The Kia Mohave has had an unusual fate in Russia. In its pre-facelift form, it remained a niche model with stable but modest demand, while after a major update, it became one of the most desirable body-on-frame SUVs on the market. At its core, however, the car has hardly changed: it is still the same full-size seven-seater SUV with a frame, all-wheel drive, and a significant safety margin. Let's find out which versions of the Mohave are found on the secondary market, how much they cost, and what nuances a future owner will have to face.
Structurally, the Kia Mohave is interesting for its combination of a frame and independent suspension on all wheels. This is rare for its class, especially considering the presence of a low range and a part-time all-wheel drive with an electronic clutch. Pre-facelift versions feature air suspension on the rear axle, which increases comfort but adds complexity to maintenance. In Russia, the model was officially sold with a 3.8-liter gasoline V6 and a 3.0-liter diesel V6, but over time the gasoline version practically disappeared from sale, giving way to the diesel.
After the first facelift, the changes were minimal and mainly concerned the exterior. But the 2019 update was a turning point: the Mohave received a completely new interior, a digital instrument panel, a modern exterior, and an expanded set of electronic assistants. At the same time, the key components remained the same, which had a positive effect on reliability. The only major technical innovation was an electric power steering instead of a hydraulic one. In this form, the SUV remained in production until 2024.
Prices for used Kia Mohave cars vary considerably depending on age and condition. The earliest cars from 2008–2012 cost from 1.3 to 2.6 million rubles, but almost always have a mileage of over 200,000 kilometers. Copies after the first facelift are rare and are estimated in the range of 2–4 million rubles, often with a more moderate mileage. The most popular are cars after 2019: their cost starts at about 3.5 million rubles, and for almost new cars they ask for up to 6–7 million rubles.
The Mohave's body as a whole resists corrosion well, although the paintwork cannot be called durable. Chips quickly appear on the hood and door edges, but it rarely comes to through rust. The main attention during inspection should be paid to the frame: without additional anti-corrosion treatment, it eventually begins to "bloom" in the places of welded seams. The interior of early cars wears out quite quickly, especially the leather of the steering wheel and seats, while after the 2019 update, the quality of materials became higher, although a easily soiled glossy plastic appeared.
From a technical point of view, the 3.8 V6 gasoline engine is considered the most problematic — it is prone to increased oil consumption and timing chain stretching. Diesel engines, on the contrary, have earned a reputation for being durable and can easily travel 300–350 thousand kilometers with normal maintenance. The main issues with them are related to the EGR system, glow plugs, and attachments. Automatic transmissions are generally reliable, but the six-speed automatic transmission is sensitive to overheating and requires regular oil changes.
The suspension of the Kia Mohave is comfortable and durable, although consumables such as wheel bearings and stabilizer bushings rarely last longer than 100–120 thousand kilometers. The air suspension of the rear axle on early versions requires special attention and becomes a source of costs with age, so many consider the option with conventional springs to be more successful. As a result, the Mohave remains a strong and reliable SUV, which is best revealed in the diesel version after 2019. Such a car combines a modern interior, proven technology, and a high level of comfort, and its price on the secondary market starts at about 4 million rubles.