
•
Selectable drive modes: Certain
selectable drive modes may cause the
engine to run. See What Is Drive Mode
Control (page 329).
• Live in Drive: Use of the paddle shifters
while in drive (D) may cause the engine
to run.
See Automatic Transmission
(page 245).
Stopping
The gas engine may shut off to conserve fuel
as you come to a stop. Restarting your
vehicle is not required. Simply step on the
accelerator when you are ready to drive.
Transmission Operation
The engine and electric motor together
propel the vehicle through the automatic
transmission. This is normal hybrid operating
and helps deliver fuel efficiency and
performance. Battery
Your hybrid is equipped with a high voltage
battery. A cool battery maintains battery life
and provides the best possible performance.
The high voltage battery is cooled by the
vehicle's air conditioning system. When the
air conditioning system is on, you may notice
a slight increase in air temperature coming
from the climate control vents while the
battery is cooling. You may also notice cool
air flowing from the vents when the air
conditioning or blower is off.
Braking
Your hybrid is equipped with standard
hydraulic braking and regenerative braking.
Regenerative braking is performed by your
transmission and it captures brake energy
and stores it in the high voltage battery.
You may also notice during extending
downhill driving that your engine continues
to run instead of shutting off. During this
engine braking, the engine stays on, but it is
not using any fuel. You may also hear a slight
whine or whistle when operating your
vehicle. This is the normal operation of the
electric motor in the hybrid system.
Driving to Optimize Fuel Economy
Note:
Having your engine running is not
always an indication of inefficiency. In some
cases, it is actually more efficient than
driving in electric mode.
Your fuel economy should improve
throughout your hybrid's break-in period. As
with any vehicle, your driving habits and
accessory usage can significantly impact
your fuel economy. For best results, keep
these tips in mind:
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•
Keep the tires properly inflated and only
use the recommended size.
• Aggressive driving increases the amount
of energy required to move your vehicle.
In general, you can achieve better fuel
economy with mild to moderate
acceleration and deceleration. Moderate
braking is particularly important since it
allows you to maximize the energy
captured by the regenerative braking
system.
Additional Tips:
• Do not carry extra loads.
• Be mindful of adding external
accessories that may increase
aerodynamic drag.
• Observe posted speed limits.
• Perform all scheduled maintenance.
• There is no need to wait for your engine
to warm up. The vehicle is ready to drive
immediately after starting. PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLE
OPERATION
Regularly plug in your vehicle to get optimal
electric-only range capability from the high
voltage battery. Charging your vehicle adds
electrical energy. This energy propels the
vehicle.
Estimated electric-only driving range shows
in blue next to the gasoline range on the
information display.
The system maximizes the use of
electric-only operation in normal drive mode.
System conditions could require the engine
to operate, however, the system uses the
available electric range whenever possible.
In Pure EV drive mode, your vehicle only
uses electric power unless you enable the
engine, or system conditions require the
engine to operate.
Preserve EV drive mode saves the electric
range for later use. If you select this mode
and the battery is at full or near full charge,
it uses some electric-only range to discharge
the battery. This allows the regenerative
braking system to fully operate. If the battery
charge is low when selecting Preserve EV
mode, the engine charges the high voltage
battery to a minimum level. This provides
additional electric driving range. When the
battery charges to this level, Preserve EV
saves the electric range for later use.
Other drive modes appropriately make use
of electric power to help deliver the selected
drive mode experience. It could use available
electric-only range, if needed. See Drive
Mode Control (page 329).
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When the electric-only range reaches zero,
the powertrain system switches to hybrid
operation. This means the energy you gain
from plugging in and charging your vehicle
is now gone. Both the gasoline engine and
electric motor power your vehicle and
maximize fuel economy during hybrid
operation. Hybrid operation provides some
electric-only driving as the powertrain system
maintains the high voltage battery charge
level within functional limits.
Low Engine Use
The low engine use mode properly lubricates
the engine at sufficient temperature and
activates when you drive your vehicle with
limited engine operation. When in low engine
use mode, your vehicle runs the engine as
necessary. When low engine use mode
begins, a message appears in the information
display. If low engine use mode does not
complete before you switch your vehicle off,
it continues the next time you start your
vehicle and the message reappears. See
Information Messages (page 140). Pure EV mode is not available during low
engine use mode.
Note:
Cold temperatures affect the engine
warm up time and the low engine use mode
could operate more frequently.
Note: An oil change is not required but gives
you the option of not running a low engine
use cycle. Resetting the oil life monitoring
system suspends the low engine use mode.
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Reverse (R)
With the transmission selector in reverse (R),
your vehicle moves backward. Always come
to a complete stop before shifting into and
out of reverse (R).
Neutral (N)
With the transmission selector in neutral (N),
you can start your vehicle and it is free to
roll. Hold the brake pedal down when in this
position.
Drive (D)
Drive (D) is the normal driving position for
the best fuel economy and smoothness. Shift
the transmission selector to drive (D) to allow
your vehicle to move forward and shift
through the forward gears.
The transmission shifts to the appropriate
gear for optimum performance based on
ambient temperature, road slope, vehicle
load and your input.
Automatic Return to Park
Note:
This feature does not operate when
your vehicle is in Stay in Neutral mode or
neutral tow.
The transmission returns to park (P) if any of
the following occur:
• You switch the ignition off.
• You do not have your seatbelt fastened
and you open the driver door.
• The driver door is open and you unfasten
your seatbelt.
If you switch the ignition off when your
vehicle is moving, your vehicle shifts into
neutral (N) until it slows down enough to shift
into park (P).
Note: This feature does not work properly if
the door ajar switch is malfunctioning. If your
door ajar indicator does not illuminate when
you open or close the driver door, or the
Transmission not in Park message still
displays in the information display when the
shifter has already selected (R), (N) or (D) and
the driver door remains closed, see your
authorized dealer. Stay in Neutral Mode
Note:
Stay in Neutral mode is a temporary
vehicle state that works with the engine in
a running or OFF state. Once in this mode,
maintain sufficient battery voltage, or your
vehicle returns to park (P) if left active for an
extended period of time when the engine is
off.
Failure to follow this instruction could result
in vehicle damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Note: When entering an automatic car wash,
always enter the Stay in Neutral mode. Stay
in Neutral mode must be enabled if you are
exiting the vehicle before the car wash.
Extended usage of Stay in Neutral mode
could result in a battery voltage reduction to
a level where the vehicle no longer starts.
Do not tow your vehicle in this mode.
With the transmission selector in Stay in
Neutral mode, you can start your vehicle and
it is free to roll.
To enter Stay in Neutral mode, do the
following:
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1. Bring your vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift into neutral (N).
3. Press neutral (N) again within five
seconds after shifting to neutral (N).
Note: The Stay in Neutral mode confirmation
message appears in the information display
when your vehicle has entered Stay in
Neutral mode and the neutral (N) button on
the transmission selector slowly blinks.
To exit Stay in Neutral mode, press park (P)
at any time, or apply the brakes when the
engine is running, to shift into a different
driving position.
Note: You can select the (P) position with or
without brakes applied when the engine is
OFF.
SelectShift Automatic ™ Transmission
Your vehicle has a SelectShift Automatic
transmission. The SelectShift Automatic
transmission gives you the ability to change
gears up or down, without a clutch, as
preferred. To prevent the engine from running at too
low an RPM, which could cause it to stall,
SelectShift still makes some downshifts if it
determines that you have not downshifted
in time. Although SelectShift makes some
downshifts for you, it still allows you to
downshift at any time if the SelectShift
determines that damage to the engine from
over-revving cannot occur.
Note:
Engine damage could occur if you
maintain excessive engine revving without
shifting.
Note: Vehicles have either steering wheel
controls or gearshift lever controls.
SelectShift could upshift if the engine is
approaching the RPM limit. It can also be
upshifted manually by pressing the (+) button.
Pull the + paddle on the steering wheel or
push the + button on the gearshift lever to
activate SelectShift.
• Pull the right paddle (+) to upshift.
• Pull the left paddle (–) to downshift. SelectShift in drive (D):
•
Provides a temporary manual mode for
performing more demanding maneuvers
where you require extra control of gear
selection, for example, when towing or
overtaking. This mode holds a selected
gear for a temporary period of time
dependent on driver inputs, for example,
steering or accelerator pedal input.
The instrument cluster displays your currently
selected gear. If you request a gear not
available due to vehicle conditions, low
speed, too high of an engine speed for the
requested gear selection, the current gear
flashes three times.
Note: At full accelerator pedal travel, the
transmission downshifts for maximum
performance.
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Manual Park Release
WARNING: When doing this
procedure, you need to take the
transmission out of park (P) which means
your vehicle can roll freely. To avoid
unwanted vehicle movement, always fully
apply the parking brake prior to doing this
procedure. Use wheels chocks if
appropriate. WARNING:
If the parking brake is
fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not
be working properly. Have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible. WARNING: Do not drive your vehicle
until you verify that the stoplamps are
working.
Use the manual park release to move your
transmission from the park (P) position in the
event of an electrical malfunction or
emergency. Activating the Manual Park Release Cable
1. Apply the parking brake.
See Electric
Parking Brake (page 258).
Note: If vehicle battery is dead, for example,
no electrical power is available, you could
require an external power source to apply
the parking brake.
2. Using the key or a flat head screwdriver 4.7 in (120 mm), carefully open the access
cover under the arm rest console.
3. Turn the vehicle ignition on without starting the vehicle. Press the push to
start button without pressing the brake. 4. Once in the driver seat, fully apply the
brake pedal and hold. Do not release.
5. Insert a screwdriver or your car key into the Manual Park Release lever slot, pull
the Manual Park Release lever toward
the rear until the detent in the slot pops
up against the screwdriver or key. Allow
0.3 in (7 mm)
of full upward travel of the
detent, which locks in the park override
mode, and you can remove the
screwdriver or key. If done correctly, a
message on the instrument cluster
displays Park Not Available, Transmission
Not in Park or Shift System Fault. 248
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Note:
A screwdriver tool longer than 4.7 in
(120 mm) could hit the underside of the
armrest console before you achieve full
travel of the detent.
6. With your foot still fully applied on the brake pedal, disengage the parking
brake. See Electric Parking Brake (page
258
).
7. Your vehicle remains in neutral (N) for emergency towing purposes.
8. Switch off the ignition.
9. Once it is safe to do so, and there is no risk of your vehicle rolling, disconnect
the negative, black, battery cable from
the battery.
Returning Your Vehicle to Normal Mode
1. Once it is safe to do so, reconnect the negative, black, battery cable to the
battery.
2. Apply the parking brake.
See Electric
Parking Brake (page 258).
Note: If the vehicle battery is dead, you
could require an external power source to
apply the parking brake. 3.
Fully apply the brake pedal and hold, do
not release.
4. Insert the screwdriver or car key fully into
the Manual Park Release lever slot. Push
the tool downwards. The system detent
releases and the Manual Park Release
lever moves forward, allowing the vehicle
to go back into the park (P) position.
Remove the screwdriver or car key.
5. Install the access cover.
6. With your foot fully applied on the brake
pedal, start your vehicle. Confirm that
your vehicle is in the park (P) position and
that the instrument cluster indicates park
(P).
7. If the instrument cluster does not display
the park (P) position or there is a
message stating Park Not Available,
Transmission Not In Park or Shift System
Fault, apply the parking brake before
exiting your vehicle. Contact an
authorized dealer. If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck in Mud or
Snow
Note:
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature or
damage to the transmission could occur.
Note: Do not rock the vehicle for more than
a minute or damage to the transmission and
tires could occur, or the engine could
overheat.
If your vehicle gets stuck in the mud or snow,
you can rock it out by shifting between
forward and reverse gears, stopping
between shifts in a steady pattern. Press
lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
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USING ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
WARNING: Vehicles with a higher
center of gravity (utility and four-wheel
drive vehicles) handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of gravity
(passenger cars). Avoid sharp turns,
excessive speed and abrupt steering in
these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously
increases the risk of losing control of your
vehicle, vehicle rollover, personal injury
and death.
The intelligent AWD system continuously
monitors vehicle conditions and adjusts the
power distribution between the front and
rear wheels. It combines transparent
all-surface operation with highly capable
all-wheel drive.
The AWD system is always active and
requires no driver input. It is capable of
handling all road conditions including street
and highway driving as well as off-road and
winter driving. You can optimize more AWD
control by selecting different drive modes.
See
Selecting a Drive Mode (page 329). Note:
A warning message displays in the
information display when an AWD system
fault is present. See Information Messages
(page 140). A AWD system fault causes the
AWD system to default to rear-wheel drive
only mode. When this warning message is
displayed, have your vehicle serviced at an
authorized dealer.
Note: A warning message displays in the
information display if the AWD system
overheats.
See Information Messages
(page 140). This condition could occur if the
vehicle is operated in extreme conditions
with excessive wheel slip, such as deep
sand. To resume normal AWD function as
soon as possible, stop the vehicle in a safe
location and stop the engine for at least 10
minutes. After the engine is restarted and
the AWD system is adequately cooled, the
warning message turns off and normal AWD
function returns. Operating All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Vehicles With Spare Tires
Do not use a different size spare tire other
than the tire provided. If the mini-spare tire
is installed, the AWD system will disable and
enter rear-wheel drive only mode to protect
driveline components. Some limited AWD
traction could be provided if the mini-spare
is installed on one of the front wheels. If you
are in driving conditions where limited AWD
traction is needed while the mini-spare is
installed, it is recommended the mini-spare
be installed on the front axle.
If the mini-spare is installed, this condition is
indicated by a warning in the information
display.
The slip response system could activate if
the mini spare is installed on the front
wheels. If the mini spare was installed on the
rear wheels the slip response system will
fully disable. In situations where there is a
wintery mix or an off road situation, and you
need to use a mini spare, you must install
the mini spare in the front tire position and
move a full size tire to the rear tire position
for the slip response system to function.
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(If Equipped)