What is the S and L gear in a Honda Accord?

In a Honda Accord, the letters S and L on the gear selector denote Sport and Low modes. S sharpens throttle response and alters shift behavior for a quicker, more engaging drive, while L keeps the transmission in a lower gear for enhanced engine braking and controlled power at low speeds or on steep terrain. The exact behavior can vary by generation and transmission type.

How Sport (S) mode works in the Accord

Sport mode is designed to make the car feel more responsive by adjusting the engine and transmission behavior. The specifics depend on whether your Accord uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a conventional automatic with multiple gears.

Effect of S mode by transmission type

The following points describe the typical effects you’ll notice when you flip to S mode.

• CVT-equipped Accords: The engine RPM is allowed to climb higher before upshifting, providing a more immediate power feel and a sportier throttle response.


• Automatic with multiple gears: Shift points are delayed, so the transmission holds gears longer and downshifts more readily for quicker throttle response during acceleration.


• Throttle mapping: Across both types, the accelerator pedal response becomes more immediate, giving a faster reaction to input.


• Fuel economy: S mode generally reduces fuel efficiency because the engine runs at higher RPMs and the transmission prioritizes performance over economy.

In practice, S mode is intended for quicker overtakes, highway merging, and situations where you want a more driven, engaging feel from the car, at the cost of lower fuel economy.

What Low (L) gear mode does in the Accord

L, or Low, provides a lower gear range to maximize engine braking and give you more control at low speeds or on challenging terrain. It’s especially useful on long descents or when you need steady power without frequent shifting.

When and why to use L

Use L in the following scenarios to maintain control and reduce brake wear.

• Downhill braking: Engine braking helps slow the car without overheating the brakes.


• Steep climbs or traverses: Keeps the engine in a higher RPM range to sustain power without hunting for gears.


• Slippery or unstable surfaces: Slows down gear changes, providing steadier power delivery at low speeds.


• Towing or heavy load conditions: Maintains a lower gear to improve control and torque delivery.

Keep in mind that staying in L keeps engine RPMs high, which increases fuel consumption and noise. It’s meant for short-term control rather than everyday driving.

Model-year and transmission variations

Honda’s implementations of S and L can differ by generation and drivetrain. Most non-hybrid Accords with automatic transmissions offer S and L positions, but the precise effect on shift points, torque management, and idle behavior can vary between CVT-equipped models and traditional 10-speed automatics. If you’re unsure about how S and L operate in your specific car, consult the owner’s manual or the vehicle’s display readouts for confirmation.

Practical tips for using S and L

To get the most from these modes while staying safe on the road:

• Use S for overtaking, merging, or when you want quicker throttle response on highways.


• Switch to L when driving downhill, on mountain roads, or in conditions where engine braking is advantageous.


• Return to D (Drive) for normal, fuel-efficient cruising once you’ve finished the situations that called for S or L.


• Be mindful of fuel economy: both S and L can increase consumption compared with standard Drive mode.

In everyday driving, many owners find D to be sufficient most of the time, reserving S or L for specific circumstances described above.

Summary

S stands for Sport mode and generally makes the Accord sharper and faster-feeling by increasing throttle response and adjusting shift behavior, at the expense of fuel economy. L stands for Low gear and provides a lower gear range for enhanced engine braking and greater control at low speeds or on steep terrain, with higher fuel use as a trade-off. The exact effects vary by model year and transmission type, so check your owner’s manual for details on your specific car.

What is the S and L on a Honda?

So what does the S and L gear mean on a Honda Civic. The S gear stands for sport mode. And the L gear stands for low when the car is in sport mode the engine will run at a higher RPM.

When should you use S on gear shift?

"S" is for sport. If you're driving on twisty country roads and want to keep the RPM up as you wind through corners, the "S" position is where you want to be. In "S", the transmission holds lower gears longer for more power as you come out of the curves.

When to use L and S gear?

Use S (Sport) gear for spirited driving, such as overtaking or navigating winding roads, as it holds gears longer for better acceleration and responsiveness. Use L (Low) gear for situations requiring maximum torque and control, like towing heavy loads or climbing and descending steep hills, to prevent the transmission from shifting up.
 
This video explains the function of S and L gears: 1mTA Automotive technologyYouTube · Jan 23, 2025
When to use S (Sport) gear

• Aggressive acceleration: The car will hold onto gears longer, keeping the engine in its powerband for quicker acceleration. 
• Winding roads: Provides better responsiveness and makes it easier to accelerate out of corners. 
• Towing or going uphill: In some vehicles, "S" can also be helpful for extra power on inclines, though "L" is often better for steep grades. 
• Note: Using "S" mode generally decreases fuel efficiency due to higher engine RPMs. 

You can watch this video to learn how to use S gear: 1mFM DRIVING SCHOOLYouTube · Jun 24, 2022
When to use L (Low) gear

• Steep hills: Use "L" to help the car climb steep inclines without the transmission shifting up, providing more power and preventing the engine from stalling. 
• Long descents: Using "L" for engine braking on steep downhill stretches helps control speed and reduces wear on your brakes. 
• Towing: It prevents the transmission from constantly shifting up and down while pulling a heavy load, providing more consistent torque and reducing strain on the gearbox. 
• Slippery conditions: Offers extra control on slippery surfaces like ice or mud. 

What is s and l?

"S and L" can refer to two different things depending on the context: in finance, it means savings and loan association, while in vehicles, it refers to "Sport" and "Low" gears in an automatic transmission. The meaning of S and L depends entirely on whether you are discussing banking or driving.
 
This video explains what S and L mean in a car's gear shift: 35sVehicle VisionaryYouTube · Jan 15, 2024
In finance

• S&L: is a common abbreviation for savings and loan association. 
• These are a type of financial institution that handles savings accounts and provides loans, historically focusing on home mortgages. 

In vehicles

• S stands for Sport Mode, which keeps the engine at a higher RPM for more responsive acceleration and a sportier feel.
• L stands for Low Gear, used for situations that require more torque, such as driving up a steep hill or for engine braking on a long downhill descent.