AUTO HOLD
WARNING: The system does not
replace the parking brake. When you leave
your vehicle, always apply the parking
brake.
WARNING: You must remain in your
vehicle when the system turns on. At all
times, you are responsible for controlling
your vehicle, supervising the system and
intervening, if required. Failure to take care
may result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, serious personal injury or death.
WARNING: The system turns off if
there is a malfunction or if you excessively
rev the engine.
The system is designed to apply the brakes
to hold your vehicle at a standstill after you
stop your vehicle and release the brake
pedal. This could be beneficial in certain
situations, for example when waiting on a hill
or in traffic.
Switching Auto Hold On and Off
E287975
Press the button in the instrument
panel to access the Auto Hold
feature on the touchscreen.
Note:You can only switch the system on
after you close the driver door and start the
engine.
Note:The system remembers the last setting
when you start your vehicle.
Make sure you switch the system off before
towing with your vehicle or before using an
automatic car wash.
Using Auto Hold
1. Use the brakes to bring your vehicle to
a complete stop. The auto hold active
indicator illuminates in the information
display.
2. Release the brake pedal. The system
holds your vehicle at a standstill. The
auto hold active indicator remains
illuminated in the information display.Note:The system only activates if you apply
enough brake pressure. If your vehicle is on
a steep slope, you need to press the brake
pedal harder before the system activates.
Note:Under certain conditions, the system
could apply the electric parking brake. The
brake system warning lamp illuminates. The
electric parking brake releases when you
press the accelerator pedal. See Electric
Parking Brake (page 272).
Note:If auto-start-stop turns off the engine,
auto hold remains active.
Note:The system turns off if you shift into
reverse (R) and press the brake pedal.
3. Pull away in the normal manner. The
system releases the brakes and the auto
hold active indicator turns off.
Auto Hold Indicator
E197933
The auto hold indicator illuminates
in the information display when the
system is on and is either active or
unavailable.
275
Brakes
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoid drive
wheel spin and loss of traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the system
applies the brakes to individual wheels and,
when needed, reduces engine power at the
same time. If the wheels spin when
accelerating on slippery or loose surfaces,
the system reduces engine power in order
to increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
WARNING: Operating your vehicle
with the traction control disabled could
lead to an increased risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal injury
and death.
The system turns on each time you switch
on the ignition.
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,
switching traction control off may be
beneficial as this allows the wheels to spin.Note:When you switch traction control off,
stability control remains fully active.
Switching the System Off
When you switch the system off or on, a
message appears in the information display
showing system status.
You can switch the system off by accessing
the traction control settings through the
touchscreen. See Settings (page 555).
Note:If your vehicle detects a loss of traction
due to excessive wheel spin or deceleration,
a display message appears on the
touchscreen prompting you to disable
traction control if needed.
Using the Information Display Controls
You can switch this feature off or on in the
information display. See General
Information (page 136).
System Indicator Lights and Messages
E138639
The stability and traction control
light:• Temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up.
• Flashes when a driving condition
activates either of the systems.
• Illuminates if a problem occurs in either
of the systems.
E130458
The stability and traction control
off light temporarily illuminates on
engine start-up and stays on when
you switch the traction control system off.
281
Traction Control
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNING: Vehicle modifications
involving braking system, aftermarket roof
racks, suspension, steering system, tire
construction and wheel and tire size may
change the handling characteristics of your
vehicle and may adversely affect the
performance of the electronic stability
control system. In addition, installing any
stereo loudspeakers may interfere with
and adversely affect the electronic stability
control system. Install any aftermarket
stereo loudspeaker as far as possible from
the front center console, the tunnel, and
the front seats in order to minimize the risk
of interfering with the electronic stability
control sensors. Reducing the
effectiveness of the electronic stability
control system could lead to an increased
risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, personal injury and death.
WARNING: Remember that even
advanced technology cannot defy the laws
of physics. It’s always possible to lose
control of a vehicle due to inappropriate
driver input for the conditions. Aggressive
driving on any road condition can cause
you to lose control of your vehicle
increasing the risk of personal injury or
property damage. Activation of the
electronic stability control system is an
indication that at least some of the tires
have exceeded their ability to grip the
road; this could reduce the operator’s
ability to control the vehicle potentially
resulting in a loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, personal injury and death. If your
electronic stability control system activates,
SLOW DOWN.
The system automatically turns on each time
you switch the ignition on.
If a driving condition activates either the
stability control or the traction control system
you may experience the following conditions:• The stability and traction control light
flashes.
• Your vehicle slows down.
• Reduced engine power.
• A vibration in the brake pedal.
• The brake pedal is stiffer than usual.
• If the driving condition is severe and your
foot is not on the brake, the brake pedal
may move as the systems applies higher
brake forces.
The stability control system has several
features built into it to help you maintain
control of your vehicle:
Electronic Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s ability
to prevent skids or lateral slides by applying
brakes to one or more of the wheels
individually and, if necessary, reducing
engine power.
282
Stability Control
Roll Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s ability
to prevent rollovers by detecting your
vehicle’s roll motion and the rate at which it
changes by applying the brakes to one or
more wheels individually.
Curve Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s ability
to follow the road when cornering severely
or avoiding objects in the roadway. Curve
Control operates by reducing engine power
and, if necessary, applying brakes to one or
more of the wheels individually.
Traction Control
The system enhances your vehicle’s ability
to maintain traction of the wheels by
detecting and controlling wheel spin. See
Using Traction Control (page 281).
E72903
Vehicle without stability control
skidding off its intended route. A
Vehicle with stability control
maintaining control on a slippery
surface. B
USING STABILITY CONTROL
The system automatically turns on each time
you switch the ignition on.
You cannot switch the stability control and
roll stability control systems off, but when
you shift into reverse (R), the systems turn
off.
You can switch the traction control system
off or on. See Using Traction Control (page
281).
283
Stability Control
Hilly Condition Usage
You should select a lower gear when the
system is active in situations such as
prolonged downhill driving on steep grades,
for example in mountainous areas. The
system needs additional engine braking in
these situations to reduce the load on the
vehicle’s regular brake system to prevent it
from overheating.
Note:An audible alarm sounds and the
system shuts down if it applies brakes for an
extended period of time. This allows the
brakes to cool. The system functions
normally again after the brakes cool.
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
LIMITATIONS - VEHICLES WITH:
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
WITH LANE CENTERING
Adaptive cruise control limitations apply to
lane centering unless stated otherwise or
contradicted by a lane centering limitation.
See Adaptive Cruise Control Limitations
(page 307).The system may not correctly operate in any
of the following conditions:
• The lane is too narrow or wide.
• The system does not detect at least one
lane marking or when lanes merge or
split.
• Limited steering torque input is applied.
• Areas under construction or new
infrastructure.
• When modifications to the steering
system have been made.
• When using a spare tire.
Note:The driving assistance torque is limited
and may not be sufficient for all driving
situations such as driving through tight
curves or driving through curves at high
speeds.
Note:In exceptional conditions, the system
may deviate from the center line.
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
LIMITATIONS - VEHICLES WITH:
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
WITH STOP AND GO
Sensor Limitations
WARNING: On rare occasions,
detection issues can occur due to the road
infrastructures, for example bridges,
tunnels and safety barriers. In these cases,
the system may brake late or
unexpectedly. At all times, you are
responsible for controlling your vehicle,
supervising the system and intervening, if
required.
WARNING: If the system
malfunctions, have your vehicle checked
as soon as possible.
WARNING: Large contrasts in outside
lighting can limit sensor performance.
307
Adaptive Cruise Control (If Equipped)
Switching the System On and Off
You can switch the blind spot information
system with trailer tow off by not selecting a
trailer in the information display. See General
Information (page 136). In this case, the
system turns off as long as a trailer is
attached to your vehicle. As soon as you
disconnect the trailer, the blind spot
information system becomes active.
When you switch the system off, a warning
lamp illuminates and the alert indicators flash
twice.
Note:The system remembers the last trailer
setting when you start your vehicle.
You cannot switch off the blind spot
information system with trailer tow when
using MyKey, but you can still change the
trailer settings. See MyKey™ (page 78).To permanently switch the system off,
contact an authorized dealer.
CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT
WARNING: Do not use the cross
traffic alert system as a replacement for
using the interior and exterior mirrors or
looking over your shoulder before
reversing out of a parking space. The cross
traffic alert system is not a replacement for
careful driving.
WARNING: The system may not
operate properly during severe weather
conditions, for example snow, ice, heavy
rain and spray. Always drive with due care
and attention. Failure to take care may
result in a crash.The system alerts you of vehicles
approaching from the sides behind your
vehicle when you shift into reverse (R).
Using Cross Traffic Alert
The system detects vehicles that approach
at a speed between 4 mph (6 km/h) and
37 mph (60 km/h). Coverage decreases when
the sensors are partially, mostly or fully
obstructed. Slowly reversing helps increase
the coverage area and effectiveness.
The system turns on when you start the
engine and you shift into reverse (R). The
system turns off when you shift out of reverse
(R).
330
Driving Aids
DEEP SAND (If Equipped)
For crossing deep soft and dry sand.
Note:Using deep sand mode on dry hard
surfaces could produce some vibration,
driveline bind up, and potential excessive
tire wear. This mode is for slippery and loose
surfaces.
EXCITE
For sporty on-road driving. This mode
increases throttle response, provides a more
dynamic powertrain sound and steering feel,
along with a more sporty shifting experience.
If your vehicle has continuously controlled
damping suspension it adjusts to a stiffer
suspension setting, with an emphasis on
handling and control. The transmission also
holds gears longer, helping your vehicle
accelerate faster when shifting gears.
If your vehicle has air suspension, it lowers
approximately 0.6 in (15 mm) to improve
aerodynamics.
NORMAL
For everyday driving. This mode is a perfect
balance of excitement, comfort and
convenience. This is the default mode after
each ignition cycle.
PRESERVE EV
Your vehicle runs the engine as needed to
save electric driving range for later use in
another drive mode. For example, you first
drive at high speeds on open roads where
engine operation is appropriate. Later, you
drive at low speeds in an urban area where
electric only is most efficient.
If the battery charge is low when you select
this mode, the engine begins to charge the
high voltage battery to provide some electric
range for later. See Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle
Operation (page 219).
PURE EV
This mode can provide an electric only
driving experience. Your vehicle could
accelerate slower, and the top speed could
be reduced. For more power, fully press the
accelerator pedal to temporarily engage the
engine.
Your vehicle could enable the engine if
system conditions require it. An engine
enabled message displays if this occurs.
The engine could enable if the climate
control is in a defrost mode and the outside
temperature is cold. If the vehicle does not
need defrost, select a different climate
control mode to permit pure EV.
Your vehicle changes from pure EV mode to
normal mode when the vehicle electric range
is zero.
Note:When in pure EV mode, your vehicle
stays in this mode if there is all electric
driving range available and the system does
not fault.
344
Drive Mode Control
TOWING A TRAILER
WARNING: Towing trailers
beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limit
of your vehicle and could result in
engine damage, transmission damage,
structural damage, loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and personal
injury.
WARNING: Do not exceed the
GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Note: See Recommended Towing
Weights (page 356).
Your vehicle may have electrical items,
such as fuses or relays, related to
towing. See Fuses (page 382).Your vehicle's load capacity designation
is by weight, not by volume, so you
cannot necessarily use all available
space when loading a vehicle or trailer.
Towing a trailer places an extra load on
your vehicle's engine, transmission, axle,
brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect
these components periodically during,
and after, any towing operation.
Load Placement
To help minimize how trailer movement
affects your vehicle when driving:
• Load the heaviest items closest to
the trailer floor.
• Load the heaviest items centered
between the left and right side trailer
tires.• Load the heaviest items above the
trailer axles or just slightly forward
toward the trailer tongue. Do not
allow the final trailer tongue weight
to go above or below 10-15% of the
loaded trailer weight.
• Select a ball mount with the correct
rise or drop and load capacity. When
both the loaded vehicle and trailer
are connected, the trailer frame
should be level, or slightly angled
down toward your vehicle, when
viewed from the side.
When driving with a trailer or payload, a
slight takeoff vibration or shudder may
be present due to the increased payload
weight. Additional information regarding
proper trailer loading and setting your
vehicle up for towing is located in
another chapter of this manual. See
Load Limit (page 348).
You can also find information in the RV
& Trailer Towing Guide available at your
authorized dealer, or online.
354
Towing