Integrated Drive Mode Control System (AWD)

The drive mode can be selected according to the driver's preference or road conditions.

Drive Mode

The mode changes each time the DRIVE MODE selector knob is turned.

• SMART Mode:

SMART mode automatically changes the drive mode (ECO ↔ COMFORT ↔ SPORT) according to the driver's driving habits.

• SPORT Mode:

SPORT mode provides a sporty but firm driving feel.

• ECO Mode:

ECO mode helps improve fuel efficiency for eco-friendly driving.

• COMFORT Mode:

COMFORT mode provides smooth driving and a comfortable ride.

SMART Mode

SMART mode selects the appropriate drive mode among ECO, COMFORT, and SPORT by judging the driver's driving style (i.e., economical or aggressive) from brake pedal application or steering wheel operation.

• Turn the DRIVE/TERRAIN mode selector knob to activate SMART mode. When SMART mode is activated, the indicator illuminates on the instrument cluster.
• The vehicle starts in SMART mode when the engine was turned off in SMART mode.
• SMART mode automatically controls the shift patterns and engine torque according to the driving habits.
• SMART mode automatically controls vehicle driving elements such as shift patterns, engine torque, ride characteristics (if equipped with electronic suspension), and power distribution (if equipped with AWD (All-Wheel Drive)), according to the driver's driving style.

Information

• When you drive the vehicle gently in SMART mode, the drive mode changes to ECO mode to improve fuel efficiency. However, actual fuel economy may vary depending on your road conditions (i.e., uphill/downhill, vehicle deceleration/acceleration).
• When you drive the vehicle dynamically in SMART mode, such as sudden braking or sharp cornering, the drive mode changes to SPORT mode. However, this may adversely affect fuel economy.

Various road conditions you may encounter in SMART mode

• The drive mode automatically changes to ECO mode after a certain period of time when you depress the accelerator pedal gently (your driving is classified as economical).
• The drive mode automatically changes from SMART ECO mode to SMART COMFORT mode after a certain period of time when you depress the accelerator pedal suddenly or repeatedly.
• The drive mode automatically changes to SMART COMFORT mode with the same driving patterns when the vehicle starts driving up a slope at a certain angle. The drive mode automatically returns to SMART ECO mode when the vehicle enters a level road.
• The drive mode automatically changes to SMART SPORT mode when you accelerate the vehicle rapidly or steer the steering wheel repeatedly (your driving is classified as aggressive). In this mode, your vehicle runs in a lower gear for rapid acceleration/deceleration and increases engine braking performance.
• You may still feel engine braking even when you release the accelerator pedal in SMART SPORT mode. This is because your vehicle remains in a lower gear for a certain period of time for the next acceleration. This is a normal driving condition and does not indicate any malfunction.
• The drive mode automatically changes to SMART SPORT mode only in severe road conditions. In most normal road conditions, the drive mode is set to either SMART ECO mode or SMART COMFORT mode.

SMART Mode Limitation

SMART mode may be limited in the following situations. (The OFF indicator illuminates in these situations.)

• Driver uses the paddle shift (manual shift mode): Deactivates SMART mode. The vehicle drives as the driver manually shifts gears using the paddle shifters.
• Cruise control activated: The cruise control system may deactivate SMART mode when the vehicle is controlled by the Smart Cruise Control system. (SMART mode is not deactivated, just activate the cruise control system.)
• Transmission fluid temperature is either extremely low or extremely high: SMART mode may be active in most normal road conditions. However, extremely high/low transmission fluid temperature may temporarily deactivate SMART mode because the transmission is not in normal operating condition.

SPORT

SPORT mode automatically adjusts the vehicle dynamics by controlling steering effort and the engine and transmission logic to improve driver performance.

• When SPORT mode is selected by turning the DRIVE/TERRAIN mode selector knob, the SPORT button indicator illuminates.
• Whenever the engine is restarted, the drive mode returns to COMFORT mode. If SPORT mode is required, select SPORT mode again.
• When SPORT mode is activated:
  - Engine speed will tend to remain slightly higher for a short time even after releasing the accelerator. This is typical when SPORT mode is on.
  - Upshifts are delayed during acceleration.

Information

In SPORT mode, fuel economy may decrease.

ECO Mode

When the drive mode is set to ECO mode, the engine and transmission control logic is changed for maximum fuel efficiency.

• When ECO mode is selected by turning the DRIVE mode selector knob, the ECO indicator illuminates.
• The vehicle starts in ECO mode when the engine was turned off in ECO mode.

Information

Fuel efficiency depends on driving habits, driving style and road conditions.

When ECO mode is activated:

• Acceleration response may be slightly reduced if the accelerator pedal is depressed moderately.
• Air conditioner performance may be limited.
• The automatic transmission shift pattern may change.
• Engine noise may be louder when some automatic transmissions downshift, since more accelerator pedal depression is required for a downshift.

The above situations are normal conditions when ECO mode is activated to improve fuel efficiency.

ECO Mode Operation Limitation:

If the system operation is limited while ECO mode is active, even though the ECO indicator has not changed.

• When the engine coolant temperature is low:
  The system will be limited until engine operation returns to normal.
• When driving uphill:
  The system will be limited in its ability to provide power when driving uphill, because engine torque is limited.
• When driving the vehicle in manual mode, shift gears using the paddle shifters. The system will be limited depending on the shift position.