I really enjoy the drive mode select button on my 2017 Tucson SE with the 2.0 GDI engine: (Normal, which is the default), (Eco), and (Performance). Over the last few weeks I've discovered when to and when not to use certain drive options when in full automatic. I've found the Normal default mode is an all-round decent drive mode to be in for most freeway and street driving. The Performance mode definitely is the one to be in when wanting to accelerate faster off the line and also for stepping-on-it to pass a car at any driving speed; basically it pulls quicker power from the engine that is really noticeable. Performance mode is when one feels like driving a little aggressively/offensively. The Eco mode is best for when one is not in a hurry and just cruising on the streets or highway. I've noticed a little better gas mileage in Eco mode for sure. CAUTION: I've experienced some sluggish performance when in Eco mode when I needed to rapidly accelerate to get out of an intersection or attempt to pass a car. Therefore Eco mode is when you should use extra defensive driving skills and not running late for work. I have yet to test out the three drive modes when using the Shiftronic. I'd assume that when using Shiftronic it would be best to be in Performance mode to achieve the most from it. To this date, I've experienced no jerkiness or rough shifting in my 2017's six speed transmission so far, knock on wood!
The transmission issues are with the 7-speed DCT so you shouldn't experience any issues with the traditional 6-speed auto. Eco mode in the DCT is almost dangerous.
I'm late to the party, but why is ECO mode on the DCT dangerous? I have been using that basically for the first 7600 miles thusfar including 2 8 hour trips each way with mountain passes and higher altitude driving conditions.
I'm always out for the best MPG I can get since I commute pretty far (in my standards) so I am always trying to get the best I can. But I do agree there are times when it thinks too slowly when I need it to go, when it comes to the ECO mode. If the MPG difference isn't that much then no sense in using it then I guess.
If you want decent performance and decent MPG, then drive in the normal default mode. Gas mileage primarily has a lot to do with RPMs, rapid starts, and how heavy your foot is while driving. Always keep it under 75 mph for better MPG.
Has anyone checked what kind of mpg increase you get using eco mode? (Or decrease using Sport mode). I think Hyundai suggests it would be about a 7% difference between each mode (roughly 2 mpg). I realize how and where you drive can have a big impact on these numbers, but I was wondering about real driver experiences. Also: If you are driving on an open highway with no traffic, not having to brake or accelerate and your cruise control is set at 70 mph, would it still improve your mpg to be in eco mode?
I've been using eco mode almost exclusively, i also have a long commute to work. I calculate all my mileage using fuelly, and filling my tank to full every time, essentially dividing miles driven by gallons used. I tried normal mode for 2 tanks and i find overally, it's probably about 1-2mpg less than eco mode. It's negligible for most people, so they should stick to normal mode. For people that drive alot, every little bit helps.
I used to switch between the modes but since the update I mainly keep it in ECO mode. I find that even with the constant stop and go traffic of NYC, I get better mileage in ECO than the others.
I find this stuff interesting so thought I would revive this so people can post what drive mode they usually use. I have an SE Plus FWD with the 2.0 GDI. After having driven all the modes, I find I prefer the Eco mode over the normal mode for day to day driving. I actually found the Eco mode to feel less sluggish than normal mode. Eco mode wants to get to the highest gear it can as quickly as possible so it shifts through the gears quite quickly when accelerating from a stop. As a result, for in town driving it feels a bit more peppy than normal mode, where it seems to shift really slowly. Neither compares to Sport mode for acceleration, however. Sport mode is a night and day difference. However, I don't like how sport mode holds on to a lower gear when you get closer to highway speeds. It makes the car noisier and of course uses more fuel unnecessarily. I was driving at 50 mph and the tach was sitting at around 2400 rpm and would not upshift to a higher gear for cruising. So Eco for me unless I feel I am in a situation where I need more zip and then it goes right to sport. Normal just doesn't cut it.
Anyone else notice how the steering stiffens up in "sport" mode? I really hadn't noticed it the first few months of ownership but I notice a difference now.
yes, it mentions that in the manual....steering response changes and later upshifts. I like the sport mode, but I notice that when crusing it doesn't shift into 7th, it will stay in 6th unless I upshift it, gives me better throttle response though but I don't like the slightly higher revs when I'm just driving along on the highway. Putting it back to normal mode or ECO (bleh) lets it upshift to 7th.
With my 2018 Elantra I had been using normal mode(with the occasional change to sport mode) for a couple of tanks and got 37 to 38 mpg. But the last tank I went exclusively ECO mode and never changed it for the entire tank. I ended up with 41.4 mpg for that tank which is superb. My mileage all around has been better since the weather warmed up. Or it was the engine breaking in at around 5000 miles. But either way my mileage has been so much better these last few tanks. With my daily round trip of 50 miles for work.
I will be keeping it in ECO mode for this current tank to see if I can replicate the previous one. So far it seems to be the same. I recorded my best mileage on the trip computer showing 49 mpg for the 25 mile trip. Now previously my trip computer was off 9 percent. But with my last tank exclusively in ECO mode, it was only off around 7 percent.
The trip computer had showed 44.5 mpg while my actual, calculated after filling the tank at the same pump, showed 41.4.
I have a 2017 Tucson, is it okay to change between drive modes while you are in motion?
Is it okay to put your vehicle in all wheel drive while in motion?
I was always under the understanding that you had to come to a full stop before switching modes of any kind.
thank you for your feedback
Neither should be a problem. The drive mode mostly changes the throttle response and engine shift points. Shouldn't hurt anything to change while driving.
Your AWD system is always turned on. You must be referring to the AWD "Lock" button. Which is not a true lock, it simply preemptively sets the wet clutch pack in the rear diff to full clamping while under ~20mph(i believe, can't remember exact speed). Above 20mph, the system will apportion the clutch pack like it does normally. The AWD lock button is perfectly fine to press anytime, but mostly used in really slow going snow or off road situations, or when you're plowed in or trying to get out of a tough situation or up a crazy snow covered hill. I wouldn't use it on dry roads.
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