Russians and Americans, despite their different average income levels, have one thing in common: they both love large universal cars. After all, this is exactly what is needed for vast spaces. Especially if you have a family, a dog and a large private house. It is precisely this audience that the huge Kia Mohave SUV is primarily aimed at.
In North American markets, the KIA Mohave was named Borrego. Photo: sepimages.ru
History of creation
The car called Mohave was first introduced in 2008. But the car “didn’t go overseas” - in 2011 it was taken off sale there. But they left him in other countries - for example, Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan and, of course, “at home”, in South Korea.
By the way, Mohave is also not available in Western Europe - it is irrelevant there and would look like a bull in a china shop.
In February 2016, the news feeds were filled with photographs of the updated Mohave in camouflage. A little later, the secrets were fully revealed - and sales began.
Appearance of a Korean
The exterior can be called absolutely calm. The manufacturer did not offer anything revolutionary. Photo: kia.com
Mohave is not outwardly memorable— it's just a big crossover. The body shape is angular (this is more practical). The lighting equipment is deliberately large and massive. But at the same time, it cannot be said that Mohave looks like a chest - it is not at all like that.
During the restyling, the body remained almost unchanged. So, just light cosmetics. They didn't even touch the headlights.
But the false radiator grille now has three chrome strips in a small cell, which adds some elegance to the appearance. Photo: motorpage.ru
The bumpers are also new. LED strips of daytime running lights are neatly integrated into the front ones.
What the salon can boast of
The salon is also without any design revelations for which the French are famous. But everything is at hand - exactly where you expect to see it. There are many more changes here.
The luggage compartment of the crossover impresses with its usable volume. Photo: ae96.ru
Finishing materials are of much better quality than before.
The steering wheel is new and multifunctional. The instrument panel has a 4.2-inch display (in the top version). Already standard is a UVO 2.0 entertainment center with an 8-inch touch screen, factory navigation, ten speakers, AUX and USB connectors, Bluetooth support and even Apple Pay technology. “Music”, by the way, was made by the famous company JBL and sounds great.
The microclimate control unit is classic. Two rotating knobs on the edges and regular (not touch) buttons between them. Practical and convenient.
The central armrest box has a lot of containers. Well, cup holders are simply scattered throughout the cabin - that’s what Americans like.
The back is spacious (of course!), but what is especially interesting is that the third row of seats is not for children, but full. Even adult passengers of average height are provided with good comfort.
Owners' opinions
The owners of the Kia Mohave enjoy the interior space, level of equipment, reasonable price and excellent dynamics. True, not everyone likes the suspension - it is still a bit harsh on our so-called roads, which are more like directions. The Koreans listened to the comments and made changes - as much as possible with a very limited budget. And the new eight-speed automatic transmission and modified diesel engine made the Mohave more economical, which is very important given immodest fuel prices and a curb weight of 2.3 tons. According to the passport in the city, the car “eats” 12.3 liters of diesel fuel per hundred kilometers. In practice, this figure increases significantly.
Engines and transmissions
The refusal of “mechanics” is due to low sales of such cars. Photo: photocar.info
Now there is no choice - only versions with a 3.6 - liter diesel engine remain on the conveyors. In South Korea, this engine develops 260 hp, but for Russia it was derated by 10 “horses”. This is due to the peculiarities of the legislation, because otherwise the owner would annually pay approximately twice the transport tax.
The gearbox is only automatic, eight-speed, with a traditional torque converter, and not newfangled preselective robots - it’s simpler and more reliable.
Previously, there was also a version with a petrol V-shaped six-cylinder engine with a volume of 3.0 liters and a power of 275 hp. But sales of such cars ceased in 2015.
Options and prices
In the native South Korean market for the Kia brand, the base price is 41 million 100 thousand won, which equals 2 million 64 thousand rubles. But for this money there will only be front-wheel drive - such versions are not offered to Russians.
But in Russia you will have to pay at least 2 million 420 thousand rubles for a brand new all-wheel drive Mohave.
Among the standard equipment:
- six airbags
- ESC stabilization system
- separate three-zone climate control
- heated front seats and rear-view mirrors.
Of course, the ERA-GLONASS system, which has recently become mandatory, is also present.
In addition to the “base”, called Comfort, there are two more trim levels - Luxe (2 million 619 thousand rubles) and Premium.
The most “packed” Mohave (such a car costs 2 million 850 thousand) is truly gorgeous. It will contain, among other things:
- seats (front - with electric drive and ventilation), trimmed with expensive leather;
- heating of the rear sofa, steering wheel and windshield;
- all-round viewing system with cameras;
- valuable wood (you can choose varieties) and real aluminum in the finishing.
And this is not a complete list.
Warranty - 5 years or 150 thousand kilometers, whichever comes first. According to the old tradition, Koreans make a lot of exceptions for which this period is set much shorter or absent altogether.
Mohave competitors
Mohave has many competitors. Many manufacturers offer full-size crossovers and SUVs priced up to 3 million rubles in our country—this market segment is now popular. Let's say, for 2.7 million you can get a basic Volkswagen Touareg with quite decent equipment. True, there will be a temptation to choose something from a gigantic list of options - and then up to five million is not far away.
Or, for example, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, for which they are now asking from 2 million rubles. True, the base is as empty as a drum (even the gearbox is mechanical), but in the middle versions the impression of the car will be completely different.
Another thing is that not everyone now has a third row of seats - this is a definite plus of the “Korean”.
For a better look at the impressive Korean car, watch this video:
It is clear that although Mohave is good, the update is just a way to delay its inevitable departure from the market. After all, the years take their toll, and 8 years by modern standards is a very long time.
They promise to present a serial successor in a maximum of two years. What it will look like is clear from the Telluride concept car, which debuted at the international motor show in Detroit. Now, most likely, development tests are underway.
Results
Kia Mohave 2017 is a very decent car. Big, muscular". And it’s truly multifunctional - you can safely go on a long journey with this one - fortunately, the diesel engine provides decent efficiency.
Mohave doesn't help in the city either. Pick up the kids from school or kindergarten? Go to Auchan to buy groceries for the whole week? Buy building materials for your home? No problem.
And thanks to all-wheel drive and considerable ground clearance, primers will be a breeze. And at the same time - the peculiarities of domestic winter operation in the form of snowdrifts and poorly cleaned courtyard driveways. But this, of course, is not an SUV in the full sense - it has nothing to do in the forest thickets. But how many owners need this?
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
There are many cars of different classes in the world. But in Russia they prefer to opt for SUVs or at least crossovers. This is not surprising, because such cars are practical and have much greater cross-country ability than conventional passenger cars. The choice of SUVs is huge. And today we will pay attention to the Korean automobile industry. This is a diesel Kia Mojave 3.0. Owner reviews, technical specifications, photos - further in the article.
Description
So what kind of car is this? The Kia Mojave is a mid-size SUV that has been in mass production since 2008. Assembly is carried out in:
- Korea;
- Kazakhstan;
- Russia.
Design
Initially, this car was aimed at the North American market. This is immediately noticeable in its design. Koreans rarely make massive and rude SUVs. But Mojave is an exception to the rule.
This is a truly American SUV with huge headlights, a massive grille and large wheel arches. At the bottom there is a wide “foliage”, which also protects the body from stones and bitumen from the road. Overall the car has a good design. But there are also disadvantages. As reviews note, the diesel Kia Mojave has a weak paint coating. After a couple of years of use, rust appears on the car. The following elements are often subject to corrosion:
- thresholds;
- trunk lid;
- wheel arches;
- the front part of the hood (in the area of the radiator grille);
- door edges.
This is not to say that the body is openly rotting. But small bugs are not uncommon on the Kia Mojave.
Dimensions, ground clearance, weight
This car is a mid-size SUV with a body length of 4.88 meters. The width is 1.92 meters and the height is 1.81. Ground clearance on standard wheels is almost 22 centimeters. This is a good indicator, but this car is not the best for serious off-road use. The approach angle is 27 degrees, the departure angle is 22.5. This is plenty enough for dirt roads, but off-road is not his element. The curb weight of the car is 2 tons.
Salon
Let's move inside the diesel Kia Mojave. Reviews from owners say that the interior of the car looks decent. If we consider mid-range trim levels and above, it is worth noting the beige leather interior and pleasant wood-look inserts. Four-spoke steering wheel with buttons. The instrument panel is informative, with an on-board computer. The center console houses a radio, climate control unit and a pair of air deflectors. All buttons are at hand and their location is intuitive. The seats are moderately hard, with a good range of adjustments and lateral support. There is a wide armrest in the center. Air conditioning is available in basic trim levels, and climate control is available in more expensive trim levels.
The interior is decorated with high-quality plastic, the sound insulation is quite good - reviews say. But over time, various “crickets” may appear. The cabin can accommodate up to seven people. The middle row of seats can be adjusted according to the angle of the backrest, as well as moved in the longitudinal direction. There is an opinion that the quality of the interior directly depends on the assembly. As practice shows, this is indeed the case. The versions assembled in Korea differ from the Russian ones.
Among the shortcomings of the diesel Kia Mojave, reviews note the glitches of the rear view camera. It can turn off spontaneously. And to fix the problem, you have to contact the service. Also, over time, the climate control wiring contacts become sour, which can also cause problems.
Sometimes the windshield washer stops working on a Kia. Fortunately, to solve this problem, it is enough to replace the corresponding fuse (it may blow out). Owners also experience problems with the on-board computer and audio system.
Trunk
If we consider the seven-seater version, the trunk can accommodate up to 350 liters of luggage. If necessary, the third row of seats can be removed.
In the five-seater version, the trunk volume is 1,045 liters. But that is not all. The middle row of seats can also be transformed. The result is a cargo area with a volume of 2,675 liters. To expand the useful volume, engineers moved the spare wheel under the bottom. But as reviews note, getting to the spare tire is very difficult.
Technical characteristics of the diesel Kia Mojave
Under the hood of the diesel version there is a six-cylinder V-shaped engine of the CRDI series. With a working volume of 3 liters, this power unit develops 250 horsepower. Torque – 540 Nm. Since this is a diesel engine, torque is available almost immediately – at 1.8 thousand rpm. Injection system - “Common Rail” with piezo injectors. The cylinder block is cast iron, the head is aluminum.
How does the diesel Kia Mojave 3.0 behave in terms of dynamics? Reviews say that the car, despite its two-ton weight, is very playful. It accelerates to hundreds in 9 seconds. Maximum speed is 190 kilometers per hour.
What do reviews say about the Kia Mojave diesel engine? The owners note that the engine is generally not bad. With it, the car quickly overtakes, and the engine has a considerable resource - more than 400 thousand kilometers. But in order for the motor to last a long time, you need to regularly change consumables. This is motor oil and filters. Among the significant advantages, it is worth noting the fact that the fuel equipment of the CRDI engine is adapted to Russian operating conditions: the engine can digest diesel fuel that is not of the highest quality.
What do reviews say about the fuel consumption of the diesel Kia Mojave 3.0? Owners note that the engine is quite voracious. Everyone is used to saving money by buying diesel cars. But it won’t work here, the owners say. The fuel consumption of the diesel Kia Mojave is from 12 to 15 liters per 100 kilometers. Of course, a lot depends on operating conditions and driving style. But even under the most favorable conditions, the fuel consumption of the diesel Kia Mojave will not be less than 12 liters. Perhaps this is the most significant disadvantage noted by owner reviews.
The timing system on the six-cylinder CRDI engine is chain. The owners say that the mechanism is very reliable. If you change the oil in a timely manner, you can forget about replacing the chain for the next 200 thousand kilometers. But nothing lasts forever, so the chain will continue to stretch. It is better to change it as a whole, with tensioners, rollers and dampers.
Among the “sores” of the Kia Mojave diesel engine, owners note weak clamps of the power steering pipes and unreliable fastening of the radiator protection. Otherwise there are no problems with the motor.
A few words about the gasoline engine
In addition to the diesel Kia Mojave 3.0, you can also find a gasoline version on the market. Under the hood there will be a 3.8-liter six-cylinder V-engine. This engine develops power of 275 horsepower. But sales of gasoline modifications in Russia ceased in 2015. What do reviews say about the gasoline engine? The engine as a whole is also reliable, but the consumption is very scary. The car spends about 20 liters of gasoline per hundred. In addition, for the 275-horsepower Mojave you need to pay a higher transport tax.
Transmission
This vehicle can be equipped with several gearboxes:
- five-speed manual;
- eight-speed automatic;
- six-speed automatic.
The latter option is found only on cars imported from the USA. What do reviews say about these transmissions? The diesel Kia Mojave will be very reliable with any gearbox. Practice has shown that all three transmissions have a fairly high service life. What do the owners recommend choosing? Reviews say that it is better to purchase an SUV with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It combines reliability, good economy and smooth gear changes. Yes, there have been cases when the automatic transmission shifted jerkily and became dull. But this problem was solved by updating the box ECU software. If this did not help, the owners repaired the valve body.
How long do mechanics last? Reviews note that it requires the first repair after a mileage of at least 100 thousand kilometers. Next you need to change the clutch. According to the regulations, the oil does not change, but experts recommend changing it at least once every 100 thousand.
We also note that the car is equipped with an all-wheel drive system. The front axle is connected via an electromagnetic clutch or by force. Among the disadvantages of this system, reviews note the rapid overheating of the electromagnetic clutch. Therefore, you should not allow prolonged slippage. But there is “foolproofing” here, say the owners. In case of overheating, the system will automatically turn off the front-wheel drive. Therefore, you won’t be able to burn the coupling even if you want to. However, there is a risk of remaining helpless off-road, since torque will be transmitted only to the rear axle.
Chassis
The car has a completely independent suspension. There are MacPherson struts at the front, and a multi-link at the rear. Note that in the maximum configuration, not springs, but pneumatic cylinders are used as elastic elements. But reviews say that the diesel Kia Mojave has a very durable suspension. The first repair will be required at 80 thousand kilometers. Silent blocks and ball ones will require attention at 150 thousand.
It is worth noting that if the car is frequently used on extreme off-road conditions, it will be difficult to perform wheel alignment, since strong jumps can cause the frame to move. Among the “sores” it is worth noting a malfunction of the body position sensor. Moreover, diagnostics show that this element is working properly. The problem is poor quality sensor wiring. Also among the minuses it is necessary to highlight the short life of the front pads. They last no more than 30 thousand kilometers even with moderate use.
How does the car behave while driving? Reviews say that the car absorbs potholes and other irregularities perfectly. At the same time, the car is not too rolly. On the highway it holds its course confidently, there is no need to steer, the owners note. But still, you should forget about the aggressive driving style. After all, the weight of an SUV is about two tons.
Cost, options
The car is offered in several versions:
- "Comfort".
- "Lux".
- "Premium".
Basic equipment is available at a price of 2 million 420 thousand rubles. This price includes:
- simplified all-wheel drive system;
- six airbags;
- front and rear parking sensors;
- air conditioner;
- hill start assist system.
The intermediate version “Lux” costs from 2 million 620 thousand. There is climate control, proprietary JBL acoustics, a multimedia system and other options. The Premium package costs 2 million 850 thousand rubles. This price includes:
- 18-inch alloy wheels;
- leather interior;
- xenon headlights;
- air suspension;
- electric sunroof;
- seat ventilation;
- blind spot monitoring system;
- all-round cameras;
- engine start from a button;
- keyless entry.
The cost of the maximum configuration can reach up to three million rubles. Moreover, each car is provided with a warranty for a period of three years or 150 thousand kilometers.
"Mojave" used
How are things going on the secondary market? A used SUV can be purchased for a price of 800 thousand rubles. This will be a 9 year old car. More recent cars cost about a million rubles.
Let's sum it up
So, we found out what the Kia Mojave SUV is. Among the advantages of this car it is worth emphasizing:
- good level of equipment (all-wheel drive is already standard);
- spacious interior;
- comfortable suspension;
- nice design;
- reliable engine and gearbox.
Among the disadvantages it is necessary to highlight:
- unreliable electrical wiring;
- weak paintwork;
- high fuel consumption.
In general, the Kia Mojave is a universal car for all occasions. The machine can be used both in the city and outside it. This is a comfortable, roomy and reliable SUV. Perhaps its only serious drawback is its high fuel consumption.
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
Kia Mohave is a car well known on the domestic market, although not entirely appreciated by Russian consumers. This mid-size frame SUV was presented back in 2008 at the Detroit Auto Show, and a year later it appeared in the vast post-Soviet space.
And so, years later, the engineers of the Korean company decided to update their flagship SUV, presenting a package of changes as the release of a new model with the same name. Well, let's try to figure out what the new Kia Mohave offers its potential owner.
New Kia Mojave 2017-2018 model year
Remembering the history of the model, it is worth noting that it did not gain much popularity in our country, although it offered excellent technical characteristics. The reason for this was the very inflated price, which, at that time, put the new product on a par with cars of more prestigious brands. The Mojave could not compete with SUVs from Mitsubishi or Toyota, not because it was inferior in any characteristics, but because the Kia brand was less prestigious.
The crisis events that occurred in the Russian car market seriously changed the financial situation among competitors. The new generation of Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has significantly increased in price, the Land Cruiser Prado has also moved into the high league, and in the range of 2 to 3 million rubles a certain niche has formed into which another frame SUV could easily “fit.”
This is the new Kia Mojave 2017-2018 model year. The price was positively affected by the localization of the assembly of the new product, the use of a number of technical tricks, as well as the rejection of large-volume engines. The latter were developed “with an eye” on the North American market, but from now on they are not available for our country. So, how does the new car differ from its predecessor?
At first glance, it is very difficult to distinguish the new Kia Mojave from the previous generation. External changes are kept to a minimum, which is due to the very successful appearance of its predecessor.
The design, once created by Peter Schreyer, turned out to be very successful and does not look archaic even today. Of course, it does not have the expressive solutions characteristic of the new Pajero Sport, but this is not so important for potential customers.
Video - review and test drive of the Kia Mojave 2017-2018 model year:
The new product is positioned as a comfortable, roomy and passable car for family vacations, and therefore excessive pretentiousness could well scare off a potential buyer. Small external changes affected mainly the lighting technology, the shape of the bumpers and the location of the moldings, but you can only notice them by placing the new and old car next to each other.
There are much more changes inside and they are associated both with improvements in comfort and ergonomics, as well as the quality of finishing materials. In addition, the car’s equipment has been improved, even in the basic version, and expensive trim levels have acquired new optional equipment.
Technical characteristics of the new Kia Mohave
The change in technical characteristics of the new Kia Mohave also followed the path of evolution and adaptation of the model to the realities of the Russian market. As already noted, in our country the manufacturer abandoned the expanded range of power units, leaving only a three-liter diesel engine with a capacity of 250 horsepower and working “in tandem” with an automatic transmission.
What distinguishes the engine is its relatively low fuel consumption, which in the combined cycle is 9.3 liters per hundred kilometers. The figure, of course, is not a record, but taking into account the volume and power characteristics it looks very impressive.
The overall dimensions of the Kia Mojave have not undergone significant changes - it is still a large mid-size SUV with high spaciousness. With a car length of 4930 mm, its wheelbase is 2895 mm, so passengers do not feel cramped. The spaciousness in the rear seats is also facilitated by the vertical seating position of the passengers, as well as the configuration of the seats.
Video - test drive Kia Mohave 2017:
The developers also paid quite a lot of attention to the car's off-road capabilities. This is eloquently evidenced by the short overhangs, the configuration of the bumpers, as well as the ground clearance of 217 mm.
However, it’s unlikely to call the Mojave a classic SUV, since in the design the engineers used a multi-link rear suspension design coupled with a wishbone front suspension. This configuration made it possible to ensure good handling, absence of yaw and other unpleasant phenomena on the highway, but made the car vulnerable in serious off-road conditions.
Therefore, the Kia Mojave can only be classified as a large SUV that can occasionally be used for outdoor trips, but not as a car intended for use in off-road conditions. “Delicate” suspensions are not able to withstand regular loads of this level, which, however, is not required by potential buyers. Most Kia Mohave owners care much more about comfort in the city and on the highway, which the car does brilliantly.
Options and prices
Today on the domestic market, the new generation of Kia Mohave is presented in four trim levels, the last two differing only in the color of the interior. As a result, sellers sell three versions called Comfort, Luxe and Premium.
In all versions, only one power unit and type of transmission are available, which were described above. Already in the basic version, the buyer receives an all-wheel drive type of transmission (a serious advantage given the fact that most crossovers “in the base” are single-wheel drive), a set of heated front seats and windshield, alloy wheels and an air conditioning system.
Video review - Kia Mohave 2017 3.0D (250 hp) 4WD AT Premium:
The second version adds heated rear seats, leather interior trim, tinted rear windows, power windows for rear passengers, etc.
The third trim level boasts Nappa leather trim (can be either black or brown), a cooled glove box, electric front seats, a seat ventilation system and other premium options.
Talking about prices for the new Kia Mojave in the light of the current market situation is a thankless task, and therefore we advise you to find out the latest information on the official Kia website - kia.ru.
Reviews from Kia Mojave owners
Since the new Kia Mojave 2017-2018 model year has just entered the market, there are no statistics on its operation online yet. But taking into account the fact that the car has undergone virtually no changes compared to the previous generation, there is every chance to expect exactly the same reliability indicators.
Reviews about the diesel Kia Mohave are generally positive and relate to the high reliability of the power unit. The only thing that the owners note is that the Kia Mojave diesel is very demanding on fuel quality, and therefore it is better to refuel the car at proven gas stations. It is also important to check the condition of the drive belts and replace them in a timely manner, which will avoid additional hassle.
Regarding the suspension, the car also demonstrates high durability even in domestic road conditions. Only mechanical damage from branches and other protruding elements can be a serious problem, since they can easily damage unprotected anthers. This fact once again shows that you should not abuse the off-road capabilities of the car and remember that this is, first of all, a road crossover, and not a full-fledged all-terrain vehicle, like, for example, the competitor Pajero Sport.
Video - new Kia Mojave vs. Mitsubishi Pajero Sport:
Other problems in car operation are, in general, typical for many Korean cars. In particular, the windshield is not highly resistant to temperature changes and often breaks along its entire length even if there is minor damage.
Leaks in the expansion tank of the cooling system, which is made of fragile plastic, are also common. Also, the “bones” in the suspension require regular replacement, which are quite fragile and become unusable under strong shock loads. Otherwise, the Kia Mojave can be characterized as a fairly reliable car, not very ruinous for the owner in terms of maintenance.
Forums
Basic information about the car, real reviews from owners and data on solving technical problems can be obtained from online forums dedicated to this model. The most active and educational of them include the following resources:
- mohavod.ru. This site is perhaps the only resource entirely dedicated to the model on the Russian Internet. Here you can not only chat with the owners, but also find out the latest information from the manufacturer, get acquainted with the latest news and generally study the car in all its nuances.
- kiaclub.ru/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=32. This forum is located on a resource dedicated to Kia cars. The most active forum, where there are many reviews from real owners, information about breakdowns, as well as a flea market where you can purchase used spare parts and tuning parts.
- drom.ru/reviews/kia/mohave/. A good set of reviews from Kia Mohave owners, but there is no serious forum discussion on the resource.
- mohave.su. A good club site where you can discuss all the nuances of car ownership and take part in owner club meetings. Of course, there are club symbols and other attributes of such sites.
Video - test drive Kia Mojave 2017.
