Transmission Ranges

The indicator in the instrument cluster shows 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 into P (Park). This position locks the transmission and prevents the drive wheels from rotating.

Shifting into P (Park) while the vehicle is moving will lock the drive wheels, resulting in loss of vehicle control.

R (Reverse)

Use this position to drive the vehicle in reverse.

CAUTION - Shifting

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 this chapter.

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 brake is applied.

Parking in N (Neutral)

Follow the procedure below when parking if you want the vehicle to be able to be pushed.

1. After stopping the vehicle, press the brake pedal and shift the shift lever to the [P] position when the ignition switch is in the [ON] position or with the engine 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 the [P] position.

4. Move the shift lever to [N] (Neutral) while depressing the brake pedal, and at the same time insert a tool (such as a flat-blade screwdriver) into the [SHIFT LOCK RELEASE] access hole. The vehicle can then be moved by applying external force.

WARNING

• Except when parking in neutral to allow the vehicle to be pushed, always park the vehicle in [P] (Park) for safety and apply the parking brake.
• Before parking in [N] (Neutral), first make sure the parking surface is level and flat. Do not park in [N] on any slope or incline. If the vehicle is left parked in [N], it may roll and cause serious damage or injury.

WARNING - Starter

If the engine stalls while the vehicle is moving, do not attempt to shift the shift lever to the P (Park) position. If traffic and road conditions permit, you may shift the lever to N (Neutral) when the vehicle is moving and press the engine START/STOP button to attempt restarting the engine.

D (Drive)

This is the normal forward driving position. The transmission will automatically shift through the 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. The transmission will automatically downshift to the next lower gear.

Manual Mode

Whether the vehicle is stopped or moving, select manual mode by moving the shift lever to the left from the D (Drive) position into the manual gate.

To return to D (Drive), push the shift lever fully into the main gate. In manual mode, moving the shift lever forward and backward allows quick gear changes. Unlike a manual transmission, manual mode allows gear changes while the accelerator pedal is depressed.

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

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

• In manual mode, the driver must upshift according to driving conditions, making sure that engine speed remains below the red zone.
• In manual mode, only 6 forward gears can be selected. To change or park the vehicle, move the shift lever to the main gate, then select R (Reverse) or P (Park) as needed.
• In manual mode, downshifting occurs automatically when the vehicle decelerates. When the vehicle stops, 1st gear is automatically selected.
• In manual mode, when engine speed approaches the red zone, the shift points change to automatically upshift.
• To maintain the required level of vehicle performance and safety, the system may not perform some gear changes when using the shift lever.
• When driving on slippery roads, 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 toward - (down) to shift back to 1st gear.