Page 265 of 514
264 Controls in detailDriving systemsThe following vehicle level settings can be
selected when the vehicle is stationary and
the engine is running:Vehicle level
when stationary
Indicator lamp
Suspension
tuning
Use for
Ride height increase
over normal
Automatic lowering
Normal
Lamp off
Comfort
For driving on normal
roads
None
Max. approx. 0.4 in (10 mm)
Normal
Lamp off
Sport 1 or 2
For driving on normal
roads
None
Max. approx. 0.6 in (15 mm)
Raised
Lamp on
Comfort
For driving on rough
roads or with snow
chains
Approx. 0.8 in (20 mm)
Max. approx. 1.2 in (30 mm)
Raised
Lamp on
Sport 1 or 2
For driving on rough
roads or with snow
chains
Approx. 0.8 in (20 mm)
Max. approx. 1.4 in (35 mm)
Page 266 of 514
265 Controls in detail
Driving systems
The button is located in the lower section
of the center console.
1Vehicle level control button
2Indicator lamp
Start the engine (
page 52).
Briefly press button1 to change from
normal level to raised level. When vehi-
cle is at raised level, pressing the but-
ton will return the vehicle to normal
level.
When raised level is set, indicator
lamp2 in the button comes on.
When normal level is set, indicator
lamp 2 in the button goes out.
i
At a speed of approximately above 75 mph
(120 km / h) or if the speed amounts to between
50 mph (80 km / h) and 75 mph (120 km / h) for
approximately 5 minutes, the setting raised is
canceled. The indicator lamp 2 in the button
goes out.
If you do not drive in this speed range, the raised
level remains stored even if the SmartKey is re-
moved from the starter switch.
Page 267 of 514

266 Controls in detailLoadingSplit rear bench seat
To expand the cargo compartment, you
can fold down the left and right rear seat
backrests.
The two sections can be folded down sep-
arately to enlarge the cargo compartment.Folding the backrest forward
1Release catch
2Seat cushion
Pull release catch1 and use it to pull
seat cushion2 up.1Release catch
2Seat backrest
Pull release catch1 up.
The seat backrest is released and the
head restraints fold back.
Fold the seat backrest2 forward.
Warning!
G
When expanding the cargo compartment, al-
ways fold the seat cushions fully forward.
Unless you are transporting cargo, the back-
rests must remain properly locked in the up-
right position.
In an accident, during hard braking or sud-
den maneuvers, loose items will be thrown
around inside the vehicle, and cause injury
to vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
Always use the cargo tie down rings
(page 270).
!
To prevent damage, the following must be
observed before folding the rear seat backrest
forward:
the head restraints must be folded back and
fully inserted
the front seat must be moved into its
front-most position
the seat cushions must be folded forward
i
If the rear center seat is to be occupied
while driving, it may be necessary to fold the seat
belt buckle up again.
Page 268 of 514
267 Controls in detail
Loading
Returning seat backrest to original po-
sition
1Seat cushion
2Seat backrest
Swing seat backrest2 to the rear until
it engages.
Swing seat cushion1 to the rear and
press down from the rear of the cush-
ion until it audibly engages.
Swing the head restraint forward by
hand until it engages.
Warning!
G
Always lock backrest in its upright position
when rear seat bench is occupied, or the ex-
tended cargo compartment is not in use.
Check for secure locking by pushing and
pulling on the backrest.
In an accident, during hard braking or sud-
den maneuvers, loose items will be thrown
around inside the vehicle, and cause injury
to vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a colli-
sion or sudden maneuver, exercise care
when transporting cargo.
Page 269 of 514

268 Controls in detailLoadingAdjusting seat backrest position
1Release catch
2Seat backrest
Pull right seat release catch1 up and
fold seat backrest forward.
With the seat backrest released, pull
release catch1 up again.
Pull left seat release catch1 up and
fold seat backrest forward.
With the seat backrest released, pull
release catch1 up again.
Fold left seat backrest to the rear until
it engages.
Fold right seat backrest to the rear until
it engages.
The seat backrests are now in the alter-
native position.
Expanding the cargo compartment
Removing the rear seat cushions will pro-
vide you with a larger, flat cargo compart-
ment.
Fold the seat cushions forward
(page 266).
1Release lever
Pull seat cushion release lever1 and
remove the seat cushion by pulling it
upward.
Remove the head restraints
(page 130).
i
The seat backrests can be placed in an alter-
native upright position. This creates a larger car-
go compartment area or provides for improved
seating comfort on the folding bench seat, if re-
quired.
Page 270 of 514
269 Controls in detail
Loading
Fold the seat backrest forward
(page 266).
Loading instructions
The total load weight including vehicle oc-
cupants and luggage/cargo should not ex-
ceed the load limit indicated on the
corresponding placard located on the driv-
er’s door B-pillar.The handling characteristics of a fully load-
ed vehicle depend greatly on the load dis-
tribution. It is therefore recommended to
load the vehicle according to the illustra-
tions shown, with the heaviest items being
placed towards the front of the vehicle.
Always place items being carried against
front or rear seat backrests, and fasten
them as securely as possible.
The heaviest portion of the cargo should al-
ways be kept as low as possible since it in-
fluences the handling characteristics of
the vehicle.
!
Leave the seat cushion hinge in this posi-
tion. The upholstery could be damaged if you fold
the hinge back.
Page 271 of 514

270 Controls in detailLoading
Cargo tie-down rings
Four rings1 are located in the cargo com-
partment.
Carefully secure cargo by applying
even load on all rings with rope of suffi-
cient strength to hold down the cargo.
Always follow loading instructions
(page 269).Rear seat
There is a cargo tie-down ring1 located
on each side of the footwell under the rear
seat.
Warning!
G
Always fasten items being carried as secure-
ly as possible using cargo tie-down rings and
fastening materials appropriate for the
weight and size of the load.
In an accident, during hard braking or sud-
den maneuvers, loose items will be thrown
around inside the vehicle and can cause in-
jury to vehicle occupants unless the items
are securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a colli-
sion or sudden maneuver, exercise care
when transporting cargo. Put luggage or car-
go in the cargo compartment if possible. Do
not pile luggage or cargo higher than the
seat backs.
Never drive vehicle with tailgate open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in uncon-
sciousness and death.
Page 272 of 514

271 Controls in detail
Loading
Cargo management system* (Canada only)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a cargo
management system and accompanying
accessories which enable you to utilize
your cargo compartment in a variety of
ways. You can store the cargo manage-
ment system in the pouch that comes with
the vehicle.
1Cargo railsInserting the mounting elements into
the cargo rails
1Cargo rail
2Mounting element
You can move the mounting element to
various engaging points on the cargo rail
and fix it in place.
These engaging points are located
2 inches apart from one another on the
cargo rail and are indicated by markings.
Turn mounting element 2 toL.
Insert mounting element 2 in cargo
rail 1.
Turn mounting element 2 until it en-
gages in the‹ position.
You should be able to feel the mounting
element engage in the cargo rail.
i
The pouch and telescoping rod can be
placed in the storage box in the cargo compart-
ment.
i
You can turn the mounting element in the
cargo rail to four positions:
‹To lock the mounting element.
NTo insert or remove the cargo tie-down
ring, the belt reel or the telescoping rod.
LTo insert or remove the mounting ele-
ment.
STo move the mounting element to the
next engaging point.