Transmission ranges

The indicator in the instrument cluster displays the shift lever position when the ENGINE START/STOP button 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.

WARNING

  • Shifting into P (Park) while your Kia is in motion will cause the drive wheels to lock. This can damage the transmission and cause you to lose control of your Kia.

  • Do not use the P (Park) position in place of the parking brake. Always make sure the shift lever is latched in the P (Park) position and set the parking brake fully.

  • Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.

CAUTION

The transmission may be damaged if you shift into P (Park) while the vehicle is in motion.

R (Reverse)

Use this position to drive your Kia backward.

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 your Kia is moving forward, except as explained in Rocking your Kia.

N (Neutral)

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

WARNING

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

The engine brake will not work and lead to an accident.

CAUTION

  • Always park the vehicle in "P" (Park) for safety and engage the parking brake. If left in "N" (Neutral), the vehicle may move and cause serious damage and injury.

  • After the ENGINE START/STOP button has been turned off, the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) cannot be disengaged.

  • For EPB equipped vehicles with AUTO HOLD function used while driving, if the ignition button has been turned "OFF", the electronic parking brake will be engaged automatically. The AUTO HOLD function should be turned off before the ignition button is turned off.

D (Drive)

This is the normal forward driving position. The transmission will automatically shift through 8 gear sequence, providing the best fuel economy and power.

For extra power when passing another vehicle or climbing grades, depress the accelerator fully, at which time the transmission will automatically downshift to the next lower gear.

NOTE

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

Manual mode

OMQ4A043014

Manual mode is selected by pushing the shift lever from the D (Drive) position into the manual gate. To return to D (Drive) range operation, push the shift lever back into the main gate.

In manual mode, moving the shift lever backwards and forwards will allow you to make gearshifts rapidly. In contrast to a manual transmission, manual mode allows gearshifts with the accelerator pedal depressed.

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

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

NOTE

  • The driver must execute upshifts in accordance with conditions, taking care to keep the engine speed below the red zone.

  • Only the 8 forward gears can be selected. To reverse or park your Kia, move the shift lever to the R (Reverse) or P (Park) position as required.

  • Downshifts are made automatically when your Kia slows down. When your Kia stops, 1st gear is automatically selected.

  • When the engine rpm approaches the red zone shift points are varied to upshift automatically.

  • To maintain the required levels of vehicle performance and safety, the system may not execute certain gearshifts when the shift lever is operated.

  • When driving on a slippery road, push the shift lever forward into the +(up) position. This causes the transmission to shift into the 2nd gear which is better for smooth driving on a slippery road. Push the shift lever to the -(down) side to shift back to the 1st gear.