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Drive mode

2025 Hyundai Tucson Drive Mode selector switch image. The image displays the 'MODE' toggle switch located on the center console. A zoomed-in inset shows a black double-headed curved arrow indicating the switch can be moved up or down. Explains the function of selecting drive modes by toggling the switch.

2C_TerrainModeButton

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

The system resets to NORMAL mode, when the engine is restarted.

If there is a problem with the instrument cluster, the drive mode is in NORMAL mode and may not change to SPORT mode.

2025 Hyundai Tucson Drive Mode screen image. The display lists 'ECO', 'NORMAL', 'SPORT', and 'MY DRIVE' under 'DRIVE | TERRAIN'. 'ECO' is highlighted with a leaf icon. This illustrates the drive mode selection interface.

2C_DriveModeInfo_2

The mode changes, as the following, whenever the DRIVE MODE (or DRIVE/TERRAIN) button is turned to the right or left, or toggled.

  • ECO > NORMAL > SPORT > MY DRIVE

Drive mode features

ECO mode

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

Fuel economy varies according to the driver's driving habit and road condition.

  • When ECO mode is selected, the ECO indicator illuminates on the instrument cluster.

  • When ECO mode is activated:

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

    • The air conditioner performance may be limited.

    • The shift pattern of the transmission may change.

    • Engine noise may be louder at some transmission shifts as downshift requires pressing down more on the accelerator pedal.

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

NORMAL mode

NORMAL mode provides smooth driving and comfortable riding.

NORMAL mode is selected, it does not appear on the instrument cluster.

SPORT mode

SPORT mode provides sporty but firm riding.

In SPORT mode, the fuel economy may decrease.

  • When the SPORT mode is selected, the SPORT indicator illuminates on the instrument cluster.

  • The drive mode resets to NORMAL mode when the engine is restarted.

  • When the SPORT mode is activated:

    • The engine RPM tends to remain raised over a certain time even after releasing the accelerator pedal.

    • Upshifts are delayed when accelerating.

MY DRIVE mode features

SMART mode

SMART mode selects the proper driving mode among SMART ECO, SMART NORMAL and SMART SPORT by judging the driver's driving habits from the brake pedal depression or the steering wheel operation.

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 mild.).

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

  • The driving mode automatically changes to SMART NORMAL mode with the same driving patterns, when the vehicle starts to drive on an upward slope of a certain angle. The driving mode automatically returns to SMART ECO mode, when the vehicle enters a leveled road.

  • 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.

  • 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 or decelerating and increases the engine brake performance.

For general description of SMART ECO, SMART NORMAL, and SMART SPORT modes, refer to "ECO, NORMAL, SPORT mode features".

Limitation of SMART mode

SMART may be limited in following situations. ECO, NORMAL, SPORT mode features

  • The driver is using the paddle shifter to manually shift gear. (The system prioritizes the driver's manual shifting)

  • Smart Cruise Control is activated.

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

MY DRIVE MODE (If equipped)

MY DRIVE mode will allow the driver to personalize the setting of the powertrain, steering wheel, suspension, and 4WD.

  • To set MY DRIVE mode, go to Settings > Vehicle > Drive Mode > CUSTOM > MY DRIVE MODE in the infotainment system.

MY DRIVE MODE

Powertrain

ECO/NORMAL/SPORT/SMART

Steering

NORMAL/SPORT