Integrated Drive Mode Control System

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

The system resets to NORMAL mode when the engine is restarted.

Information

If there is a problem with the instrument cluster, the drive mode will be in NORMAL mode and cannot be changed to SPORT mode.

The mode changes as shown below each time the DRIVE MODE button is pressed.

Normal Mode

In NORMAL mode, the engine and transmission control logic work together to provide regular, everyday driving performance with good fuel efficiency.

• When NORMAL mode is selected, the cluster is not displayed on the instrument panel.

SPORT Mode

SPORT mode provides sporty but firm driving.

In SPORT mode, fuel efficiency may decrease.

• When SPORT mode is selected, the SPORT indicator light illuminates on the instrument cluster.
• Whenever the engine is restarted, the drive mode will return to NORMAL mode. If SPORT mode is required, select SPORT mode again.
• When SPORT mode is activated:

- Engine speed will tend to remain elevated for a certain period of time even after the accelerator pedal is released.
- Upshifts are delayed when accelerating.

SMART Mode

SMART mode selects the appropriate drive mode from NORMAL and SPORT by judging the driver's driving style (for example, gentle or dynamic) from accelerator pedal input, brake pedal application, and steering wheel operation.

• Press the DRIVE MODE button to activate SMART mode. When SMART mode is activated, the indicator illuminates on the instrument cluster.
• The vehicle starts in SMART mode if the engine was turned off while in SMART mode.
• SMART mode automatically controls shift patterns and engine torque according to the driver's driving style.

SNOW Mode

SNOW mode provides special traction control settings on snow to optimize available traction in adverse conditions. SNOW mode controls left and right wheel slip, engine torque, and shift patterns according to the available traction levels.

Information

• When the drive mode of your vehicle is set to SMART mode, the drive mode changes depending on the accelerator pedal input. When your vehicle is in SMART mode and your driving style is such that the accelerator pedal input is gradual, the drive mode will maximize fuel efficiency. Note, however, that actual fuel efficiency may vary depending on certain driving conditions (uphill/downhill) and vehicle speed.
• When your vehicle is in SMART mode and your driving style is more aggressive, such that your accelerator pedal input is more abrupt, the drive mode will change to reflect more SPORTY driving performance. Note that while driving in this manner, fuel economy may be affected.

Various road conditions you may encounter in SMART mode

• The drive mode automatically changes to SMART SPORT when you accelerate the vehicle abruptly or steer the steering wheel repeatedly (your driving is considered to be sporty). In this mode, your vehicle downshifts during abrupt 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. Therefore, this is a normal driving condition and does not indicate any malfunction.
• The drive mode switches to SMART SPORT only in severe road conditions. In most normal road conditions, the drive mode is set to SMART NORMAL mode.

SMART Mode Limitation

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

• When the driver manually moves the shift lever: SMART mode is deactivated. The vehicle operates as the driver manually moves the shift lever.
• When the vehicle is operated with the paddle shifter (manual shift mode): SMART mode is deactivated, as the system determines that the driver wants to drive manually.
• Cruise control or Smart Cruise Control is activated: Cruise Control or Smart Cruise Control may deactivate SMART mode. When the high-level system is set by Cruise Control or Smart Cruise Control, it starts controlling vehicle speed and deactivates SMART mode. (SMART mode is not deactivated only by activating Cruise Control or Smart Cruise Control.)
• Transmission fluid temperature is either extremely low or extremely high: SMART mode may be active in most normal road conditions. However, transmission fluid at a very high or low temperature may temporarily deactivate SMART mode because the transmission condition is not within normal operating conditions.