All Wheel Drive (AWD) Operation

Multi terrain mode

In the multi terrain mode, four-wheel drive, engine, transmission, braking and electronic limited slip differential is controlled to achieve optimal driving performance depending on the mode selected (SNOW/MUD/SAND).

All Wheel Drive (AWD) selection

2C_TerrainModeButton_1

Press the DRIVE/TERRAIN button to change from normal driving mode to multi terrain mode. After the button is pressed, rotate the knob within 4 seconds to select SNOW, MUD, or SAND.

Selected mode

Description

SNOW

¼

  • Snow mode is used when driving on slippery roads.

  • The engine's driving power is properly distributed to the wheels, to help start the vehicle stably on slippery roads or keep tires from slipping.

MUD

½

  • Mud mode is used when driving on muddy, unpaved or uneven roads.

  • The engine's driving power is properly distributed to the wheels, to secure sufficient driving force that will help start the vehicle.

SAND

¾

  • Sand mode is used when driving on smooth, dry sand or deep gravel and unpaved roads.

  • The engine's driving power is properly distributed to the wheels, to help drive safely on smooth, dry sand or deep gravel and unpaved roads.

Driving on normal roads with the Multi Terrain mode on, especially when cornering may cause mechanical noise or vibration. Driving in this mode for prolonged periods may damage parts of the power train. The noise and vibration disappear when the Multi Terrain mode is deactivated.

If the AWD (f) warning light stays on the instrument cluster, your vehicle may have a malfunction with the AWD system. Have your vehicle inspected by an authorized retailer of Genesis Branded products as soon as possible.

For safe AWD operation

Before driving

  • Make sure all passengers always wear their seat belts.

  • Sit upright and closer to the steering wheel than usual. Adjust the steering wheel to a position comfortable for you to drive.

Driving on snow-covered or icy roads

  • Start off slowly by applying the accelerator pedal gently.

  • Use snow tires or tire chains.

  • Keep a sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front.

  • Use engine braking during deceleration.

  • Avoid speeding, rapid acceleration, sudden brake applications, and sharp turns to prevent skids.

  • When using snow tires, mount them on all four wheels.

  • When using tire chains, install them on the rear tires. However, driving speed must be below 20 mph (30km/h) and minimize the driving distance. High-speed or long-term driving with the chains installed may malfunction or damage the AWD system.

    For more information on Snow Tires and Tire Chains, refer to the "Winter Driving" section later in this chapter.

Driving in sand or mud

  • Maintain slow and constant speeds.

  • Use tire chains when driving in mud if necessary.

  • Keep a distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front.

  • Reduce the vehicle speed and always check the road condition.

  • Avoid speeding, rapid acceleration, sudden brake applications, and sharp turns to prevent getting stuck.

When the vehicle is stuck in snow, sand, or mud, place a nonslip material under the drive wheels to provide traction OR slowly spin the wheels in forward and reverse causing a rocking motion that may free the vehicle.

Avoid running the engine continuously at high RPM to prevent damage to the AWD system.

Driving up or down hills

  • Driving uphill

    • Before starting off, check if it is possible to drive uphill.

    • Drive as straight as possible.

  • Driving downhill

    • Do not change gears while driving downhill. Select a gear before driving downhill.

    • Drive slowly when using engine braking while driving downhill.

    • Drive straight as possible.

  • Exercise extreme caution driving up or down steep hills. The vehicle may roll over in the grade, terrain, and water/mud conditions.

  • Do not drive across the contour of steep hills. A slight change in the wheel angle may destabilize the vehicle. A stable vehicle may lose stability if the vehicle stops its forward motion. Your vehicle may roll over, resulting in a serious injury or death.

Driving through water

  • Try to avoid driving in deep standing water. It may stall your engine and clog your exhaust pipes.

  • If you need to drive in water, stop your vehicle, and drive below 5 mph (8 km/h).

  • Do not change gears while driving in water.

Additional driving conditions

  • Become familiar with the off-road conditions before driving.

  • Always pay attention when driving off-road and avoid dangerous areas.

  • Drive slowly when driving in heavy wind.

  • Reduce vehicle speed when cornering. The center of gravity of AWD vehicles is higher than conventional 2WD vehicles. The vehicle is more likely to roll over if you turn the steering wheel too quickly.

  • Always hold the steering wheel firmly when you are driving off-road.

Do not grab the inside of the steering wheel when you are driving off-road. You may hurt your arm by a sudden steering maneuver or from steering wheel rebound due to an impact with objects on the ground. You may lose control of the steering wheel that may lead to serious injury or death.