Drive mode

The drive mode may be selected according to the driver's preference or road condition.

Figure 1. AWD
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The Drive mode is activated by turning the knob.

The Drive mode is changes whenever the knob is turned.

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  • SMART mode:

    SMART mode automatically adjusts the driving mode in accordance with the driver's driving habits.

  • SPORT mode:

    SPORT mode provides sporty but firm riding.

  • ECO mode:

    ECO mode helps improve fuel efficiency for eco-friendly driving.

  • NORMAL mode:

    NOMAL mode provides smooth driving and comfortable riding.

  • SNOW mode:

    SNOW mode provides appropriately distribute your Kia's traction forces and prevent wheel slippage when driving on snowy or slippery road.

The drive mode will change to NORMAL mode when the engine is restarted. However, except when it is in ECO mode and SMART mode. ECO mode and SMART mode will be maintained, as selected when the engine is restarted.

SMART mode

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SMART mode selects the proper driving mode among ECO, NORMAL, and SPORT by determining the driver's driving habits (i.e., Economic or Aggressive (Sport)) from the brake pedal depression or the steering wheel operation.

  • Turning the knob to activate SMART mode. When SMART mode is activated, the indicator appears on the instrument cluster.

  • Whenever the engine is restarted, the Drive Mode will revert back to NORMAL mode. If SMART mode is desired, re-select SMART mode from the DRIVE MODE button.

  • SMART mode automatically controls your Kia driving, such as gear shifting patterns and engine torque, in accordance with the driver's driving habits.

NOTE

  • When driving conservatively your Kia in SMART mode, the driving mode changes to ECO mode to improve fuel efficiency. However, the actual fuel efficiency may differ in accordance with the driving situations (i.e., upward/downward slope, vehicle deceleration/acceleration).

  • When you drive your Kia in SMART mode and abruptly decelerate or sharply turning the driving mode changes to SPORT mode. This may adversely affect fuel economy.

Various driving situations, which you may encounter in SMART mode

  • The driving mode automatically changes to ECO mode after a certain period, when you gently depress the accelerator pedal. (Your driving is determined to be economic.)

  • The driving mode automatically changes from SMART ECO mode to SMART NORMAL mode after a certain period, when you sharply or repetitively depress the accelerator pedal.

  • The driving mode automatically changes to SMART NORMAL mode with the same driving patterns, when your Kia is driven on an upward slope of a certain angle. The driving mode automatically returns to SMART ECO mode, when your Kia returns a level road.

  • The driving mode automatically changes to SMART SPORT, when you abruptly accelerate your Kia or repetitively operate the steering wheel. (Your driving is determined to be sporty.) In this mode, your vehicle drives in a lower gear for abrupt accelerating/decelerating and increases the engine brake performance.

  • You may still sense the engine braking performance, even when you release the accelerator pedal in SMART SPORT mode. This is because your vehicle remains in lower gear over a certain period for next acceleration. It is normal and not a malfunction.

  • The driving mode automatically changes to SMART SPORT mode in harsh driving situations. Under normal driving situations, the driving mode sets to be either in SMART ECO mode or in SMART NORMAL mode.

Limitation of SMART mode

The SMART mode may be limited in following situations. (The OFF indicator appears.)

  • Cruise Control or Smart Cruise Control is activated:

    Cruise Control or Smart Cruise Control may deactivate the SMART mode when your Kia is controlled by the set speed of Cruise Control or Smart Cruise Control. (SMART mode is not deactivated just by activating Cruise Control or Smart Cruise Control.)

  • The transmission oil temperature is either extremely low or extremely high:

    The SMART mode can be active under normal driving situations. However, an extremely high/ low transmission oil temperature may temporarily deactivate the SMART mode, because the transmission condition is no longer in normal operation condition.

SPORT mode

Figure 2. AWD
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Figure 3. FWD
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SPORT mode manages the driving dynamics by automatically adjusting the steering effort, the engine and transmission control logic for enhanced driver performance.

  • When SPORT mode is activated, the indicator appears on the instrument cluster.

  • Whenever the engine is restarted, the Drive Mode will revert back to NORMAL mode. If SPORT mode is desired, reselect SPORT mode from the DRIVE MODE button.

  • When SPORT mode is activated:

    • The engine rpm will tend to remain raised over a certain length of time even after releasing the accelerator

    • Upshifts are delayed when accelerating

NOTE

In SPORT mode, the fuel efficiency may decrease.

ECO mode

Figure 4. AWD
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Figure 5. FWD
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When the Drive Mode is set to ECO mode, the engine and transmission control logic are changed to maximize fuel efficiency.

  • When ECO mode is activated, the indicator appears on the instrument cluster.

  • Whenever the engine is restarted, the drive mode remains in ECO mode.

NOTE

Fuel efficiency depends on your driving habit and road condition.

When ECO mode is activated:

  • The acceleration response may be slightly reduced as the accelerator pedal is depressed moderately.

  • The air conditioner performance may be limited.

  • The shift pattern of the automatic transmission may change.

  • The engine noise may get louder.

The above situations are normal conditions when ECO mode is activated to improve fuel efficiency.

Limitation of ECO mode operation:

If the following conditions occur while ECO mode is operating, the system operation is limited even though there is no change in ECO indicator.

  • When the coolant temperature is low:

    The system will be limited until engine performance returns to normal.

  • When driving up hill:

    The system will be limited to gain power when driving uphill because engine torque is restricted.

  • When the accelerator pedal is fully depressed for a few seconds:

    The system will be limited, determing that the driver wants to speed up.