Hyundai Sonata Drive Mode Select lets you change how the engine, transmission and steering respond. To use it, press the Drive Mode button or switch near the gear selector (check your manual for its exact spot on your car) to cycle through modes such as Eco, Normal or Comfort, Sport, Smart and a personal setup mode. The instrument cluster shows the mode you picked.
The available modes differ by Sonata model year, engine and trim, so this guide explains the general behavior and tells you what to check for your car.
Sonata Drive Modes at a Glance
| Mode | Best for | What changes |
|---|---|---|
| Eco | Everyday fuel saving | Softer throttle, changed shift timing, and air conditioning output may be limited |
| Normal / Comfort | General driving | Balanced response and ride; the default on many years |
| Sport | Passing and spirited roads | Sharper throttle, higher engine speed, delayed upshifts, firmer steering feel |
| Smart | Mixed driving | Adapts to your driving style (where equipped) |
| Custom / My Drive | Personal setup | You choose power and steering settings (where equipped) |
Which Drive Modes Does Your Sonata Have?
Hyundai’s owner resources for the 2020 Sonata say all Sonatas come with Drive Mode Select and list Eco, Sport, Smart and Custom modes. A Sonata manual for a later year lists Eco, Normal, Sport (Sport+ where equipped) and My Drive. In short, the names changed, and you should rely on what your own car shows.
The easiest check is to cycle through the modes with the car on and read the cluster. Our guide to accessing the Hyundai Sonata owner’s manual online shows where to find the page for your year.
How to Change Drive Mode in a Hyundai Sonata
- Turn the car on and put it in Park or keep driving in a safe area.
- Find the Drive Mode button or switch, usually on the center console.
- Press or push it to move to the next mode.
- Read the instrument cluster to confirm the new mode.
- If your car has a personal mode, press and hold the button to select it, and set it up in the infotainment settings under vehicle or drive mode.
Eco Mode: When It Helps
Eco mode favors fuel economy. According to Hyundai’s manual, the throttle can feel softer, shift timing changes, the engine may sound louder on some downshifts, and air conditioning output may be limited. It suits steady commuting and highway cruising.
It will not make a measurable difference if you drive aggressively, so how you drive matters more than the mode.
Normal or Comfort Mode
This is the balanced setting for daily use. Hyundai describes Normal as smooth driving with a comfortable ride. If your cluster shows no special mode indicator, you may already be in it. Use it as your default unless you have a reason to change.
Sport Mode: When to Use It
Sport mode sharpens throttle response and steering feel and keeps the engine at higher speeds longer after you lift off the accelerator. Upshifts are delayed, and fuel economy drops. Hyundai’s manual also notes that it can reset to Normal after an engine restart.
Smart and Custom Modes
On Sonatas that have Smart mode, the car adapts its response to how you drive, switching between settings as conditions change. Custom or My Drive modes let you choose the power and steering behavior separately. Hyundai notes that these saved settings may reset if a controller is replaced or its software is updated.
Does Drive Mode Affect Driver-Assist Features?
It can. Hyundai’s cruise guidance says drive mode changes how responsive Smart Cruise Control feels. In a more sporty mode, the car may accelerate more strongly. See our guides to Smart Cruise Control and paddle shifters if your car has them.
Quick Tips for Choosing a Mode
- Use Normal or Comfort for most trips.
- Choose Eco for steady commutes if you want a gentler, more efficient setup.
- Use Sport briefly for merging, passing or hilly roads.
- Check the cluster each time you start the car.
- If a mode is missing, your trim may not include it. Look at the window sticker or manual.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change drive modes in a Hyundai Sonata?
Use the Drive Mode button or switch, normally on the center console near the gear selector. Push or press it to cycle through the available modes, and watch the instrument cluster for the indicator. Press and hold may select your personal setup mode on some years. Check your owner’s manual for your model year.
What drive modes does the Hyundai Sonata have?
It depends on the year. Hyundai’s page for the 2020 Sonata lists Eco, Sport, Smart and Custom modes. A later Sonata manual lists Eco, Normal, Sport (Sport+ where equipped) and My Drive. Your car may offer a different set, so check the cluster and manual.
Is Eco mode bad for my Sonata?
No. Eco mode is a normal setting that changes throttle response and shift timing to save fuel. Hyundai notes the throttle can feel softer, air conditioning output may be limited, and the engine may sound louder on some downshifts. You can switch back to Normal any time.
Does Sport mode use more fuel?
Yes, it usually does. Sport mode keeps engine speed higher, delays upshifts and gives sharper throttle response and a firmer steering feel, so fuel economy drops. It is best for passing or spirited driving, then switch back to Normal or Eco for everyday use.
Does the drive mode stay on after I turn the car off?
Not always. Hyundai’s manual says Sport mode resets to Normal when the engine restarts in the Sonata it covers, while other settings may behave differently by year. Check which mode the cluster shows each time you start the car.
Conclusion
Drive Mode Select is a simple way to match your Sonata to the road. Learn which modes your model year offers, use Normal as your default, and switch to Eco or Sport when it helps. Your owner’s manual confirms the exact options.
