Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)

Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) Operation

The Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) shifts automatically depending on vehicle speed and accelerator pedal position. Individual gear ratios are selected automatically depending on the shift lever position.

For smooth operation, depress the brake pedal when shifting from N (Neutral) to D (Drive) or R (Reverse).

WARNING - Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)

• Always check the area around your vehicle for people, especially children, before shifting into D (Drive) or R (Reverse).
• Before leaving the driver's seat, always make sure the shift lever is in the P (Park) position; then fully apply the parking brake and turn the engine off. Unexpected and sudden vehicle movement may occur if these precautions are not followed in the specified order.
• Do not use engine braking (downshifting from a high gear to a lower gear) abruptly on slippery roads. The vehicle may skid, causing an accident.

CAUTION

• To avoid damaging the transmission, do not accelerate the engine in R (Reverse) or any forward drive position with the brakes applied.
• When stopped on a slope, do not hold the vehicle in place with engine power. Use the service brake or the parking brake.
• Do not shift from N (Neutral) or P (Park) into D (Drive) or R (Reverse) when the engine speed is above idle.

Transmission Ranges

The indicator in the instrument cluster shows the position of the shift lever when the ignition key is in the ON position.

P (Park)

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

WARNING

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

CAUTION

The transmission may be damaged if you shift into 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 while the vehicle is moving, except as described in "Rocking the Vehicle" in this section.

N (Neutral)

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

WARNING

Do not operate the shift lever in N (Neutral).

The engine brake may not function, which may result in an accident.

-Parking in N (Neutral)

Follow the instructions below when parking and you want the vehicle to be able to move when pushed.

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

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

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 "P".

4. Move the shift lever to the "N" (Neutral) position while depressing the brake pedal and pressing the "SHIFT LOCK RELEASE" button or inserting a tool (such as a flat-blade screwdriver) into the "SHIFT LOCK RELEASE" access hole at the same time. The vehicle will then move when an external force is applied.

WARNING

• Except when parking in Neutral, always park the vehicle in the "P" (Park) position for safety and apply the parking brake.
• Before parking in the "N" (Neutral) position, first make sure the parking surface is flat and level. Never park in N on any incline or slope. If parked and left in the "N" position on a grade or slope, the vehicle may move and cause serious damage and injury.

D (Drive)

This is the normal forward driving position. The transmission will shift automatically, providing better fuel economy and performance.

For extra power when passing another vehicle or climbing hills, fully depress the accelerator pedal; the transmission will automatically downshift to the next lower gear.

✽ NOTICE

Always come to a complete stop before shifting into D (Drive).

Sport Mode

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

SPORT mode provides sporty driving dynamics by automatically adjusting steering effort and the engine and transmission control logic for enhanced driver performance.

In Sport mode, moving the shift lever backward or forward allows quick gear changes. Unlike a manual transmission, Sport mode allows gear shifting without depressing the accelerator pedal.

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 perform upshifts according to road conditions. Be careful to keep engine speed below the red zone.
• In Sport mode, only 8 forward gears can be selected. To reverse or park the vehicle, move the shift lever to the R (Reverse) or P (Park) position as required.
• In Sport mode, downshifts are performed automatically when the vehicle decelerates. When the vehicle stops, 1st gear is automatically selected.
• In Sport mode, when engine speed approaches the red zone, shift points change to automatically upshift.
• To maintain the required driving performance and vehicle safety, the system may not perform some gear shifts when the shift lever is operated.
• When driving on a slippery road, push 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. Push the shift lever toward - (down) to shift back to 1st gear.
• When SPORT mode is activated:
  - Engine speed will tend to remain elevated for a certain period of time even after the accelerator is released
  - Upshifts are delayed during acceleration
• In SPORT mode, fuel economy may decrease.