AWD (AWD/SNOW MODE)

AWD helps the vehicle to maintain its best driving performance by controlling the 4 wheels, the engine, the transmission and vehicle braking based on current road conditions such as snow, mud, sand, etc.

Advantages of AWD

  • Enhanced safety when driving straight.

  • Improved performance when cornering.

  • Ensures operability in tough driving conditions such as snow, rain, sand, etc.

Switching from/to SNOW MODE

OMQ4A043015

You can switch from DRIVE MODE to SNOW mode by turning the knob. If you turn the DRIVE/SNOW mode button again, your Kia will return to DRIVE MODE.

AWD transfer mode selection

Transfer mode

Selection mode

Description

DRIVE MODE

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  • DRIVE MODE is used when driving on roads in normal conditions, roads in urban areas, and on highways.

  • All wheels are in operation when a vehicle travels at a constant speed. Required tractions applying on front and rear wheels vary depending on road driving conditions and driving conditions, which will be automatically controlled by the computing system.

  • When the cluster's DRIVE MODE display mode is selected, the cluster displays the status of how four wheels' traction forces are distributed.

SNOW
OMQ4A043024
SNOW

SNOW mode is used to appropriately distribute the vehicle's traction forces and prevent wheel slippage when driving on snowy or slippery road.

AWD LOCK
OMQ4A043025
WXM-3020

(Indicator light appears)

The main goal of AWD Lock mode is to allow a driver to maximize the vehicle's traction under extreme driving conditions such as unpaved off-road, sandy roads, and muddy roads.
CAUTION

Normal road conditions

  • Maintain DRIVE mode when driving on roads in normal conditions.

  • When driving under normal road conditions (especially when cornering) in AWD Lock mode, a driver may find minor mechanical vibration or noise, which is extremely normal phenomenon, not a malfunction. When AWD Lock mode is released, such noise or vibration will be immediately gone.

  • When you turn off AWD Lock mode, it can lead to little shocks but this is a normal phenomenon that lasts until the traction forces on the front and rear wheels of the vehicle are released.

CAUTION

Normal road conditions

  • Maintain DRIVE mode when driving on roads in normal conditions.

  • Driving in TERRAIN mode on normal roads may damage the AWD system and cause mechanical vibration or noise.

  • When driving in normal road conditions (especially when cornering) in AWD Lock mode, you may sense mechanical vibration or noise. This is normal phenomenon and, not a malfunction. When AWD Lock mode is released, the noise or vibration will stop.

  • When you turn off AWD Lock mode, you may sense little shocks, but this is a normal phenomenon that lasts until the traction forces on the front and rear wheels of your Kia are released.