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 you find comfortable for driving.

Start off slowly by applying the accelerator pedal gently.
Use snow tires or tire chains.
Keep sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you.
Using the regenerative braking function helps with steering when you drive downhill. However, it is difficult to adjust the vehicle while coasting, so avoid using the 3rd level of regenerative braking as much as possible.
Avoid speeding, rapid acceleration, sudden brake engagement, and sharp turns to prevent skidding.
If the vehicle stops while you are driving uphill, it is difficult to start it again. Keep your distance from other vehicles and drive slowly.

Maintain a slow, constant speed.
Use tire chains while driving in mud, if necessary.
Keep sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you.
Reduce the vehicle’s speed and always check the road conditions.
Avoid speeding, rapid acceleration, sudden brake engagement, and sharp turns to prevent your vehicle from getting stuck.

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 straight as possible.

Try to avoid driving in deep standing water.
If you need to drive in water, stop your vehicle, set the vehicle in Multi Terrain mode and drive under 5 mph (8 km/h).
Do not change gear while driving in water.

Become familiar with the off-road conditions before driving.
Always pay attention when driving off-road and avoid dangerous areas.
Drive slowly when driving in heavy wind.
Reduce vehicle speed when cornering. The center of gravity of AWD vehicles is higher than conventional 2WD vehicles, making them more likely to roll over when you rapidly turn corners.
Always hold the steering wheel firmly when driving off-road.

WARNING

If the AWD warning light () remains illuminated on the instrument cluster, your vehicle may have an AWD system malfunction. When the AWD warning light ( ) appears, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
Do not drive in conditions that exceed the vehicle’s intended design, such as challenging off-road conditions.
Avoid high speeds when turning.
Do not make quick movements with the steering wheel, such as sharp lane changes or fast, sharp turns.
Losing control of your vehicle at high speeds greatly increases the risk of a rollover.
Loss of control often occurs if two or more wheels drop off the roadway and the driver over steers to reenter the roadway.
If your vehicle leaves the road, do not steer sharply. Instead, slow down before pulling back into the travel lanes.
Exercise extreme caution when driving up or down steep hills. The vehicle may flip depending on the grade, terrain and water/mud conditions.
Do not grab the inside of the steering wheel when driving off-road. You may hurt your arm when making a sudden steering maneuver, or from steering wheel rebound due to impact with objects on the ground. You could lose control of the steering wheel, which may lead to serious injury or death.

CAUTION

Always drive slowly in water. If you drive too fast, water may get into the motor compartment, causing your vehicle to suddenly stop.

NOTE

Do not drive in water if the level is higher than the center of the wheel.
Check the condition of the brake once you are out of mud or water. Engage the brake pedal several times as you drive slowly until you feel normal braking return.
Shorten your scheduled maintenance interval if you drive in off-road conditions, such as sand, mud, or water (refer to Scheduled maintenance service.)
Make sure that AWD vehicle is towed by a flatbed tow truck.
AWD vehicles could change the engagement status of the motor according to the situation required. Auto changing the driving mode helps improve energy efficiency and driving stability.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow, sand, or mud, place a non-slip material under the driven wheels to provide traction, OR slowly spin the wheels in forward and reverse directions, which causes a rocking motion that may free the vehicle.
When putting the tire chains to the tire, be sure to attach the chain to the two rear wheels. In this case, drive below 20 mph (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 all-wheel drive.
If you must use tire chains, use fabric snow chains and install them after reviewing the instructions provided with the chains. For more information on snow tires and tire chains, refer to Winter driving.