Owner guide · Hyundai of Goshen · Goshen, IN
Hyundai Tucson HTRAC AWD Explained
HTRAC is Hyundai's name for the all-wheel drive available on the Tucson. This guide uses the 2027 Tucson owner's manual (gas models), read October 27, 2026, to explain how AWD Auto and AWD Lock work, what the SNOW, MUD and SAND terrain modes do, how Hyundai says to drive on snow and ice, what the AWD lights mean and which AWD parts are on the maintenance schedule. Equipment varies by trim, and other years and the Tucson Hybrid can differ, so check the manual for your vehicle.
AWD Autofor normal roads and highways
AWD Lockoff-road, sand and mud, 37 mph or less
SNOW, MUD, SANDTerrain modes (if equipped)
Flat-bedhow an AWD Tucson must be towed
How does Tucson HTRAC AWD work?
Per the 2027 Tucson owner's manual, the AWD system delivers engine power to all front and rear wheels for maximum traction. In AWD Auto, the system automatically controls how traction force is split between the front and rear wheels, and the cluster can show that distribution. AWD Lock maximizes traction in mud, sand and unpaved off-road conditions at 37 mph (60 km/h) or less. Keep AWD Auto on normal roads.
AWD Auto and AWD Lock
| Mode | What the manual says |
|---|---|
| AWD Auto (AWD LOCK indicator off) | Used on roads in normal conditions, roads in urban areas and on highways. All wheels are in operation when the vehicle travels at a constant speed; required traction forces on the front and rear wheels may differ with road and driving conditions and are controlled automatically. The cluster displays how the four wheels' traction forces are distributed. |
| AWD Lock (AWD LOCK button, indicator on) | Maximizes traction under extreme driving conditions such as unpaved off-road, sandy roads and muddy roads. Operates only at 37 mph (60 km/h) or less; above that, it switches to AWD Auto. Press the button again to return to AWD Auto. |
From the All Wheel Drive (AWD) section (pages 6-35 to 6-37) of the 2027 Tucson owner's manual, read October 27, 2026. AWD and AWD Lock are listed as "if equipped."
The manual says to maintain AWD Auto on normal roads. Driving on normal roads with AWD Lock on, especially when cornering, may cause mechanical noise or vibration, and driving that way for prolonged periods may damage parts of the power train. When AWD Lock is turned off, you may feel the driving power go entirely to the front wheels for a moment.
SNOW, MUD and SAND terrain modes
On models with AWD Terrain mode, press the DRIVE/TERRAIN button to change from normal driving mode to multi terrain mode, then select SNOW, MUD or SAND:
| Mode | When to use it, per the manual |
|---|---|
| SNOW | Driving on slippery roads. Driving power is distributed to help start the vehicle stably on slippery roads or keep tires from slipping. |
| MUD | Driving on muddy, unpaved or uneven roads. Driving power is distributed to secure sufficient driving force to help start the vehicle. |
| SAND | Driving on smooth, dry sand or deep gravel and unpaved roads. |
From the All Wheel Drive (AWD) Terrain mode section (page 6-39) of the 2027 Tucson owner's manual, read October 27, 2026.
Hyundai says to keep DRIVE mode on roads in normal conditions; driving in TERRAIN mode on normal roads may damage the AWD system and cause mechanical vibration or noise.
Driving a Tucson on snow and ice
Northern Indiana winters are where AWD earns its keep, but the manual is clear that AWD does not replace careful driving. Its advice for snow-covered or icy roads:
- Start off slowly by applying the accelerator pedal gently.
- Use snow tires or tire chains.
- Keep a sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front.
- Use engine braking during deceleration.
- Avoid speeding, rapid acceleration, sudden brake applications and sharp turns to prevent skids.
If you get stuck in snow, sand or mud, the manual suggests placing a non-slip material under the drive wheels, or slowly spinning the wheels forward and reverse to rock the vehicle free, while avoiding running the engine continuously at high RPM to prevent damage to the AWD system. It also notes that the center of gravity of AWD vehicles is higher than that of conventional 2WD vehicles, so reduce speed when cornering.
AWD lights on the instrument cluster
| Light | What it means |
|---|---|
| AWD warning light | Illuminates whenever there is a malfunction with the AWD system. Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Hyundai dealer as soon as possible. |
| AWD Lock indicator light | Illuminates for about 3 seconds when the vehicle is switched ON, and when you select AWD Lock mode with the AWD LOCK button. |
| Driving force distribution (cluster display) | Shows information related to AWD driving force. It is not displayed while the vehicle is in AWD lock. |
From pages 4-15, 4-29 and 6-36 of the 2027 Tucson owner's manual, read October 27, 2026.
AWD items on the Tucson maintenance schedule
| Item | Normal schedule | Severe usage |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer case oil (AWD) | Inspect at 32,000, 64,000 and 96,000 miles (48, 96 and 144 months) | Replace every 72,000 mi. (120,000 km); conditions C, D, E, G, H, I, J |
| Rear differential oil (AWD) | Inspect at 32,000, 64,000 and 96,000 miles (48, 96 and 144 months) | Replace every 72,000 mi. (120,000 km); conditions C, D, E, G, H, I, J |
| Propeller shaft (AWD) | Inspect every 16,000 miles (24 months) | Inspect more frequently depending on the condition; conditions C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J |
From the normal maintenance schedule (page 9-14, whichever comes first, months or miles) and the severe usage table (page 9-17) of the 2027 Tucson owner's manual, read October 27, 2026. Severe conditions include C: rough, dusty, muddy, unpaved, graveled or salt-spread roads, and D: areas using salt or other corrosive materials or very cold weather.
The manual adds that transfer case oil and rear differential oil should be changed anytime the rear differential has been submerged in water, and to shorten your scheduled maintenance interval if you drive in off-road conditions such as sand, mud or water.
Hyundai of Goshen service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Saturday | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sunday | Closed |
From Hyundai of Goshen's website, October 27, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Tucson HTRAC AWD questions
What is HTRAC?
HTRAC is the name Hyundai uses for the available all-wheel drive on the Tucson; hyundaiusa.com says available HTRAC All Wheel Drive gives you extra grip and control on the road. The 2027 Tucson owner's manual calls the system All Wheel Drive (AWD) and says it delivers engine power to all front and rear wheels for maximum traction.
Is the Tucson AWD always on?
In AWD Auto mode, the manual says all wheels are in operation when the vehicle travels at a constant speed, and the traction forces on the front and rear wheels are controlled automatically depending on road and driving conditions. The manual refers to it as full-time AWD in its towing and dynamometer testing notes.
When should I use AWD Lock?
The manual says AWD Lock maximizes traction under extreme driving conditions such as unpaved off-road, sandy roads and muddy roads. It operates only at 37 mph (60 km/h) or less and switches to AWD Auto above that. Do not use it on normal roads: driving there in AWD Lock, especially when cornering, may cause mechanical noise or vibration, and prolonged use may damage parts of the power train.
Does AWD mean I do not need winter tires?
The manual's advice for snow-covered or icy roads still includes using snow tires or tire chains, starting off slowly, keeping a sufficient distance, using engine braking and avoiding speeding, rapid acceleration, sudden braking and sharp turns.
What does the SNOW terrain mode do?
On models equipped with Terrain mode, the manual says to use SNOW on slippery roads. The engine's driving power is distributed to the wheels to help start the vehicle stably on slippery roads or keep the tires from slipping. Keep DRIVE mode on normal roads.
What does the AWD warning light mean?
The manual says the AWD warning light illuminates whenever there is a malfunction with the AWD system, and recommends having the vehicle inspected by an authorized Hyundai dealer as soon as possible.
Can a Tucson with AWD be towed on its wheels?
No. The manual says AWD vehicles must be towed with all the wheels off the ground, and to make sure a full-time AWD vehicle is towed by a flat-bed tow truck.
Getting your Tucson ready for winter?
Visit Hyundai of Goshen at 3202 Elkhart Road in Goshen, IN, schedule service online, or see the new Tucson at our store.
Sources
How AWD Auto, AWD Lock and the Terrain modes work, the snow and ice advice, lights, towing and AWD maintenance are from the 2027 Tucson owner's manual (gas models), read October 27, 2026. The HTRAC name and description are from hyundaiusa.com. Equipment varies by trim, and other years and the Tucson Hybrid can differ, so the manual for your vehicle is the final word. Address and hours are from Hyundai of Goshen's own website. Image: Hyundai Motor America.
- 2027 Tucson Owner's Manual: All Wheel Drive (AWD), AWD operation, AWD Terrain mode, Emergency precautions, warning and indicator lights, cluster driving force distribution, maintenance schedules, Hyundai Motor America, read October 27, 2026
- Hyundai owner's manuals and warranties (manual downloads), Hyundai Motor America, read October 27, 2026
- Tucson: available HTRAC All Wheel Drive (name and description), image, Hyundai Motor America, October 27, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Hyundai of Goshen, October 27, 2026
- Hyundai service at Hyundai of Goshen, Hyundai of Goshen, October 27, 2026
