Transmissions & Drivetrains

Two transmissions with 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive…

The new Sportage offers European customers the opportunity to buy a diesel engined SUV with optional multi-mode automatic transmission, plus manual or automatic transmissions with the two gasoline engines.

The new-generation ´adaptive´ four-speed automatic transmission is available as an option on the diesel and as standard with the V6 gasoline engine. It offers fully automatic operation, or a driver-operated sequential manual mode. An electronic controller monitors a range of parameters including acceleration, deceleration, engine speed and oil temperature to ensure optimum, safe gear changes, together with excellent shift quality, quietness, and ease of use.

This automatic transmission also contains a neural network that uses fuzzy logic circuits to control which gear is to be engaged. Optimal shift patterns for diverse road conditions are stored in the onboard computer, which can quickly interpret the state of the vehicle and the driver´s intentions to ensure that the transmission is always in the appropriate gear whether ascending or descending. The automatic transmission also features a safety shift lock which stops the gearshift being moved out of the Park position without applying the brake pedal.

Both the 2-litre Sportage engines, gasoline and diesel, are offered with a five-speed manual transmission as standard. This features low 1st and 2nd ratios for brisk acceleration and a high top (5th) ratio for quiet, fuel-efficient cruising at speed. It is fitted with a hydraulic clutch for smooth, effortless shifting and gear ratios that are optimised to suit the widest range of driving conditions and the best balance between performance and economy.

And two drivetrains…

The Sportage can be ordered with front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, depending on model. To enjoy the maximum on-road and off-road versatility with their new SUV, the majority of buyers are expected to choose the full-time four-wheel drive system. The 4WD system incorporates an electronic control unit (ECU) which senses when one or both front wheels lose grip and automatically diverts up to 50% of engine power to the rear wheels to maintain forward motion.

The 4WD operates at all times without driver intervention, but in normal driving on a dry road surface, the Sportage works as a front-wheel drive vehicle. If necessary, the driver can engage 4WD at low speeds via a dash-mounted switch dividing evenly, 50%-50% to the front and rear wheels.

When traveling in this ´4WD engaged´ mode, as the Sportage reaches a speed of 30 kph it will automatically and gradually revert to front-wheel drive, so that by the time the vehicle is traveling at 40 kph, it is only being driven by the front wheels. Traveling at speed with the drive to the rear wheels disconnected, reduces mechanical drag and friction losses - greatly enhancing fuel economy.