Transmission Ranges

The indicators on the instrument cluster show the position of the shift lever when the ignition switch is in the ON position.

P (Park)

Always come to a complete stop before shifting to P (Park). This position locks the transmission and prevents the front wheels from rotating.

WARNING

• Shifting to P (Park) while the vehicle is moving will lock the drive wheels, which may result in loss of vehicle control.
• Do not use P (Park) in place of the parking brake. Always make sure the shift lever is locked in P (Park) and fully apply the parking brake.
• Never leave a child unattended in the vehicle.

CAUTION

The transmission may be damaged if you shift to P (Park) while the vehicle is moving.

R (Reverse)

Use this position to drive the vehicle in reverse.

CAUTION

Always come to a complete stop before shifting into or out of R (Reverse). You may damage the transmission if you shift into R (Reverse) while the vehicle is moving, except as described in the "Rocking the Vehicle" section of this manual.

N (Neutral)

The wheels and transmission are not engaged. The vehicle will roll freely even on the slightest incline unless the parking brake or service brake is applied.

WARNING

Do not drive with the shift lever in the N (Neutral) position.

Engine braking will not work, which may result in an accident.

- Parking in N (Neutral)

Follow the steps below when parking, and when you want the vehicle to move when pressed.

1. After parking the vehicle, depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever to [P] when the ignition switch is in the [ON] position or when the engine is running.

2. If the parking brake is applied, release the parking brake.

- For vehicles equipped with EPB (Electronic Parking Brake), depress the brake pedal with the ignition switch in the [ON] position or with the engine running, then press the EPB switch to release the parking brake. If the [AUTO HOLD] function is used while driving (if the [AUTO HOLD] indicator is illuminated on the cluster), press the [AUTO HOLD] switch so that the [AUTO HOLD] function is turned off.

3. While depressing the brake pedal, turn the ignition switch to the [OFF] position.

- For vehicles equipped with a smart key, the ignition switch can be turned to the [OFF] position only when the shift lever is in the [P] position.

4. While depressing the brake pedal, move the shift lever to the [N] (Neutral) position, then press the [SHIFT LOCK RELEASE] button or insert a tool (such as a flat-blade screwdriver) into the [SHIFT LOCK RELEASE] access hole and press it. The vehicle will then be able to move when an external force is applied.

CAUTION

• Always park the vehicle in [P] (Park) for safety, except when parking in neutral, and apply the parking brake.
• Before parking in [N] (Neutral), first make sure the parking surface is level and flat. Never park in [N] on any slope or incline. If the vehicle is left parked in [N], it may roll away and cause serious damage and injury.
• The electronic parking brake cannot be released after the ignition switch is turned off.
• For vehicles with EPB (Electronic Parking Brake) and the [AUTO HOLD] function, if the [AUTO HOLD] function is used while driving and the ignition switch is turned to the [OFF] position, the electronic parking brake is applied automatically. Therefore, the [AUTO HOLD] function must be turned off before the ignition switch is turned off.

D (Drive)

This is the normal forward driving position. The transmission shifts automatically through a 6-speed sequence, providing the best fuel economy and performance.

For additional power when passing another vehicle or climbing a hill, fully depress the accelerator pedal (more than 82%) until the kickdown detent (if equipped) is felt. The transmission will automatically downshift to the next lower gear.

✽ NOTICE

• Always come to a complete stop before shifting to D (Drive).
• A clicking noise from the kickdown mechanism when the accelerator pedal is fully depressed is normal.

Sport Mode

Regardless of whether the vehicle is stationary or moving, select Sport mode by moving the shift lever from the D (Drive) position to the manual gate. To return to the D (Drive) range, push the shift lever back into the main gate.

In Sport mode, moving the shift lever backward and forward allows you to change gears quickly.

Up (+): Push the lever forward once to shift up one gear.

Down (-): Pull the lever back once to shift down one gear.

✽ NOTICE

• In Sport mode, the driver should upshift according to road conditions, making sure the engine speed stays below the red zone.
• In Sport mode, only 6 forward gears can be selected. To change or park the vehicle, move the shift lever to R (Reverse) or P (Park) as required.
• In Sport mode, the transmission downshifts automatically when the vehicle decelerates. When the vehicle stops, 1st gear is selected automatically.
• In Sport mode, when the engine speed approaches the red zone, the shift points change to automatically upshift.
• To maintain the required level of performance and safety, the system may not perform certain gear shifts when the shift lever is pressed.
• When driving on a slippery road, move the shift lever forward to the + (up) position. This causes the transmission to shift to 2nd gear, which is better for smooth driving on slippery roads. Move the shift lever to the - (down) side to shift back to 1st gear.