Loading recommendations

There are a number of things 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

  • Position objects so they are pressing against the rear seat backrests.
  • Distribute the load evenly.
  • 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 compartment space 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.

Raising/lowering the rear end of the vehicle*

The rear end of the vehicle can be lowered or raised for easier loading or to facilitate attaching a trailer*.

The controls for raising/lowering are located at the rear edge of the cargo compartment's right side panel.

P5-1507 Rear leveling switches
Controls for raising/lowering the rear end of the vehicle.

The controls consist of two buttons ‒ one button for lowering and one button for raising the rear end. Press and hold the relevant button until the desired height is reached.

The rear end of the vehicle cannot be raised higher than its normal height.

The rear end will return to the normal height when the vehicle begins driving.

 Note

It is not possible to adjust the height of the vehicle's rear when one or more of the doors or the hood is open. This does not apply to the tailgate.

 Warning

Make sure that no people, animals or objects are found under the vehicle when it is lowered. This could endanger life and cause damage to the vehicle or objects.
  1. * Option/accessory.