Hi everyone, I recently got a 2022 Tucson from Rubycar and had a question about the drive modes. When should I use Eco, Sport, or Smart modes? Apart from slight changes in throttle response, I don’t notice much difference. I’ve been mostly using Smart mode, but I’m curious if others see a big change, especially in fuel efficiency. I mostly drive in the city, so any tips would help.
These modes mainly change shift points and throttle response. You might also notice the steering feels stiffer in Sport mode. They don’t add extra power or anything major. For daily driving, Smart or Eco would probably work best.
@Nolan
It could depend on the trim. I have the PHEV model, and in Eco mode, it sticks to the EV motors. If I press the accelerator hard, it’ll use the petrol engine too, but it’s slower to engage. In Sport mode, the petrol engine takes the lead and feels more aggressive.
Here’s my understanding:
- Eco: saves fuel
- Sport: faster response
- Smart: adapts to how you’re driving
I’m on the 2025 model, so I also have modes like Baby mode.
@VeracruzVanguard
I have the HEV model, and my experience matches yours. In Eco mode, it runs on the EV motor more, but I switch to Sport when I need to speed up or merge quickly. Sport mode also seems to charge the battery more by running the petrol engine.
@VeracruzVanguard
In Eco mode, the paddles control regenerative braking, but in Sport, they’re for gear shifting.
@Nolan
Does Smart mode actually help with fuel efficiency?
Douglas said:
@Nolan
Does Smart mode actually help with fuel efficiency?
Smart mode adjusts based on your driving. For example, if you’re accelerating to merge onto a highway, it switches to Sport mode. If you’re cruising, it goes into Eco mode. It’s handy if you don’t want to keep changing modes yourself.
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@Nolan
Got it. Mine doesn’t have Eco mode—just Smart, Sport, and Normal—so I was curious.
Douglas said:
@Nolan
Got it. Mine doesn’t have Eco mode—just Smart, Sport, and Normal—so I was curious.
I think that’s how the newer models are. Maybe Eco mode got merged into Smart mode?
@Wyatt
Yeah, seems like that’s the case. Strange that the 2023 models don’t have Eco mode anymore.
Douglas said:
@Wyatt
Yeah, seems like that’s the case. Strange that the 2023 models don’t have Eco mode anymore.
I have a 2023 PHEV with Eco, Smart, and Sport modes.
Douglas said:
@Wyatt
Yeah, seems like that’s the case. Strange that the 2023 models don’t have Eco mode anymore.
I have a 2023 PHEV with Eco, Smart, and Sport modes.
Looks like the petrol-only models don’t include that.
Douglas said:
@Nolan
Does Smart mode actually help with fuel efficiency?
I’d guess Normal mode is best for fuel economy. Smart would be similar if you drive gently, but if you’re heavy on the pedal, it might feel more like Sport. My 2024 Tucson also has a Snow mode.
@Jacob
Snow mode comes with the AWD versions. I think it’s linked to Hyundai’s H-Trac system, but I’m not 100% sure. My wife and I went with the 2WD model.
@Jacob
I’ve got a 2022 model with Snow, Mud, and Sand modes. Haven’t tried Sand yet, but the other two are useful.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Eco: slow and steady, best for saving fuel
- Sport: fast and responsive, uses more fuel
- Smart: a mix of both, adjusts depending on the situation
I usually stick with Eco, but if I know I’ll need quick acceleration, I switch to Sport.
@Rowen
That’s exactly how I use them. I’ve had both the ‘22 ICE and the ‘22 Hybrid. The ICE didn’t feel too different between Eco and Sport, but with the Hybrid, there’s a noticeable change. Eco works well for daily driving, but when I need extra power, Sport delivers.
I think the real gimmick is Hyundai’s park assist where you can move the car using the key fob. I’ve never needed it in my 2024 Tucson hybrid.
YukiJane said:
I think the real gimmick is Hyundai’s park assist where you can move the car using the key fob. I’ve never needed it in my 2024 Tucson hybrid.
I used to think the same, but it saved me once. Someone parked so close to my driver’s side that I couldn’t get in. A quick button press, and it backed out for me. That’s when it finally proved useful.
Thanks will it stop the notification every 15 min. To stop for a coffee break?