Is it worth buying a Kia Mojave? Where are Kia cars made for Russia and other countries? Competition for KIA - main problems with Mohave sales

I've been using the 3.8 petrol pneumatic for exactly a year now, the mileage is 50,000 km.
At the very beginning of operation, I replaced the standard amo with converted ones and installed other springs in front under the converted amo. The shock absorbers were rebuilt in Vladimir, the springs were made in St. Petersburg. The point is that the standard suspension is American, “soft”, designed for good asphalt... That is, on the “comb” the car drags and throws after 100 km/h, and on the waves it chatters “Mama, don’t worry.” It is noteworthy: there is one test - you accelerate slightly and brake sharply - it makes several pecks in front, after the modification - one... In general, it fits the city with tension, but on the highway, especially ours, it is complete crap... In Vladimir There is an office that prepares sports cars, i.e. prepares them for competitions, incl. and redo the pendants. That's where one of the owners of the Mojave rebuilt the standard AMO. The modification consisted of imparting more rigid characteristics to the operation of the amo. When I replaced the stock amos with rebuilt ones, I compared them. So the relatives are really soft, you can practically pump them by weight with both hands, but the converted ones already have to rest against something and strain to pump them up! After I installed the tuning amo, the car drove, no ridges, no waves, everything was fine, like on rails, only the front became very hard, all the small irregularities in the front were hit hard... And again we found a solution. The original springs had almost the same stiffness along their entire length, and were also closed around their axis. In St. Petersburg, they made new springs for the Mojave and the modified Amo with variable stiffness: the ends are softer, the middle is stiffer and there is one less coil. I changed the standard springs to St. Petersburg springs and everything fell into place. Small bumps go smoothly and at the same time hold the road, it has become much more comfortable to drive. In general, they “tailored” the suspension to Europe. All this is discussed on the mohavod.ru forum. In addition, in machines with pneumatic air there were problems with position sensors, which periodically failed. As it turned out, they were caused mainly by salt and reagents on the roads; the contacts on the sensor connectors, which were practically unprotected, were oxidized. This problem is solved by sealing the connectors, some people do this with heat shrink, but I did it with sealant, coated the connector joint and filled the wires at the entrance to the connector. But in general the car is very worthy. For us it costs $50,000. In this price range, we have no competitor to Mojave. The top-of-the-line equipment (leather, 3-zone climate, heating with ventilation, etc.), only here in the Republic of Kazakhstan they sell only gasoline 3. 8 versions and there is no navigation in the head, but the Infiniti 5+1 music is not bad. Additionally, I installed a Pandora sigalka with all GPS, GPRS, etc., I installed monitors with a player, etc. in the headrests, I protected the headlights, fog lights and the front edge of the hood with film. I really liked the standard sound insulation, it’s there... In terms of driving performance, although the car is on a frame, it’s still more of a crossover than a jeep, although in principle it can even go off-road. The dynamics are excellent, the main drive is rear-wheel drive. The side mirrors were a little confusing; they are spherical, i.e. are being deceived. Motor - timing chain, runs very quietly, 275 hp, more than enough! Consumption at 100 km/h 10-10.2 l, 120 km/h and above from 11.5 l, city 18-21 l. Lew is strictly AI 92.

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

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 2-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.

A car with a big soul - for a Russian person, this is the kind of car that turns out to be optimal for purchasing. The KIA Mohave may well be one of the contenders, which turns out to be quite large, attractive and distinctive. Also in the technical part, the car demonstrates a completely logical superiority over other representatives of the segment. However, the car is manufactured in Korea, which makes it initially subject to certain doubts among buyers. And the price tag is very confusing. In showrooms across Russia, the basic version of the car costs at least 2.5 million rubles. And at this moment, the internal struggle of the Russian buyer begins, who knows well the prices of the main competitors of this Korean SUV. The car could well have become a cult car in the Russian Federation, if not for its price beyond the clouds of buyer understanding.

Perhaps we have assessed the cost features of the car too strictly without understanding its advantages. In today's publication you will use ideas for selecting a car with the most interesting parameters and characteristics. Let's take the Mohave class as a starting point, which officially sounds like an SUV. Interestingly, not so long ago the car underwent a certain restyling, so today you will see a completely new car in terms of design characteristics. The products of the Korean manufacturer turn out to be very interesting for a potential buyer, if we consider them separately from the price tag. But even with this price, Mojave will find its buyer who will appreciate the greatness of the model and its technical advantages over its main rivals. Let's look at the main advantages and disadvantages of this car.

Exterior and interior are the main trump cards of the updated KIA Mohave

After restyling, you can compare KIA with the previous generation Lexus LX. The car remained a classic SUV with a traditional body shape. The car received an interesting style and updated optics, several new details in the interior. Gone is the former stiffness and feeling of outdated design. There are only a few major changes in the appearance of the car that really affected the performance properties of the vehicle. The following points are worth considering:

• the optics have completely changed their shape, and the lighting technologies used have also changed; these solutions seem logical and modern, which pleases the car buyer;
• The front bumper has also changed somewhat, there are reformations in the radiator grille, a number of changes are present in the form of other body elements, but they are not so significant;
• there are also many small and important reforms in the interior that make the car more comfortable, modern and easy to use, something the previous generation lacked;
• there is no change in the functionality of the interior, everything still folds up, transforms and, if necessary, turns into a large cargo van for transporting things;
• The car looks like a classic from many angles, but a closer look reveals its modern and contemporary features, so this vehicle has a clear appeal.

It is quite difficult to consider the advantages of the KIA Mohave's appearance, since the company does not rely on design in this case. The corporation did not prepare the car in the current design trend, leaving it with its share of classics. But this also plays a negative role with transport. Now Mojave is unlikely to be bought by young people, preferring more interesting competitors with a modern style. This is a car for the middle and older generation.

Technical part of Mohave - what's hidden under the hood?

Once upon a time, Mojave trim levels offered a 3.8-liter engine. This power unit turned out to be not the most successful and successful; the gasoline version was practically not bought due to its high cost and huge fuel consumption. Therefore, the new generation features only one technical package of the KIA Mohave. For many, this will be an advantage, especially since this package turns out to be very interesting in terms of content:

• the 3-liter engine runs on diesel fuel and has a very impressive 250 horsepower, and this already does some credit to the car among its rivals;
• gearbox - 8 automatic transmission, it was this automatic transmission that was installed on the previous version of the car in the best-selling configuration and has become legendary for its endurance and quality of work;
• acceleration to 100 km/h of this huge car takes 8.7 seconds, and the maximum possible speed is 190 km/h, while the full-size SUV is very dynamic and active;
• the suspension is simply excellent, there are all the necessary functions for off-roading and high-quality operation of the car, the wheels are installed at 17 inches, they are quite enough;
• Fuel consumption in the city will be approximately 12 liters per 100 km; in highway conditions, consumption will drop to 7.6 liters, so the car can safely be called one of the most economical in its class.

We can talk for a long time about the fact that KIA cannot make a worthy competitor to the same Toyota. But in fact, the technical part of the only version of Mohave has remarkable capabilities and characteristics. If you want a reliable and decent car, it’s time to look for a Korean. Reviews about the technology of this machine are pleasantly surprising. The legendary engine lasts a very long time and has an incredible resource.

Prices and Mojave content are the main disadvantages of the machine

If the most important advantages of a car are hidden in the technical part, then its main disadvantages are hidden in the price tags. This is due to the fact that the car’s configurations are quite ordinary, but the prices are equal to more popular competitors. So such a nuisance may well be the reason for the continued sluggish sales of this quite interesting car. But to compare with other representatives, you need to understand exactly what parameters the manufacturer offered in his car:

• there are three configurations - Comfort, Luxe, Premium, the versions are completely different, the price of the basic version is 2.42 million rubles, and the most expensive set will cost 2.85 million;
• the database contains all the systems necessary for an SUV, as well as safety modules, braking assistants, hill start assistance and an effective traction control system;
• You will be pleased with the abundance of airbags already in the basic version, there is a good headlight with LEDs, a lot of useful sensors for the automatic functions of the car;
• cruise control is provided in the base; the buyer will also be pleased with dual-zone climate control and fairly effective climate systems for the entire huge car interior;
• Among the additions to the chassis, suspension stiffness can be adjusted through a fairly convenient on-board computer; there are also a number of other small advantages.

The more expensive version has 18-inch wheels and automatic headlight leveling. Here comes a lot of leather, more electric drives and comfort options. You will be pleased with the air suspension of the car. But it’s worth saying that these options are no longer a novelty; they are also actively used by other vehicle manufacturers in this class. So the KIA Mohave failed to become an advanced one. It's worth looking at important rivals.

Competition for KIA - main problems with Mohave sales

The corporation clearly expected that the car would sell better after restyling. In fact, the competition is also not sleeping and is working to improve its cars. Among the rivals of this car there are many very interesting representatives. We will also start from a cost of 2.5 million rubles, not deviating too much from the intended price range. So, the main rivals in the modern market for the KIA Mohave are as follows:

1. ChevroletTahoe is a giant from America, which today sells for 3,000,000 rubles and is a direct competitor to KIA. The car has a large body, a large set of options, and offers a more presentable and majestic appearance.
2. JeepGrandCherokee- another American with a price tag of 2.85 million can seriously compete with current Mojave sales. The fact is that this jeep is designed to travel over any uneven terrain; it has excellent quality and excellent reliability.
3. ToyotaLandCruiserPrado- with all its advantages, this SUV will cost 2 million rubles in the basic version. The Japanese offers modest technology, but the appearance and reliability, as well as the list of options included, will make you think about purchasing.
4. FordExplorer- another interesting representative of the SUV line with a huge advantage. For 2.85 million, the American offers advanced technology, excellent equipment and advantages in handling and cross-country ability. This car competes with virtually all SUVs in its class.

You can continue to list competitors for the KIA Mohave, but these four are enough to understand the difficult situation of the brand. You can use various options for comparing and reviewing cars, but you won’t be able to make Mojave better than all its competitors. However, the Korean outperforms many in terms of price, and this can in some way save its sales. It’s worth watching a video with a review of the Korean updated car to understand all the delights of its operation:

Let's sum it up

A high-quality machine with a huge list of advantages will always be in demand on the market. But this is not always true for Korean technology. It often happens that a decent car with a good set of equipment, with a successful package, ends up on the sidelines of sales. The problem is that buyers in the luxury SUV class are targeting other categories. Therefore, in Russia, sales of Mojave will always remain outside the leading class. The thing is that the car is too classic, it does not present any surprises that could sell it.

By the way, KIA Sportage and Sorento, the younger brothers of the Mojave, have such surprises. Perhaps in the next generation the car will receive completely new solutions that will delight the buyer and make the car one of the most famous in its segment. But for now it is a dark horse of the market with a small number of sales, but with high hopes from the manufacturer. In the USA, by the way, people buy cars very actively and eagerly. So it is possible that in Russia the opinion about the Korean brand will soon change. Moreover, the quality and technical capabilities of the car remain quite high. What do you think about the updated KIA Mohave - would you buy it?

Car class
Russia: "Big"
Economic Commission for Europe: "J"
EuroNCAP: "Off-roaders"
USA: "SUVs"
Assembly: South Korea - Hwangsong, Kazakhstan - Ust-Kamenogorsk, Russia - Avtotor plant, Kaliningrad.

general information

The Kia Mohave represents the pinnacle and ideal of the KIA Motors lineup. Only a few companies in the world can afford to produce cars from the “A” class to full-size frame SUVs. KIA was able to get into their number, thanks to which it is ahead of most competing automobile companies. Kia Mohave competes in the car market with such “off-road giants” as Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Land Cruiser. It is noteworthy that Korean designers were not afraid even of the authority of the Americans in the field of “Jeep building” and boldly presented their car to the American public, spoiled by large displacement.
In the USA, the car is called Borrego and was originally developed to American standards. Sales from the USA began in 2008 immediately after the presentation at the Detroit Auto Show. Since 2009, sales of the KIA Mohave started in Russia, where it is assembled at the Kaliningrad Avtotor plant. The general design concept has remained unchanged since 2005, when the KIA KCD II Mesa prototype appeared. The car received the name Mohave either from the name of one of the Indian tribes, or from the vast American desert, which, obviously, should symbolize the ability of the car to overcome obstacles of the highest category with the pride and patience of an Indian. This is a large frame SUV with programmable frame deformation. The drive design is complete with a plug-in front axle and reduction gear. The cabin is designed to carry 7 passengers or 2765 liters of luggage. An increase in the luggage compartment from 350 liters to a maximum volume of 2756 liters is achieved by folding the backrests of the second and third row seats into the floor. Even in the “minimum” configuration, the equipment of the Kia Mohave can be the envy of most modern cars, while its price remains quite affordable.

History of modifications

First generation (HM). year 2009

Presentation: Detroit Auto Show 2008.
Since 2009, the appearance of the car has remained virtually unchanged. Its “filling” also remained unchanged. Over the years that have passed since the start of car sales in Russia, only the manual transmission has disappeared, completely giving way to automatic transmissions. The American version of Mohave, as usual, is equipped more richly than the Russian model. The American Mohave has a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 340 hp. With. Only six-cylinder engines are available to Russians and residents of the CIS countries: 3.6-liter gasoline or 3.0-liter turbodiesel.

Equipment
The flagship KIA Mohave also comes with the following standard equipment:

• 3.8 liter naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 275 hp. With. or turbodiesel common rail 3.0 liter 250 l. With.
• Transmission – automatic transmission5 or automatic transmission8.
• Standard equipment includes variable stiffness shock absorbers (ASD), separate climate control, separate air conditioning for the rear, rear parking sensors, rain sensor, central locking control from the ignition key, front and rear ESP with Auto function on the driver's window, Supervision instrument panel, adjustable driver's seat chair with lumbar support, cruise control.
• Safety systems include reliable front and side airbags, an excellent anti-lock braking system ABS, an unsurpassed ESC stability control system, a hill start assist system HAC, a hill start assist system DBC, emergency brake assist BAS, an immobilizer and alarm system, and door locking. children - an additional safety measure.
• Radio/CD/MP3, USB, AUX, 6 speakers provided.

An additional package called “Warm Options” includes: heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, heated windshield wiper parking area, electric and heated mirrors.
In the TOP, the car is additionally equipped with: leather interior trim, a cooled box between the front seats, active head restraints for the front seats, standard navigation, a keyless entry system with a START button, electrically adjustable seat heights and pedal assembly.

Vehicle dimensions (mm):

• Length: 4880
• Width: 1915
• Height: 1765
• Wheelbase: 2895

EuroNCAP rating:
Overall rating

General characteristics
Layout: Frame, front-engine, all-wheel drive with selectable front-wheel drive via an electronically controlled clutch and reduction gear.
Wheel formula: 4x4.
Suspension: front – independent spring multi-link with anti-roll bar, rear – independent wishbone-spring. Shock absorbers are hydraulic, telescopic or pneumatic.
Brake design: front - ventilated disc, rear - disc.
Curb weight: 2218 kg.

Restyling (HM FL). 2016

New shape of the front and rear bumpers, chrome grille, LED daytime running lights, new wheel design. The palette of body colors has been expanded. More modern design of the center console, Supervision instrument panel with a diagonal of 4.2". Blind Spot Monitor (BSD), Rear Cross Traumatic Assist (RCTA) and All Around View Assist (AVM), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), New Multimedia System with 8-inch color touchscreen and navigation .

Specifications. Pivot table

Modification	Engine cylinders / valves / volume / power / torque / fuel system	Box/drive	Acceleration to 100 / max. speed	Consumption (l / 100 km) city / highway / mixed
2009-2016 SUV 5 doors.	V6 / 24V / 3.8 l / 275 l. With. / 369 Nm / B	Automatic transmission5 / full	8.5 sec. / 190 km/h	15,1 / 9,6/ 11,6
->		Automatic transmission8 / full	9.0 sec. / 190 km/h	12,4 / 7,6/ 9,3
2016-present SUV 5 doors	V6 / 24V / 3.0 l / 250 l. With. / 549 Nm / TD	Automatic transmission8 / full	8.7 sec. / 190 km/h	12,4 / 7,6/ 9,3