2018 Kia Sportage Owner’s Manual

The 2018 Kia Sportage is proof that Kia is committed to making a compact SUV that changes the way people drive. It has a striking style, new technology, and great performance. The bold exterior of the Sportage, which has clean lines and a strong stance, draws attention from every point. Inside, the roomy and well-thought-out design creates a balance between comfort and versatility. Under the hood, you can choose from a variety of dynamic engines that offer a thrilling mix of efficiency and power, making for a fun and fuel-efficient ride. The 2018 Sportage is a technological haven with improved connectivity and driver-assistance systems that make it easier and safer to drive. The 2018 Kia Sportage is a perfect blend of style, potential, and innovation that sets new standards for the modern compact SUV, whether you’re driving on city streets or going on an adventure.

Driving your vehicle

Be sure the exhaust system does not leak.
The exhaust system should be checked whenever the vehicle is raised to change the oil or for any other purpose. If you hear a change in the sound of the exhaust or if you drive over something that strikes the underneath side of the vehicle, have the exhaust system checked as soon as possible by an authorized Kia dealer.

WARNING – Engine exhaust
Do not inhale exhaust fumes or leave your engine running in an enclosed area for a prolonged time. Exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that can cause unconsciousness and death by asphyxiation.

Open liftgate Do not drive with the liftgate open. Poisonous exhaust gases can enter the passenger compartment. If you must drive with the liftgate open proceed as follows:

1. Close all windows.
2. Open side vents.
3. Set the air intake control at “Fresh”, the air flow control at “Floor” or “Face” and the fan at the highest speed.

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING
Engine exhaust and a wide vari-ety of automobile components and parts, including components found in the interior furnishings in a vehicle, contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause can-cer and birth defects and reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of competent wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

BEFORE DRIVING

Before entering vehicle 

• Be sure that all windows, outside mirror(s), and outside lights are clean.
• Check the condition of the tires.
• Check under the vehicle for any sign of leaks.
• Be sure there are no obstacles behind you if you intend to back up.

Necessary inspections
Fluid levels, such as engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid, and washer fluid should be checked on a regular basis, at the exact interval depending on the fluid. Further details are provided in chapter 8, “Maintenance”.

WARNING – Distracted driving
Focus on the road while driving. The driver’s primary responsibility is in the safe and legal operation of the vehicle. Use of any handled devices, other equipment or vehicle systems that distract the drive should not be used during vehicle operation.

Before starting

• Close and lock all doors.
• Position the seat so that all controls are easily reached.
•  Buckle your seat belt.
• Adjust the inside and outside rearview mirrors.
• Be sure that all lights work.
• Check all gauges.
• Check the operation of warning lights when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position.
• Release the parking brake and make sure the brake warning light goes out.
  For safe operation, be sure you are familiar with your vehicle and its equipment.

KEY POSITIONS (IF EQUIPPED)

Illuminated ignition switch 
Whenever a front door is opened, the ignition switch will illuminate for your convenience, provided the ignition switch is not in the ON position. The light will go off immediately when the ignition switch is turned on. It will also go off after about 30 seconds when the door is closed.

Ignition switch position LOCK 
The ignition key can be removed only in the LOCK position.

• ACC (Accessory)
  The electrical accessories are operative. If difficulty is experienced turning the ignition switch to the ACC position, turn the key while turning the steering wheel right and left to release the tension.
• ON
  The warning lights can be checked before the engine is started. This is the normal running position after the engine is started.
  Do not leave the ignition switch ON if the engine is not running to prevent battery discharge.
• START
  Turn the ignition switch to the START position to start the engine. The engine will crank until you release the key; then it returns to the ON position. The brake warning light can be checked in this position.
  The anti-theft steering column lock (if equipped) is not a substitute for the parking brake. Before leaving the driver’s seat, always make sure the shift lever is engaged in P (Park) for auto-matic transaxle, set the parking brake fully and shut the engine off. Unexpected and sudden vehicle movement may occur if these precautions are not taken.

WARNING – Ignition switch 
Never turn the ignition switch to LOCK or ACC while the vehicle is moving. This would result in loss of directional control and braking function, which could cause an accident.

Key holder
Do not place small purses, mul-tiple keys, or other heavy accessories on your vehicle key ring. The driver can accidentally push these objects causing the ACC position to change while in motion and disrupt the proper operation of some of the vehi-cle’s safety features.

Leaving the Vehicle
To avoid unexpected or sudden vehicle movement, never leave your vehicle if the transmission is not locked in the P (Park) position and the parking brake is fully engaged. Before leaving the driver’s seat, always make sure the shift lever is engaged in P (Park), set the parking brake fully and shut the engine off.

Starting the engine
WARNING – Proper footwear
Always wear appropriate shoes when operating your vehicle. Unsuitable shoes (high heels, ski boots, sandals, etc.) may interfere with your ability to use the brake and accelerator pedal.

1. Make sure the parking brake is applied.
2.  Place the transaxle shift lever in P (Park). Depress the brake pedal fully.
   You can also start the engine when the shift lever is in the N (Neutral) position.
3. Turn the ignition switch to START and hold it there until the engine starts (a maximum of 10 seconds), then release the key.
   It should be started without depressing the accelerator.
4. Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the vehicle remains stationary.
   Start driving at moderate engine speeds. (Steep accelerating and decelerating should be avoided.)
   If the engine stalls while you are in motion, do not attempt to move the shift lever to the P (Park) position. If traffic and road conditions permit, you may put the shift lever in the N (Neutral) position while the vehicle is still moving and turn the ignition switch to the START position in an attempt to restart the engine.

CAUTION – Starter Do not engage the starter for more than 10 seconds. If the engine stalls or fails to start, wait 5 to 10 seconds before re-engaging the starter. Improper use of the starter may damage it.

Starting and stopping the engine for the turbocharger intercooler

1. Do not race or accelerate the engine immediately after starting. If the engine is cold, idle for several seconds before sufficient lubrication is ensured in the turbocharger unit.
2. After high speed or extended driv-ing, requiring a heavy engine load, run the engine on idle condition about 1 minute before turning it off. This idle time will allow the tur-bocharger to cool prior to shutting the engine off.

ENGINE START/STOP BUTTON (IF EQUIPPED)

Illuminated ENGINE START/STOP button
Whenever the front door is opened, the ENGINE START/STOP button will illuminate for your convenience. The light will go off after about 30 seconds when the door is closed.
When all entrances are closed, if you lock the vehicle by using the transmitter or the smart key, the light will go off immediately.

ENGINE START/STOP button position
To turn off the engine (START/RUN position) or vehicle power (ON posi-tion), press the ENGINE START/STOP button with the shift lever in the P (Park) position. When you press the ENGINE START/STOP button without the shift lever in the P (Park) position, the ENGINE START/STOP button will not change to the OFF position but to the ACC position. In an emergency situation while the vehicle is in motion, you are able to turn the engine off and to the ACC position by pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button for more than 2 seconds or 3 times successively within 3 seconds. If the vehicle is still moving, you can restart the engine without depressing the brake pedal by pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button with the shift lever in the N (Neutral) position.

• ACC (Accessory)
  Press the ENGINE START/STOP button while it is in the OFF position without depressing the brake pedal.
  If the ENGINE START/STOP button is in the ACC position for more than 1 hour, the button is turned off auto-matically to prevent battery dis-charge.
• ON
  Press the ENGINE START/STOP button while it is in the ACC position without depressing the brake pedal.
  The warning lights can be checked before the engine is started. Do not leave the ENGINE START/STOP button in the ON position for a long time. The battery may discharge, because the engine is not running.
• START/RUN
  To start the engine, depress the brake pedal and press the ENGINE START/ STOP button with the shift lever in the P (Park) or the N (Neutral) position. For your safety, start the engine with the shift lever in the P (Park) position.
  If you press the ENGINE START/STOP button without depressing the brake pedal for automatic transaxle vehicles, the engine will not start and the ENGINE START/STOP button changes as follow:
  OFF ➔ ACC ➔ ON ➔ OFF or ACC

FAQ