Kia Telluride: Driving your vehicle / Drive mode integrated control system. DRIVE MODE

The drive mode integrated control system in the Kia Telluride allows the driver to choose a driving mode that best matches current road conditions, the surrounding environment, or personal driving preference.

DRIVE MODE

You can select a suitable drive mode based on your preferred driving feel or the condition of the road ahead.

• Press the DRIVE MODE button to change the selected mode. Each press cycles the system to the next available driving mode.

• DRIVE MODE normally returns to NORMAL mode when the vehicle is restarted.

• If the Kia Telluride is restarted while ECO mode was previously selected, the vehicle remains in ECO mode.

  If the vehicle is restarted from any mode other than ECO, the drive mode returns to NORMAL.

ECO mode

ECO mode adjusts engine and transmission control logic to support better fuel efficiency during normal driving.

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

• When the vehicle is restarted, the drive mode remains in ECO mode.

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When ECO mode is activated:

• Accelerator response may become more gradual, and acceleration may feel slightly reduced.

• Air conditioning performance may be limited to help reduce energy demand.

• The transmission shift pattern may change to support more efficient driving.

• Engine sound may become more noticeable under certain driving conditions.

These operating characteristics are normal when ECO mode is active in the Kia Telluride.

Limitations of ECO mode operation

If any of the following conditions occur while ECO mode is active, system operation may be limited even though the ECO indicator remains unchanged:

• When the coolant temperature is low:

  System performance may be temporarily restricted until the engine reaches its normal operating temperature.

• When driving uphill:

  Available power may feel reduced on inclines because engine torque is managed for efficiency.

• When the accelerator pedal is fully pressed for several seconds:

  The system limits ECO operation when it detects that the driver is requesting strong acceleration.

NORMAL mode

NORMAL mode provides balanced driving performance, smooth acceleration, and comfortable ride quality for everyday Kia Telluride operation.

SPORT mode

SPORT mode adjusts steering effort, engine response, and transmission control logic to create a more responsive and performance-focused driving character.

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

• After restarting the engine, the drive mode returns to NORMAL. To use SPORT mode again, press the DRIVE MODE button and select SPORT.

• When SPORT mode is active:

  • Engine speed may remain higher for a short period even after the accelerator pedal is released.

  • Upshifts may be delayed during acceleration to provide a stronger response.

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MY DRIVE mode

In MY DRIVE mode, the driver can personalize selected vehicle settings and combine available driving characteristics through the infotainment system screen.

To configure MY DRIVE mode, select Setup > Vehicle > Drive Mode > MY DRIVE MODE from the infotainment system.

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