What is drive mode control?

Note: These driving modes are specific to the vehicle models that come with this feature and may not be available on all models.

Mud/Ruts

For off-road driving. This mode enhances vehicle performance to traverse muddy, rutted or uneven terrains.

Four-wheel drive high (4H) is the default four-wheel drive mode. Four-wheel drive low (4L) is selectable in mud/ruts mode. Depending on your vehicle options, four-wheel drive auto (4A) or two-wheel drive high (2H) is not selectable in mud/ruts mode.

The rear electronic locking differential is engaged when in mud/ruts mode and is available at any speed in all selectable four-wheel drive modes.

Note: Do not use this mode on dry, hard pavement. This could produce some vibration, driveline bind up, and potential excessive tire and vehicle wear depending on the four-wheel drive mode selection.

Normal

For everyday driving. This mode is the perfect balance of excitement, comfort and convenience. This is the default mode after each ignition cycle, the driveline settings remain the same prior to the ignition cycle.

Depending on your vehicle options, four-wheel drive auto (4A) or two-wheel drive high (2H) is the default four-wheel drive mode. All four-wheel drive modes are selectable when in normal mode.
The rear electronic locking differential is available below 40 km/h.

Note: The rear electronic locking differential is available at any speed when in four-wheel drive low (4L).

Sand

For off-road driving on soft, dry sand or deep snow. This mode may help get your vehicle unstuck from deep snow or sand.
Four-wheel drive high (4H) is the default four-wheel drive mode. Four-wheel drive low (4L) is selectable in sand mode. Depending on your vehicle options, four-wheel drive auto (4A) or two-wheel drive high (2H) is not selectable in sand mode.

The rear electronic locking differential is engaged when in sand mode and is available at any speed in all selectable four-wheel drive modes.

Note:   

• Do not use this mode on dry, hard pavement. This could produce some vibration, driveline bind up, and potential excessive tire and vehicle wear depending on the four-wheel drive mode selection.
• Sand mode is not intended for use on firm, slippery surfaces, such as paved roads covered with snow or ice. For slippery, firm surfaces use slippery mode.

Tow/Haul

For improved transmission operation when towing a trailer or a heavy load. This mode 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 your vehicle and assists you in controlling your vehicle when descending a slope. The amount of downshift braking provided varies based on the amount you press the brake pedal.

Four-wheel drive auto (4A) is the default four-wheel drive mode when four-wheel drive auto (4A) is available, otherwise this mode does not default to a certain four-wheel drive mode and maintains the previous selection. All four-wheel drive modes are selectable when in tow/haul.

The system tunes the steering to enhance driving comfort when towing or carrying heavy loads.

The rear electronic locking differential is available below 40 km/h.

Note: The rear electronic locking differential is available at any speed when in four-wheel drive low (4L).

Baja

For high speed off-road driving. Baja mode optimizes the throttle control for better response and torque delivery.

Four-wheel drive high (4H) is the default four-wheel drive mode. Four-wheel drive auto (4A) is not selectable in baja mode.

Off-road is the default steering and suspension mode. All steering and suspension modes are available.

Baja is the default exhaust mode. All exhaust modes are available.

The front electronic locking differential is available below 40 km/h when in four-wheel drive low (4L). The rear electronic locking differential is available at any speed in all selectable four-wheel drive modes.

Note: Do not use this mode on dry, hard pavement. This could produce some vibration, driveline bind up, and potential excessive tire and vehicle wear depending on the four-wheel drive mode selection.

Press the button on the center console. The first press activates the drive mode selection menu in the display. Subsequent presses change the selected drive mode.

Note:   

• Button icons vary depending on the vehicle.
• Mode changes are not available when your vehicle is off or when the transmission is in reverse (R).

Rotate the drive mode control on the center console to select or change a drive mode.

Note:   Button icons vary depending on the vehicle.

Some drive modes reduce traction and stability control performance and the indicator illuminates in the instrument cluster.

Note: The system has diagnostic checks that continuously monitor the system for proper operation. If a mode is unavailable due to a system fault, the drive mode system defaults to normal. When the system defaults to normal, the driveline settings remain the same as prior to the system fault.

Why did the system default to normal mode?
If a mode is unavailable due to a system fault, it defaults to normal mode and the driveline settings remain the same as prior to the system fault.

Can I switch drive modes while I am driving?
In most instances, you can switch drive modes while you are driving (if you maintain attention on the road), or while the vehicle is stationary. However, you should not switch the vehicle into a drive mode intended for off-road or track use while driving on paved, public roads. For example, while driving on a paved highway, it would be acceptable to switch from normal mode to eco mode, but not to off-road mode.

How long does it take for the vehicle to switch modes after I make a selection?
After switching modes, the new drive mode will activate within several seconds, if all the appropriate pre-conditions are met.

How should I decide which drive mode to use?
Selecting a drive mode usually depends on the driving experience you would like to have, and the driving conditions. For example, if you want to have a more exciting on-road driving experience, you could switch into sport mode. If you find yourself driving on slick roads, you could switch into slippery mode.

Will drive modes impact my vehicle’s fuel consumption?
Drive modes can have an impact on your vehicle’s fuel consumption. In addition to the active mode, your driving style will also affect the fuel consumption.