Kia Sportage 2023 Important Safety Precautions and Seat Belts 

In the ever-changing world of car safety, the 2023 Kia Sportage is a shining example of how to be safe. It combines modern technology, safe driving habits, and the most important thing of all: wearing a seat belt. As a car designed to keep its passengers safe, the Sportage puts safety at the top of its design concept. It encourages drivers and passengers to take extra safety precautions that go beyond its strong safety features. At the heart of this safety-conscious journey are the seat belts, which are essential to the health and safety of every passenger and make sure that every trip in the Sportage is not only thrilling but also safe. In this in-depth look, we explore the many aspects of the 2023 Kia Sportage’s safety features and seat belt usage, revealing important factors and instructions that give people the confidence, peace of mind, and unwavering commitment to safety they need to start their journeys.

2023 KIA SPORTAGE Specs, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure) 

Important safety precautions

You will find many safety precautions and recommendations throughout this section, and throughout this manual.
The safety precautions in this section are among the most important.

Always wear your seat belt
A seat belt is your best protection in all types of accidents. Airbags are designed to supplement seat belts, not replace them. So even though your vehicle is equipped with airbags, ALWAYS fasten your seat belt and make sure all of your passengers have properly fastened their seat belts or restraints before placing the vehicle in motion.

Restrain all children
All children under age 13 should ride in your vehicle properly restrained in a rear seat, not the front seat. Infants and small children should be restrained in an appropriate child restraint. Larger children should use a booster seat with the lap/shoulder belt until they can use the seat belt properly without a booster seat.

Airbag hazards
While airbags can save lives, they can also cause serious or fatal injuries to occupants who sit too close to them, or who are not properly restrained. Infants, young children, and shorter adults are at the greatest risk of being injured by an inflating airbag. Follow all instructions and warnings in this manual.

Driver distraction
Driver distraction presents a serious and potentially deadly danger, especially for inexperienced drivers. Safety should be the first concern when behind the wheel and drivers need to be aware of the wide array of potential distractions, such as drowsiness, reaching for objects, eating, personal grooming, other passengers, and using cellular phones. Drivers can become distracted when they take their eyes and attention off the road or their hands off the wheel to focus on activities other than driving. To reduce your risk of distraction or getting into an accident:

• ALWAYS set up your mobile devices (i.e., MP3 players, phones, navigation units, etc.) when your vehicle is parked or safely stopped.
•  ONLY use your mobile device when allowed by laws and when conditions permit safe use. NEVER text or email while driving. Most states have laws prohibiting drivers from texting. Some states and cities also prohibit drivers from using handheld phones.
• NEVER let the use of a mobile device distract you from driving. You have a responsibility to your passengers and others on the road to always drive safely, with your hands on the wheel as well as your eyes and attention on the road.

Control your speed
Excessive speed is a major factor in crash injuries and deaths. Generally, the higher the speed, the greater the risk, but serious injuries can also occur at lower speeds. Never drive faster than is safe for current driving conditions, regardless of the maximum speed posted.

Keep your vehicle in a safe condition
Having a tire blowout or a mechanical failure can be extremely hazardous. To reduce the possibility of such problems, check your tire pressures and conditions frequently, and perform all regularly scheduled maintenance.

Seat

Front seat

1.  Sliding: Forward and Backward
2.  Reclining: Back angle
3.  Seat cushion height
4. Seat cushion tilt
5. Lumbar support*
6. Driver position memory system*
7. Headrest
   Rear seat
8. Seat back folding
9.  Armrest
10. Headrest
11. Seatback folding*
    : if equipped

WARNING
Loose objects
Loose objects in the driver’s foot area could interfere with the operation of the foot pedals, possibly causing an accident. Do not place anything under the front seats.

WARNING
Up righting seat
Do not press the release lever on a manual seatback without holding and controlling the seatback. The seatback will spring upright, possibly impacting you or other passengers.

WARNING
Driver responsibility for passengers

The driver must advise the passengers to keep the seatback in an upright position whenever the vehicle is in motion. If a seat is reclined during an accident, the restraint system’s ability to restrain the passenger will be greatly reduced.

WARNING
Seat cushion
Occupants should never sit on aftermarket seat cushions or sitting cushions. The passenger Occupant Detection System may not operate properly, or the passenger’s hips may slide under the lap portion of the seat belt during an accident or a sudden stop.

WARNING
Driver’s seat

• Never attempt to adjust the seat while the vehicle is moving. This could result in loss of control of your vehicle.
•  Do not allow anything to interfere with the normal position of the seatback. For example, storing items against the seatback could result in serious or fatal injury in a sudden stop or collision.
•  Sit as far back as possible from the steering wheel while still maintaining comfortable control of your vehicle. A distance of at least 10 in (25 cm) from your chest to the steering wheel is recommended. Failure to do so can result in air bag inflation injuries to the driver.

WARNING
Rear seatbacks
Always lock the rear seatback before driving. Failure to do so could result in passengers or objects being thrown forward, injuring vehicle occupants.

WARNING
Unexpected Seat Movement
After adjusting a manual seat, always check that it is locked by shifting your weight to the front and to the back. Sudden or unexpected movement of the driver’s seat could cause you to lose control of the vehicle.

WARNING
Seat adjustment

• Do not adjust the seat while wearing seat belts. Moving the seat forward will cause strong pressure on the abdomen.
• Do not place your hand near the seat bottom or seat track while adjusting the seat. Your hand could get caught in the seat mechanism.

WARNING
Luggage and Cargo
Do not stack or pile luggage or cargo higher than the seatback in the cargo area. In an accident, the cargo could strike and injure a passenger. If objects are large, heavy or must be piled, they must be secured in the cargo area.

WARNING
Cargo Area
Do not allow passengers to ride in the cargo area under any circumstance. The cargo area is solely for the purpose of transporting luggage or cargo.

WARNING
Small Objects
Use extreme caution when picking up small objects trapped under the seats or between the seat and the center console. Your hands might be cut or injured by the sharp edges of the seat mechanism.

Feature of Seat Leather

• Our car seats are upholstered with a combination of artificial and genuine leather. Genuine leather is made from the outer skin of an animal, which goes through a special process to be available for use. Since it is a natural substance, each part differs in thickness or density. Also, wrinkles could appear depending on the temperature and humidity.
•  The seat cover is made of stretchable material to improve the comfort of passengers.
•  The parts contacting the body are curved and the side supporting area is high which provides driving comfort and stability.

CAUTION

•  Belts with metallic accessories, zippers or keys inside the back pocket may damage the seat fabric.
• Make sure not to wet the seat. It may change the leather.
• Jeans or clothes which could bleach may contaminate the surface of the seat covering fabric.

NOTICE
Wrinkles or abrasions may appear naturally from usage. It is not a fault of the product. Wrinkles or abrasions are not covered by warranty.

Infotainment system

Select Setting → Vehicle → Seat from the Settings menu in the infotainment system screen, you may use various convenience functions.

• Seat position change alert: When the seat position changes, details of the change are shown with a seat image.
•  Seat Easy Access
  • Seat Slide Easy Access (fwd awd) access (Normal/Extended/Off) the seat automatically moves when the driver enters or leaves the vehicle may be selected.
    For detailed information, refer to the separately supplied infotainment system manual.
    * The information provided may differ according to which functions are applicable to your vehicle.

Front seat adjustment for a manual seat (if equipped)

The front seat can be adjusted by using the control levers located on the outside of the seat cushion.

Moving forward and backward
Adjust the seat before driving, and make sure the seat is locked securely by trying to move forward and backward without using the lever. If the seat moves, it is not locked properly.

To move the seat forward or backwards:

1. Pull the seat slide adjustment lever up and hold it.
2.  Slide the seat to the position you desire.
3. Release the lever and make sure the seat is locked in place.

Reclining seatback

To recline the seatback:

1. Lean forward slightly and lift up the seatback recline lever.
2. Carefully lean back on the seat and adjust the seatback of seat to the position you desire.
3. Release the lever and make sure the seatback is locked in place. (The lever MUST return to its original position for the seatback to lock.)

WARNING
Reclining seatback
Sitting in a reclined position when the vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even when buckled up, the protections of your restraint system (seat belts and/or airbags) are greatly reduced by reclining your seatback.
Seat belts must be snug against your hips and chest to work properly. When the seatback is reclined, the shoulder belt cannot do its job because it will not be snug against your chest. Instead, it will be in front of you. During an accident, you could be thrown into the seat belt, causing neck or other injuries.
The more the seatback is reclined, the greater the chance the passenger’s hips will slide under the lap belt or the passenger’s neck will strike or become entangled in the shoulder belt.

Changing seat cushion height (if equipped)

To change the height of the seat cushion, push the lever upwards or downwards.

• To lower the seat cushion, push down the lever several times.
•  To raise the seat cushion, pull up the lever several times.

Front seat adjustment for power seat (if equipped)
The front seat can be adjusted by using the control switches located on the outside of the seat cushion.
Before driving, adjust the seat to the proper position so you can easily control the steering wheel, pedals, and switches on the instrument panel.

CAUTION
Power seating adjustments

• The power seating controls function by an electronic motor. Excessive operation may cause damage to the electrical equipment.
•  Do not operate two or more power seat control switches at the same time. Doing so may damage the power seat motor or electrical components.

Moving forward and backward

To move the seat forward or backwards:

1. Push the control switch forward or backwards to move the seat to the desired position.
2. Release the switch once the seat reaches the desired position.

Reclining seatback

To recline the seatback:

1. Push the control switch forward or backward to move the seatback to the desired angle
2. Release the switch once the seat reaches the desired position.

Changing seat cushion tilt and height

To change the height of the seat:

• Pull the front portion (1) of the control switch up to raise or press down to lower the front part of the seat cushion.
•  Pull the rear portion (2) of the control switch up to raise or press down to lower the back part of the seat cushion.
• Release the switch once the seat reaches the desired position.

Adjusting lumbar support for the driver’s seat (if equipped)

The lumbar support can be adjusted by pressing the lumbar support switch on the side of the seat.

1. Press the front portion (1) of the switch to increase support, or the rear portion (2) of the switch, to decrease support.
2. Release the switch once it reaches the desired position.

2023 KIA SPORTAGE Specs, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure) 

Headrest for front seat

The driver’s and front passenger’s seats are equipped with a headrest for the occupant’s safety and comfort.

The headrest not only provides comfort for the driver and front passenger but also helps protect the head and neck in the event of a rear collision.
For maximum effectiveness in case of an accident, the headrest should be adjusted so the middle of the headrest is as high as the center of gravity of an occupant’s head. Generally, the center of gravity of most people’s heads is similar to the height of the top of their eyes.
Also, adjust the headrest as close to your head as possible. For this reason, the use of a cushion that holds the body away from the seatback is not recommended.

WARNING
Headrest removal/adjustment

• Do not operate the vehicle with the headrests removed. Headrests can provide critical neck and head support in a crash.
•  Do not adjust the headrest height while the vehicle is in motion. The driver may lose control of the vehicle.

CAUTION
Excessive pulling or pushing may damage the headrest.

Adjusting the height up and down

To raise the headrest:

• Pull it up to the desired position (1).
•  To lower the headrest, push and hold the release button (2) on the headrest support.
• Lower the headrest to the desired position (3).

NOTICE
If you recline the seatback towards the front with the headrest and seat cushion raised, the headrest may come in con-tact with the sun visor or other parts of the vehicle.

Removing headrest

Type A

Type B

To remove the headrest:

1. Recline the seatback (2) with the recline lever or switch (1).
2. Raise the headrest as far as it can go.
3.  Press the headrest release button (3) while pulling the headrest up (4).

WARNING
Removing headrest
NEVER allow anyone to ride in a seat with the headrest removed or reversed. Headrests can provide critical neck and head support in a crash.

Reinstalling headrest

Type A

Type B

To reinstall the headrest:

1. Put the headrest poles (2) into the holes while pressing the release button (1).
2. Recline the seatback (4) with the recline lever or switch (3).
3. Adjust the headrest to the appropriate height.

WARNING
Headrest Reinstallation
To reduce the risk of injury to the head or neck, always make sure the headrest is locked into position and adjusted properly after reinstalling.

Seatback pocket (if equipped)

There is a pocket (1) in the front seat back for storing simple books or atlases, and USB charger (2) (if equipped) for rear passengers.

WARNING
Seatback pockets
Do not put heavy or sharp objects in the seatback pockets. In an accident, they could come loose from the pocket and injure vehicle occupants.

Headrest for rear seat

The rear seat is equipped with headrests in all the seating positions for the occupant’s safety and comfort.

The headrest not only provides comfort for passengers but also helps protect the head and neck in the event of a collision.
To maximize the effectiveness in case of accidents, the headrest should be adjusted so the middle of the headrest is as high as the center of gravity of an occupant’s head. Generally, the center of gravity of most people’s heads is similar to the height as the top of their eyes. Also, adjust the headrest as close to your head as possible. For this reason, the use of a cushion that holds the body away from the seatback is not recommended.

Adjusting the height up and down

• To raise the headrest, pull it up to the desired position (1).
•  To lower the headrest, push and hold the release button (2) on the headrest support and lower the headrest to the desired position (3).

Removal and reinstallation (if equipped)

•  To remove the headrest, raise it as far as it can go then press the release button (1) while pulling the headrest upward (2).
•  To reinstall the headrest, put the headrest poles (3) into the holes while pressing the release button (1). Then adjust it to the appropriate height and ensure that it locks in position.

Armrest (if equipped)

To use the armrest, pull it forward from the seatback.

Folding the rear seat

The rear seatbacks may be folded to facilitate carrying long items or to increase the luggage capacity of the vehicle.

WARNING
Folded Seatback
The purpose of the fold-down rear seat-backs is to allow you to carry longer objects that could not otherwise be accommodated.

• Never allow a passenger to sit on top of the folded-down seatback while the car is moving. This is not a proper seating position since no seat belts are available for use. This could result in serious injury or death, for example, in case of an accident or sudden stop.

WARNING
When folding the seatback, be sure to hold the seatback or headrest with your hands.

CAUTION
When folding or unfolding a rear seat, make sure to lower the seat’s headrest as much as possible and put the front seat’s seatback in the upright position.
If there is any interference when folding or unfolding the seat, the interfered area of the seat may be damaged.

Folding down the rear seatback

1. Set the front seatback to the upright position and, if necessary, slide the front seat forward.
2. Lower the rear headrests to the lowest position.
   WARNING
   Objects
   Objects carried on the folded-down seatback should not extend higher than the top of the front seatback. Otherwise, cargo may slide forward and cause injury or damage during sudden stops.
   
3. When folding the seatback, insert therein seat belt buckle in the pocket between the rear seatback and cushion. Make sure both seat belts do not interfere with stowed luggage and cargo. Then, the seat belt webbing should be placed in the webbing guide to prevent the seat belt from being damaged by loaded cargo, etc. If the seat belt is loose, it may cause damage or noise. In that case, return the seatback to the upright position and put the webbing out from the guide to realign it.
   
4. Pull on the seatback folding lever, then fold the seat toward the front of the vehicle. When you return the seatback to its upright position, always be sure it has locked into position by pushing on the top of the seatback.

Type A

Type B (if equipped)

Unfolding the rear seat

1. To use the rear seat, lift and pull the seatback backward while pulling on the seatback folding lever. Pull the seatback firmly until it clicks into place. Make sure the seatback is locked in place. When you return the seatback to its upright position, always be sure it has locked into position by pushing on the top of the seat-back.
2. Return the rear seat belt to the proper position.
3. When the seatback is completely installed, check the seatback folding lever again.
4. If you want to tilt the rear seatback a bit more while pulling on the seat-back folding lever and push the top of the rear seatback towards the rear. Then release the lever and make sure that the rear seat is firmly locked.

WARNING
Uprighting seat
When you return the seatback to its upright position, hold the seatback and return it slowly. If the seatback is returned without holding it, the back of the seat could spring forward, resulting in injury caused by being struck by the seatback.

WARNING
Rear seatback
To ensure maximum protection in the event of an accident or sudden stop, when returning the rear seat to the upright position:

• Be careful not to damage the seat belt webbing or buckle.
•  Do not allow the seat belt webbing or buckle to become pinched or caught in the rear seat.
• Ensure the seatback is completely locked into its upright position by pushing on the top of the seatback. Failure to adhere to any of these instructions could result in serious injury or death in the event of a crash.

CAUTION
Damaging rear seat belt buckles
When you fold the rear seatback, insert the buckle between the rear seatback and cushion. Doing so can prevent the buckle from being damaged by the rear seatback.

CAUTION
Rear seat belts
When returning the rear seatbacks to the upright position, remember to return the rear shoulder belts to their proper position.

WARNING
Unless the driver’s position is properly set according to the driver’s physical figure, do not fold the rear seat. It may increase bodily injuries in a sudden stop or collision.

CAUTION
Be careful when loading cargo through the rear passenger seats to prevent damage to the vehicle interior.

WARNING
Cargo
Cargo should always be secured to prevent it from being thrown about the vehicle in a collision and causing injury to the vehicle occupants. Do not place objects in the rear seats, since they can not be properly secured and may hit the front seat occupants in a collision.

Cargo loading
Make sure the engine is off, the transmission is in P (Park) and the parking brake is securely applied whenever loading or unloading cargo. Failure to take these steps may allow the vehicle to move if the shift lever is inadvertently moved to another position.

FAQ