26.03.2017

Kia Mojave (other name: Kia Borrego) is a mid-size SUV from Kia Motors, which was developed specifically for the American market. Large SUVs are a long-standing passion for most car enthusiasts, even though such cars are not entirely convenient for use in big cities and are quite expensive. If the budget for buying a car is unlimited, then the choice of cars in this segment is indecently large, but if the budget is limited, I recommend taking a closer look at the Kia Mojave with mileage.

A little history:

The prototype for the Kia Mojave was the KIA KCD II Mesa concept, which was shown to the public in 2005 at the Detroit Auto Show. This model was supposed to become the company's flagship model and occupy a niche one step higher than the Kia Sorento. At the development stage, the project was called "HM". The car received the name Mojave in honor of the desert of the same name in California, where the testing ground of the North American division of Kia is located. The official premiere of the Kia Mojave on the world stage took place in 2008 at the Detroit auto show. The car's design was developed by the famous German designer Peter Schreyer. Initially, the car was sold only in the USA, but a year later, the sales geography expanded, and the crossover went on sale in the markets of South Korea, Europe and some countries CIS. Cars are produced in Korea, Kazakhstan and Russia.

This model was built on a modernized platform from, while retaining independent suspension on all wheels and all-wheel drive. Also, when developing the car, many developments were borrowed from another Korean SUV - the Hyundai ix55. The car is equipped with a frame body structure and has some features characteristic of cars on the American market, such as, for example, electrical adjustment of the pedal assembly. In 2016, information appeared about tests of the new Kia Mojave, which should debut in 2017.

Disadvantages and weaknesses of Kia Mojave with mileage

Traditionally, for Korean cars, the paintwork is not of the highest quality; there are also comments regarding the corrosion resistance of the body. For example, on cars of the first years of production you can find small pockets of rust. The main places to which you should pay special attention are the sills, wheel arches, trunk lid, door edges and the front of the hood (bugs especially often appear in the radiator grille area).

Engines

Kia Mojave is equipped with two types of engines: gasoline - 3.8 (274 hp) and diesel - 3.0 (250 hp). The diesel engine has proven itself only on the positive side; it has not only good dynamic performance, but also a large margin of safety. However, for a trouble-free and long life of the power unit, it is necessary to change the oil at least once every 8-10 thousand kilometers. One of the advantages of this engine is that its fuel equipment was adapted to our operating conditions and diesel fuel is not of the highest quality. Thanks to this, owners very rarely encounter problems with the fuel system. Fuel consumption, depending on driving style, ranges from 12 to 15 liters per hundred.

The engine is equipped with a timing chain drive; this unit is very reliable and, with timely maintenance of the power unit, does not require replacement for 200-250 thousand km. The main problems that owners encounter occur not with the engine itself, but with its attachments. For example, the clamps that secure the power steering system pipes are loosened, the bolts securing the radiator protection are loosened, etc. The 3.8 petrol engine is also quite reliable, but due to high fuel consumption (about 20 liters per 100 km in the city), a car with such a power unit has not become in demand among car enthusiasts and is extremely rare.

Transmission

The Kia Mojave can be equipped with the following types of gearboxes - a five-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic; on cars imported from the USA, a six-speed automatic transmission is installed. Operating experience has shown that all boxes are reliable and have a fairly long service life. But, according to many owners and servicemen, the best option to purchase is a car with an eight-speed automatic transmission, as it combines good efficiency, smooth shifting and reliability. If this transmission shifts gears with delays and jerks, it most likely requires updating the software of the automatic transmission control unit. But, in some cases, the cause of incorrect operation of the transmission may be the valve body.

Also, there are no particular complaints about the performance of the mechanics; even the clutch here lasts at least 100,000 km. The car is equipped with an all-wheel drive system; the front axle is connected using an electromagnetic clutch or forcibly, when selecting a special transmission operating mode. The only disadvantage of this system is the rapid overheating of the clutch due to frequent slipping. It is worth noting that when overheating, the system automatically disables the front-wheel drive, which can become an unpleasant surprise when trying to overcome a difficult section of the road.

Features and disadvantages of the Kia Mojave chassis

The car is equipped with a fully independent suspension: MacPherson struts are installed at the front, and a multi-link at the rear using air springs. The chassis is very durable, and even under conditions of harsh operation, its service life will be about 80,000 km, and, under average loads, most suspension elements will please you with a range of 120-150 thousand km. On cars that have often jumped off-road, when trying to make a camber, the dimensions and angles may not become correct. Many experts claim that this comes from what drives the frame, therefore, before purchasing, you must always check the geometry of the frame. The most common problem that owners of this model face is the failure of the body position sensor; upon diagnosis, it turns out that the sensor is working. The main reason for this ailment is poor-quality wiring of the sensor (after the first winter the wiring begins to rot). Among the shortcomings of the braking system, one can note the short service life of the front brake pads - 20-30 thousand km.

Salon

The interior is made of average quality materials, but the owners have different opinions about the build quality. Some argue that the interior is assembled poorly, which is why there are a large number of crickets and other extraneous sounds in the car. But there are also those who consider the interior to be of very high quality and put this car on a par with more expensive models. The main reason for different opinions arose due to the fact that cars of different assemblies are presented on the market, for example, cars assembled in Korea have better quality than Russian copies. The car has quite a lot of equipment, however, not all systems can boast of good performance.

Most often, owners are bothered by the rear view camera; the fact is that it regularly turns off spontaneously (1-2 times a month), and in order to fix the problem, you will have to go to a service center. Also, it is worth noting that the camera has to be replaced every 2 years. There are also complaints about the performance of the climate system; the main problem lies not in the climate control itself, but in its wiring (the contacts become sour). If the glass washer suddenly stops working, most likely the fuse located in the passenger compartment needs to be replaced. On some copies, owners encountered problems with the audio system and the on-board computer installed on the instrument panel.

Result:

It is a fairly reliable and unpretentious car, and thanks to its good driving performance, spaciousness and good equipment, the car can compete with more expensive cars in this segment.

If you are the owner of this car model, please describe the problems that you encountered while using the car. Perhaps your review will help the readers of our site when choosing a car.

Best regards, editor AutoAvenue

Review of the Korean SUV Kia Mohave, technical characteristics, configurations are considered, the exterior and interior, luggage compartment are discussed, advantages and disadvantages obtained based on reviews from owners.

The first premiere of an SUV

Kia Motors is a Korean automobile company, founded in June 1944. Throughout the history of its existence, the company has created many different automobile brands, and the millionth car rolled off the assembly line of the South Korean enterprise back in 1988.

The concern produces buses, passenger cars in various bodies, and crossovers can also be distinguished as a separate class.

The Kia Mohave is a very impressive SUV that was first shown at the Detroit Auto Show in 2008.

Peter Schreyer worked on the design of the project, the car was originally intended for the North American market.

In Russia, SUV class cars have been sold since the fall of 2009; the model is produced at the Avtotor plant in Kaliningrad.

An update of the Korean brand is expected in 2017, and it is likely that the second generation of Mojave will appear in the near future.

Kia Mojave in Russia

In America, the Korean car is known as Borrego; the car was produced in LX, EX and Limited trim levels.

But in the USA the brand did not gain much popularity and sold poorly, so in 2011 the production of the North American SUV was discontinued.

The technical characteristics of the car produced for Russia remained the same as those of the North American model, only the number of modifications, engine and transmission options was reduced.

The Russian version of the car also has a more powerful generator and a larger capacity battery.

In the Russian Federation, the car is already supplied in a restyled version, with a diesel engine and automatic transmission; a 3.8 liter 6-cylinder petrol engine was also announced at first, but never went into production.

But the all-terrain vehicle got rear-wheel drive and high ground clearance, and besides, all vehicles are produced only in all-wheel drive.

The Russian-assembled Kia Mohave is a classic SUV with a frame structure, named after the California desert where Kia cars are tested.

The basis of the Mojave body is the platform; the car has many common elements with the Huyndai IX55 and Hyundai Veracruz.

The external features of the crossover are also classic - the shape is cubic, angular, the number of rows of seats is three (seven seats).

It went on sale in 2018.

Kia Mohave specifications and prices

The Korean car on the Russian market is presented in two trim levels - Comfort and Premium.

Even in the basic Comfort version, the “charge” of the crossover is impressive; the car is equipped with:

• six airbags;
• driver assistance systems - on a descent, on a starting climb, during emergency braking;
• systems EBD, ESP (), ;
• alloy wheels R17;
• fog lights;
• rear parking sensors;
• light sensor;
• heated mirrors, windshield, steering wheel, front seats and rear seats;
• suspension stiffness control system;
• electric drives – windows, steering column, side mirrors;
• (two zones);
• CD player with MP3 (6 built-in speakers);
• multifunction steering wheel;
• multimedia system;
• trip computer;
• rear view camera;
• alarm system with central locking;
• immobilizer.

Roof rails are installed, tinted windows are installed, the steering wheel rim and gear knob are covered in leather, and the trunk is equipped with a full-size spare tire.

You can buy a Kia Mohave in Russian car dealerships in 2016 from 2.4 million rubles; the manufacturer provides a five-year warranty, mileage – 150 thousand km.

The Premium modification of the crossover is equipped with R18 cast wheels, a leather interior, this version has an air rear suspension, an electric sunroof, a navigator, and xenon headlights.

The engine here starts from a button, and there is keyless access to the car interior.

The front seats are electrically driven and seat position memory, electric mirrors fold, the price of the new 2016 Kia Mohave in the Premium configuration is from 2.65 million rubles.

Exterior and interior

There is nothing remarkable in the appearance of the Mohave - the car even looks a little boring, the only thing that attracts attention is the impressively sized chrome radiator grille.

The headlights are large, standard trapezoidal in shape, the lines are straight and simple, and yet, thanks to its considerable size, the SUV looks solid.

The plastic interior of a Korean car is inexpensive, although not of the worst quality, there are wooden inserts, the steering column is adjustable in all positions (with an electric joystick).

There are a lot of niches for things in the cabin - the door trims have pockets for plastic bottles and various small items, there are two compartments in the front armrest, and two cup holders are located on the gearbox console.

The front seats are equipped with an electric drive; in the Premium configuration they have many different adjustments, it is comfortable to sit on them, and the only negative is that the “seats” themselves are quite short.

In the more expensive version, the option “electrically adjusted pedal assembly” is available, which is very useful for short drivers.

The instrument cluster is quite deeply recessed into the panel, with white backlighting (and red around the edges), very informative, and does not glare in bright sunlight.

But there is also an inconvenience - the location of the air conditioner cannot be called successful; in bright light, the readings on its screen are practically invisible, and at night it is difficult to see what the temperature is set.

It is not easy for a tall driver to sit behind the wheel; even if the seat is pushed all the way back, there is not too much space.

But the passengers of the second row feel quite comfortable in the car, and three people will not feel cramped here.

The farthest “gallery” is more suitable for children, but adults will still find it uncomfortable there.

Trunk

The Kia Mojave's trunk volume is small, 350 liters, but this is only when all the seats are in place.

The two rear backrests can be folded extremely simply, and in this case the luggage compartment increases to 1050 liters.

You can also fold the second row, in which case the cargo compartment becomes very spacious - 2765 liters.

There is a niche under the floor in the trunk for tools, and the spare tire is mounted outside, under the bottom of the car.

To open the tailgate from the outside, there is a handle located in the center, under the chrome trim.

On the right side there is a 12V socket, under it there is a backlight with a switch.

The door opens and closes manually; there is no electric drive.

Kia Mohave technical specifications

The Russian-assembled Korean SUV is equipped with a 3.0 liter diesel engine with direct fuel injection and turbocharging.

The number of cylinders is 6, their arrangement is V-shaped. ICE with a capacity of 250 hp. With. allows the car to accelerate to 190 km/h and reach 100 km/h in nine seconds.

For such a volume, a diesel engine consumes fuel very economically; diesel fuel consumption per 100 km on the highway is 7.6 liters.

In urban conditions, diesel fuel consumption increases to 12.4 liters, diesel is brought into compliance with Euro-5 standards.

The fuel tank capacity is 82 liters, the engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, no other transmission options are provided.

Despite the fact that the Mojave is considered a full-fledged SUV, there are no continuous axles here, both suspensions are multi-link, independent.

Disc brakes are installed all around, the front discs are ventilated.

A ground clearance of 217 mm and all-wheel drive allows the crossover to overcome shallow off-road conditions and drive confidently on roads with any surface.

Permanent wheel drive is rear; the front axle is connected using an electronic clutch.

The length of the car is almost 5 meters (4880 mm), the height of the crossover is 1.76 m, the width is 1.92 m.

With a wheelbase of 2.9 meters, the turning circle is 11 m, the curb weight of the SUV is 2.22 tons, and the car is equipped with power steering.

The rather large dimensions make the SUV not very convenient for use in the city; the car is more suitable for traveling long distances.

Kia Mohave reviews

Car owners generally like the Korean crossover, although it is not without its drawbacks.

Positive reviews.

A big plus of the car is its spacious interior, and if it accommodates no more than 4 passengers, then there is more than enough space for luggage.

Also among the advantages, car owners note:

• powerful engine providing excellent dynamics;
• effective, soft brakes;
• high reliability, serious breakdowns occur infrequently;
• easy controls;
• relatively low diesel fuel consumption;
• well equipped, the car has many additional options.

The main disadvantages of the Kia Mojave:

• rigid suspension;
• weak paintwork;
• not the best build quality;
• somewhat outdated design.

The shock absorbers (especially the rear ones) are not designed for such a heavy car, because of this the car rolls along the road, with swaying, and suspension parts often have to be changed, since they cannot withstand the load.

The rough road is felt in the cabin, especially the rear passengers.

The design of the SUV is somewhat archaic, the climate control system and audio system also do not look modern, but this is not surprising, because the car has been produced since 2009.

Fans of this brand are looking forward to the new Kia Mohave in 2017.

It's time to update the model and release a car that meets all modern requirements.

Test drive and review of the car.

5 / 5 ( 1 voice )

Our motorists love large SUVs. And this despite the fact that driving such cars in cramped cities is extremely inconvenient. Nevertheless, the huge “rogues” were and are in considerable demand. It's a shame, but new SUVs are quite expensive. And then there is nothing left but to pay attention to the secondary market. There are offers there for every taste and budget. One of the possible options is the Korean SUV Kia Mohave.

The SUV was shown as a concept car under the name HM in Detroit back in 2005. This model, according to the Koreans, in the future was supposed to become the flagship of the brand and be positioned one step above the well-known Kia Sorento. Three years later, the serial Mohave went on sale in the American market, and in 2009 the car reached South Korea and Russia.

Engine and gearbox

Technically, the Mohave is similar to both the sister Sorento and the Hyundai ix55 SUV. In 2012, the Korean SUV began to be equipped with a new 8-speed automatic transmission, which had a positive effect on the vehicle’s efficiency. But as for the third row of seats, thanks to which seven people can travel on the Mohave, it was offered from the very beginning of the release of this model.

It’s interesting that the Kia Mohave appeared on our market in a restyled version. Two engines were available for the car: a 3-liter diesel engine with a capacity of 250 horsepower and a 3.8-liter gasoline unit.

The latter is rare on Mohave. So it’s hardly worth focusing on it when buying a car. Moreover, the much more economical diesel engine turned out to be extremely successful. In the hands of a caring owner who changes the oil every 10 thousand kilometers, up to a mileage of 200-250 thousand kilometers, a diesel engine will not give cause for concern. The good news is that diesel can digest our not-so-best fuel. So there is no need to worry about frequent replacement of expensive injectors.

Sometimes on the secondary market you can find Mohave imported from the North American market. Such cars will probably have a 6-speed automatic transmission. But whatever one may say, the eight-speed automatic transmission that was installed on the car after restyling allows you to drive faster and consume less fuel.

If the automatic transmission suddenly starts shifting gears with jerks, you should first go to the dealer and figure out what’s wrong. It is possible that expensive repairs will not be needed at all, and the unpleasant shocks will disappear after reflashing the transmission control unit. But it’s better not to listen to the servicemen’s words that the oil in the automatic machine should not be changed. If you want to drive for a long time and without problems, then it is better to change it every 60 thousand kilometers.

Interior and suspension

Kia Mohave owners have different opinions regarding the quality of finishing materials and the neatness of the interior assembly. Some complain about “crickets” and constant squeaks, others assure that there is nothing to complain about inside. Perhaps the current situation indicates unstable build quality, so it’s definitely worth taking a ride and listening to extraneous sounds before buying a Mohave.

The Korean SUV is well equipped. It is even found on many cars. But it will certainly become a source of headaches. The camera turns off every now and then, forcing Mohave owners to contact a proprietary service. But the new camera won’t last too long. After a couple of years it starts to turn off spontaneously again.

Other complaints about the Korean SUV include the quickly peeling steering wheel, which gives many potential Mohave buyers the feeling that the mileage was seriously adjusted before selling the car.

The Kia Mohave's design is based on a powerful frame. The Korean SUV has independent, all-wheel drive. The latter connects either automatically or forcefully. Interestingly, the Mohave rear suspension uses . On many crossovers and SUVs they have not proven themselves to be the best, but not on the Kia Mohave. The body position sensors are more likely to fail than the pneumatic struts themselves to fail. Sensors rarely fail. In our conditions, the wiring going to them is the first to rot. When inspecting the suspension, it doesn’t hurt to pay attention to a considerable number of unprotected components and assemblies. And this means only one thing - consider the Kia Mohave a serious SUV and cannot constantly use it on rough terrain. Rather, it is simply a large, spacious car that allows you to move comfortably on relatively flat paved roads.

On the first Kia Mohaves we sold, you can find small spots of rust, but such cars are few. Most Mohave owners have never even heard of corrosion. As well as the fact that this car is being stolen. The criminal world of Kia Mohave is of little interest. But car enthusiasts dreaming of a large and unpretentious SUV are increasingly looking towards the “Korean”. They are quite understandable. For reasonable money, Mohave offers a reliable design, a spacious interior and good ride quality.

Video: Kia MOJAVE test drive

➖ Controllability
➖ Fuel consumption
➖ Suspension

pros

➕ Dynamics
➕ Reliability
➕ Spacious interior
➕ Patency
➕ Noise insulation

The advantages and disadvantages of the Kia Mojave 2018-2019 in the new body were identified based on reviews from real owners. More detailed pros and cons of the Kia Mohave 3.0 diesel and 3.8 petrol with automatic transmission and 4x4 all-wheel drive can be found in the stories below.

Owner reviews

At the moment, I have been using the car for 3.5 years (mileage 70,000 km), which allows me to give more balanced assessments of its performance characteristics.

The engine is perhaps the main advantage of the Mojave in the eyes of the public. But, for me personally, it is not so significant. The engine is playful, picks up from the very bottom, there is a noticeable reserve “under the pedal”.

8-speed automatic transmission. Origin unknown. In general, the gearbox does not cause any complaints: it shifts smoothly and does not stall.

Four-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive system, of course, is far from off-road, but for my modest purposes it is quite enough. I haven’t gotten stuck anywhere yet, but I haven’t ventured into serious off-road conditions either.

Suspension. Front – springs, rear – pneumatic. In stock, the American-style suspension is soft, assumes good road surfaces and is afraid of sudden lane changes. Actually, I like this one. Of the minuses: when rolling, it sometimes rearranges the rear axle on uneven surfaces.

Controllability. Well, what kind of controllability can such a barn have? The steering wheel is empty and “long”, and the brakes are somewhat weak.

Interior. The beige version looks very expensive and cozy, and the subdued lighting in the wood-effect door inserts (very natural, by the way) gives the interior a special touch. Most of the plastic is hard. The salon itself is seven-seater. One of the most spacious interiors in the class. But you quickly get used to good things, and you want even more - for example, like in the new Patrol.

Noise insulation. At its best, many people praise it. As for the audio system, it produces quite acceptable sound from a good source. The radio sound is mediocre.

Review of Kia Mojave 3.0D (250 hp) AT 2012

Video review

I bought it new from a showroom in August 2013. Twice (2015 and 2016) I went on trips around Europe for 6.5 - 7.5 thousand kilometers with daily mileage of up to 1,500 km. It moves very comfortably on good roads, the power is exorbitant (the official dealer reprogrammed the brains to maintain a guarantee of up to 300 hp). In general, the Kia Mojave is a very reliable car without any major breakdowns (operation has never stopped due to repairs).

Advantages:
1. The combination of a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel with an 8-speed ZF automatic is a song (according to measurements in an empty car, acceleration to 100 was 7.2 seconds after chipping).
2. The car never stopped due to breakdowns, it drove every day.
3. The capacity is amazing (I once went on vacation through Helsinki Airport with me and FOUR women - imagine how much luggage they had - everything fit in the trunk along with purchases made in Finland).
4. Very decent cross-country ability (after all, there is a locking transfer case and a lowering gear).
5. One of the last real frame jeeps.

Among the shortcomings I will note:
1. The car is the flagship of the Kia brand, but is already very outdated. There are not a bunch of little things like a rain sensor, etc., a camera in the rearview mirror, outdated multimedia and instrument panel.
2. The air suspension is a quiet horror (wildly harsh on small bumps, you have to slow down in front of speed bumps, every winter the rear suspension clearance sensors fell out, they were replaced under warranty, but driving with the air suspension not working is quite uncomfortable).
3. Quite a lot of consumption - without any special traffic jams 13-15 liters (summer-winter). When at work in the spring I was transferred to the center (to Petrogradka) with serious traffic jams, the consumption confidently crept up to 18-19 liters.
4. Since modern diesel engines (piezo injectors, fuel injection pumps, etc.) we had to be careful when choosing gas stations (at least there is no particulate filter).

Evgeniy, drives a Kia Mohave 3.0 diesel (250 hp) AT 2013.

Where can I buy?

Torquey engine 250 hp picks up with a bang, the car is economical, consumption at a speed of 100 km/h corresponds to that declared by the manufacturer, roomy, suitable for a family of up to seven people, the interior is warm. It is easy to maintain and the prices for spare parts are reasonable and not expensive, 50% cheaper than for the Prado.

During the period of mileage, under warranty, I replaced the engine control unit, steering rods, and rear view camera. The front driveshaft was replaced by a recall company.

I myself changed the front and rear shock absorbers and springs to PRADOWSKI ones - the front sway went away, the car became stable on the move even at speeds of more than 100 km/h, I replaced the front hub bearings.

Review of Kia Mojave 3.0 diesel automatic 2010

In general, the Kia Mojave is a so-so car. After that, not quite the same, but a win in the price-quality ratio. Although I’ll think about it, it might still be worth overpaying 20 thousand greens and taking a more reliable brand. Moreover, the guarantee announced by the factory is just an empty phrase!

Pros: the interior is wide and spacious, climate control and other comfort bells and whistles are at the level, the rear view camera and parking sensors are without any comments, at the level, but what is on the rear view mirror is not for everyone. Additional seats are more of a plus than a minus. ABS is a little late, it’s good on the highway, holds the road, fuel consumption is pleasant, although the on-board computer is disingenuous, it can show 9.5 liters per hundred, but in fact 1.5 liters more.

The tank has a good capacity, the range is decent, this is especially noticeable when you drive across the expanses of Kazakhstan with mileages between large cities (read gas stations with good gasoline) of 500 km or more. The engine leaves a pleasant impression - the throttle response is good, it pulls away from intersections, and even when overtaking, it’s almost like a sports car.

On the downside: there were some unpleasant and incomprehensible breakdowns, but everyone has them. Twice we had to remove the gas tank, in the first case the power supply to the gas pump failed (they replaced it), God was merciful and the worst did not happen. Then suddenly the smell of gasoline appeared, it turned out to be a leak in the lower part of the tank (the armor is intact, but there is a leak???), strange, I had to remove it and weld it.

There are a lot of complaints on the forums about the harshness of the ride and shock absorbers - it's true! My rear shock absorber mounts were torn off with a difference of 30,000 km (the first after 90 thousand). The mounting cup and shock absorber head were torn off. It also had to be welded. Therefore, the stated characteristics are not true! Due to the elongated base, longitudinal rocking is detrimental to this car. Rear passengers can forget about comfort if the road is not very smooth and long.

Faisula Rakhmetov, review of Kia Mojave 3.8 (275 hp) AT 2010

Mohave, of course, is trying to look young, but you can’t hide your age. And just as the “grandmother phone” cannot catch up with the iPhone in design, the updated SUV cannot reach the expression and athleticism of the appearance of the same new Sportage and Sorento. The restyled Mohave still looks discreet, and you can easily miss it in a stream if you don’t know what to look for. Thus, the Mojave received new bumpers, LED DRLs were installed above the foglights for the first time, the radiator grille and the design of 18-inch wheels were changed, and blue and brown colors were added to the body color map. That's all, actually.

The Kia Mohave (where it is known as Borrego) “didn’t work” in the USA and left America back in 2010. Today, the main markets for Mohave are the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Russia. Although our sales of this model cannot be compared with the same Sorento or Sportage. By the way, the Mohave we sell is produced at Avtotor in Kaliningrad using the large-unit assembly method.

There are already more changes and injections of modernity in the interior, but even there it is clear that the young man is no longer young. And these wide wood-look inserts are like hello from the past... However, our readers were more interested in applied and technical issues. Let's move on to them.

Question from vyacheclavovich

What engines do they offer?

The updated Mohave arrived in Russia with the same V6 turbodiesel and 8-speed automatic transmission as its predecessor. And this is definitely not the worst legacy, but just the “trick” of the Korean SUV. Because this unit is no match for 4-cylinder diesel engines; the difference in traction is colossal! The three-liter engine with a cast iron block and a variable geometry turbine still develops 250 hp. and 549 Nm from 2000 rpm. 8.7 seconds - and the speedometer already shows 100 km/h, although the Mohave weighs 2.2 tons.

Minimum price

Maximum price

This diesel engine also doesn’t feel a loaded interior and trunk: it starts powerfully but smoothly from traffic lights, easily accelerates on the move, goes without straining along long highway climbs, and also picks up speed if you ask. And all this is accompanied by a pleasantly muffled bass rumbling and a subtle mischievous chirp of the turbine, which manifests itself during active acceleration.

They tried to refresh the interior with a different finish with wood-look inserts (the inserts are easily scratched, the finish with a texture reminiscent of tarpaulin), a new steering wheel, instruments and center console. There is a new multimedia with a touch screen, a JBL audio system and passenger seat ventilation. But there is still only one USB connector. As does the grab bar on the windshield pillar on the passenger side.

Moreover, the diesel engine does not need to be turned very hard: its strength is precisely at medium speeds, where the torque is maximum. So, with a slight release of gas, we force the 8-speed automatic to shift up, apply gas again - and we get another wave of acceleration. The box does not have a sports mode, but is tuned more for comfort and economy, switching softly and measuredly. If you gradually press down on the gas, the automatic transmission is stubbornly in no hurry to shift down, because the diesel engine “pulls out” even in higher gears. So to accelerate when overtaking with gas, you need to act more decisively.

Among the quibbles are the shock-hard activation of the air conditioning clutch and the noisy engine cooling fan. As for the reliability issues of this diesel engine, among the reviews from the owners of the “pre-reform” model there are references to replacing turbochargers and piezoelectric injectors. But this happened mainly during the warranty period (today it has been increased to 5 years or 150,000 km). By the way, a good reason to look at Mohave in more detail in our section, so follow our publications!

A new and highly readable Supervision instrument panel with a 4.2-inch color screen is available in the top-end Premium version. But the backlight brightness setting was never found. Other trim levels have a 3.5-inch monochrome screen.

The steering, weightless at low speeds, becomes heavier on the highway, although it is also tuned for comfort and not sharp steering, which is expected. And the brakes don’t raise any questions with their abilities.

But the independent suspension was simply discouraging. The update did not affect it, but it would have been worth it! Already in the basic equipment there are adaptive shock absorbers, but there is a feeling that they are weak for such a weighty car. Roll in corners is not so bad. What’s worse is that the SUV dances on well hatches and defects in the canvas, trying to lose its course. The chipped asphalt hits the steering wheel, the body shudders in fear on the “patches”, trembles from the vibrations of heavy wheels, “gestures” at the joints (especially the rear suspension), and if there are also potholes on the arch, the stern rearranges as if there is not a multi-link suspension, but an axle on springs!

The travel range of the rear air suspension from the lower to the upper (pictured) position is 80 mm.

On primers, bumps are transmitted less into the steering wheel. But you still won’t be able to accelerate much - the suspension lacks energy intensity and working strokes. On a hard crushed stone grader, you especially feel that the rear air suspension is working almost to the limit, annoying with noise and impacts. In general, the Mohave has a bit too “crossover” suspension for an SUV. And it’s not in vain that the owners of the pre-restyling model themselves changed the shock absorbers to stiffer ones so that the SUV would be more collected and “walk around” less.

Question from mihan_rsx

Going off-road?

Let's put it this way: it goes, but with reservations. And in terms of its geometric cross-country ability, Mohave, alas, is also closer to crossovers than to serious “rogues”. The long wheelbase and low-hanging body sills will make you think twice about climbing sharp terrain bends. The massive rear overhang can be partially compensated by raising the rear air suspension to the highest position and thereby increasing the departure angle and ground clearance (in this position it reaches a respectable 30.5 cm). But in the basic versions there are ordinary springs at the rear, and the risk of being “anchored” by the stern increases sharply.

1. The updated Mohave now has blind spot monitoring, tire pressure monitoring and 360-degree cameras that show the front and rear in different combinations.
2. Multimedia - with a dual-core 1 GHz processor, 1 GB RAM and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean OS. Supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, navigation shows houses in 3D... But the response to buttons is delayed, and the navigator sometimes gets lost.
3. Control of 3-zone climate control is convenient and intuitive.

The future is even sadder. The new bumper has become more massive and lower, and its protruding lower “jaw” easily reaches the ground in deep holes and ruts, forcing you to be careful. But it’s even worse that under the protection of the engine we measured only a “crossover” 195 mm of ground clearance! Due to such a low and weighty “muzzle,” there is not much sense in rear air suspension on difficult off-road conditions. Yes, it increases the clearance under the axle and tank, but the SUV can sit down even earlier. Owners of previous Mohaves lifted the front suspension with spacers or other springs and shock absorbers - this is a real necessity if you often drive off the asphalt.

But the diesel engine's traction reserve allows you to crawl through the mud for a long time even without engaging a lower gear. And we deliberately started kneading the dirt in the Auto mode in the transfer case, when the interaxle multi-disc coupling connecting the front axle constantly “plays” with the degree of its locking, adjusting the supplied torque. We expected that the clutch would overheat in this mode, but it did not happen - for this it is clearly necessary to apply more gas and climb, for example, into the sand. In 4H mode, the clutch is fully clamped, dividing the thrust equally between the axles. This makes it more difficult to overheat, and slight delays in connecting the front axle disappear.

Mohave’s electronic imitation of inter-wheel locks is not the most “evil”, but it is quite functional, and the “self-locking” rear axle helps. Road tires quickly “wash out” and do not allow you to get out of the rut laterally, even knee-deep. But if you go on inertia and straight wheels, then you can “slide” on such loam. The main thing is not to get carried away.

In a low gear in the transfer case, the traction is generally scrappy: a diesel engine could easily spin the wheels even more and “toothier”. In low gear, the Mohave honestly starts from first gear in the gearbox, and the reserve of torque almost from the bottom and the gas settings allow you to conveniently and linearly dose traction. Still, the difference in the speed of reactions to gas between a turbodiesel with 6 and 4 cylinders is heaven and earth! There is a nuance though. On a low row in the transfer case, the traction control system, contrary to logic and expectations, does not turn off and “strangles” the engine at the most inopportune moment when traction is needed. You have to turn it off manually.

Question from kamil_fazliev and mr_and_mrs_ivanov

How different is the Kia Mohave from the Sorento Prime? Who is preferable and does it make sense to overpay?

These two cars from the same Kia family differ more than seriously, and not only in price. And here everyone makes their own choice, based on what the car is needed for and what you expect from it.

At first I don’t like the front seats: you can’t move far back, the back is pushing out and flat as a board, your shoulders hang in the air, the headrests are not very comfortable... But then you get used to it. Among the pleasant little things are sun visors with a retractable section. Perforated quilted Nappa leather is a first for Mohave, but is available in the most expensive Premium version, as is a boxed armrest with a cooled compartment.

The seven-seater Mohave is on a frame, and it is larger than the Sorento: 15 cm longer in body and 11 cm in wheelbase, slightly wider, and its stated ground clearance is higher (217 mm versus 185). The trunk is also larger. The V6 diesel engine and the frame allow you to load the car to capacity, and even tow a camper or boat - let’s not forget that Mohave was created, among other things, for the USA, where SUVs are regularly used as tractors for heavy trailers. And the air suspension just prevents the stern from sagging under the weight of the load and trailer. And the presence of a lower gear also allows you to depict something on this off-road.

Sorento Prime is already an urban crossover with a monocoque body for 5 or 7 seats. More modern in finishing and ergonomics, more “asphalt” in suspension settings, more precise and collected in handling and behavior on the track. But there is no air suspension at the rear, and the engines are weaker, although there are also gasoline engines in the range. The most powerful of them is the 3.3-liter V6 (250 hp and 318 Nm), and the 2.2-liter diesel engine produces a maximum of 200 hp and 441 Nm. And only a 6-speed automatic transmission for all engines, while the Mohave sports an 8-speed automatic transmission.

1. The left spoke of the steering wheel blocks the control unit for all-wheel drive, suspension, and stabilization system - you have to press and twist by touch or peek. The headlight washer button is also not very convenient.
2. The rear climate control panel is already included in the base, but buttons for moving the front seat are only available in the most expensive version. USB connector? It’s not here, nor is it on the third row.
3. On the second row there is expanse in all directions. And the knees do not rest, even if the chair is pushed back all the way. But the middle passenger's back is bulged by a folded armrest, flat and hard as a board. And when landing, there is not enough grab handle on the B-pillars - we saved money again!

Yes, and when driving a Sorento Prime off-road, you have to be careful: the ground clearance is only slightly higher than that of a car, the body overhangs are large, there is no “lower” to confidently mix the dirt, and the fluid coupling for connecting the rear axle is clearly not designed for such twists. “Leave him family long-distance cruises on highways, at worst - broken country roads and compacted dirt roads,” - there is nothing to add to these words of our correspondent afterward.

Question from ty_kto

Are all windows automatic?

You will be surprised, but no: automatic windows are only available on the front doors; on the rear doors they save money. Also, the electrical adjustment of the pedal assembly, which was offered on the pre-restyling model, has disappeared from the Russian Mohave configurations. Was it removed so as not to increase the price?

When both rows are folded, the “hold” volume is 2.7 cubic meters! The flat floor allows you to organize luxurious sleeping areas. But there is still no servo drive for the tailgate (there is only a closer), and the raised lid is a bit low for people taller than 180 cm.

Although after the update Mohave still became more expensive. The basic Comfort cost 2,399,900 rubles, now - 2,439,900 rubles. All-wheel drive is plug-in, without a low gear in the transfer case, the interior is made of fabric (the multifunction steering wheel and gear selector are in leather), but the equipment is not poor at all. There is a multimedia system and JBL music, 3-zone climate control with a control unit for rear passengers and an additional electric interior heater, heated wiper stations, mirrors (they are servo-driven) and front seats, adjustable lumbar support for the driver and cruise control . Plus LED running lights and fog lights, turn signals in the side mirrors, roof rails, a rear spoiler, a luggage net and a trunk curtain. And all this is on alloy wheels with 245/70 R17 tires.

Safety in the database is already covered by 6 airbags (previously there were only front airbags), a stabilization system with a hill start assistant, a standard alarm and immobilizer, front and rear parking sensors, a rain sensor and, of course, ERA-GLONASS.

1. In the “gallery” you sit on the floor, your legs are raised, the back does not recline. And while the middle row can be moved forward to give you more room for your knees, how long can you sit like that? As a slight consolation, there are cup holders, air ducts on the ceiling and a ceiling light.
2. When the third row is raised, the trunk expectedly shrinks to 350 liters or a couple of bags.
3. The jack is hidden in an organizer under the trunk floor.

I received Mohave and the new intermediate version Luxe for 2,639,900 rubles. In it, the fabric interior is replaced by a leather one, heated rear sofa and steering wheel, active headrests, tinted rear hemisphere and a self-dimming interior mirror are added. The price also includes wooden inserts on the steering wheel, automatic front windows and, most importantly, a lower row in the transfer case.

A self-locking limited-slip rear differential and rear air suspension can only be obtained in the maximum Premium configuration for 2,849,900 rubles. The seats (the front ones are already ventilated) are trimmed with perforated Nappa leather, there is ambient interior lighting in the doors, servos for the front seats and steering wheel with memory (as well as folding mirrors with a tilt function when driving backwards), a sunroof, and a cooled box in the armrest. The engine starts with a push button, there are xenon headlights and LED taillights, 360-degree cameras and blind spot monitoring. External differences include wheels measuring 265/60 R18, side steps and chrome door handles.

Question from kamil_fazliev

No matter how close the price is to the Kruzak...

The Mohave price ranges from 2,439,900 to 2,869,900 rubles - its main caliber weapon in market wars, with all its flaws. Because objectively there is no direct alternative to it: no one offers for that kind of money a well-equipped frame 7-seater SUV with a V6 diesel engine, low gear, 8-speed automatic transmission and a large interior.

Under the steel motor protection we measured 195 mm. The technical data states a ground clearance of 217 mm.

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, which is shorter? From 2,727,000 rubles for a basic 5-seater body and a 4-cylinder diesel engine of 2.8 liters (177 hp) paired with a 6-speed automatic. Seven-seater option - from 3,513,000 rubles. The new 5-seater Mitsubishi Pajero Sport with a 2.4 liter diesel engine (181 hp) is no cheaper: from 2,649,990 rubles for an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Frameless Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI with independent suspension and 8-speed automatic? It is only a 5-seater and don’t go near it without three million: the version with a 204-horsepower diesel engine costs from 3,089,000 rubles, the version with 245 hp. - from 3,199,000 rubles (prices without trade-in discounts). Do you need a variant with a "lower" option in the transfer case? It is only available in the 4XMotion version, priced from 3,259,000 rubles.

1. The aluminum BorgWarner transfer case is hidden behind the frame cross member. In Auto mode, the front axle is connected by an automatic clutch, in 4H it is locked, in 4L mode the low range is activated.
2. The power steering pipes pass behind the steering rack and are not protected in any way. If you often go off-road, an additional sheet of protection, which also covers the box, definitely won’t hurt.
3. The front suspension is with two wishbones. And its strokes are still small: notice how the rubber compression stroke buffer on the lower arm almost rests against the limiting pad. And this is on an empty car.

Who else? The Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 3-liter V6 diesel engine has long been “merged” from our market. Now it only has a 3.6 liter petrol V6. 238 hp option costs from 2,870,000 rubles, version with 286 hp. - already 3,800,000 rubles. The Mitsubishi Pajero, which recently returned to Russia, has only a modest petrol 3-liter V6 (174 hp), but they are asking an immodest 2,749,000 - 2,949,990 rubles for a middle-aged SUV.