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.

Warning

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 () illuminates, we recommend that the vehicle be checked by an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible.

Warning

To reduce the risk of SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH:

Do not drive in conditions that exceed the vehicle's intended design such as challenging off-road conditions.
Avoid high speeds when cornering or turning.
Do not make quick steering wheel movements, such as sharp lane changes or fast, sharp turns.
The risk of a rollover is greatly increased if you lose control of your vehicle at highway speeds.
Loss of control often occurs if two or more wheels drop off the roadway and the driver over steers to reenter the roadway.
In the event your vehicle leaves the roadway, do not steer sharply. Instead, slow down before pulling back into the travel lanes.

Notice

Do not drive in water if the level is higher than the bottom of the vehicle.
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.
Shorten your scheduled maintenance interval if you drive in offroad conditions such as sand, mud or water (Refer to More Details.).
Make sure that AWD vehicle is towed by a flatbed tow truck.

For safe AWD operation

Before driving

Make sure all passengers are wearing seat belts.
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

Start off slowly by applying the accelerator pedal gently.
Use snow tires or tire chains.
Keep sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
Use engine braking during deceleration.
Avoid speeding, rapid acceleration, sudden brake applications, and sharp turns to prevent skids.

Driving in sand or mud

Maintain slow and constant speed.
Use tire chains driving in mud if necessary.
Keep sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
Reduce vehicle speed and always check the road condition.
Avoid speeding, rapid acceleration, sudden brake applications, and sharp turns to prevent getting stuck.

Notice

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. Refer to More Details. However, avoid running the engine continuously at high rpm, which could damage the AWD system.

Notice

When putting the tire chains to the tire, be sure to attach the chain to the two rear wheels. In this case, drive below 30 km/h and minimize the driving distance. High-speed or long-term driving with putting the tire chains may cause malfunction or damage to the four-wheel drive.
If tire chains must be used, use AutoSock (fabric snow chain) and install the tire chain after reviewing the instructions provided with the tire chains.

* For more information on Snow Tires and Tire Chains, refer to More Details.

Driving up or down hills

Driving uphill
- Before starting off, check if it is possible to drive uphill.
- Drive as straight as possible.
Driving downhill
- Do not change gear while driving downhill. Select gear before driving downhill.
- Drive slowly using engine braking while driving downhill.
- Drive as straight as possible.

Warning

Exercise extreme caution driving up or down steep hills. The vehicle's tires could lose traction depending on the grade, terrain and water/mud conditions.