The evolving ability of vehicle simulation packages continues to facilitate the use of complex models for virtual prototyping. In formulating a virtual proving ground for conducting vehicle mission studies, it can be helpful to devise ways to facilitate the synthesis of models optimized for repetitive study of specific missions or maneuvers. Because subsystem models may have inherently different bandwidth characteristics, complex vehicle simulations that incorporate such models may be numerically stiff. Furthermore, complexity generally makes it difficult to interpret results and identify key parameters that affect dominant dynamics. The intent of this study is to examine the feasibility of optimizing simulation efficiency and/or enhancing physical insight using a variable fidelity approach that switches between reduced sub models optimized for specific dynamic intervals of the mission study. Because of its established use for model reduction, element activity is tested as a metric to measure and vary model fidelity of a vehicle ride mode model.