Page 59 of 573

uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children
58Safe Driving
Most child seats are LATCH-compatible (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren). 
Some have a rigid-type connector, while others have a flexible-type connector. Both 
are equally easy to use. Some existing and previously owned child seats can only be 
installed using the seat belt. Whichever type you choose, follow the child seat 
manufacturer’s use and care instructions as well as the instructions in this manual. 
Proper installation is key to maximizing your child’s safety. 
In seating positions and vehicles not equipped with LATCH, a LATCH compatible 
child seat can be installed using the seat belt and a top tether for added security. 
This is because all child seats are required to be designed so that they can be secured 
with a lap belt or the lap part of a lap/shoulder belt. In addition, the child seat 
manufacturer may advise that a seat belt be used to attach a LATCH-compatible seat 
once a child reaches a specified weight. Please read the child seat owner’s manual 
for proper installation instructions.■Important consideration when selecting a child seat
Make sure the child seat meets the following three requirements:
•The child seat is the correct type and size for the child.
•The child seat is the correct type for the seating position.
•The child seat is compliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 or 
Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.■Selecting a Child Seat
1Selecting a Child Seat
Installation of a LATCH-compatible child seat is 
simple.
LATCH-compatible child seats have been developed 
to simplify the installation process and reduce the 
likelihood of injuries caused by incorrect installation. 
     
        
        Page 62 of 573

Continued
61
uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children
Safe Driving
1.Place the child seat on the vehicle seat.
2.Route the seat belt through the child seat 
according to the seat maker’s instructions, 
and insert the latch plate into the buckle.
uInsert the latch plate fully until it clicks.
3.Slowly pull the shoulder part of the belt all 
the way out until it stops. This activates the 
lockable retractor.
4.Let the seat belt completely wind up into 
the retractor, then try to pull it out to make 
sure the retractor is locked.
uIf you are able to pull the shoulder belt 
out, the lockable retractor is not 
activated. Pull the seat belt all the way 
out, and repeat steps 3 – 4.
5.Grab the shoulder part of the seat belt near 
the buckle, and pull up to remove any slack 
from the lap part of the belt.
uWhen doing this, place your weight on 
the child seat and push it into the vehicle 
seat.
■Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt
1Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt
A child seat that is not properly secured will not 
adequately protect a child in a crash and may cause 
injury to the child or other vehicle occupants. 
     
        
        Page 66 of 573

65
uuChild SafetyuSafety of Larger Children
Safe Driving
If a lap/shoulder seat belt cannot be used 
properly, position the child in a booster seat in 
a rear seating position. For the child’s safety, 
check that the child meets the booster seat 
manufacturer’s recommendations.
Your vehicle has a rear seat where children can be properly restrained. If you ever 
have to carry a group of children, and a child must ride in front:
•Make sure you read and fully understand the instructions and safety information 
in this manual.
•Move the front passenger seat as far back as possible.
•Have the child sit upright and well back in the seat.
•Check that the seat belt is properly positioned so that the child is secure in the 
seat.
■Monitoring child passengers
We strongly recommend that you keep an eye on child passengers. Even older, more 
mature children sometimes need to be reminded to fasten their seat belts and sit up 
properly.■Booster Seats
1Booster Seats
When installing a booster seat, make sure to read the 
instructions that came with it, and install the seat 
accordingly.
There are high- and low-type booster seats. Choose a 
booster seat that allows the child to wear the seat 
belt correctly.
Some U.S. states and Canadian provinces and 
territories require children to use a booster seat until 
they reach a given age or weight (e.g. 6 years or 60 
lbs). Be sure to check current laws in the state or 
province, or territory where you intend to drive.
■Protecting Larger Children-Final Checks 
     
        
        Page 106 of 573
105Controls
Opening and Closing the TailgatePrecautions for Opening/Closing the TailgateAlways make sure individuals and objects are clear of the tailgate before opening or 
closing it.■Opening the tailgate
•Open the tailgate all the way.
uIf it is not fully opened, the tailgate may begin to close under its own weight.
•Be careful when it is windy. The wind may cause the tailgate to close.■Closing the tailgate
Keep the tailgate closed while driving to:
uAvoid possible damage.
uPrevent exhaust gas from leaking into the vehicle.2Carbon Monoxide Gas P. 66
1Precautions for Opening/Closing the Tailgate
Be careful not to put your hands between the tailgate 
and the cargo area when closing the gate.
When you are storing or picking up luggage from the 
cargo area while the engine is idling, do not stand in 
front of the exhaust pipe. You may get burned.
Do not allow any passenger in the cargo space. They 
may get hurt during hard braking, a sudden 
acceleration, or a crash. 
     
        
        Page 140 of 573

139
uuAdjusting the SeatsuRear Seats
Continued
Controls
Rear SeatsSeparately fold down the left and right halves of the rear seat to make room for 
cargo.■To fold down the seat
1.Lower the rear head restraint to its lowest position. Put the armrest back into the 
seat-back.
2.Pull the release lever.
2.Pull the release lever.
If the rear head restraints get caught on the 
front seat-backs, remove the head restraints.
2Removing and Reinstalling the Head 
Restraints P. 137
■Folding Down the Rear Seats
1Folding Down the Rear Seats
Remove any items from the rear seat cushion before 
you fold down the rear seat.
When you fold down one side of the rear seats and 
use the non-recessed part of the cargo area, make 
sure to secure the cargo. Loose items can fly forward 
and cause injury if you have to brake hard.
Make sure all items in the cargo area or items 
extending to the rear seats are properly 
secured. Loose items can fly forward if you have 
to brake hard.
Make sure that the folded seat-back does not press 
against the front passenger seat, as this can cause the 
weight sensors in the front passenger seat to work 
improperly.
2Passenger Airbag Off Indicator P. 51
The front seat(s) must be far enough forward so they 
do not interfere with the rear seats as they fold 
down.
Pull
Release 
Lever
From the rear door side
Lever
From the cargo area side 
     
        
        Page 150 of 573
Continued
149
uuInterior Lights/Interior Convenience ItemsuInterior Convenience Items
Controls
Use floor cargo hooks to secure luggage in the 
cargo area.
There are also hooks on both sides of the 
cargo area.
■Cargo Hooks
1Cargo Hooks
Each hook is designed to hold up to 56.2 lbs (25.5 kg) 
of weight.
Hooks Hooks 
     
        
        Page 414 of 573

413
uuBefore DrivinguMaximum Load Limit
Continued
Driving
Maximum Load LimitThe maximum load for your vehicle is 850 lbs (385 kg).
See Tire and Loading Information label attached to the driver’s doorjamb.
This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and 
accessories, and the tongue load if you are towing a trailer.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit -
(1)Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and 
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your 
vehicle’s placard.
(2)Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers 
that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3)Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers 
from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4)The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and 
luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount 
equals 1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in 
your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load 
capacity is 650 lbs.
(1,400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
1Maximum Load Limit
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, all 
occupants, all accessories, all cargo, and the tongue 
load.
2Specifications P. 546, 548
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR):
The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle axle.
2Specifications P. 546, 548
3
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading 
can affect handling and stability 
and cause a crash in which you 
can be hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other 
loading guidelines in this manual.
Label Example 
     
        
        Page 415 of 573
414
uuBefore DrivinguMaximum Load Limit
Driving
(5)Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being 
loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the 
available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in step 4.
(6)If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will 
be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to 
determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage 
load capacity of your vehicle.
In addition, the total weight of the vehicle, all occupants, 
accessories, cargo, and trailer tongue load must not exceed the 
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight 
Rating (GAWR). Both are on a label on the driver’s doorjamb.Load Limits Example
Example1
Max Load 
850 lbs 
(385 kg)Passenger Weight 
150 lbs x 2 = 300 lbs 
(68 kg x 2 = 136 kg)Cargo Weight 
550 lbs 
(249 kg)
Example2
Max Load 
850 lbs 
(385 kg)Passenger Weight 
150 lbs x 5 = 750 lbs
 (68 kg x 5 = 340 kg)Cargo Weight 
100 lbs 
(45 kg)