Sport mode

[cane2025]

He all,

I have been driving a loaner(Elantra) for the pass 3 weeks(put about 3k miles on it). I have treated this little car like a red headed step child. One thing i noticed was when in sports mode the steering wheel feels like the car doesn't have power steering. Now, my genesis and my wife's genesis don't do this. When we race(yes we race each other) and engage sports mode the steering wheel feels like when in regular mode. Is this the Elentra that is not working properly or are both our cars not doing what they are supposed to?

Thanks for your input

 

[chris41]

The steering wheel in both cars tighten up in sports mode. Sounds like noticeably more in the Elantra. I don't use the sport mode much in my genesis, but I can tell the SW is a bit stiffer.

 

[xsolara]

That's because the Genny doesn't change the steering feel in sports mode.... The Elantra artificially change the steering feel and really does nothing to improve steering response

 

[allan]

Sorry to disagree with you, but sport mode absolutely does modify the steering wheel resistance - at least in the 2016 model. I certainly find it noticeable.

From the manual:

SPORT mode
SPORT mode focuses on dynamic driving by automatically adjusting the steering wheel, engine and transmission system.

 

[cane2025]

Sorry to disagree with you, but sport mode absolutely does modify the steering wheel resistance - at least in the 2016 model. I certainly find it noticeable.

From the manual:

SPORT mode
SPORT mode focuses on dynamic driving by automatically adjusting the steering wheel, engine and transmission system.

That is what i read too but i can't find any specifics as to whether the steering wheel should get stiffer or not. I don't notice ANY difference from regular to sports mode. I drove for about 20 miles with sports mode and the only difference is the RPM's.

 

[dareckibmw]

The steering wheel gets stiffer in Sport Mode. Probably, you won't notice that doing ~45mph .......but it's noticeable at higher speed.

 

[XPO439]

Eco mode - the most annoying-est mode. I use it around town to save on gas. Being that I have a custom exhaust, the drone is horrible. Shifting is super slow, so say goodbye to passing prius's.

Normal - slightly better than Eco. Can climb up the RPMs quicker. Can pass cars more quickly. Still, drone can get unbearable at times.

Sport - my favorite, exhaust opens up and RPMs climb pretty quickly. It's like waking up the car. Car shifts better, down shifts sound better, overall a better driving experience.

Being that I'm modified, low to the ground with Max performance summer tires on 20 in wheels, the car feels stiff all the time. So I can't really comment on the lack of stiffness/steering response. Also, I have the V8 version.

 

[trespinosranch]

I agree the steering is tighter at higher MPH. Also, when you put it in sport mode the vehicle icon in the GPS shows the steering wheel in red.

 

[jrhodes87]

As being a brand new owner, and first time car buyer, I love sport mode but hesitate to drive around in it because for some reason back in my mind I tell myself it's harder on the car and will wear it out quicker if I am constantly in sports mode....

i'm indirectly asking for someone to tell me this isn't true so I can whip around in sport mode all the time.

 

[trespinosranch]

Isn't the drive train warranty to 100k miles? I have no problem putting it in Sport Mode (when I think of it) as I love the responsiveness of the transmission. I really haven't noticed any difference in MPG either.

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[AustinTX]

As being a brand new owner, and first time car buyer, I love sport mode but hesitate to drive around in it because for some reason back in my mind I tell myself it's harder on the car and will wear it out quicker if I am constantly in sports mode....

i'm indirectly asking for someone to tell me this isn't true so I can whip around in sport mode all the time.

I'm certain that driving in sports more 100% of the time does not have an effect on the longevity of the vehicle - it doe affect gas mileage and smiles per mile factor - the engine and transmission are designed to run in sport mode 100% of the time. They run like that (sports mode) on dynos for millions of miles, following different driving patterns.

Pulling a trailer all the time will probably put extra stress on the drive-train, sports mode is not an issue ...

 

[glennk]

Wish Sport steering mode were accessible in Eco and Normal modes.

 

[Seejay]

As being a brand new owner, and first time car buyer, I love sport mode but hesitate to drive around in it because for some reason back in my mind I tell myself it's harder on the car and will wear it out quicker if I am constantly in sports mode....

i'm indirectly asking for someone to tell me this isn't true so I can whip around in sport mode all the time.

I am thinking the opposite is true. In normal, the engine is turning 1200 RPM at 40 mph, making the torque converter do a lot of work. GDI engines tend to accumulate carbon on the intake valves, and it's possible higher engine speeds mitigate this. I know that sports also causes downshifts to occur sooner, saving the brakes. Finally, in city driving, sport reduces the amount of upshifting.

 

[jrhodes87]

great replies guys, i definitely do a good amount of city/suburb driving so sport mode it is!!

 

[trespinosranch]

Do you wait until the engine is fully warmed up before switching to Sport Mode? I worry about the higher RPM's when the engine is cold.

 

[TurboRev]

I had that happen as well. I assume its normal

 

[Seejay]

Do you wait until the engine is fully warmed up before switching to Sport Mode? I worry about the higher RPM's when the engine is cold.

From my experience, sport mode is perfect. With a very light foot, my car is up-shifting at about 1800 RPM to the next gear when cold. You don't want to lug the engine when it's cold, the pistons and cylinders are not fully expanded. Nor is the transmission fluid warmed up.

 

[jrhodes87]

Good question, trespin I have usually just been switching it before putting the car in gear.

 

[cane2025]

well I finally got my car back from the dealer. Damn sunroof took almost a month. I went for a long drive this morning and used the sports mode. I felt the wheel stiffer at around 90+. Its weird because the Elantra steering was much stiffer and at low speeds. anyway its nice to have my car back