Kia Sportage: Automatic transaxle / Good driving practices

Kia Sportage QL (2015-2026) Owners Manual / Driving your vehicle / Automatic transaxle / Good driving practices

Never move the gear shift lever from P (Park) to any other position with the accelerator pedal depressed.
Never move the gear shift lever into P (Park) when the vehicle is in motion.
Slow down before shifting to a lower gear. Otherwise, the lower gear may not be engaged.
Always use the parking brake. Do not depend on placing the transaxle in P (Park) to keep the vehicle from moving.
Optimum vehicle performance and economy is obtained by smoothly depressing and releasing the accelerator pedal.

✽ NOTICE - Kickdown Mechanism

Use the kickdown mechanism for maximum acceleration. Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the pressure point. The automatic transaxle will shift to a lower gear depending on the engine speed.

Moving up a steep grade from a standing start

Ignition key interlock system

The ignition key cannot be removed unless the shift lever is in the P (Park) position. Even if the ignition switch is in the LOCK position, the key cannot be removed. If your vehicle is equipped ...

Moving up a steep grade from a standing start

To move up a steep grade from a standing start, depress the brake pedal, shift the shift lever to D (Drive). Select the appropriate gear depending on load weight and steepness of the grade, and re ...

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Kia Sportage QL (2015-2026) Owners Manual: Tilt and telescopic steering

Tilt and telescopic steering allows you to adjust the steering wheel before you drive.You can also raise it to give your legs more room when you exit and enter the vehicle. The steering wheel should be positioned so that it is comfortable for you to drive, while permitting you to see the instr ...

Kia Sportage QL (2015-2026) Owners Manual: Starting the engine

WARNING - Proper footwear Always wear appropriate shoes when operating your vehicle. Unsuitable shoes (high heels, ski boots, sandals, etc.) may interfere with your ability to use the brake and accelerator pedal. 1.Make sure the parking brake is applied. 2.Place the transaxle shift lever in P ...