Note:The system turns off the front video
image when your vehicle is in motion at low
speed, except when in reverse (R).
E288873
The front video camera is on the grille. It
provides a video image of the area in front
of your vehicle. It adds assistance to the
driver while driving forward at low speeds.
To use the front video camera system, place
the transmission in any gear except reverse
(R). An image displays once you press the
front camera enable button. The image on
the screen may vary according to your
vehicle's orientation or road condition.
Side Camera
E250816
The side view camera, located in the outside
mirror, provides a video image of the area
on the sides of your vehicle as part of the
front 360 + normal view and rear 360 +
normal view. It aids you while parking your
vehicle either forward or backwards.
302
Parking Aids
BLIND SPOT INFORMATION
SYSTEM
WARNING: Do not use the blind spot
information system as a replacement for
using the interior and exterior mirrors or
looking over your shoulder before
changing lanes. The blind spot information
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.
55695E255695
The design of the system is to detect
vehicles that could have entered the blind
spot zone. The detection area is on both
sides of your vehicle, extending rearward
from the exterior mirrors to approximately
13 ft (4 m) beyond the rear bumper. The
detection area extends to approximately
59 ft (18 m) beyond the rear bumper when
the vehicle speed is greater than 30 mph
(48 km/h) to alert you of faster approaching
vehicles.
Note:The system does not prevent contact
with other vehicles. It does not detect parked
vehicles, pedestrians, animals or other
infrastructures.
Using the Blind Spot Information
System
Vehicles with Automatic Transmission
The system turns on when all of the following
occur:
• You start your vehicle.
• You shift into drive (D).
• The vehicle speed is greater than 6 mph
(10 km/h).
Note:The system does not operate in park
(P) or reverse (R).
System Lights and Messages
326
Driving Aids
WHAT IS DRIVE MODE CONTROL
The system delivers a driving experience
through a suite of sophisticated electronic
vehicle systems. These systems optimize
steering, handling and powertrain response.
This provides a single location to control
multiple systems performance settings.
Changing the drive mode automatically
changes the functionality of the following
systems:
• Electronically power-assisted steering
system adjusts steering effort and feel
based on the mode you select. See
Steering (page 336).
• Electronic stability control and traction
control maintains your vehicle control in
adverse conditions or high performance
driving. See Stability Control (page 282).
• Electronic throttle control enhances the
powertrain response to your driving
inputs.
• Transmission controls optimize with shift
schedules tuned to each mode.
• AWD settings become optimized and
tuned to each mode.The system automatically tailors your vehicle
configuration for each mode you select.
Note:Not all settings, or modes, may be
available.
Note:The system has diagnostic checks that
continuously monitor the system for proper
operation. If a mode is unavailable due to a
system fault, the mode defaults to Normal.
SELECTING A DRIVE MODE
Note:Drive mode changes may not be
available when the ignition is off.
E297680E297680
Rotate the drive mode dial on the center
console to change the drive mode.
DRIVE MODES
CONSERVE
Enables efficient driving. It helps to deliver
maximum fuel efficiency and helps to
increase driving range.
DEEP CONDITIONS (If Equipped)
For crossing terrain that has deformable
deep, rutted surfaces such as mud, deep
sand or deep snow. Do not use on dry, hard
surfaced roads.
If your vehicle has air suspension, it raises
approximately 1.2 in (30 mm) at low speeds
for improved ground clearance.
Note:Using deep conditions 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.
343
Drive Mode Control
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
Trailer Lamps
WARNING: Never connect any trailer
lamp wiring to the vehicle's tail lamp wiring;
this may damage the electrical system
resulting in fire. Contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible for assistance
in proper trailer tow wiring installation.
Additional electrical equipment may be
required.
Most towed vehicles require trailer lamps.
Make sure all running lights, brake lights,
direction indicators and hazard flashers are
working.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up to
get the feel of your vehicle-trailer
combination before starting on a trip. When
turning, make wider turns so the trailer
wheels clear curbs and other obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
• Do not drive faster than 70 mph
(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi
(800 km).
• Do not make full-throttle starts.
• Check your hitch, electrical connections
and trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly after
you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
• When stopped in congested or heavy
traffic during hot weather, place the
gearshift in park (P) to aid engine and
transmission cooling and to help A/C
performance.
• Turn off the speed control with heavy
loads or in hilly terrain. The speed control
may turn off automatically when you are
towing on long, steep grades.
• Shift to a lower gear when driving down
a long or steep hill. Do not apply the
brakes continuously, as they may
overheat and become less effective.• If your transmission is equipped with a
Grade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, use
this feature when towing. This provides
engine braking and helps eliminate
excessive transmission shifting for
optimum fuel economy and transmission
cooling.
• Allow more distance for stopping with a
trailer attached. Anticipate stops and
brake gradually.
• Avoid parking on a grade. However, if
you must park on a grade:
1. Turn the steering wheel to point your
vehicle tires away from traffic flow.
2. Set your vehicle parking brake.
3. Place the automatic transmission in park
(P).
4. Place wheel chocks in front and back of
the trailer wheels. (Chocks not included
with vehicle.)
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or
Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Note:Disconnect the wiring to the trailer
before backing the trailer into the water.
358
Towing
Note:Reconnect the wiring to the trailer
after removing the trailer from the water.
When backing down a ramp during boat
launching or retrieval:
• Do not allow the static water level to rise
above the bottom edge of the rear
bumper.
• Do not allow waves to break higher than
6 in (15 cm) above the bottom edge of
the rear bumper.
Exceeding these limits may allow water to
enter vehicle components:
• Causing internal damage to the
components.
• Affecting driveability, emissions, and
reliability.
Replace the rear axle lubricant anytime the
rear axle has been submerged in water.
Water may have contaminated the rear axle
lubricant, which is not normally checked or
changed unless a leak is suspected or other
axle repair is required.TOWING THE VEHICLE ON FOUR
WHEELS
Emergency Towing
WARNING: If your vehicle has a
steering wheel lock make sure the ignition
is in the accessory or on position when
being towed.
If your vehicle becomes inoperable without
access to wheel dollies or a vehicle transport
trailer, it can be flat-towed with all wheels on
the ground, regardless of the powertrain and
transmission configuration, under the
following conditions:
• Your vehicle is facing forward for towing
in a forward direction.
• Refer to the Manual Park Release
procedure. See Automatic Transmission
(page 259). Failing to do so could result
in damage to the transmission.
• Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
• Maximum distance is 50 mi (80 km).Note:If you are unsure of the vehicle’s
configuration, contact an authorized dealer.
Recreational Towing - Front-Wheel
Drive Vehicles
(If Equipped)
You cannot recreational tow your vehicle
with all wheels on the ground because
vehicle or transmission damage could occur.
Place the front wheels on a two-wheel tow
dolly. If you are using a tow dolly, follow the
instructions specified by the equipment
provider.
Recreational Towing - Rear-Wheel
Drive Vehicles (If Equipped)
You cannot recreational tow your vehicle
with all wheels on the ground because
vehicle or transmission damage could occur.
We recommend towing your vehicle with all
four wheels off the ground, such as when
using a car-hauling trailer. Otherwise, you
cannot recreational tow your vehicle.
359
Towing
Recreational Towing - All-Wheel and
Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles (If Equipped)
You cannot recreational tow your vehicle
with all wheels on the ground because
vehicle or transmission damage could occur.
We recommend towing your vehicle with all
four wheels off the ground, such as when
using a car-hauling trailer. Otherwise, you
cannot recreational tow your vehicle.
360
Towing