Kia Sportage: Exterior features. Roof rack: (if equipped)

Roof rack: (if equipped)

If your Kia Sportage has a roof rack, you can use it to carry cargo or compatible accessories, such as a cargo carrier or roof tent.

The roof rack shown may differ in appearance from the one fitted to your vehicle.

Secure cargo and accessories directly to the roof rack or attach them to Kia cross members, which are available from an authorised Kia dealer.

NOTE

• If cross members are fitted, position them at the designated load-carrying points before placing cargo on the roof rack.

• If you hear wind noise when the roof rack is empty, reposition the cross members as needed.

CAUTION

• Secure roof cargo carefully and make sure it cannot damage the vehicle’s roof.

• Large items must not extend beyond the overall length or width of the roof.

• If your Kia Sportage has a sunroof, make sure roof cargo does not obstruct its operation.

• Do not operate the sunroof while carrying cargo on the roof rack.

• Never place a load directly on the sunroof or roof panels. They are not designed to support cargo and may break. Keep all items clear of the sunroof’s moving parts.

• Do not operate the sunroof while roof cargo or accessories are fitted.

Load limits

When the vehicle is parked, the Kia roof rack can support up to 400 kg (880 lb), provided the load is distributed evenly from side to side and front to back.

While driving, never carry more than 100 kg (220 lb) of cargo and accessories on the roof rack.

Accessory-mounted load limits may be lower. Check the label on each accessory before loading it.

Never exceed the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which includes the combined weight of occupants and cargo.

WARNING

• Never drive with occupants and cargo whose combined weight exceeds the GVWR. Doing so may affect vehicle control and cause an accident.

• Never drive with more than 100 kg (220 lb) on the roof rack. An excessive roof load can make the vehicle difficult to control and increase the risk of a rollover.

• Roof accessory load limits may vary. Check the accessory label before placing cargo on it.

• A roof load raises the Kia Sportage’s centre of gravity and changes how it handles. Avoid sudden starts or braking, sharp turns, abrupt manoeuvres and high speeds, as these can lead to loss of control or a rollover.

• Drive slowly and take corners carefully when carrying roof cargo. Strong gusts caused by passing vehicles or other conditions can create sudden upward force, especially on large, flat items such as panels or mattresses. Cargo may come loose or fall, damaging your vehicle or putting others at risk.

• Ignoring these precautions may result in serious injury or death.

CAUTION

• Excessive loading may damage the roof rack.

• Overloading the vehicle may also cause vehicle damage.

Securing items to the roof rack

Plan how you will load and secure cargo before placing it on the roof rack. Confirm that the items can be firmly restrained and that you have the necessary equipment. Ask someone to help when needed.

Secure each item so that it does not extend too far forward, rearward or to either side.

Do not let cargo block your view through the windscreen or obstruct the front view camera or High Mounted Stop Lamp.

Follow local laws for flags and signals required on cargo that extends beyond the rear of the vehicle.

Consider how wind will affect cargo and accessories while driving. Flexible items, such as mattresses, can bend under wind pressure. Airflow from the vehicle’s movement, passing traffic or natural gusts can create sudden upward or downward forces. This may damage the cargo, cross members, roof rack or attachments, obstruct visibility, distract the driver or affect vehicle control.

Before loading and securing cargo, park the Kia Sportage on firm, level ground, select P (Park) and apply the parking brake.

If cargo is covered, secure the cover so that it cannot blow away or distract the driver.

After driving a short distance, stop and check that the cargo and attachments remain secure. Repeat these checks periodically during the journey.

Securing accessories

Before fitting an accessory, such as a cargo carrier or roof tent, confirm that it is compatible with your Kia’s roof rack.

Read the accessory manufacturer’s manual and check its online information. Do not install an accessory that the manufacturer identifies as incompatible.

For further guidance, contact the accessory manufacturer or a Kia dealer.

Follow the accessory manufacturer’s instructions, warnings and cautions, as well as the guidance provided here.

Roof tents

When using a roof tent, observe these additional precautions:

• Make sure the occupants’ weight does not exceed the roof rack’s load capacity.

• Before use, confirm that the roof tent is securely attached to the cross members and roof rails.

• Never move the vehicle while anyone is inside the roof tent.

• Never leave the engine running while people are in the roof tent. Do not operate an internal-combustion engine, generator, gas stove, gas lantern or other fuel-burning device near an occupied roof tent or awning. These devices produce carbon monoxide, a colourless, odourless and deadly gas.

• Follow all instructions, warnings and cautions supplied by the roof tent manufacturer.

WARNING

Failure to follow these precautions or the accessory manufacturer’s instructions may damage the Kia Sportage, the cargo or other vehicles. It may also cause an accident resulting in serious injury or death.

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