16 || 17
SAFETYSAFETY
Protecting Infants
An infant must be properly restrained in a rear-facing, reclining child seat until the
infant reaches the seat manufacturer’s weight or height limit for the seat, and the
infant is at least one year old. Many experts recommend use of a rear-facing seat
for a child up to two years old if the child’s height and weight are appropriate for a
rear-facing seat.
Child seats must be placed and secured in a rear
seating position. Rear-facing child seats should
never be installed in a forward-facing position.
When properly installed, a rear-facing child seat may prevent the driver or a front
passenger from moving their seat all the way back, or from locking their\
seat-back
in the desired position. If this occurs, we recommend that you install t\
he child
seat directly behind the front passenger’s seat, move the seat as far forward as
needed, and leave it unoccupied. Or, you may wish to get a smaller rear-facing
child seat.
Placing a rear-facing child seat in the front seat can result in serious injury or
death during a crash.
Always place a rear-facing child seat in the rear seat, not the front.
WARNING
Allowing a child to play with a seat belt or wrap one around their neck \
can
result in serious injury or death.
Instruct children not to play with any seat belt and make sure any unuse\
d seat
belt a child can reach is buckled, fully retracted, and locked.
WARNING Protecting Smaller ChildrenIf a child is at least one year old and within the weight range indicate\
d by the child
seat manufacturer, the child should be properly restrained in a firmly secured
forward-facing child seat.
We strongly recommend placing a forward-facing
child seat in a rear seating position.
Placing a forward-facing child seat in the front seat
can be hazardous, even with advanced front airbags
that automatically turn the passenger’s front airbag
off. A rear seat is the safest place for a child.
Placing a forward-facing child seat in the front seat can result in seri\
ous
injury or death if the front airbag inflates.
If you must place a forward-facing child seat in front, move the vehicle\
seat
as far back as possible, and properly restrain the child.
WARNING
Selecting a Child SeatMost 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 s\
eats 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 add\
ed 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 addit\
ion, 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 t\
he child
seat owner’s manual for proper installation instructions.
Important considerations 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.
42 || 43
VEHICLE CONTROLSVEHICLE CONTROLS
Adjusting the Seats
Make seat adjustments before driving to ensure the best comfort and safe\
ty.
Adjusting the Front Seats
Adjust the driver’s seat as far back as possible while
allowing you to maintain full control of the vehicle.
You should be able to sit upright and well back in the
seat, adequately press the pedals without leaning
forward, and grip the steering wheel comfortably.
The passenger’s seat should be adjusted so that it
is as far back from the front airbag in the dashboard
as possible.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada
recommend that drivers allow at least 10 inches (25 cm) between the ce\
nter of the
steering wheel and the chest.
Front power seats*
Move back and allow sufficient space.
Horizontal
position
adjustment
Height
adjustment* Lumbar support
adjustment*
Seat-back
angle
adjustment
*if equipped
Sitting improperly or out of position can result in serious injury or de\
ath in a
crash.
Always sit upright, well back in the seat, with your feet on the floor\
.
WARNING
Front manual seats*
Horizontal position
adjustment
Pull up on the bar to move the
seat, then release the bar.
*if equipped
Reclining the seat-back too far can result in serious injury or death in\
a crash.
Adjust the seat-back to an upright position, and sit well back in the se\
at.
WARNING
Sitting too close to a front airbag can result in serious injury or deat\
h if the
front airbags inflate.
Always sit as far back from the front airbags as possible while maintain\
ing
control of the vehicle.
WARNING
Height adjustment
(driver seat only)
Pull up or push down the lever
to raise or lower the seat.
Seat-back angle
adjustment
Pull up the lever to change
the angle of the seat-back.
44 || 45
VEHICLE CONTROLSVEHICLE CONTROLS
Adjusting the Head Restraints
Your vehicle is equipped with head restraints in all seating positions. H\
ead
restraints are most effective for protection against whiplash and other \
rear-impact
crash injuries.
The center of the back of the occupant’s head
should rest against the center of the restraint. The
tops of the occupant’s ears should be level with the
center height of the restraint.
To raise the head restraint: Pull it upward.
To lower the head restraint: Push it down while
pressing the release button.
Front and second-row head restraints
To remove the head restraint: Pull the restraint up
as far as it will go. Then press the release button(s),
and pull the restraint up and out.
To reinstall a head restraint: Insert the legs back
in place, then adjust the head restraint to an
appropriate height while pressing the release
button(s). Pull up on the restraint to make sure it is
locked in position.
Folding down the third-row head restraints
To fold down: Pull the strap.
To return to upright position: Pull up the head and
push rearward until it latches.
Position head in the
center of the head
restraint.
Improperly positioning head restraints reduces their effectiveness and
increases the likelihood of serious injury in a crash.
Make sure head restraints are in place and positioned properly before dr\
iving.
WARNING
Failure to reinstall, or correctly reinstall, the head restraints can re\
sult in
severe injury during a crash.
Always replace the head restraints before driving.
WARNING
Strap
Floor MatsPosition the front and second-row seat floor mats
properly, and anchor them. If they are not properly
positioned, the floor mats can interfere with the front
seat functions.
Do not put additional floor mats on top of the
anchored mats.
Unlock
Lock
For a head restraint system to work properly:
• Do not hang any items on the head restraints, or from the restraint legs\
.
• Do not place any object between an occupant and the seat-back.
• Install each restraint in its proper location.
48 || 49
VEHICLE CONTROLSVEHICLE CONTROLS
Folding Down the Third-Row Seat
Separately fold down the left and right halves of the third-row seat to \
make room
for cargo.
To fold down the seat
1. Pull the strap on the seat-back. The head
restraint tilts downward.
2. Push the seat-back forward while pulling the
strap.
To return the seat to the original position
1. Pull up the seat-back with the strap pulled.
2. Pull the head restraint up to its original position.
Strap
Adjusting the Steering Wheel
The steering wheel height and distance from your body can be adjusted so\
that you
can comfortably grip the steering wheel in an appropriate driving postur\
e.
1. Push down the steering wheel adjustment lever.
2. Move the steering wheel up or down, and in or out.
3. Pull up the steering wheel adjustment lever to lock
the steering wheel in position.
Adjusting the steering wheel position while driving may cause you to los\
e
control of the vehicle and be seriously injured in a crash.
Adjust the steering wheel only when the vehicle is stopped.
WARNING
To adjust
To lock
Lever
Driving Position Memory System*
You can store two driver’s seat and door mirror positions into memory when the
vehicle is on using the buttons on the driver’s door.
1. Adjust the seat and mirrors to your preferred
positions.
2. Press SET.
3. Press and hold memory button 1 or 2. You will hear
two beeps when the memory is set.
4. Press one of the memory buttons to recall
previously stored positions.
Lumbar positions cannot be stored.
When you unlock and open the driver’s door, the driver’s seat slides rearward to
allow for easy entry. The seat slides forward to the stored position and the other
items adjust when the vehicle is turned on.
Memory button 1
SET button
*if equipped
Memory button 2
98 || 99
DRIVING
DRIVING
DRIVING
Learn about preparation for driving, as well as other features.
Before Driving
Check the following items before you begin driving.
Exterior Checks
• Make sure there are no obstructions on the windows, door mirrors, exterior
lights, or other parts of the vehicle.
• Remove any frost, snow, or ice.
• Make sure the hood is securely closed.
• Heat from the engine and exhaust can ignite flammable materials left u\
nder
the hood, causing a fire. If you’ve parked your vehicle for an exte\
nded period,
inspect and remove any debris that may have collected, such as dried grass
and leaves that have fallen or have been carried in for use as a nest by\
a small
animal. Also check under the hood for leftover flammable materials aft\
er you or
someone else has performed maintenance on your vehicle.
• Make sure the tires are in good condition.
• Make sure there are no people or objects behind or around the vehicle.
Interior Checks
• Store or secure all items on board properly.
• Do not pile items higher than the seat height.
• Do not place anything in the front seat footwells. Make sure to secure t\
he floor
mats.
• If you have any animals on board, do not let them move freely around in \
the
vehicle.
• Securely close and lock all doors and the tailgate.
• Adjust your seating position, mirrors, and steering wheel properly.
• Make sure items placed on the floor behind the front seats cannot roll\
under the
seats.
• Everyone in the vehicle must fasten their seat belt.
• Make sure that the indicators in the instrument panel come on when you s\
tart
the vehicle, and go off soon after.
If the doors are frozen shut, use warm water around the door edges to me\
lt any
ice. Do not try to force them open, as this can damage the rubber trim a\
round the
doors. When done, wipe dry to avoid further freezing.
NOTICE
Improper accessories or modifications can affect your vehicle’s handling, and
stability, and performance, and cause a crash in which you can be seriously
hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in the vehicle owner’s manual regarding accessories
and modifications.
WARNING
In addition:
• During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation, avoid sudden acc\
eleration or
full throttle operation so as to not damage the engine or powertrain.
• Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km). You should also follow this
when the brake pads are replaced.
Driving Guidelines for Your Utility Vehicle
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other \
types of
vehicles.
To prevent rollovers or loss of control:
• Take corners at slower speeds than you would with a passenger vehicle.
• Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers whenever possible.
• Do not modify your vehicle in any way that you would raise the center of\
gravity.
• Do not carry heavy cargo on the roof.
• Never carry more than 165 lbs (75 kg) of cargo on the roof rack (Hond\
a
accessory).
Your vehicle has been designed primarily for use on pavement, however, its higher
ground clearance allows you to occasionally travel on unpaved roads. It \
is not
designed for trail-blazing, or other challenging off-road activities.
If you decide to drive on unpaved roads, you will find that it require\
s somewhat
different driving skills and that your vehicle will handle somewhat diff\
erently than
it does on pavement. Pay attention to the precautions and tips in this s\
ection, and
get acquainted with your vehicle before leaving the pavement.
Improperly operating this vehicle on or off pavement can cause a crash o\
r
rollover in which you and your passengers can be seriously injured or ki\
lled.
• Follow all instructions and guidelines in this owner’s guide.
• Keep your speed low, and don’t drive faster than conditions permit.
WARNING
102 || 103
DRIVING
DRIVING
Towing a Trailer
Your vehicle can tow a trailer if you carefully observe the load limits, \
use the proper
equipment, and follow the towing guidelines. See the Owner’s Manual on the Owner
Information CD or at owners.honda.com (U.S.) or www.myhonda.ca (Canada) for
more information.
Towing Load Limits
Total trailer weight
Do not exceed the maximum allowable weight of
the trailer, cargo, and everything in or on it shown in
the table below. Towing loads in excess of this can
seriously affect vehicle handling and performance
and can damage the engine and drivetrain.
To ng ue Loa d
Total load
Number of
occupant s
AWD models with
ATF cooler
AWD models
without ATF cooler2WD models
25,000 lbs (2,268 kg)3,500 lbs (1,588 kg)3,500 lbs (1,588 kg)
34,750 lbs (2,155 kg)3,250 lbs (1,474 kg)3,250 lbs (1,474 kg)
44,500 lbs (2,041 kg)3,000 lbs (1,361 kg)3,000 lbs (1,361 kg)
54,250 lbs (1,928 kg)2,750 lbs (1,247 kg)2,750 lbs (1,247 kg)
64,000 lbs (1,814 kg)2,500 lbs (1,134 kg)2,500 lbs (1,134 kg)
7
8T owing not recommended
2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) 2,250 lbs (1,021 kg)
2,250 lbs (1,021 kg)
Each weight limit is calculated based on the following conditions:
• Occupants fill seats from the front of the vehicle to the back.
• Each occupant weighs 150 lbs (68 kg).
• Each occupant has 15 lbs (7 kg) of cargo in the cargo area.
Any additional weight, cargo, or accessories reduce the maximum trailer weight
and maximum tongue load. Tongue load
The weight of the tongue with a fully loaded trailer
on the hitch should be approximately:
• Boat trailers: 5 – 15% of the total trailer weight
• Other trailers: 10 – 15% of total trailer weight
To ng ue Loa dTongue load
To estimate the tongue load
Excessive tongue load reduces front tire traction and steering control. \
Too little
tongue load can make the trailer unstable and cause it to sway.
You can estimate the tongue load by measuring the trailer hitch height fr\
om the
ground in the following steps:
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Measure the distance between the ground and the bottom of the trailer hi\
tch.
3. Connect the fully loaded trailer to the hitch.
4. Measure the distance between the ground and the bottom of the trailer hi\
tch
again.
5. Subtract the second measurement from the first measurement, then refer\
to
the following table.
If the difference becomes more than indicated in the table, distribute t\
he load or
remove cargo as needed.
Number of
occupant s
AWD models with
ATF cooler2WD models
2500 lbs (227 kg)350 lbs (159 kg )
3475 lbs (215 kg)325 lbs (147 kg)
4450 lbs (204 kg)300 lbs (136 kg)
5375 lbs (170 kg)275 lbs (125 kg)
6250 lbs (113 kg)240 lbs (109 kg)
7
8 Towing not recommended
125 lbs (57 kg)
115 lbs (52 kg)
If the difference isAWD models2WD models
1 inches (2.5 cm)150 lbs (68 kg)
1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm )250 lbs (114 kg)
2 inches (5.1 cm)350 lbs (159 kg)
2 3/8 inches (6.0 cm )450 lbs (205 kg)—
2 5/8 inches (6.7 cm )500 lbs (227 kg)—
144 || 145
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Minder Service Codes
These codes indicate what services are due on your vehicle.
*1: If the message Maintenance Due Now does not appear more than 12 months after the display
is reset, change the engine oil every year.
#: See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.
*2: If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every \
15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*3:
If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of s\
oot in the air from industryand diesel-powered vehicles, replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
CODEMaintenance Main Items
A
Replace engine oi l*1
B Replace engine oil*1 and oil lter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
Inspect suspension components
Inspect driveshaft boots
Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA)
Inspect all uid levels and condition of uids
Inspect exhaust system#
Inspect fuel lines and connection s#
*4:If you drive regularly in very high temperatures (over 110°F, 43°\
C), in very low temperatures
(under -20°F, -29°C), or towing a trailer, replace every 60,000 \
miles/100,000 km.
*5:Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or trailer towin\
g results in higher level
of mechanical (Shear) stress to uid. This requires differential \
uid changes more frequently
than recommended by the Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your \
vehicle under these
conditions, have the differential uid changed at 7,500 miles (12,00\
0 km), then every 15,000 miles
(24,000 km).
CODEMaintenance Sub Items
1
Rotate tires
2 Replace air cleaner element*2
Replace dust and pollen lter*3
Inspect drive belt
3
Replace transmission uid, transfer uid
4 Replace spark plug s
Replace timing belt and inspect water pump*4
Inspect valve clearance
5
Replace engine coolant
6 Replace rear differential ui d*, *5
*
*if equipped
Under the Hood
Opening the Hood
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, and set the
parking brake.
2. Pull the hood release handle under the lower left
corner of the dashboard.
3. Push up the hood latch lever in the center of the
hood to release the lock mechanism, and open
the hood.
4. Remove the support rod from the clamp using the
grip. Mount the support rod in the hood.
When closing, remove the support rod, and
stow it in the clamp, then gently lower the hood.
Remove your hand at a height of approximately
12 inches (30 cm) and let the hood close.
Brake fluid (black cap)
Battery
Engine oil fill cap
Lever
Support rod Grip
Clamp
Pull
Washer fluid
Engine coolant
reservoir tank Engine oil dipstick
(orange)
Radiator cap
Do not open the hood when the wiper arms are raised. The hood will strik\
e the
wipers, and may damage either the hood or the wipers.
Do not open the hood while the Auto Idle Stop* function is activated.
NOTICE
*if equipped
156 || 157
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
Tire Labeling
The tires that came on your vehicle have a number of markings. Those you\
should be aware of are described below.
Here is an example of what each marking means:
P235/60R18 102V
• P: vehicle type (P indicates passenger
vehicle)
• 235: tire width in millimeters
• 60: aspect ratio (tire section height as a
percentage of its width)
• R: tire construction code (radial)
• 18: rim diameter in inches
• 102: load index (code indicating maximum
load tire can carry)
• V: speed symbol (code indicating maximum speed rating)
Tire Identification Number (TIN)
The tire identification number
(TIN) is a group of numbers
and letters that look like the
example below. TIN is located
on the sidewall of the tire.
Glossary of Tire TerminologyCold Tire Pressure – The tire air pressure when the vehicle has been
parked for at least three hours or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Load Rating – The maximum load that a tire is rated to carry for a gi\
ven
inflation pressure.
Maximum Inflation Pressure – The maximum tire air pressure that the\
tire
can hold.
Maximum Load Rating – The load rating for a tire at the maximum
permissible inflation pressure for that tire.
Recommended Inflation Pressure – The cold tire inflation pressure\
recommended by the manufacturer.
Treadwear Indicators (TWI) – The projections within the principal gr\
ooves
designed to give a visual indication of the degrees of wear of the tread\
.
Tire size
Tire
identi cation
number (TIN)
Maximum
tire load
Maximum
tire pressure
Tire size
DOT B97R FW6X 2209\n
DOT: This in\ficat\bs t\nhat th\b tir\b m\b\bts all
r\bquir\bm\bnts of th\b U.S\n. D\bpartm\bnt of
Transportation.
B97R: Manufactur\br’s \ni\f\bntifcation mark
FW6X: Tir\b typ\b co\f\b
22 09: Dat\b of Transp\nortation
Year
Week
DOT Tire Quality Grading
The tires on your vehicle meet all U.S. Federal Safety Requirements. All\
tires are
also graded for treadwear, traction, and temperature performance according
to Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. The following explains these
gradings.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall betwee\
n tread
shoulder and maximum section width.
For example:
Treadwear 200
Traction AA
Temperature A
All passenger car tires must conform to Federal Safety Requirements in
addition to these grades.
TreadwearThe treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of th\
e tire
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test\
course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) tim\
es as well
on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance \
of
tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, servi\
ce practices,
and differences in road characteristics and climate.
TractionThe traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those \
grades
represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concre\
te. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
WARNING: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering, hy\
droplaning,
or peak traction characteristics.