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Drive mode

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

If there is a problem with the instrument cluster, the drive mode will be in ECO mode and may not change to SMART mode or SPORT mode.

The mode changes when you toggle the DRIVE MODE button.

  • ECO mode :

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

  • SPORT mode :

    SPORT mode provides sporty but firm riding.

When changing the drive mode setting, the responsiveness of Smart Cruise Control (SCC) changes. (If equipped)

Drive Mode

SCC Responsiveness

ECO

Slow

SPORT

Fast

SMART

Normal

ECO mode

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

  • When the ECO mode is selected by using the DRIVE MODE button, the ECO indicator will appear.

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

NOTICE

Fuel efficiency depends on the driver's 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 whilst 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 becomes normal.

  • When driving up a hill:

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

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

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

SPORT mode

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 selected by using the DRIVE MODE button, the SPORT indicator will appear.

  • Whenever the engine is restarted, the Drive Mode will revert back to ECO mode. If SPORT mode is desired, re-select 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

NOTICE

In SPORT mode, the fuel efficiency may decrease.

SMART mode

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

  • Toggle the DRIVE MODE button to select SMART mode. When SMART mode is selected, the indicator appears on the instrument cluster.

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

NOTICE

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

  • When you dynamically drive the vehicle in SMART mode by abruptly decelerating or sharply turning the driving mode changes to SPORT mode. However, it 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 of time, when you gently depress the accelerator pedal. (Your driving is categorized to be economic.)

  • The driving mode automatically changes to SMART SPORT, when you abruptly accelerate the vehicle or repetitively operate the steering wheel. (Your driving is categorized 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. It is because your vehicle remains in lower gear over a certain period of time for next acceleration. Thus, it is a normal driving situation, not indicating any malfunction.

  • The driving mode automatically changes to SMART SPORT mode only in harsh driving situations. In most of the 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 in those situations.)

  • Cruise Control is activated:

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

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

    The SMART mode can be active in most of the normal driving situations. However, an extremely high/ low transmission oil temperature may temporarily deactivate the SMART mode, because the transmission condition is out of normal operation condition.