US vs Canadian Drive Modes

[JaxAero]

Can anyone (Kia HQ?) explain why Canadian spec vehicles have snow, mud and sand drive modes and US spec only gets snow mode? I'm sure the software is already in all the vehicles but not "enabled" in the US versions.

 

[bruesjoh04]

Can anyone (Kia HQ?) explain why Canadian spec vehicles have snow, mud and sand drive modes and US spec only gets snow mode? I'm sure the software is already in all the vehicles but not "enabled" in the US versions.

I won’t pretend I know the reason behind their decision, but in all Kia/Hyundai/Genesis AWD models, the US versions have an AWD lock button (to lock the power 50/50 front/rear). It also has the regular drive modes (usually comfort/smart/sport/eco) + snow mode.

Every single other market worldwide uses the drive/terrain mode selector, where you can choose between the regular drive modes (comfort/smart/sport/eco) and terrain modes (snow/mud/sand), but with no user-selectable AWD lock. Supposedly the mud (and maybe sand?) terrain modes force a 50/50 split at the low speeds, but the interface is obviously different.

Ultimately, the systems are the same, just some different programming for different people in different markets. Every major market makes its own decisions as to what features to offer and bundle in different ways.

My best explanation is that people from the United States’ minds would explode if they did not have the ability to force AWD. There is no way we could deal with the computer doing everything. We need control!!

 

[JaxAero]

I agree with the exploding minds idea. I have personally witnessed frequent brain explosions throughout my career and personal life. It usually doesn't take much here.

 

[Tellthemride]

Marketing tool consistent with competitors seems to be likely at play.

______________________________

 

[JaxAero]

Why not at least say snow/mud/sand or show three icons, rather than just "snow"? There is certainly enough space for the words or icons.

 

[Wiluride]

The question I would have is... is there really any difference between snow, mud, or sand modes?

The video I've seen demonstrating these modes does show anything that is noticeably different between them

 

[termlk]

The question I would have is... is there really any difference between snow, mud, or sand modes?

The video I've seen demonstrating these modes does show anything that is noticeably different between them

New owner of a 2023 Canadian X-Line. I don't know if it has been mentioned before on the forum but on the Canadian Telluride, Mud mode automatically engages Down Hill Brake Control.

 

[OBXsail]

Can anyone (Kia HQ?) explain why Canadian spec vehicles have snow, mud and sand drive modes and US spec only gets snow mode? I'm sure the software is already in all the vehicles but not "enabled" in the US versions.

I believe BMW has a lock on this selector configuration in the US till 2026. The software is definitely in place on US cars.

______________________________