Kia Soul: Driving your vehicle / Drive mode integrated control system

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

The mode changes whenever the DRIVE MODE button is pressed.

• NORMAL mode : NORMAL mode provides soft driving and comfortable riding.
• SPORT mode : SPORT mode provides sporty but firm riding.
• ECO mode : ECO mode improves fuel efficiency for eco-friendly driving.

The driving mode will be set to NORMAL or ECO mode when the engine is restarted. if it is in NORMAL mode.

NORMAL mode will be set, when the engine is restarted.

If it is in Eco mode, Eco mode will be set when the engine is restarted.

SPORT mode

SPORT mode focuses on dynamic driving by automatically controlling the steering wheel, engine and transaxle system.

• When the DRIVE MODE button is pressed and the SPORT mode is selected, the SPORT indicator will illuminate.
• When the SPORT mode is activated, and the engine start/stop button is turned off and on it will change to NORMAL mode. To turn on the SPORT mode press DRIVE MODE button again.
• If the system is activated:
  - After speeding, it maintains the gear and RPM for some time even though the accelerator pedal is not depressed.
  - Up-shifting is delayed.

NOTICE

In Sport drive mode, the fuel efficiency may decrease.

ECO mode

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 selected by pressing the DRIVE MODE button, the ECO indicator will illuminate.
• If the vehicle is set to ECO mode, when the engine is turned OFF and restarted the Drive Mode setting will remain 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 if the accelerator pedal is depressed moderately.
• The air conditioner performance may be limited.
• The shift pattern of the automatic transaxle may change.
• The engine noise may get louder. The above situations are comfort 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 the ECO indicator.

• When the coolant temperature is low: The system will be limited until engine performance becomes comfort.
• When driving up a hill:
  The system will be limited to gain power when driving uphill because engine torque is restricted.
• When driving the vehicle with the automatic transaxle gear shift lever in manual mode.
  The system will be limited according to the shift location.