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Should I drive in D or S?

Drive (D) is the default mode for everyday driving, prioritizing smooth shifts and fuel efficiency. Sport (S) mode sharpens throttle response and holds gears longer for quicker acceleration. For most drivers, D is the practical choice; use S when you want more immediate power or when conditions call for spirited driving, keeping in mind it can reduce fuel economy and comfort.

What D and S do in automatic transmissions

The following points describe how the two common drive modes typically behave in modern automatics.

D (Drive) usually shifts to lower RPMs earlier to maximize fuel economy and ride comfort, prioritizing smoothness over aggressive performance.

S (Sport) tends to hold gears longer, delays upshifts, and keeps the engine at higher RPMs for quicker throttle response and more immediate acceleration.

In Sport mode you may notice a louder engine note and a more aggressive shift schedule, which can feel more energetic but less smooth in light traffic or poor road conditions.

Some cars offer additional performance variants beyond S (such as Sport+ or Race) or may temporarily override eco features to maximize power; behavior varies by model.

In practice, D emphasizes comfort, predictability, and efficiency, while S emphasizes responsiveness and performance at the cost of higher fuel use and sometimes rougher shifts.

How the RPM and shift logic differ

Under D, the transmission prioritizes low revs and early upshifts to keep fuel consumption down and provide a quiet ride. In S, the engine stays in a higher rev range to deliver faster throttle response and sharper acceleration, which can feel more urgent but uses more fuel and may reduce smoothness in stop‑and‑go traffic.

When to use Drive (D)

For the majority of daily driving, D is the sensible default. The list below outlines common situations where D is appropriate and advantageous.

City and suburban driving with frequent stops and light-to-moderate traffic, where smoothness matters most.

Highway cruising where stability and efficiency are prioritized over immediate throttle response.

Long, relaxed drives where a comfortable, quiet ride should be maintained and fuel economy is a goal.

For most drivers, D remains the default mode because it balances comfort, fuel economy, and predictable behavior across a wide range of conditions.

When to use Sport (S)

Sport mode is designed for situations where you want more immediate acceleration and a more responsive feel. The following scenarios are typical use cases.

Overtaking or merging on highways where you need quick throttle response and faster shifts.

Driving on winding roads or mountainous terrain where you want more precise throttle control and quicker access to power.

Sporty or spirited driving on safe roads where a more engaging driving experience is desired and fuel economy is less critical.

Use Sport mode judiciously: it generally reduces fuel efficiency and can make the ride feel less smooth, especially in heavy traffic or adverse weather conditions.

Tips for safe and effective use

Not every car behaves identically; always consult your owner’s manual for model-specific details. In unfamiliar or challenging conditions, prioritize control and comfort over sportiness. If your vehicle offers a dedicated Tow/Haul or Eco mode, compare its behavior to D or S to choose the best setting for the moment.

Summary

Drive (D) is the all-around default that balances efficiency, comfort, and predictable shifting, suitable for most driving scenarios. Sport (S) is a specialized mode for when you want quicker throttle response and more aggressive gear selection, ideal for overtakes, winding roads, or spirited driving but with higher fuel consumption and potentially less smoothness. The best approach is to use D for everyday travel and reserve S for situations that specifically benefit from enhanced performance. Always adapt to road, weather, and traffic conditions, and rely on safe, intelligent driving as your primary objective.

Bottom line

For typical daily use, stay in D. Switch to S when you need extra power or a more engaging drive, but return to D when the situation returns to normal to preserve fuel economy and ride comfort.

When should you drive in S mode?

Use sport mode for more responsive acceleration, like merging onto highways or overtaking, and for spirited driving on winding roads, where it enhances handling and control. Avoid using sport mode during everyday commuting in heavy traffic or on long highway drives, as it negatively impacts fuel economy and can feel jerky, and be cautious using it in wet or icy conditions.
When to use sport mode

Merging onto the highway: Quicker throttle response and holding gears longer allow for safer and smoother acceleration.
Winding roads: Sharper handling and more precise control make driving on twisty backroads more engaging.
Overtaking: The improved responsiveness provides more confident acceleration when passing other vehicles.
Uphill climbs: Sport mode can provide the power needed to maintain speed on inclines.
When you want a more engaging experience: If you simply feel like having a more dynamic and fun drive, sport mode can make even a routine commute more exciting.
On a track: For maximum performance in a safe, controlled environment, sport mode is ideal.

When to avoid sport mode

Everyday commuting: Stop-and-go traffic can feel jerky and uncomfortable in sport mode.
Long highway drives: Fuel economy is significantly worse in sport mode, and there is little performance benefit from holding gears at a constant speed.
In slippery conditions: The sharper throttle response can make it easier to lose traction on wet, icy, or snowy roads.
When fuel efficiency is a priority: Sport mode prioritizes performance over gas mileage by keeping the engine at higher RPMs and holding gears longer.

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Is it okay to shift from D to S while driving?

Yes, you can shift from D to S while driving, as most modern automatic transmissions are designed to handle this shift safely. Switching to Sport (S) mode is an electronic change that can be done at any time and will likely cause the transmission to downshift for a more responsive engine, but do so responsibly and avoid high speeds or abrupt changes if your car is on a slippery surface.
This video explains when and why you should use Sport mode: 57sSlashGearYouTube · Aug 29, 2024
What happens when you shift from D to S

It's an electronic command: The shift lever is mostly a command to the car's computer, which manages the transmission. The computer will make the change when it's safe and optimal for performance.
The car adjusts: The transmission will likely downshift one or two gears, and the engine will hold a higher RPM to provide better responsiveness for acceleration.
Safety first: While it's generally safe, it's best to avoid shifting from D to S at very high speeds, especially on slick roads, as the sudden downshift could cause the tires to lose traction.
Avoid certain shifts: Do not shift into Park (P) or Reverse (R) while driving at speed, as this can cause severe damage to the transmission.

You can watch this video to see how to shift gears in manual mode: 38sMick Drives CarsYouTube · May 14, 2023

What happens if I drive my car in S?

Sport mode boosts power and torque, increasing acceleration times. It also makes it easier to maintain acceleration and high speeds. You'll have an easier time getting your vehicle moving if you drive in sport mode, and you'll be able to reach (and maintain) top speeds much faster than normal.

What is the difference between D and S mode in a car?

D is for "Drive," the standard setting for normal, fuel-efficient driving, while S is for "Sport," a performance-oriented setting that keeps the engine at higher RPMs for faster acceleration and more responsive handling. You can typically switch between D and S modes while driving.

This video explains the difference between D and S modes: 1mFM DRIVING SCHOOLYouTube · Jun 24, 2022
D (Drive)

Function: Provides a balance of performance and fuel economy for everyday driving.
How it works: The transmission automatically shifts gears at lower RPMs to maximize fuel efficiency and comfort.
Best for: Normal city and highway driving, commuting, and maintaining fuel economy.

S (Sport)

Function: Optimizes the engine for a sportier and more powerful driving experience.
How it works: The transmission holds gears longer and shifts at higher RPMs, which keeps the engine in a higher power band for quicker acceleration.
Best for: Spirited driving, winding roads, or when you need extra power, such as for uphill driving or overtaking.

Key differences

Feature	D (Drive)	S (Sport)
Gear Shifts	At lower RPMs; aims for comfort and efficiency	At higher RPMs; holds gears longer for performance
Acceleration	Gradual and smooth	Faster and more responsive
Fuel Economy	Better	Worse, due to higher RPMs
Intended Use	Everyday driving	Performance driving, spirited driving

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.