
LOADING AND STORAGE
* Option/accessory.
208
Cargo space
The vehicle has flexible cargo capacity that makes it possible to load and secure largeobjects.
By folding down the backrests in the second and third rows * of seats, the cargo capacity of the
vehicle increases considerably. To make loading easier, the rear section of the vehicle can beraised and lowered using the pneumatic suspen- sion *. Use the load anchoring eyelets or the gro-
cery bag holder to secure objects and the cargo compartment cover to help conceal the load. The spare tire, jack and tools can be found under the cargo compartment's floor.
Related information
• Loading (p. 208)
• Cargo compartment cover
* (p. 217)
• Cargo net (p. 213)
• Grocery bag holder (p. 213)
• Load anchoring eyelets (p. 216)
• Steel cargo grid
* (p. 215)
• Folding the second row backrests (p. 173)
• Folding the third row
* backrests (p. 175)
• Leveling control
* and suspension (p. 398)
Loading
The load carrying capacity of your vehicle is determined by factors such as the number ofpassengers, the amount of cargo, the weight ofany accessories that may be installed, etc.
Loading recommendations
• Load objects in the cargo compartment against the backrest whenever possible.
• If the backrests of the second row seats arefolded down, they should not be in contactwith the front seat backrests. This couldimpede the function of the WhiplashProtection System (WHIPS).
• Unstable loads can be secured to the loadanchoring eyelets with straps or web lash-ings to help keep them from shifting.
• Stop the engine and apply the parking brakewhen loading or unloading long objects. Thegear selector can be knocked out of positionby long loads, which could set the vehicle inmotion.
WARNING
•
Stop the engine, put the gear selector in P
, and apply the parking brake when
loading or unloading long objects.
• The vehicle's driving characteristics may change depending on the weight and dis-tribution of the load.
• A 44-pound (20 kg) object produces aforce of 2,200 pounds (1,000 kg) in ahead-on collision at 30 mph (50 km/h).
• The cargo area and rear seat should notbe loaded to a level higher than 2 in.(5 cm) below the upper edge of the rearside windows. Objects placed higher thanthis level could impede the function ofthe Inflatable Curtain.
WARNING
• Cover sharp edges on long loads to help prevent injury to occupants. Secure theload to help prevent shifting during sud-den stops.
• Always secure large and heavy objectswith a seat belt or cargo retaining straps.
• Always secure the load to help prevent itfrom moving in the event of sudden stops.
• Switch off the engine, apply the parking brake and put the gear selector in
P
when loading and unloading the vehicle.

LOADING AND STORAGE
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* Option/accessory.209
Raising/lowering the rear-end of the vehicle*
Using the buttons on the read edge of the cargo compartment, the rear-end of the vehicle (thelevel of the cargo compartment floor) can beraised or lowered for easier loading or to make attaching a trailer 1
simpler.
Level control buttons on the rear edge of the cargo compartment
The level control consists of two buttons: one to raise and one to lower the rear-end of the vehi-cle. Press and hold the respective buttons until the desired level has been reached.
NOTE
The level cannot be adjusted if a door or the hood are open (this does not apply to the tail-gate).
WARNING
Be sure that the entire area under the vehicle is completely unobstructed before loweringthe level.
Extra loading spaceThe rear seat backrests can be folded down to added cargo space or for transporting longobjects.
WARNING
• Boxes, suitcases, etc. wedged behind the front seats could impede the function ofthe Whiplash Protection System.
• If the rear seat backrests are foldeddown, cargo must be secured to preventit from sliding forward against the frontseat backrests in the event of a collisionfrom the rear. This could interfere withthe action of the Whiplash ProtectionSystem.
WARNING
• Cover sharp edges on long loads to help prevent injury to occupants. Secure theload to help prevent shifting during sud-den stops.
• Always secure large and heavy objectswith a seat belt or cargo retaining straps.
• Always secure the load to help prevent itfrom moving in the event of sudden stops.
• Switch off the engine, apply the parking brake and put the gear selector in
P
when loading and unloading the vehicle.
Roof loadsLoad carriers are available as Volvo accessories. Observe the following points when in use:
• To avoid damaging your vehicle and toachieve maximum safety when driving, werecommend using the load carriers that Volvohas developed especially for your vehicle.
• Volvo-approved removable roof racks aredesigned to carry the maximum allowableroof load for this vehicle (see the article"Weights" for specific information).
• Never exceed the rack manufacturer's weighlimits.
• Avoid single-point loads. Distribute loadsevenly.
1
An accessory trailer hitch can be purchased from a Volvo retailer.

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LOADING AND STORAGE
* Option/accessory.
210 •
Place heavier cargo at the bottom of the load.
• Secure the cargo correctly with appropriatetie-down equipment.
• Check periodically that the load carriers andload are properly secured.
• Remember that the vehicle's center of gravityand handling change when you carry a loadon the roof.
• The vehicle's wind resistance and fuel con-sumption will increase with the size of theload.
• Drive smoothly. Avoid rapid starts, fast cor-nering and hard braking.
CAUTION
The optional panoramic roof should not be opened while load carriers are installed onthe vehicle.
See the article "Weights" for information about the maximum permissible load that can be trans-ported on the roof.
Related information
•
Folding the second row backrests (p. 173)
• Folding the third row
* backrests (p. 175)
• Weights (p. 537)
• Cargo net (p. 213) •
Cargo compartment cover
* (p. 217)
• Steel cargo grid
* (p. 215)
• Load anchoring eyelets (p. 216)
• Whiplash protection system (p. 59)
• Locking/unlocking the tailgate (p. 238)
Passenger compartment storage spaces
The following is an overview of the passenger compartment and its storage spaces.
Front seats
Storage spaces in the door panel, near the steering wheel, the glove compartment and the sun visors

LOADING AND STORAGE
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* Option/accessory.213
Grocery bag holder
The grocery bag holders (hooks) and elastic strap help keep shopping bags in place.
Under the cargo compartment floor 2
There are two grocery bag holders and an elastic strap
3
in the hatch that is part of the cargo area
floor. The strap can be attached in four positions. Open the hatch to access the grocery bag hold- ers and attach the elastic strap. Grocery bagswith handles can also be hung on the hooks.
On the sides of the cargo compartment
There are also two fold-out holders in the side panels, one on each side.
CAUTION
The grocery bag holders (hooks) are only intended to hold weights less than approx.11 lbs (5 kg).
Related information
• Cargo net (p. 213)
• Steel cargo grid
* (p. 215)
• Cargo compartment cover
* (p. 217)
Cargo net
The cargo net helps protect passengers from objects in the cargo compartment in the event ofa sudden stop or hard braking.
The cargo net is attached at four points.
Cargo net
The cargo net can be mounted in two positions: • Rear mounting: behind the second row seats' backrests.
• Front mounting: behind the front seats' back-rests.
2
5-seat models only.3
Can be replaced by ordering a new one from a Volvo retailer.

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365
capacity weight or maximum permissible axle loads are not exceeded.
• At the specified curb weight your vehicle hasa tendency to understeer, which means thatthe steering wheel has to be turned morethan might seem appropriate for the curva-ture of a bend. This ensures good stabilityand reduces the risk of rear wheel skid.Remember that these properties can alterwith the vehicle load. The heavier the load inthe cargo compartment, the less the ten-dency to understeer.
Related information
•ECO drive mode (p. 387)
• Tire inflation pressure table (p. 545)
• Volvo and the environment (p. 15)
Driving through standing water
The vehicle should be driven with extreme cau- tion if it is necessary to drive through standingwater.
The vehicle can be driven through water up to a depth of approximately 17.7 in. (45 cm) at walk-ing speed. Be particularly careful when drivingthrough flowing water. • Take particular care when driving through flowing water.
• After driving through water, apply the brakesand check that they are functioning correctly.
• Clean the electrical connections for trailerwiring after driving in mud or water.
• When driving through water, maintain lowspeed and do not stop in the water.
• Avoid driving through salt water if at all pos-sible to help avoid the risk of corrosion.
CAUTION
• Engine damage will occur if water is drawn into the air cleaner.
• Damage to any components, the engine,transmission, turbo-charger, differential orits internal components caused by flood-ing, vapor lock or insufficient oil is notcovered under warranty.
• Do not allow the vehicle to stand in waterup to the door sills longer than absolutelynecessary. This could result in electricalmalfunctions.
• If the engine has been stopped while thevehicle is in water, do not attempt torestart it. Have the vehicle towed out ofthe water.
WARNING
•
Avoid driving through standing or rushing water. Doing so can be dangerous and itmay also be difficult to determine theactual depth of the water.
• If water cannot be avoided, after drivingthrough the water, press lightly on thebrake pedal to ensure that the brakes arefunctioning normally. Water or mud canmake the brake linings slippery, resultingin delayed braking effect.

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376
Driving with a trailer
When towing a trailer, always observe the legal requirements of the state/province.
• All Volvo models are equipped with energy- absorbing shock-mounted bumpers. Trailerhitch installation should not interfere with theproper operation of this bumper system.
Trailer towing does not normally present any par-ticular problems, but take into consideration:
• Increase tire pressure to recommended fullpressure.
• When your vehicle is new, avoid towing heavytrailers during the first 620 miles (1,000 km).
• Maximum speed when towing a trailer:50 mph (80 km/h).
• Engine and transmission are subject toincreased loads. Therefore, engine coolanttemperature should be closely watched whendriving in hot climates or hilly terrain. Use alower gear and turn off the air conditioner ifthe temperature gauge needle enters the redrange.
• If the automatic transmission begins to over-heat, a message will be displayed in the textwindow.
• Avoid overload and other abusive operation.
• Hauling a trailer affects handling, durability,and economy. •
It is necessary to balance trailer brakes withthe towing vehicle brakes to provide a safestop (check and observe state/local regula-tions).
• Do not connect the trailer's brake systemdirectly to the vehicle's brake system.
• More frequent vehicle maintenance isrequired.
• Remove the ball holder when the hitch is notbeing used.
NOTE
•
When parking the vehicle with a trailer on a hill, apply the parking brake before put- ting the gear selector in
P. Always follow
the trailer manufacturer's recommenda- tions for wheel chocking.
• When starting on a hill, put the gear selector in
D before releasing the parking
brake.
• If you use the manual (Geartronic) shift positions while towing a trailer, make surethe gear you select does not put toomuch strain on the engine (using toohigh a gear).
• The drawbar assembly/trailer hitch maybe rated for trailers heavier than the vehi-cle is designed to tow. Please adhere toVolvo's recommended trailer weights.
• Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines ofmore than 15%.

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377
CAUTION
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to 3,280 ft(1000 m) above sea level. With increasingaltitude the engine power and therefore thecar's climbing ability are impaired because ofthe reduced air density, so the maximumtrailer weight has to be reduced accordingly.The weight of the vehicle and trailer must bereduced by 10% for every further 3,280 ft(1,000 m) (or part thereof). When towing5,000 lbs (2,250 kg) hill inclination is restric-ted to 14%.
WARNING
•Bumper-attached trailer hitches must not be used on Volvos, nor should safetychains be attached to the bumper.
• Trailer hitches attaching to the vehiclerear axle must not be used.
• Never connect a trailer's hydraulic brakesystem directly to the vehicle brake sys-tem, nor a trailer's lighting system directlyto the vehicle lighting system. Consultyour nearest authorized Volvo retailer forcorrect installation.
• When towing a trailer, the trailer's safetychains or wire must be correctly fastenedto the attachment points provided in thetrailer hitch on the vehicle. The safetychain or wire must never be fastened toor wound around the towing ball.
Trailer turn signals and brake lightsIf one (or more) of the bulbs on a trailer is defec-tive, a symbol and a message will be displayed inthe instrument panel. The other lights on the trailer must be checked manually by the driver before the vehicle is driven.See the subsection "Manual check" in the follow-ing section "Trailer lamp check".
Symbol
Message
•Trailer turn indicator Right
turn indicator malfunction
•Trailer turn indicator Left
turn indicator malfunction
•Trailer brake light Malfunc-
tion
If one of the trailer's turn signal bulbs is defective, the turn signal symbol in the instrument panel forthe respective sides of the vehicle will also flashfaster than normal.

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STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.
378
Trailer lamp check *
Automatic check
When the trailer has been connected to the vehi- cle's electrical system, its lamps can be checkedby automatically activating them. This helps thedriver to ensure that the trailer's lamps are func-tioning correctly before starting to drive. In order to perform this check, the engine must not be running.
1. When a trailer is connected to a trailer hitch
or towbar,
Automatic Trailer Lamp Checkwill appear in the instrument panel.
2. Confirm this message by pressing the O but-
ton on the right-side steering wheel keypad.
> The lamp check will begin.
3. Leave the vehicle to perform the trailer lamp check.
> All of the trailer's lamps will begin to flashand then each lamp will illuminate one at a time.
4. Visually check that all of the trailer's lamps are functioning correctly.
5. After a short time, all of the trailer's lamps will begin to flash again.
> The lamp check is completed.
Disabling the automatic check
The automatic lamp check function can be disa- bled in the center display. 1.
Tap
Settings in Top view.
2. Tap
My CarLights and Lighting.
3. Deselect
Automatic Trailer Lamp Check.
Manual check
If the automatic lamp check has been disabled, the function can be started manually. 1.Tap
Settings in Top view.
2. Tap
My CarLights and Lighting.
3. Select
Manual Trailer Lamp Check.
> The lamp check will begin. Leave the vehi- cle to perform the trailer lamp check as described in the section "Automaticcheck" above.
Self-leveling suspension *The self-leveling system attempts to keep thevehicle at a constant level, regardless of the load(up to the max. permissible load). When theengine is not running, the rear of the vehiclesinks down slightly, which is normal.
Related information
•Detachable trailer hitch
* (p. 378)
• Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) (p. 379)
• Weights (p. 537)
Detachable trailer hitch
*
Volvo recommends the use of Volvo trailer hitches that are specially designed for the vehi-cle.
Ball holder
Cotter pin
Hitch assembly
Locking bolt
Safety wire attachment bracket
Installing the ball holder1. If necessary, remove the cotter pin from the locking bolt and slide the locking bolt out of the hitch assembly.
2. Slide the ball holder into the hitch assembly.