Drive Modes

The Selectable Drive Mode System customizes vehicle handling and performance for most driving conditions by utilizing sophisticated electronic vehicle systems. These systems optimize steering, handling and engine performance and transmission shifting to provide a robust driving experience. This provides a single location to control multiple systems performance settings.

Changing the drive mode automatically changes the functionality of the following systems: 

• Electronically power-assisted steering system adjusts steering effort and feel based on the mode you select.
• Electronic stability control and traction control maintain your vehicle control in adverse conditions or high performance driving.
• Electronic throttle control enhances the powertrain response to your inputs.
• Driveline settings are optimized with shift schedules tuned to each drive mode.

The drive modes are ready to assist the driver in vehicle control for both on-road and off-road conditions. The modes are as follows:

On-Road Drive Modes 

• Normal Mode: 

  Normal mode is a perfect balance of excitement, comfort and convenience for everyday driving.

• Sport Mode: 

  For aggressive on-road driving, sport mode increases throttle response, provides a sportier steering feel, along with quicker shifting. The transmission also holds gears longer, helping your vehicle accelerate faster when shifting gears.

• Tow Haul: 

  For improved transmission operation when towing a trailer or a heavy load. Tow Haul moves upshifts to higher engine speeds to reduce the frequency of transmission shifting. This mode also provides engine braking in all forward gears, which slows the vehicle and assists in controlling the vehicle when descending a grade. The amount of downshift braking provided varies based on the amount the brake pedal is pressed.

Off-Road Drive Modes 

• Snow/Wet (4X2) or Grass/ Gravel/Snow (AWD):  For firm surfaces covered with loose or slippery material such as packed snow, ice, water, grass or a thin layer of gravel or sand.
• Sand Mode:  For soft dry sand or deep gravel.
• Mud/Rut:  For muddy, rutted, soft or uneven terrain.

For information on driving mode diagnosis, Refer to: Four-Wheel Drive Systems - Vehicles With: 2-Speed Torque On Demand Transfer Case .