information on Snow Tyres and Tyre Chains, refer to More Details.
Driving up or down hills
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Driving uphill
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Before starting off, check if it is possible to drive uphill.
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Driving downhill
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Do not change gear whilst driving downhill. Select gear before driving downhill.
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Drive as slowly using engine braking whilst driving downhill.
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Drive straight as possible.
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Exercise extreme caution driving up or down steep hills. The vehicle may flip depending on the grade, terrain and water/mud conditions.