Dual Clutch Transmission Operation

The dual clutch transmission has 7 forward speeds and one reverse speed. Individual gears are selected automatically in the D (Drive) position.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of serious injury or death:

• ALWAYS check the area around the 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 P (Park), then apply the parking brake and turn the ignition switch to the LOCK/OFF position. Unexpected and sudden vehicle movement may occur if these precautions are not observed.
• When using manual shift mode, be careful when downshifting on slippery roads. Downshifting may cause tire slip and may lead to an accident.
• To avoid damaging the transmission, do not attempt to race the engine with the shift lever in R (Reverse) or any forward gear position with the brakes applied.
• When stopped on a slope, do not hold the vehicle in place with the accelerator pedal. Apply the service brake or the parking brake.
• A dual clutch transmission (DCT) gives the driving feel of a manual transmission, but provides the ease of a fully automatic transmission. Unlike a conventional automatic transmission, gear shifts are felt (and heard) in the dual clutch transmission. - Think of it as an automatically shifted manual transmission. - Shift to the D (Drive) range to get fully automatic shifting, similar to a conventional automatic transmission.
• The dual clutch transmission uses a dry-type dual clutch, which differs from the torque converter of a conventional automatic transmission, and provides better acceleration performance during driving. However, initial starting may be slightly slower than with an automatic transmission.
• The dry-type clutch transmits torque and provides a direct driving feel, which may differ from a conventional automatic transmission with a torque converter. This may be more noticeable when starting from a stop or at low vehicle speed.
• When accelerating rapidly at low vehicle speed, the engine may rev high depending on driving conditions.
• For a smooth start on an uphill slope, depress the accelerator pedal gradually depending on the current driving conditions.
• If you release the accelerator pedal at low vehicle speed, you may feel strong engine braking, similar to a manual transmission.
• When driving downhill, you can use Sport mode to shift to a lower gear to control vehicle speed without excessive use of the brake pedal.
• When the engine is started and stopped, clicking sounds may be heard as the system performs a self-test. This is a normal sound for the dual clutch transmission.
• Always come to a complete stop before shifting into D (Drive) or R (Reverse).
• Do not shift into N (Neutral) while the vehicle is in motion.

WARNING

Due to a transmission malfunction, the vehicle may not move and the position indicator (D, R) will flash on the instrument cluster. In this case, have the system inspected by a specialist. Kia recommends visiting an authorized Kia dealer/service partner.