Kia Rio: Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) / Transmission ranges

The indicator in the instrument cluster displays the shift lever position when the ignition switch is in the ON position.

P (Park)

Always come to a complete stop before shifting into P (Park). This position locks the transmission and prevents the front wheels from rotating.

WARNING

• Shifting into P (Park) while the vehicle is in motion will cause the drive wheels to lock which will cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
• Do not use the P (Park) position in place of the parking brake. Always make sure the shift lever is latched in the P (Park) position and set the parking brake fully.
• Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.

CAUTION

The transmission may be damaged if you shift into P (Park) while the vehicle is in motion.

R (Reverse)

Use this position to drive the vehicle backward.

CAUTION

Always come to a complete stop before shifting into or out of R (Reverse); you may damage the transmission if you shift into R while the vehicle is in motion, except as explained in “Rocking the vehicle” in this section.

N (Neutral)

The wheels and transmission are not engaged. The vehicle will roll freely even on the slightest incline unless the parking brake or service brakes are applied.

WARNING

Do not drive with the shift lever in N (Neutral).

The engine brake may not work, which may lead to an accident.

-Parking in N (Neutral) gear

Follow the steps below when parking if you want the vehicle to move when pushed.

1.After parking your vehicle, step on the brake pedal and move the shift lever to "P" with the ignition button in "ON" or while the engine is running.

2.If the parking brake is applied unlock the parking brake.

3.While pressing the brake pedal, turn the ignition button "OFF".
- For smart key equipped vehicles, the ignition switch can be moved to "OFF" only when the shift lever is in "P".

4.Change the gear shift lever to "N" (Neutral) while pressing the brake pedal and pushing "SHIFT LOCK RELEASE" button or inserting, a tool (e.g. flathead screw-driver) into the "SHIFT LOCK RELEASE" access hole at the same time. Then, the vehicle will move when external force is applied.

WARNING

• With the exception of parking in neutral gear, always park the vehicle in “P” (Park) for safety and engage the parking brake.
• Before parking in “N” (Neutral) gear, first make sure the parking ground is level and flat. Do not park in “N” gear on any slopes or gradients. If parked and left in “N”, the vehicle may move and cause serious damage and injury

D (Drive)

This is the normal forward driving position. The transmission will automatically shift, providing the best fuel economy and power.

For extra power when passing another vehicle or climbing grades, depress the accelerator fully, at which time the transmission will automatically downshift to the next lower gear.

✽ NOTICE

Always come to a complete stop before shifting into D (Drive).