Loading

The load carrying capacity of your vehicle is determined by factors such as the number of passengers, the amount of cargo, the weight of any accessories that may be installed, etc.

Loading recommendations

  • Load objects in the cargo compartment against the backrest whenever possible.
  • If the backrests of the second row seats are folded down, they should not be in contact with the front seat backrests. This could impede the function of the Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS).
  • Unstable loads can be secured to the load anchoring eyelets with straps or web lashings to help keep them from shifting.
  • Stop the engine and apply the parking brake when loading or unloading long objects. The gear selector can be knocked out of position by long loads, which could set the vehicle in motion.

 Warning

  • Stop the engine, put the gear selector in P, and apply the parking brake when loading or unloading long objects.
  • The vehicle's driving characteristics may change depending on the weight and distribution of the load.
  • A 44-pound (20 kg) object produces a force of 2,200 pounds (1,000 kg) in a head-on collision at 30 mph (50 km/h).
  • The cargo area and rear seat should not be loaded to a level higher than 2 in. (5 cm) below the upper edge of the rear side windows. Objects placed higher than this level could impede the function of the Inflatable Curtain.

 Warning

  • Cover sharp edges on long loads to help prevent injury to occupants. Secure the load to help prevent shifting during sudden stops.
  • Always secure large and heavy objects with a seat belt or cargo retaining straps.
  • Always secure the load to help prevent it from moving in the event of sudden stops.
  • Switch off the engine, apply the parking brake and put the gear selector in P when loading and unloading the vehicle.

Raising/lowering the rear-end of the vehicle*

Using the buttons on the read edge of the cargo compartment, the rear-end of the vehicle (the level of the cargo compartment floor) can be raised or lowered for easier loading or to make attaching a trailer1 simpler.

P5-1507 Rear leveling switches
Level control buttons on the rear edge of the cargo compartment

The level control consists of two buttons: one to raise and one to lower the rear-end of the vehicle.

Press and hold the respective buttons until the desired level has been reached.

 Note

The level cannot be adjusted if a door or the hood are open (this does not apply to the tailgate).

 Warning

Be sure that the entire area under the vehicle is completely unobstructed before lowering the level.

Extra loading space

The rear seat backrests can be folded down to added cargo space or for transporting long objects.

 Warning

  • Boxes, suitcases, etc. wedged behind the front seats could impede the function of the Whiplash Protection System.
  • If the rear seat backrests are folded down, cargo must be secured to prevent it from sliding forward against the front seat backrests in the event of a collision from the rear. This could interfere with the action of the Whiplash Protection System.

 Warning

  • Cover sharp edges on long loads to help prevent injury to occupants. Secure the load to help prevent shifting during sudden stops.
  • Always secure large and heavy objects with a seat belt or cargo retaining straps.
  • Always secure the load to help prevent it from moving in the event of sudden stops.
  • Switch off the engine, apply the parking brake and put the gear selector in P when loading and unloading the vehicle.

Roof loads

Load carriers are available as Volvo accessories. Observe the following points when in use:

  • To avoid damaging your vehicle and to achieve maximum safety when driving, we recommend using the load carriers that Volvo has developed especially for your vehicle.
  • Volvo-approved removable roof racks are designed to carry the maximum allowable roof load for this vehicle (see the article "Weights" for specific information).
  • Never exceed the rack manufacturer's weigh limits.
  • Avoid single-point loads. Distribute loads evenly.
  • Place heavier cargo at the bottom of the load.
  • Secure the cargo correctly with appropriate tie-down equipment.
  • Check periodically that the load carriers and load are properly secured.
  • Remember that the vehicle's center of gravity and handling change when you carry a load on the roof.
  • The vehicle's wind resistance and fuel consumption will increase with the size of the load.
  • Drive smoothly. Avoid rapid starts, fast cornering and hard braking.

 Important

The optional panoramic roof should not be opened while load carriers are installed on the vehicle.

See the article "Weights" for information about the maximum permissible load that can be transported on the roof.

  1. * Option/accessory.
  2. 1 An accessory trailer hitch can be purchased from a Volvo retailer.