Kia Stinger 2023 All-Wheel Drive (AWD) User Guide

The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system in the 2023 Kia Stinger is the perfect example of precision and performance. It combines traction and control with a strong commitment to driver trust. AWD is an optional feature that improves the Stinger’s performance by sending power to all four wheels. This improves the car’s stability, grip, and ability to turn in a wide range of weather conditions, from rainy streets to snowy ones. With its front-wheel bias for efficiency and instantaneous power distribution changes, this AWD system works well with the Stinger’s powerful engine choices to make driving responsive and exciting. AWD gives the Stinger an extra layer of control and performance on top of its ability to handle bad weather. This creates an unbreakable bond between the driver and the road, which is what this fast grand tourer is all about.

2023 Kia Stinger Specs, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)

All-wheel drive (AWD)

Using All 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 appears, 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 conditions such as sand, mud or water
  (Refer to “Maintenance under severe usage conditions – Turbo Models (For Smartstream G2.5 FR T-GDi)” on page 7-11.).
• interval if you drive in off-road conditions such as sand, mud or water
  (Refer to “Maintenance under severe usage conditions – Turbo Models (For Smartstream G2.5 FR T-GDi)” on page 7-11.). by a flatbed tow truck.

2023 Kia Stinger Specs, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)

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.

NOTIC
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 “Rocking the vehicle” on page 5-137. 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 18 mph 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 “Winter driving” on page 5-141.

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.

Emergency precautions Tires

WARNING
Do not use tires and wheels of a different size and type than the ones originally installed on your vehicle. It can affect the safety and performance of your vehicle, which could lead to increased steering difficulty or rollover causing serious injury. When replacing the tires, be sure to equip all four tires with the tire and wheel of the same size, type, tread, brand and load-carrying capacity.
In case of emergency such as tire puncture, repair it using TMK (Tire Mobility Kit) for temporary use. Afterwards, have the tire be inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

WARNING

Never start or run the engine while an AWD vehicle is raised on a jack .The vehicle can slip or roll off of a jack causing serious injury or death to you or those nearby.

Towing
AWD vehicles must be towed with a wheel lift and dollies or flatbed equipment with all the wheels off the ground. For more information, refer to “Towing” on page 6-27.

Vehicle inspection

• When the vehicle is on a car lift, do not operate the front and rear wheels separately. All four wheels should be operated.
•  Never engage the parking brake while running the engine on a car lift. This may damage the AWD system.

Dynamometer testing
An AWD vehicle must be tested on a special four-wheel chassis dynamometer.
An AWD vehicle should not be tested on a 2WD roll tester. If a 2WD roll tester must be used, perform the following procedure:

1.  Check the tire pressures recommended for your vehicle.
2.  Place the rear wheels on the roll tester for a speedometer test as shown in the illustration.
3.  Release the parking brake.
4. Place the front wheels on the temporary free roller as shown in the illustration.

WARNING
Keep away from the front of the vehicle while the vehicle is in gear on the dynamometer. The vehicle can jump forward and cause serious injury or death.

2023 Kia Stinger Specs, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)

Limited Slip Differential (LSD)(if equipped)

Limited Slip Differential (LSD) refers to a system equipped with a mechanism that controls the differential functions of the wheels in the Rear Differential. The Lim-ited Slip Differential helps improve handling performance when circling.
Never run wheels with one of them lifted by the jack. It is extremely dangerous for a vehicle equipped with Limited Slip Differential.
Be sure to inject oil for exclusive use of LSD when replacing Rear Differential
(for LSD) Oil.

NOTICE
For vehicles equipped with the LSD, internal friction sound may be heard when cornering. These conditions are normal and indicate that LSD is function-ing properly. If the internal friction sound gradually increases, we recommend that the Rear Differential (for LSD) oil be changed by an authorized Kia dealer.

FAQ