Loading recommendations

There are a number of things that are important to consider when carrying loads in or on the vehicle.

Load-carrying capacity is determined by the vehicle's curb weight. The total weight of all passengers and any installed accessories reduces the vehicle's load-carrying capacity by the corresponding amount.

 Warning

The vehicle's driving characteristics change depending on the weight and position of the load.

Loading the cargo compartment/trunk

Keep the following in mind when loading:
  • Position objects so they are pressing against the rear seat backrests.
  • Heavy objects should be positioned as low as possible. Avoid placing heavy objects on folded-down seat backrests.
  • Cover sharp corners with a soft cloth or similar to help prevent damage to the upholstery.
  • Use the load anchoring eyelets and tensioning straps or similar to secure all objects.

 Warning

In a head-on collision at a speed of 50 km/h (30 mph), an unsecured object weighing 20 kg (44 pounds) can reach a projectile weight equivalent to 1000 kg (2200 pounds).

 Warning

If objects are loaded higher than the upper edge of the side windows, leave a 10 cm (4 in.) space between the objects and the window. Objects placed closer to this could impede the function of the inflatable curtain concealed inside the headlining.

 Warning

Always secure the load. Otherwise, it may shift during heavy braking and injure people in the vehicle.

Cover sharp edges and sharp corners with something soft.

Turn off the engine and apply the parking brake when loading/unloading long objects. Otherwise, it is possible for the load to reach the gear lever or gear selector and move it to a drive position – which could cause the vehicle to begin rolling.

Extra cargo space

The rear seat backrests can be folded down to increase cargo space in the cargo compartment/trunk and simplify loading. If the rear seat backrests are folded down, make sure that no objects loaded into the vehicle prevent the WHIPS system for the front seats from functioning correctly.

The ski hatch* in the rear seat can be folded down to carry skis or other long, thin objects.

  1. * Option/accessory.