What is the S on my gear shift Honda Accord?

The S on the gear shift stands for Sport mode. It temporarily changes how the transmission and engine respond to deliver more immediate power and a sportier driving feel. It does not set the car into a separate, fixed gear but alters shift timing and throttle mapping for enhanced performance.

What Sport (S) mode does in an Accord

Below is a quick overview of the typical behavior you’ll notice when you engage S mode. The list describes common characteristics across many Honda Accord configurations, though exact behavior can vary by generation and transmission type.

• The engine revs higher before upshifting and may hold gears longer to keep the engine in its power band.


• Throttle response generally becomes sharper, making the car feel quicker off the line or when you need to accelerate for a pass.


• In CVT-equipped models, S mode uses a sportier throttle and simulated shift behavior to mimic a traditional automatic’s response, rather than a fixed number of gears.


• Fuel economy can be reduced versus normal Drive (D) mode due to higher engine speeds and a more aggressive throttle map.


• The overall effect is a more “engaged” driving experience, but it doesn’t involve a manual clutch or a true manual gear change unless the car offers paddle shifters in that trim.

In short, Sport mode is designed to make the Accord feel more responsive and fun to drive, with a trade-off in fuel efficiency and potentially smoother operation in certain conditions.

How to use Sport (S) mode in the Accord

The method to engage S mode can vary slightly by model year and transmission, so always refer to your owner's manual for exact steps. The general approach is straightforward on most recent Accords.

• From Drive (D), shift the gear selector into the Sport position (S). Some models require moving the lever to the left or into a dedicated S gate; others simply shift from D to S as you would between gears.


• Once in S, you may have the option to use manual shift with paddle shifters or a +/- gate if your trim includes them, allowing you to manually select higher or lower gears temporarily.


• Return to normal driving by shifting back to Drive (D) when you’re done with the sport feel or when conditions require smoother operation.

Engaging S is generally intended for situations requiring quicker throttle response or more aggressive acceleration, such as merging onto a highway or passing. Always drive within your skill and road conditions, and consult your manual for the exact shift procedure on your model year.

When to use Sport (S) mode

Sport mode isn’t needed for every trip. Here are common use cases and considerations to help you decide when to engage it.

• Overtaking or merging on highways where you want quicker acceleration and faster throttle response.


• Curvy or hilly roads where a more responsive power delivery can improve driving dynamics.


• Situations where you want a more “driver-centric” feel, such as a spirited weekend drive.


• In heavy rain, snow, or ice, you may prefer normal Drive for smoother, more predictable performance; Sport mode can increase throttle feel and torque delivery, which can surprise traction in slick conditions.

When driving casually or in fuel-efficiency-focused trips, sticking with Drive (D) is usually the smoother and more economical choice. Use S judiciously and reset to D when those conditions don’t call for sportier behavior.

Model-specific notes and caveats

The exact behavior of S mode can vary by generation and transmission type (CVT vs. traditional automatic) in the Honda Accord. In most modern Accords, S stands for Sport and is designed to deliver a more dynamic feel, but the specifics—such as how aggressively it holds revs or how the throttle maps—can differ between a 1.5L turbo with CVT and a 2.0L turbo with a 10-speed automatic. Some trims may also offer paddle shifters or a left-side shift gate to enable manual-style control while in S, if equipped. Always check the user manual or contact a dealership for precise behavior on your exact model year and trim.

Key takeaway: S is a sport-oriented mode that prioritizes performance cues over fuel economy, with behavior that can vary slightly by generation and transmission type.

Safety and practical tips

While Sport mode can enhance feel and response, it doesn’t change basic safety limits or road conditions. Maintain awareness of traction, braking distance, and speed limits, especially on slippery surfaces or in heavy traffic. If you notice unusual throttle response, shifting irregularities, or abnormal engine noise in S mode, switch back to D and consult your owner’s manual or a Honda service professional for guidance.

Summary

The S on the Honda Accord gear shift represents Sport mode, a setting designed to deliver stronger acceleration and a more engaging driving experience by altering shift behavior and throttle response. It can reduce fuel economy and may feel less smooth in certain conditions. Use it for overtaking, enthusiastic driving, or when you want a sportier feel, and return to Drive for normal, everyday driving. Always refer to your specific model year’s manual, as the exact implementation can vary by generation and transmission.

What is the S gear on a Honda Accord?

The "S" gear in a Honda Accord is Sport Mode, which makes the car more responsive for performance driving. It achieves this by holding lower gears longer, increasing throttle response, and adjusting the transmission to keep the engine in a higher RPM range for more power. This is useful for situations like accelerating quickly, passing, or driving on hilly roads, but it is less fuel-efficient than regular "D" (Drive) mode. 
This video explains the sport mode in a 2019 Honda Accord Sport: 58sMarin AcuraYouTube · Jul 25, 2020
How "S" mode works

• Higher RPMs: "S" mode keeps the engine revving higher, so it's ready to deliver more power when you accelerate. 
• Sharper throttle response: It makes the engine and transmission more responsive to your input on the gas pedal. 
• Enhanced engine braking: It can help control speed on downhills by holding lower gears, which can reduce the need to use the brakes. 
• Automatic transmission changes: On many models with a traditional automatic transmission, "S" mode is a distinct gear setting. On some, it's integrated with a "Sport" button that changes multiple settings at once, including suspension and steering, not just the transmission. 
• Paddle shifters: If your Accord has paddle shifters, they can be used independently of "S" mode to manually select gears, though "S" mode will still affect the transmission's behavior even when paddles are used. 

When to use "S" mode
Merging onto a highway, Passing other vehicles, Driving on winding or hilly roads, and When you want a more engaging or "sporty" driving experience. 
You can watch this video to learn how to use the sport mode in a 2017 Honda Accord with CVT: 58sIt’s RC TengYouTube · Oct 17, 2019
When to use "D" mode
Normal city and highway driving and When prioritizing fuel efficiency. 
Shifting between "D" and "S" 

• You can safely shift between "D" and "S" while driving; it won't harm the transmission. 

What does S stand for on a Honda Accord shifter?

You've been seeking. I feel the need. For first speed. However does that mean it's all right to switch to S anytime.

What is S in Honda automatic transmission?

In a modern Honda automatic transmission, "S" stands for Sport mode, which provides more responsive acceleration by holding gears longer and increasing engine RPMs. On older vehicles, "S" can stand for Second gear, which is used for lower speeds and engine braking. 
This video explains the difference between S mode and D mode: 1mVehicle FreakYouTube · Oct 21, 2022
Modern Honda (Sport Mode) 

• Function: "S" (Sport) mode adjusts the car's programming to be more aggressive. 
• Performance: The engine responds more quickly to the accelerator, and the transmission holds lower gears for longer periods, increasing power and acceleration. 
• Engine behavior: The engine will rev higher and stay in lower gears, providing more power for situations like climbing hills, taking corners, or merging onto a highway. 
• Transmission: In modern CVTs or automatics, this isn't a single gear but a different shift strategy that prioritizes performance over fuel economy. 

Older Honda (Second Gear)

• Function: On older models, "S" can sometimes simply mean "second" gear. 
• Performance: Selecting "S" locks the transmission in second gear, which is useful for driving down steep hills to use engine braking or for situations where you need to maintain a lower, consistent speed. 

This video explains the meaning of S and L gears: 41sTech and CarsYouTube · Sep 14, 2024

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.