Driving in "S" over "D"

In S the RPMs are about 1K higher.. only turn it on when I need to pass someone, I'm sure MPG would go way down

kylepossible said:

Is anyone driving in "S" mode as opposed to "D" most of the time? How are your MPG if you are?

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I drive mostly highway so I dont use S.
However I did find it gave me a better feeling of control over the car on back roads in snow

Your MPG definitely will go down in S mode. It's just a trade off if you like S mode better, but many people don't like the stiffer handling all the time. A more comfortable ride is nicer for commutes.

This might be a dum question, can I switch from D to S while driving?

sillyrabbit1027 said:

This might be a dum question, can I switch from D to S while driving?

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Yes. And go back to D. And go to L. And back. The car will respond appropriately but won't do anything that will hurt itself.

Driving in the "S" mode changes the handling? How so?

dlinn94 said:

Driving in the "S" mode changes the handling? How so?

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It doesn't. All it does is alter the shift mapping, raises the cruising rpms, imitates actual shift points and up the throttle response. Basically the opposite of what the ECO mode does.

I think more advanced systems like on the Infiniti Q50 makes steering tighter and makes the turns shorter. Maybe that's something we could see in Acura one day. Civic Type R with that will be awesome

5TAR said:

I think more advanced systems like on the Infiniti Q50 makes steering tighter and makes the turns shorter. Maybe that's something we could see in Acura one day. Civic Type R with that will be awesome

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Other than the variable AWD systems used in some of the SUVs Honda/Acura makes, none of it's cars come with variable suspension modes EXCEPT the Type R which has a sort of dumbed down system similar to the GTI, but without the ability to customize individual settings. The Type R has a normal, sport and R mode which i believe changes up the steering weight and tweaks suspension reaction, but again, it's not customizable like in the GTI where you can have Sport mode suspension with comfort mode steering at the same time.

The new NSX will also have variable modes that will change steering and suspension as well as exhaust sound.

Definitely something we could see on more Acura products in the future, like the next gen TLX and ILX models. Honda will most likely reserve such features for cars like the Type R, possibly the next gen CRZ and maybe the baby NSX if that ever happens.

That makes sense. They need to save the good stuff for the Type R or else it won't be as special. I've driven in Eco mode with the CR-V. If S mode is the opposite, then it should be a lot of fun since Eco mode makes driving pretty boring.

CanGuy said:

That makes sense. They need to save the good stuff for the Type R or else it won't be as special. I've driven in Eco mode with the CR-V. If S mode is the opposite, then it should be a lot of fun since Eco mode makes driving pretty boring.

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Mostly its good for passing when you're up to speed already or driving aggressively on a winding road to keep the rpms high up there. Generally in day to day driving it just makes the engine loud and sucks down the gas.

I use S mode to get my engine to warm up on cold days faster since it cruises at 1000 rpms higher. Basically the same as mashing the gas peddle at every red light. haha.

Are there any negative repercussions when you warm up your car in S instead of D when its cold over a long period of time?

4Tires said:

Are there any negative repercussions when you warm up your car in S instead of D when its cold over a long period of time?

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I always let me car idle and warm up a little bit before getting in on really really cold days, but i'd say the difference between warming it up in S is no worse than aggressively driving it in D to get the engine warmed up.

But like i said, i usually let the engine idle for 5-10 minutes to get the fluids all warmed and dispersed. New engines these days don't actually need a warm up period like engines used to need, but it does help heat things up a bit quicker.

You use up more gas, but that's about it that I can think of.

Civil said:

You use up more gas, but that's about it that I can think of.

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Even warming the car up on the cold cold mornings i still only fill up my tank about once a month, my work commute is literally across the street (i'd walk, but that road is a death trap in the mornings)

So i don't really worry about using some gas.

I've been driving stick for the past ten years and was disappointed that I couldn't get a Civic without a manual transmission unless I purchased the cheapest one.

Anyway, I find the S mode to be useful in heavy traffic. I typically used a lower gear so I don't have to brake as often and S mode is kind of similar; it produces a little engine braking so I don't have to get on and off the brake pedal as much, which I find tiresome. Try it out.

Besides D & S is there still an Econo button?

Jesstzn said:

Besides D & S is there still an Econo button?

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Yes, Econ button still present.

dick w said:

Yes, Econ button still present.

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So what is S ?

Sorry for the questions .. Just Ordered a touring today.