Using the Terrain Response System
WARNING! Drivers should not be distracted by the Terrain Response system or operate the lower touchscreen controls while driving. Distraction can lead to accidents with severe injuries or fatalities.
Overview
Terrain Response is an adaptive system that adjusts various vehicle settings to suit different road conditions and driving styles. It can alter engine response, steering sensitivity, and suspension dynamics. The system automatically adapts the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) according to the selected driving program. See the section on Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) for more information.
The lower touchscreen displays the Terrain Response driving program options. To access these, touch the 'Vehicle' menu button on the upper part of the lower touchscreen. See 'Controls on the Lower Touchscreen' for more details.
To select a program, turn the driver's side rotary selector to scroll and highlight the desired Terrain Response program, or touch the corresponding icon on the screen. The selected program's icon will illuminate to confirm activation. The icon is also displayed on the instrument cluster and the rotary selector.
Programs like 'Mud/Ruts' and 'Sand' remain active for up to 6 hours after the ignition is switched off. If the ignition is turned on after this period, the 'Comfort' program will automatically engage.
The 'Grass/Gravel/Snow', 'Eco', and 'Comfort' programs remain engaged by default. Information on how each program corresponds to different surface types can be displayed on the touchscreen. Select 'Off-Road Information' from the 4x4i additional functions menu.
Driving Programs
AUTO (Automatic)
Select the AUTO program for automatic selection of the most suitable driving program based on current surface conditions. The AUTO program does not select the ECO or Dynamic modes, as these are specific driving style options.
COMFORT
Choose the 'Comfort' program for driving on roads or off-road on hard surfaces such as dry gravel, crushed stone, or wooden decking. This program returns all vehicle systems to their standard settings. If Hill Descent Control (HDC) was previously engaged, it remains active. Use 'Comfort' when other Terrain Response programs are no longer needed.
GRASS/GRAVEL/SNOW
Select 'Grass/Gravel/Snow' for driving on hard surfaces with loose or slippery material. For deep snow and gravel, the 'Sand' program is recommended. If the automatic braking system hinders acceleration, disengage Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and re-engage it after clearing the difficult section. See 'Disabling Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)' for instructions.
MUD-RUTS
The 'Mud-Ruts' program is intended for driving through mud, ruts, soft, or uneven terrain.
SAND
Select the 'Sand' program for driving on predominantly soft surfaces like deep dry sand, gravel, or snow. If the automatic braking system hinders acceleration, disengage Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and re-engage it after clearing the difficult section. If the surface is wet sand deep enough to cause the wheels to sink, select the 'Mud/Ruts' program.
ECO
The ECO driving mode adjusts vehicle settings to reduce fuel consumption and promote economical driving. This includes reducing climate control and comfort feature energy usage and adjusting accelerator pedal response. The ECO program may automatically adjust climate control and comfort settings. These automatic adjustments are cancelled when the ECO program is disengaged or individual settings are manually changed.
Possible automatic adjustments include:
- Seat heating is deactivated.
- Seat climate control is deactivated.
- Steering wheel heating is deactivated.
- Windscreen heating is not automatically activated upon engine start unless configured via CLIMATE SETTINGS.
- Automatic fan speed adjusts to a low setting if it was previously set high.
- Audio volume may be reduced if it was set high.
NOTES: The ECO program may also make minor adjustments to cabin heating/cooling intensity and recirculated air volume.
NOTES: Feature availability depends on market and vehicle specification. The ECO Data function displays information and recommendations for efficient driving. Select 'Eco Data' from the EXTRA FEATURES menu. See 'Additional Functions'.
NOTES: ECO Data function starts recording data only after the vehicle has traveled at least 1 km.
NOTES: The ECO Data function only monitors driver inputs like accelerator and brake pedal application. Automatic driving functions are not measured. Data not being measured or recorded is displayed in gray on the instrument panel.
DYNAMIC MODE
Select Dynamic mode to coordinate vehicle control systems for a more engaging driving experience.
NOTES: Dynamic mode is a driving style setting, not an adaptation to Terrain Response road conditions.
When using manual gear selection with Dynamic mode engaged and the gearbox in Sport (S) mode, gear changes are fully controlled by the driver. The automatic transmission will not shift up even at maximum engine speed or road speed. A gear shift indicator will briefly illuminate on the instrument panel at the recommended upshift point.
CUSTOM DYNAMIC MODE
Drivers can adjust dynamic mode parameters via the touchscreen. Some vehicles feature 'Dynamic-i', which allows manual activation/deactivation of dynamic settings for specific systems. Select 'Dynamic-i' from the EXTRA FEATURES menu or the 'Vehicle' menu on the lower touchscreen. See 'Additional Functions' and 'Controls on the Lower Touchscreen'.
The 'Dynamic-i' function uses the last accessed screen as the default. Press the settings icon (4) to access the MY DYNAMIC SETUP screen.
If dynamic mode is not engaged, a message will appear on the touchscreen.
The rotary selector functions as follows:
- Pedal Graphics Icon: Press to display the PEDALS screen, showing accelerator and brake pedal operation.
- Accelerometer Icon: Press to display the G-METER screen, showing current G-force direction and magnitude.
- Stopwatch Icon: Press to display the STOPWATCH screen, showing real-time elapsed and split times.
- Settings Icon: Press to display the MY DYNAMIC SETUP screen.
- My Setup Button: Press to activate preferred driver settings for each vehicle system. Previously selected options are saved as default. Selecting 'Dynamic' for any system changes the 'Dynamic-i' function to 'Factory Setup'.
- Factory Setup Button: Press to simultaneously select 'Dynamic' for all vehicle systems. Selecting 'Comfort' for any system changes the 'Dynamic-i' function to 'My Setup'.
- Indicates vehicle systems currently configured for Dynamic mode.
- Information Icon: Press for a brief description of the 'Dynamic' setting for each system.
- Steering Button: Press to select Dynamic or Comfort steering mode.
- Suspension Button: Press to select Dynamic or Comfort suspension mode.
- Gear Shift Button: Press to select Dynamic or Comfort gear shift mode.
- Engine Button: Press to select Dynamic or Comfort engine mode.
SELECTING DRIVER MODES
For some Terrain Response programs, Hill Descent Control (HDC) activates automatically. HDC can be manually switched on or off. The instrument cluster displays the current HDC status. See 'Hill Descent Control (HDC) System Overview'.
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) automatically engages with Terrain Response programs. DSC can be manually switched on or off. See 'Disabling Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)'.
SYSTEM OPERATION NOTES
CAUTION! Improper use of Terrain Response programs can degrade vehicle handling on certain surfaces and may lead to suspension or transmission damage.
If a Terrain Response system fault is detected, a warning message will appear on the instrument cluster. The 'Comfort' program will automatically engage, and its icon will illuminate on the lower touchscreen. Other Terrain Response programs will be unavailable and their icons will appear grayed out. If the fault is temporary, a message indicating normal operation restoration will appear, and the icons will return to normal. The 'Comfort' program remains engaged, but other programs can be selected once normal operation resumes. If the fault persists, contact a dealer or authorized workshop.
The icon for the currently selected Terrain Response mode may appear grayed out on the lower touchscreen under the following conditions:
- An inappropriate Terrain Response mode is selected.
- Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is active.
- Repeated steering system requests.
Detailed information may also be displayed on the instrument cluster. If no action is taken within 60 seconds, the warning disappears, and the selected Terrain Response program is displayed.