Kia Soul: Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) / Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) operation

Kia Soul (SK3) 2020-2025 Owners Manual / Driving your vehicle / Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) / Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) operation

The Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) automatically shifts depending on speed, accelerate pedal position. The individual speeds are selected automatically, depending on the position of the shift lever.

For smooth operation, depress the brake pedal when shifting from N (Neutral) to a forward or reverse gear.

WARNING

Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)

CAUTION

Transaxle ranges

The indicator in the instrument cluster displays the shift lever position when the ignition switch is in the ON position.

P (Park)

Always come to a complete stop before shifting into P (Park). This position locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from rotating.

WARNING

CAUTION

The transaxle may be damaged if you shift into P (Park) while the vehicle is in motion.

R (Reverse)

Use this position to drive the vehicle backward.

CAUTION

Always come to a complete stop before shifting into or out of R (Reverse); you may damage the transaxle if you shift into R while the vehicle is in motion, except as explained in “Rocking the vehicle” on page 6-134.

N (Neutral)

The wheels and transaxle are not engaged. The vehicle will roll freely even on the slightest incline unless the parking brake or service brakes are applied.

WARNING

Do not drive with the shift lever in N (Neutral).

The engine brake will not work and lead to an accident.

-Parking in N (Neutral) gear

Follow below steps when parking and you want the vehicle to move when pushed.

1. After parking your vehicle, step on the brake pedal and move the shift lever to "P" with the ignition button in "ON" or while the engine is running.

2. If the parking brake is applied unlock the parking brake.

3. While pressing the brake pedal, turn the ignition button "OFF".

- For smart key equipped vehicles, the ignition switch can be moved to "OFF" only when the shift lever is in "P".

4. Change the gear shift lever to "N" (Neutral) while pressing the brake pedal and pushing "SHIFT LOCK RELEASE" button or inserting, pressing down a tool (e.g. flathead screw-driver) into the "SHIFT LOCK RELEASE" access hole at the same time. Then, the vehicle will move when external force is applied.

CAUTION

D (Drive)

This is the normal forward driving position. The transaxle will automatically shift, providing the best fuel economy and power.

For extra power when passing another vehicle or climbing grades, depress the accelerator fully, at which time the transaxle will automatically downshift to the next lower gear.

NOTICE

Always come to a complete stop before shifting into D (Drive).

Kia Soul. Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) operation

Sports mode

Whether the vehicle is stationary or in motion, sports mode is selected by pushing the shift lever from the D (Drive) position into the manual gate. To return to D (Drive) range operation, push the shift lever back into the main gate.

SPORT mode manages the driving dynamics by automatically adjusting the steering effort, and the engine and transmission control logic for enhanced driver performance.

In sports mode, moving the shift lever backwards and forwards will allow you to make gearshifts rapidly. In contrast to a manual transaxle, the sports mode allows gearshifts with the accelerator pedal depressed.

Up (+) : Push the lever forward once to shift up one gear.

Down (-) : Pull the lever backwards once to shift down one gear.

NOTICE

Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)
...

Shift lock system
For your safety, the Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) has a shift lock system which prevents shifting the transaxle from P (Park) into R (Reverse) unless the brake pedal is depressed. To shift the ...

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