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

■ Type A

■ Type B

■ Type C

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.

ECO mode (Active ECO)

Active ECO helps improve fuel efficiency by controlling certain engine and transaxle system operating parameters. Fuel efficiency depends on the driver's driving habit and road condition.

• When the DRIVE MODE button is pressed and the ECO mode is selected, the ECO indicator (green) will illuminate to show that the Active ECO is operating.
• When the Active ECO is activated, it does not turn off even though the engine is restarted again. To turn off the system, press the DRIVE MODE button again.

When Active ECO is activated:

• The acceleration may slightly be reduced even though you depress the accelerator fully.
• 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 normal conditions when the Active Eco System is activated to improve fuel efficiency.

Limitation of Active ECO operation:

If the following conditions occur while Active ECO 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 normal.
• When driving up a hill: The system will be limited to gain power when driving uphill because the engine torque is restricted.
• When using manual mode: The system will be limited according to the shift location.
• When the accelerator pedal is deeply depressed for a few seconds: The system will be limited, judging that the driver wants to speed up.

SPORT mode

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

• When the DRIVE MODE button is pressed and the SPORT mode is selected, the SPORT indicator (yellow) 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:
  - While holding vehicle speed, 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.