Hyundai Kona 2023 All-Wheel Drive

The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System Guidelines for the 2023 Hyundai Kona offer an exceptional balance of control and adaptability, improving the vehicle’s performance and stability. These manuals, which are usually equipped with a dynamic all-wheel drive system, include information on how AWD works and its benefits in different driving situations. They highlight enhanced traction, stability, and off-road performance. The recommendations enable drivers to adjust to varying road conditions and provide secure driving in inclement weather or difficult terrain by providing a straightforward method for activating and disengaging all-wheel drive (AWD). These guidelines demonstrate Hyundai’s dedication to improving driving dynamics and safety by presenting the 2023 Kona’s AWD system as a useful tool for a variety of driving experiences.

2023 Hyundai KONA Specs, Price, Features, Milage (Brochure)

All Wheel Drive (AWD)

All Wheel Drive (AWD) delivers engine power to front and rear wheels for maximum traction. AWD is useful when extra traction is required, such as when driving on, muddy, wet, or snow-covered roads.

WARNING
To reduce the risk of SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH:

• Do not drive in conditions that exceed the vehicles intended design such as challenging off-road conditions.
• Avoid high speeds when cornering or turning.
• Do not make quick steering wheel movements, such as sharp lane changes or fast, sharp turns.
• The risk of a rollover is greatly increased if you lose control of your vehicle at highway speeds.
• Loss of control often occurs if two or  more wheels drop off the roadway and the driver over steers to reenter the roadway.
• In the event your vehicle leaves the roadway, do not steer sharply. Instead, slow down before pulling back into the travel lanes.

NOTICE
Do not drive in water if the water level is higher than the bottom of the vehicle. Check your brake condition once you are out of mud or water. Depress the brake pedal several times as you move slowly until you feel normal braking condition is returned. Shorten your scheduled maintenance interval if you drive in off-road conditions such as sand, mud or water (see “Maintenance Under Severe Usage Conditions” section in chapter 9). Always wash your vehicle thoroughly after off road use, especially the bottom of the vehicle. Be sure to equip the vehicle with four tires of the same size and type. Make sure that a full time AWD vehicle is towed by a flat bed tow truck.

All Wheel Drive (AWD) Operation All Wheel Drive (AWD) mode selection

Transfer mode	Selection button	Indicator light	Description
AWD AUTO (AWD LOCK is deactivated)		(not illuminated)	In the AWD AUTO mode, under normal operating conditions, the vehicle operates similar to conventional 2WD vehicles. If the system determines there is a need for all wheel drive, the engine’s driving power is distributed to all four wheels automatically. Use this mode when driving on normal roads.
AWD LOCK		(illuminated)	•  This mode is used for climbing or descending sharp grades, off-road driving, driving on sandy and muddy roads, etc., to maximize traction. •  This mode automatically begins to deactivate at speeds above 25 mph (40 km) and is shifted to AWD AUTO mode at speed above 38 mph (60 km). If the vehicle decelerates to speeds below 25 mph (40 km), however, the transfer mode is shifted into AWD LOCK mode again.

WARNING
If AWD warning light ( ) stays on the instrument cluster, your vehicle may have a malfunction with the AWD system. When the AWD warning light ( ) illuminates, have the vehicle be checked by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible.

CAUTION
When driving on normal roads, deactivate the AWD LOCK mode by pushing the AWD LOCK button (AWD LOCK indicator light goes off). Driving on normal roads with the AWD LOCK mode, especially, when cornering may cause mechanical noise or vibration. The noise and vibration will disappear when the AWD LOCK mode is deactivated. Prolonged driving with the noise and vibration may damage some parts of the power train.

NOTICE
When the AWD LOCK mode is deactivated, a sensation may be felt as the driving power is delivered entirely to the front wheels.

For safe AWD operation

Before driving
Make sure all passengers are wearing 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 sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
• Apply engine braking during deceleration by using the paddle shifter (manual shift mode) and manually selecting a lower gear.
• Avoid speeding, rapid acceleration, sudden brake applications, and sharp turns to prevent skids.

Driving in sand or mud

• Maintain slow and constant speed. Operate the accelerator pedal slowly to ensure safe driving (wheel-slip prevention).
• Keep sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
• Reduce 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, the tires may not operate.

CAUTION
When the vehicle is stuck in snow, sand or mud, place a non-slip material under the drive wheels to provide traction OR slowly spin the wheels in forward and reverse directions which causes a rocking motion that may free the vehicle. However, avoid running the engine continuously at high rpm, doing so may damage 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 gear while driving downhill. Select gear before driving downhill.
  • Drive slowly using engine braking while driving downhill.
  • Drive straight as possible.

WARNING Exercise extreme caution driving up or down steep hills. The vehicle may flip over depending on the grade, terrain, water and mud conditions.

WARNING
Do not drive across the contour of steep hills. A slight change in the wheel angle can destabilize the vehicle, or a stable vehicle may lose stability if the vehicle stops its forward motion. Your vehicle may roll over and lead to 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, set the vehicle in AWD LOCK mode and drive under 5 mph (8 km/h). Do not change gear while driving in  water.

CAUTION
Always drive slowly in water. If you drive too fast, water may get into the engine compartment and wet the ignition system causing your vehicle to suddenly stop.

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, making them more likely to roll over when you rapidly turn corners.

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

WARNING
Do hold the steering wheel tightly 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 could lose control of the steering wheel which may lead to serious injury or death.

WARNING
Keep away from the front of the vehicle while the vehicle is in gear on the dynamometer. The vehicle can jump forward and cause serious injury or death.

Emergency Precautions Tires
Do not use a tire and wheel package with a different size and type from the one originally installed on your vehicle. It can affect the safety and performance of your vehicle, which could lead to steering failure or rollover causing serious injury. When replacing the tires, be sure to equip all four tires with the tire and wheel of the same size, type, tread, brand and load-carrying capacity. If you equip your vehicle with any tire/wheel combination not recommended by HYUNDAI for off-road driving, you should not use these tires for highway driving.

WARNING
Never start or run the engine while a full-time AWD vehicle is raised on a jack. The vehicle can slip or roll off of a jack causing serious injury or death to you or those nearby.

Towing
AWD vehicles must be towed with a wheel lift and dollies or flatbed equipment with all the wheels off the ground. For more details, refer to “Towing” section in chapter 8.

Dynamometer testing
An AWD vehicle must be tested on a special four wheel chassis dynamometer.

• [A]: Roll tester (Speedometer),
• [B]: Temporary free roller

An AWD vehicle should not be tested on a 2WD roll tester. If a 2WD roll tester must be used, perform the following procedure:

1. Check the tire pressures recommended for your vehicle.
2. Place the rear wheels on the roll tester for a speedometer test as shown in the illustration.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Place the front wheels on the temporary free roller as shown in the illustration.

CAUTION
Never engage the parking brake while performing the test. When the vehicle is lifted up, do not operate the front and rear wheels separately. All four wheels should be operated.

Reducing the Risk of a Rollover
Your multi-purpose passenger vehicle is defined as a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV). SUVs have higher ground clearance and a narrower track to make them capable of performing in a wide variety of off-road applications. The specific design characteristics give them a higher center of gravity than ordinary vehicles making them more likely to roll over if you make abrupt turns. Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. Due to this risk, drivers and passengers are strongly recommended to buckle their seat belts. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. There are steps that a driver can make to reduce the risk of a rollover. If at all possible, avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers, do not load your roof rack with heavy cargo, and never modify your vehicle in any way.

WARNING
Rollover As with other Sports Utility vehicles (SUV), failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control, an accident or vehicle rollover. Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. A SUV is not designed for cornering at the same speeds as conventional vehicles. Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. Make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly buckled up.

WARNING
Your vehicle is equipped with tires designed to provide a safe ride and handling capability. Do not use a size and type of tire and wheel that is different from the one that is originally installed on your vehicle. It can affect the safety and performance of your vehicle, which could lead to steering failure or rollover and serious injury. When replacing the tires, be sure to equip all four tires with the tire and wheel of the same size, type, tread, brand, and load-carrying capacity. If you nevertheless decide to equip your vehicle with any tire/wheel combination not recommended by HYUNDAI for off-road driving, you should not use these tires for highway driving.

WARNING
Jacked vehicle While a full-time AWD vehicle is being raised on a jack, never start the engine or cause the tires to rotate. There is a danger that rotating tires touching the ground could cause the vehicle to fall off the jack and to jump forward or rearward.

FAQ

What is All Wheel Drive (AWD)?
All Wheel Drive (AWD) is a drivetrain configuration that distributes power to all four wheels of a vehicle, providing better traction and stability in challenging road conditions.

Does the Hyundai Kona 2023 come with All Wheel Drive (AWD)?
Yes, the Hyundai Kona 2023 is available with All Wheel Drive (AWD).

What are the benefits of having All Wheel Drive (AWD) in a vehicle?
All Wheel Drive (AWD) provides better traction and stability on slippery or uneven surfaces, such as snow, ice, mud, or gravel. It can also improve handling and cornering in challenging driving conditions, as well as enhance off-road capabilities.

Is the All Wheel Drive (AWD) system in the Hyundai Kona 2023 always active?
No, the All Wheel Drive (AWD) system in the Hyundai Kona 2023 is designed to engage only when needed, based on factors such as road conditions, vehicle speed, and driver input. This helps optimize fuel efficiency and reduce wear and tear on the drivetrain components.

How does the All Wheel Drive (AWD) system in the Hyundai Kona 2023 work?
The All Wheel Drive (AWD) system in the Hyundai Kona 2023 uses an electronically-controlled coupling system that can transfer up to 50% of the engine power to the rear wheels when needed. The system can also vary the torque distribution between the front and rear axles, depending on the driving conditions.

Does the All Wheel Drive (AWD) system in the Hyundai Kona 2023 affect the fuel economy?
Yes, the All Wheel Drive (AWD) system in the Hyundai Kona 2023 can have a slightly lower fuel economy compared to the front-wheel drive (FWD) version, due to the added weight and complexity of the system.

Can the driver switch between All Wheel Drive (AWD) and front-wheel drive (FWD) modes in the Hyundai Kona 2023?
No, the driver cannot switch between All Wheel Drive (AWD) and front-wheel drive (FWD) modes in the Hyundai Kona 2023. The system automatically engages or disengages the rear wheels based on the driving conditions.

What type of terrain is the All Wheel Drive (AWD) system in the Hyundai Kona 2023 best suited for?
The All Wheel Drive (AWD) system in the Hyundai Kona 2023 is best suited for challenging road conditions, such as snow, ice, mud, or gravel. It can also provide enhanced off-road capabilities, such as climbing steep hills or navigating rough terrain.

Does the All Wheel Drive (AWD) system in the Hyundai Kona 2023 improve the towing capacity?
Yes, the All Wheel Drive (AWD) system in the Hyundai Kona 2023 can improve the towing capacity, as it provides better traction and stability for towing heavier loads.

Does the Hyundai Kona 2023 offer any advanced safety features related to All Wheel Drive (AWD)?
Yes, the Hyundai Kona 2023 offers a variety of advanced safety features related to All Wheel Drive (AWD), such as traction control, stability control, hill start assist, downhill brake control, and a multi-terrain mode selector for off-road driving.

Is the All Wheel Drive (AWD) system in the Hyundai Kona 2023 maintenance-free?
No, the All Wheel Drive (AWD) system in the Hyundai Kona 2023 requires regular maintenance, such as checking the fluid level and replacing it as needed, inspecting the drivetrain components for wear and tear, and align

How does the All Wheel Drive (AWD) system in the Hyundai Kona 2023 compare to other AWD systems in its class?
The All Wheel Drive (AWD) system in the Hyundai Kona 2023 uses an electronically-controlled coupling system that can transfer power to the rear wheels when needed, making it more responsive and efficient compared to some traditional AWD systems.

Can the All Wheel Drive (AWD) system in the Hyundai Kona 2023 be disengaged for better fuel efficiency?
No, the All Wheel Drive (AWD) system in the Hyundai Kona 2023 cannot be disengaged manually. However, it is designed to automatically disengage the rear wheels when not needed, such as during normal driving conditions.

Does the All Wheel Drive (AWD) system in the Hyundai Kona 2023 provide better acceleration compared to the front-wheel drive (FWD) version?
Yes, the All Wheel Drive (AWD) system in the Hyundai Kona 2023 can provide better acceleration and traction, especially in low-grip conditions, such as snow, ice, or rain.

How does the All Wheel Drive (AWD) system in the Hyundai Kona 2023 affect the turning radius of the vehicle?
The All Wheel Drive (AWD) system in the Hyundai Kona 2023 can slightly increase the turning radius of the vehicle due to the added weight and complexity of the system. However, this difference is typically not noticeable during normal driving conditions.

Useful Links  

View Full User Guide: Hyundai Kona 2023 User Guide
Download Manuals: https://owners.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/resources/manuals-warranties.html
2023 Hyundai KONA Specs, Price, Features, Milage (Brochure)