Page 183 of 464
183 2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
Selecting a driving mode
By pressing the driving pattern selector switch the following
modes can be selected to suit driving and usage conditions:
Normal mode
Sport mode
The “SPORT” indicator comes on.
Use sport mode for sporty driving or when driving in mountainous
regions with lots of curves.
Snow mode
The “SNOW” indicator comes on.
Use snow mode for accelerating and driving on slippery road surfaces
such as snow.
To cancel sport mode or snow mode, press the same side of the
switch again.
Page 185 of 464

185 2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
When moving the shift lever out of P
If the shift lever is pushed sideways before the brake pedal is depressed,
shift lever operation may not be possible. Depress the brake pedal before
shifting the shift lever out of P.
Downshifting restrictions warning buzzer
If downshifting operations are performed at a vehicle speed by which down-
shifting is not possible (when downshifting will cause the engine speed to
enter the red zone), a buzzer will sound to warn the driver that downshifting
cannot be performed.
When driving with cruise control activated (if equipped)
Downshifting can be performed even when using cruise control. After down-
shifting, the set speed continues. (P. 184, 186)
Sport mode
In sport mode, lower gears are used and gears change at a higher
engine speed.
If sport mode is changed to while the shift lever is in the M position, the
“SPORT” indicator will come on but sport mode controls will not be car-
ried out. Shift the shift lever to the D position.
Sport mode cannot be changed to when driving with cruise control acti-
vated.
Snow mode
To prevent slipping, 1
st gear cannot be selected when in snow mode.
Sport mode and snow mode automatic deactivation
In the following situations, the driving mode is automatically deactivated:
When the engine is turned off after driving in sport mode or snow mode.
When cruise control is activated while driving in sport mode.
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
P. 412
Page 226 of 464

226 2-4. Using other driving systems
Disabling the TRC system
If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the TRC system may
reduce power from the engine to the wheels. Pressing to turn
the system off may make it easier for you to rock the vehicle in order
to free it.
In this case, the brake LSD function remains on.
To turn the TRC system off,
quickly press and release the
button.
The “TRC OFF” indicator light will
come on.
Press the button again to turn the
system back on.
“VSC SPORT” mode
Your vehicle is equipped with two types of control modes to accom-
modate various driving preferences. The control modes can be
selected with the “VSC SPORT” mode switch. Normal mode allows
secure and smooth normal driving. When the switch is pressed, “VSC
SPORT” mode is activated. Control characteristics such as the VSC
and TRC are adjusted to afford maneuverability closer to what a
driver may have imagined, while a sense of security is retained.
“VSC SPORT” mode/Normal
mode
The “VSC SPORT” indicator and
VSC off indicator come on when
in “VSC SPORT” mode.
Page 227 of 464
227 2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
Selecting TRC mode and VSC mode
Modes can be selected to suit your driving conditions as follows:
Driving
conditionsTRC
modesVSC modesIndicator lights
Normal roadsOn Normal mode
Rough roads Off Normal mode
Sport drivingOn“VSC SPORT”
mode
Off“VSC SPORT”
mode
Off Off
Page 229 of 464

229 2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from
overheating when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of
time. The steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur,
refrain from excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the engine
off. The EPS system should return to normal after a little while.
Automatic deactivation of “VSC SPORT” mode
Vehicles without a smart entry & start system
When the engine switch is turned to “LOCK” position after driving in “VSC
SPORT” mode, the mode is automatically deactivated.
Vehicles with a smart entry & start system
When the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is turned off after driving in “VSC
SPORT” mode, the mode is automatically deactivated.
CAUTION
The ABS does not operate effectively when
Tires with inadequate gripping ability are used (such as excessively worn
tires on a snow covered road).
The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.
Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of nor-
mal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following situ-
ations:
When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
When driving with tire chains
When driving over bumps in the road
When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces
TRC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRC system is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
Page 460 of 464

460 Alphabetical index
USB port ................................... 258
Vanity lights
Vanity lights........................... 267
Wattage................................. 444
Vanity mirrors .......................... 267
Vehicle identification
number ................................... 433
Vehicle stability control .......... 225
VSC ........................................... 225
“VSC SPORT” mode ................ 226Warning buzzers
Electric power steering ......... 373
Seat belt reminder ................ 375
Warning lights
Automatic headlight
leveling system ................... 373
Automatic transmission
fluid temperature
warning light ....................... 375
Anti-lock brake system.......... 373
Brake assist system .............. 373
Brake system ........................ 372
Charging system ................... 372
Cruise control
indicator light ...................... 373
Electric power steering
system warning light ........... 373
Electronic engine control
system ................................ 373
Engine oil pressure ............... 372
Low fuel level ........................ 375
Low tire pressure .................. 375
Malfunction indicator lamp .... 373
Open door ............................. 375
Pretensioners........................ 373
Seat belt reminder light ......... 375
Slip indicator light.................. 373
Smart entry & start
system ........................ 373, 380
SRS airbags.......................... 373
Tire pressure warning
system ................................ 375
Washer
Checking ............................... 312
Preparing and checking
before winter....................... 233
Switch ................................... 217U
V
W