All-Wheel Drive

Selecting AWD Mode

WARNING

If the AWD warning light ( ) illuminates on the instrument cluster, there may be a malfunction in the all-wheel drive system. Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible.

NOTICE

• Keep the AWD Auto mode when driving on normal road conditions.
• Driving on normal roads with AWD Lock mode engaged, especially when turning, may cause mechanical noise or vibration. Driving in this mode for extended periods may damage driveline components. The noise and vibration disappear when AWD Lock mode is turned off.

Information

When AWD Lock mode is turned off, you may feel that driving force is transmitted entirely to the front wheels.

For Safe All-Wheel Drive Operation

Before Driving

Make sure all passengers always wear their seat belts.

Driving on Snowy or Icy Roads

• Start slowly by applying the accelerator pedal gradually.
• Use winter tires or tire chains.
• Keep a sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.
• Use engine braking when decelerating.
• Avoid speeding, rapid acceleration, sudden braking and sharp turns to prevent skidding.

Information

When using winter tires, install them on all four wheels.

When using snow chains, install them on the rear tires. However, do not exceed 20 mph (30 km/h) and minimize driving distance. High-speed or extended driving with chains installed may damage the tires or the all-wheel drive system.

For more information on winter tires and snow chains, refer to the "Winter Driving" section later in this chapter.

Driving on Sand or Mud

• Maintain a slow and steady speed.
• Use snow chains when driving on muddy roads if necessary.
• Keep a sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.
• Reduce vehicle speed and always check road conditions.
• Avoid speeding, rapid acceleration, sudden braking and sharp turns to avoid getting stuck.

NOTICE

If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, place non-slip material under the drive wheels to provide traction, OR slowly shift between forward and reverse to rock the vehicle free. Avoid running the engine at high speed continuously to prevent damage to the all-wheel drive system.

Driving Uphill or Downhill

• Driving uphill
  - Before starting, check that you can drive uphill.
  - Drive straight as much as possible.
• Downhill Driving
  - Do not shift gears while driving downhill. Select the gear before starting downhill.
  - Drive slowly when using engine braking on downhill slopes.
  - Drive straight as much as possible.

WARNING

• Exercise extreme caution when approaching or descending steep hills. The vehicle may roll over on slopes, uneven terrain, and wet or muddy conditions.
• Do not drive on steep slopes. A small change in steering wheel angle can destabilize the vehicle. The vehicle may lose stability if it stops moving forward on a slope. The vehicle may roll over, resulting in serious injury or death.

Driving Through Water

• Try to avoid driving in deep water. This may stall your engine and clog the exhaust pipes.
• If you need to drive through water, stop the vehicle, set the vehicle to the 4WD Lock mode, and drive at a speed below 5 mph (8 km/h).
• Do not shift gears while driving through water.

Additional Driving Conditions

• Become familiar with off-road conditions before driving.
• Always be attentive when driving off-road and avoid hazardous areas.
• Drive slowly in strong winds.
• Reduce vehicle speed when turning. The center of gravity of all-wheel drive vehicles is higher than that of regular passenger vehicles. The vehicle is more likely to roll over if you turn the steering wheel too quickly.
• Always hold the steering wheel firmly when driving off-road.

WARNING

Do not grip the inside of the steering wheel when driving off-road. You may injure your hand by sudden steering wheel movement during maneuvers or steering wheel kickback caused by collision with objects on the ground. You may lose control of the steering wheel, which may result in serious injury or death.