Drive Mode System

Selecting the Drive Mode

Press the drive mode switch () to select the appropriate mode. The mode you select appears on the driver information interface.

The mode may not be able to be changed under some driving conditions. If there is a vehicle system failure, a message will also appear on the driver information interface, and you cannot change the mode.

SPORT mode

Enhances responsiveness to the driver’s input.

  1. While in SPORT mode, the Auto Idle Stop System will stay disabled regardless of the Auto Idle Stop OFF button.

    Auto Idle Stop

NORMAL mode

Optimizes the balance between operability and comfort.

ECON mode

Facilitates fuel-efficient driving.

  1. While in ECON mode, the climate control system will be less effective and the vehicle slower to accelerate.

SNOW mode

Maximizes controllability on snowy roads through powertrain settings.

  1. While in SNOW mode, the Auto Idle Stop System will stay disabled regardless of the Auto Idle Stop OFF button.

    Auto Idle Stop

SNOW mode does not allow you to drive on snowy or frozen roads in all situations. There are limits to SNOW mode.
When driving on snowy or frozen roads, mount winter tires or tire chains*, reduce speed, and maintain sufficient distance between vehicles.

Winter Tires

TRAIL mode

Maximizes controllability on roads with mud, gravel, or loose dirt.

  1. TrailWatch™: While in TRAIL Mode, images from the Multi View Camera System are displayed while your vehicle speed is about 12 mph (20 km/h) or lower. When the vehicle’s speed reaches about 16 mph (25 km/h) or higher, the display will return to the previous screen.

    About Multi View Camera System

  2. While in TRAIL mode, the Auto Idle Stop System will stay disabled regardless of the Auto Idle Stop OFF button.

    Auto Idle Stop

  3. While in TRAIL mode, the VSA®OFF indicator turns on to indicate that the VSA®system is optimized for this drive mode.

    VSA® On and Off

  4. When the Drive Mode is in TRAIL mode, Low Speed Braking Control does not operate.

    About Low Speed Braking Control

SAND mode

Maximizes controllability on soft, sandy roads or off-highway terrain through powertrain settings.

  1. While in SAND mode, the Auto Idle Stop System will stay disabled regardless of the Auto Idle Stop OFF button.

    Auto Idle Stop

  2. While in SAND mode, the VSA®OFF indicator turns on to indicate that the VSA® system is optimized for this drive mode.

    VSA® On and Off

TOW mode

Optimizes balance between driving performance and comfort when towing a trailer.

  1. When the Drive Mode is in TOW mode, Low Speed Braking Control and the parking sensor system do not operate when reversing.

    About Low Speed Braking Control

    About Parking Sensor System

  2. While in TOW mode, the Auto Idle Stop System will stay disabled regardless of the Auto Idle Stop OFF button.

    Auto Idle Stop

  3. For more details on towing, refer to the following.

    Towing Preparation

Next Start-Up Mode

The mode for the next start-up is saved according to the following chart. Each keyless remote has its own mode saved.

Last Mode

Next Mode

Any mode other than ECON

NORMAL

ECON

ECON

*: Not available on all models