Your CR-V has a computer that manages the engine, transmission and something called a differential. Your vehicle has AWD or 4WD, right?

When you push the button it tells the computer to switch all systems to a preprogrammed mode that will enhance your driving in that condition. SNOW for example. This allows your vehicle to grip the road in a different way than if you were in the NORMAL computerized driving mode, primarily front wheel drive. Your front wheels, on dry pavement, do most of the forward/ reverse movement for your vehicle. Sometimes AWD is automatic if you need a boost from the back wheels if the front wheels slip for example. The SNOW button overrides that feature and tells your car to stay in that 4WD mode while you are still trying to get through that condition. In this case snow!❄

 

Your CR-V has a computer that manages the engine, transmission and something called a differential. Your vehicle has AWD or 4WD, right?

When you push the button it tells the computer to switch all systems to a preprogrammed mode that will enhance your driving in that condition. SNOW for example. This allows your vehicle to grip the road in a different way than if you were in the NORMAL computerized driving mode, primarily front wheel drive. Your front wheels, on dry pavement, do most of the forward/ reverse movement for your vehicle. Sometimes AWD is automatic if you need a boost from the back wheels if the front wheels slip for example. The SNOW button overrides that feature and tells your car to stay in that 4WD mode while you are still trying to get through that condition. In this case snow!❄

Can I ask what ‘button’ that is?

 

First question: You select what the function of the drive train accomplishes.

Second question: It smooths throttle response and uses traction control technology to help reduce loss of traction on snow and ice.

 

Thanks. I've had FWD for many years but this is my first AWD. I could tell the difference when I turned on SNOW but I didn't know what it was.

 

Just try not to activate it on dry pavement because that's not what that mode was designed for. My Subaru Crosstrek with Dual X mode (deep mud and snow) is what you have only on steroids. Our '18 CR-V AWD is also very different than our '09 CR-V AWD.

 

Just don't activate it on dry pavement as things may start to bind! My Subaru Crosstrek with Dual X mode (deep mud and snow) is what you have only on steroids. Our '18 CR-V AWD is also very different than our '09 CR-V AWD.

There is no fear of binding when using snow mode on dry pavement with the latest Honda CRV AWD system. Snow mode does two things: Smooths out throttle response to limit wheel slip, and it more aggressively the uses traction control if slippage starts happening.

 

When I am driving if the situation changes, can I turn it off in motion or do I need to be stopped?

 

You can switch modes while driving. I switch to Sport mode when getting ready to pass a car on a 2-lane road or squirt into a gap on the freeway, then back to Eco or Normal.

 

Sorry! When I bought mine I read the books that came with my vehicle. I'd like you to know what your CR-V is capable of so I'm requesting that you look it up. It may take several weeks to read the books but just think, you won't need to take that Melatonin to go to sleep now.

 

I did look it up. There was no real info, just the part about the powertrain. If there had been good info I wouldn't have needed to post.

 

I've looked up the info. for you. CRVGUIDE.COM. You should bookmark this site for future reference.

 

Helpful site, did not know about it.
(Had to use Google to find a specific topic, because the site's search function doesn't appear to be working on a non-mobile device browser.)

 

Thank you. I will.

 

Pretty sure you can change it on the fly. I actually forgot it was there but the car still did fine in snow.

 

Mine is only a FWD but it has snow a mode but I have never tried it

 

Is that advanced front wheel drive traction control?

 

Cute dog! English springer or other? It's a close up pic. Which vehicle do you own/ lease?

 

A Treeing Walker Coonhound/Lab mix, thanks for asking. He was a very good boy. We said goodbye to him a little over a year ago, he was 15 years old, and we miss him every day.

I have a 2025 Honda CR-V EX-L. Previous vehicle was a 2000 Honda Accord, but after 25 years, it was time to get something more reliable, with better visibility.

 

Thanks for your reply. Aw! Our springer just turned thirteen. You know the drill, lumps & bumps. Yes, you 'know' when it's time both for animals and vehicles.

 

Beautiful springer - total cutie! 🧡

 

It's kind of a joke. Some throttle and ALB manipulation but that's it. Honda Pilot and Passport have a much more advanced AWD system. Even Subaru with X-Mode is superior. That said, I have not had any problems with snow traction with proper tires with the newer CRV

 

It makes me wonder why it's actually printed on the back of my CR-V (4WD) or is that (AWD)? Just noticed that my '09 sticker is starting to peel!

 

They want you to feel you can tackle any off road challenge or plow through 2 feet of snow with no issues!

 

First question: You select what the function of the drive train accomplishes.

Second question: It smooths throttle response and uses traction control technology to help reduce loss of traction on snow and ice.

Your CR-V has a computer that manages the engine, transmission and something called a differential. Your vehicle has AWD or 4WD, right?

When you push the button it tells the computer to switch all systems to a preprogrammed mode that will enhance your driving in that condition. SNOW for example. This allows your vehicle to grip the road in a different way than if you were in the NORMAL computerized driving mode, primarily front wheel drive. Your front wheels, on dry pavement, do most of the forward/ reverse movement for your vehicle. Sometimes AWD is automatic if you need a boost from the back wheels if the front wheels slip for example. The SNOW button overrides that feature and tells your car to stay in that 4WD mode while you are still trying to get through that condition. In this case snow!❄

Not really how it works.

 

Like the 2wd odyssey it uses traction control/ stability assist to slow a wheel that's losing traction. Also reduces power at times and can force a second gear start

 

Pretty sure I pre-agreed and there is even more to but too deep in the weeds and you end up being verbose.

 

Like all wheel drive xand it's awesome

 

I have a 2025 CR-V and we recently had a couple of snowstorms so I experimented with the snow mode. Here’s what I found. The engine runs at a higher RPM and the transmision seems to start off in a higher “gear”. Kind of like how they teach on a manual transmission-to start off in 2nd gear and slowly engage the clutch and enough gas to not kill the engine. This prevents the wheels from spinning. While driving all of this continues. It definitely helped in the traction. I also think that I read that it changes the amount of power that goes to the front and back drives. I’m not sure of the amount but it seems as though it’s more equal to each that’s when it’s in normal mode. In normal mode in the snow, it tended to spin from a start with even a small amount of pedal push. I also noticed a change in driving speed. It was harder to get up to a faster speed which is good since it is reasonable to drive slower in the snow. The gas mileage was decreased in this mode too as the engine is revving higher. I switched out of it as soon as I was on the road that has only a small amount of snow left on it. I felt like it was definitely a more stable drive in the snow with this mode on. I traded a front wheel drive car which was kind of sporty and had low ground clearance for this. It was hard to drive in the snow and spent snowy days in the garage. I liked the sportiness of it but unfortunately or fortunately it was wrecked and we bought this to replace it with. So now I have 2 cars that work well in the snow. The other is a Toyota AWD/4WD 4Runner Limited. It also drives nicely in the snow but it sits up higher also. Hope this helps.

 

I for one appreciate you for sharing your experience. This thread just keeps going on and on but what you've given us is a real world evaluation from an Owner's perspective. Thank you.

 

When you select Snow Mode in the 6th generation Honda CR-V Hybrid, the vehicle's system adjusts to provide better traction and control on slippery surfaces like snow and ice. Snow Mode smooths out the throttle response to minimize wheel spin and continuously monitors for slippage, adjusting the brakes, throttle, and power distribution to maintain control.
In Snow Mode, the vehicle's all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is more actively engaged. This means that power is distributed to all four wheels, including the rear wheels, to enhance traction and stability. The system ensures that the rear wheels receive power when needed to prevent the vehicle from losing control on slippery surfaces2.
If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!



How does Snow Mode differ from other driving modes?
The 6th generation Honda CR-V Hybrid offers several driving modes, each designed to optimize the vehicle's performance for different conditions. Here's a breakdown of how Snow Mode differs from other driving modes:

1. Snow Mode:
   • Purpose: Maximizes controllability on snowy or slippery roads.
   • Throttle Response: Smooths out the throttle response to minimize wheel spin and improve control.
   • Power Distribution: Actively engages the all-wheel-drive (AWD) system to distribute power to all four wheels, enhancing traction and stability.
   • Braking and Traction Control: Continuously monitors for slippage and adjusts the brakes, throttle, and power distribution to maintain control.
2. Normal Mode:
   • Purpose: Provides a balanced driving experience for everyday conditions.
   • Throttle Response: Standard throttle response for a comfortable and responsive drive.
   • Power Distribution: Standard AWD engagement based on driving conditions.
3. Eco Mode:
   • Purpose: Facilitates fuel-efficient driving.
   • Throttle Response: Reduces throttle sensitivity to improve fuel efficiency.
   • Climate Control: Adjusts the climate control system to be less effective, conserving energy.
   • Power Distribution: Optimizes power distribution for fuel efficiency.
4. Sport Mode:
   • Purpose: Enhances responsiveness and performance.
   • Throttle Response: Increases throttle sensitivity for a more dynamic driving experience.
   • Power Distribution: Engages the AWD system more aggressively to improve handling and acceleration.
   • Steering and Suspension: May adjust steering and suspension settings for a sportier feel.

Each mode is designed to optimize the vehicle's performance for specific driving conditions, ensuring a safe and enjoyable driving experience

 

The few times I drove in some snow this winter, I tried the SNOW mode and didn't like that fact that it raised up the rpm (1.5T). Might as well put it in ECO mode since it retards the power output and helps keep you from accelerating too fast.

 

If you'd read the bullet points laid out above your post, you'd quickly realize ECO mode is not what you'd want in a snowy situation.

 

And, the tires' traction has a lot to do with the performance. I was recently skiing at an area that had deep slushy loose snow in the parking lot access roads and really slick ice on the main road. My Michelin X-Ice Snow tires had great grip and the car was in ECO mode--I forgot to experiment with Snow mode.

If your tires don't grip, you got nothing.