Kia Stinger 2022 Drive Mode Integrated Control System 

In modern automobile engineering, being able to change how you drive based on your mood, preferences, and road conditions has become a sign of innovation. The 2022 Kia Stinger’s Drive Mode Integrated Control System embodies this art of customization. This innovative feature isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the start of a dynamic and flexible driving experience. That’s because the Stinger’s Drive Mode Integrated Control System lets drivers change the way the car performs with the push of a button. It has different drive modes, from the calm Comfort mode to the exciting Sport mode. We will look into the details of this complex system and see how it affects everything from how the throttle responds to how the suspension works. This gives drivers the tools they need to make their Stinger fit their exact needs, whether they want comfort, fuel efficiency, or speed on the open road.

2023 Kia Stinger Specs, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)

Drive mode integrated control system

The drive mode may be selected according to the driver’s preference or road condition.
The mode changes whenever the DRIVE MODE button is turned.

• SMART mode: SMART mode automatically adjusts the driving mode (ECO ↔ COMFORT ↔ SPORT) in accordance with the driver’s driving habits.
• COMFORT mode: COMFORT mode provides smooth driving and a comfortable ride.
• SPORT mode: SPORT mode provides a sporty but firm ride.
• CUSTOM mode: CUSTOM mode allows the driver to mix aspects of other driving modes to make a customized mode.
• ECO mode: ECO mode improves fuel efficiency for eco-friendly driving.

If it is in ECO mode, ECO mode will be set when the engine is restarted.

(However, if it is in SMART/COM-FORT/SPORT/CUSTOM mode, the drive mode will be set to COMFORT mode when the engine is restarted.)

NOTICE

• When you mildly drive the vehicle in SMART mode, the drive mode changes to ECO mode to improve fuel efficiency. However, the actual fuel efficiency may differ in accordance with your driving situation (i.e. upward/downward slope, vehicle deceleration/acceleration).
• When you dynamically drive the vehicle in SMART mode by abruptly decelerating or sharply turning, the drive mode changes to SPORT mode. However, it may adversely affect fuel economy.

Various drive situations, which you may encounter in SMART mode

• The drive mode automatically changes to ECO mode after a certain period of time, when you gently depress the accelerator pedal (Your drive is categorized to be mild.).
• The drive mode automatically changes from SMART ECO mode to SMART COMFORT mode after a certain period of time, when you sharply or repetitively depress the accelerator pedal.
• The drive mode automatically changes to SMART COMFORT mode with the same driving patterns, when the vehicle starts to drive on an upward slope of a certain angle. The drive mode automatically returns to SMART ECO mode, when the vehicle enters a leveled road.
• The drive mode automatically changes to SMART SPORT, when you abruptly accelerate the vehicle or repetitively operate the steering wheel (Your driving is categorized to be sporty.). In this mode, your vehicle drives in a lower gear for abrupt accelerating/decelerating and increases the engine brake performance.
• You may still sense the engine brake performance, even when you release the accelerator pedal in SMART SPORT mode. It is because your vehicle remains in a lower gear over a certain period of time.
• The drive mode automatically changes to SMART SPORT mode only in dynamic driving situations. In most of normal driving situations, the drive mode sets to be either in SMART ECO mode or in SMART COMFORT mode.

Limitation of SMART mode

The SMART mode may be limited in the following situations. (The OFF indicator illuminates in those situations.)

• The driver manually moves the shift lever: It deactivates SMART mode.
• Smart Cruise Control is activated: Smart Cruise Control may deactivate the SMART mode. (SMART mode is not automatically deactivated just by activating Smart Cruise Control.)
• The transmission oil temperature is either extremely low or extremely high: The SMART mode can be active in most of the normal driving situations. However, an extremely high/ low transmission oil temperature may temporarily deactivate the SMART mode, because the transmission condition is out of normal operation condition.

SPORT mode

SPORT mode manages the driving dynamics by automatically adjusting the steering effort, and the engine and transmission control logic for enhanced driver performance.

• When SPORT mode is selected by using the DRIVE MODE button, the SPORT indicator (orange color) will illuminate.
• Whenever the engine is restarted, the Drive Mode will revert back to COMFORT mode. If SPORT mode is desired, re-select SPORT mode from the DRIVE MODE button.
• When SPORT mode is activated:
  • The engine rpm will tend to remain raised over a certain length of time even after releasing the accelerator
  • Upshifts are delayed when accelerating

NOTICE
In SPORT mode, the fuel efficiency may decrease.

CUSTOM mode

CUSTOM mode enables drivers to build their own customized mode. The driver can choose between different Engine/Transmission, Steering, Suspension, AWD, and Active Engine Sound settings.

• To access CUSTOM mode settings rotate the Drive Mode knob until getting to CUSTOM mode. A Graphic picture of Kia Stinger will pop up on the main screen with a setting button. Use the setting button and change different settings to build your own mode.
• Once the CUSTOM mode settings are chosen they will be saved and will remain that way until changed again in settings.
• Whenever the engine is restarted, the Drive Mode will revert back to COMFORT mode. If CUSTOM mode is desired, re-select CUSTOM mode from the DRIVE MODE button.

ECO mode

When the Drive Mode is set to ECO mode, the engine and transmission control logic are changed to maximize fuel efficiency.

• When ECO mode is selected by using the DRIVE MODE button, the ECO indicator (green color) will illuminate.
• If the vehicle is set to ECO mode when the engine is turned OFF and restarted the Drive Mode setting will remain in ECO mode.

NOTICE
Fuel efficiency depends on the driver’s driving habits and road conditions.

When ECO mode is activated:

• The acceleration response may be slightly reduced if the accelerator pedal is depressed moderately.
• The air conditioner’s performance may be limited.
• The shift pattern of the automatic transmission may change.
• The engine noise may get louder.

The above situations are normal conditions when ECO mode is activated to improve fuel efficiency.

Limitation of ECO mode operation:
If the following conditions occur while ECO mode 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 engine torque is restricted.
• When driving the vehicle with the automatic transmission gear shift lever in manual mode.
  The system will be limited according to the shift location.

FAQ