How To Use Drive Mode Select In Hyundai Vehicles

Master your driving experience with Hyundai's intelligent drive modes

Modern Hyundai vehicles come equipped with Drive Mode Select, an innovative feature that allows you to customize your driving experience based on road conditions, driving preferences, and efficiency needs. Whether you're commuting through city traffic, embarking on a highway journey, or tackling challenging terrain, understanding how to properly use Drive Mode Select will enhance your vehicle's performance and your overall driving satisfaction.

What is Drive Mode Select?

Drive Mode Select is an intelligent system that adjusts various vehicle parameters including engine response, transmission shift patterns, steering feel, and suspension settings (on equipped models) to optimize performance for different driving scenarios. This technology puts you in control of how your Hyundai responds to your driving inputs.

Available Drive Modes in Hyundai Vehicles

Normal Mode

The default setting that provides a balanced combination of performance, comfort, and fuel efficiency. Ideal for everyday driving conditions and most drivers' daily commutes.

Sport Mode

Enhances throttle response, holds gears longer, and provides more aggressive shift points for a more dynamic driving experience. Perfect for highway merging and spirited driving.

Eco Mode

Optimizes engine and transmission settings for maximum fuel efficiency. Moderates throttle response and adjusts climate control to reduce fuel consumption.

Smart Mode

Uses artificial intelligence to automatically adjust driving characteristics based on your driving patterns and road conditions. Learns and adapts to your preferences over time.

How to Activate Drive Mode Select

  1. Start your Hyundai vehicle and ensure it's in Park or Neutral
  2. Locate the Drive Mode button, typically found on the center console near the gear selector
  3. Press the Drive Mode button once to cycle through available modes
  4. Watch the instrument cluster display to see the current mode selection
  5. Continue pressing to cycle through all available modes until you reach your desired setting
  6. Release the button - the selected mode will remain active until changed
Important: Some drive modes may not be available while the vehicle is in motion. Always make mode changes when it's safe to do so, preferably when stopped or at low speeds.

When to Use Each Drive Mode

Normal Mode - Everyday Driving

Use Normal mode for regular commuting, city driving, and general everyday use. This mode provides the best balance of performance, comfort, and fuel economy for most driving situations.

Sport Mode - Performance Driving

Activate Sport mode when you want enhanced performance for highway merging, mountain driving, or when you simply want a more engaging driving experience. This mode provides quicker acceleration and more responsive handling.

Eco Mode - Maximum Efficiency

Choose Eco mode for long highway trips, heavy traffic conditions, or whenever maximizing fuel efficiency is your priority. This mode can improve fuel economy by up to 7% in optimal conditions.

Smart Mode - Adaptive Performance

Let Smart mode handle the decisions for you. This mode continuously monitors your driving style and adjusts the vehicle's responses accordingly, making it perfect for varied driving conditions throughout your journey.

Pro Tips for Using Drive Mode Select

  • Experiment with different modes in safe conditions to understand how they affect your vehicle
  • Remember that Sport mode may reduce fuel efficiency, so use it judiciously
  • Eco mode works best when combined with smooth, gradual acceleration and braking
  • Smart mode becomes more effective over time as it learns your driving preferences
  • Some modes may affect air conditioning performance to optimize efficiency

Troubleshooting Drive Mode Select

If you experience issues with Drive Mode Select, try these solutions:

  • Ensure the vehicle is properly started and all systems are initialized
  • Check that the transmission is not in a restricted mode due to temperature or other conditions
  • If modes aren't changing, consult your owner's manual for model-specific requirements
  • Contact your Hyundai service department if problems persist

Frequently Asked Questions

Does using Sport mode damage my engine?
No, Sport mode is designed by Hyundai engineers to operate safely within your engine's parameters. However, it may increase fuel consumption and engine wear slightly due to more aggressive operation.
How much fuel can I save with Eco mode?
Eco mode can improve fuel efficiency by 3-7% depending on driving conditions, your driving style, and specific Hyundai model. Results may vary based on traffic, terrain, and weather conditions.
Will the drive mode reset when I turn off my car?
This depends on your specific Hyundai model. Some models remember your last selected mode, while others default back to Normal mode when restarted. Check your owner's manual for model-specific behavior.

Need Help with Your Hyundai's Drive Mode Select?

Our certified Hyundai technicians at Kelly Hyundai of Hamburg, PA, are here to help you get the most out of your vehicle's features. Schedule a service appointment or visit our showroom to learn more about your Hyundai's capabilities.

Contact Our Service Team

Disclaimer: Drive Mode Select features may vary by model year and trim level. Always consult your owner's manual for specific information about your vehicle. The information provided is for general guidance and may not apply to all Hyundai models.