[scipper77]

First lets get this out of the way, Snow mode does not start in second gear on a 3'rd gen. I have taken the time to search previous threads so I am aware that in snow mode all gears are still used while the throttle response is deadened.

This morning, driving through snow and ice on the expressway I noticed that my indicated MPG shot up significantly with the snow button on while cruising at 50MPH. It was clear that it /EDIT went up EDIT/a gear holding lower rpm's with snow mode on. On the surface this is enough to make me want to turn snow mode on all the time to reap the benefits of increased gas mileage but my concern is that this may actually be detrimental to the longevity of the powertrain.

Does anyone know if snow mode also manages (boosts) the power going to the rear wheels?

Could there be problems with increased transmission clutch wear from shifting much earlier? I know from my days driving a manual transmission that starting in second gear is much harder on the clutch.

What about engine and transmission temperature? Would I be subjecting my engine and transmission to higher operating temperatures?

 

[MikeInNH]

Snow-mode decreases your acceleration. Hard acceleration is the worse for gas mileage and snow driving.

It was clear that it dropped a gear holding lower rpm's with snow mode on.

Dropping a gear DECREASES MPG. Not increase.

 

[scipper77]

Snow-mode decreases your acceleration. Hard acceleration is the worse for gas mileage and snow driving.



Dropping a gear DECREASES MPG. Not increase.

Thank you, I stand corrected. I was thinking of it backwards in my mind. I meant that when I turn on snow mode my RPM's drop indicating that it is going into the next higher gear.

 

[2017Highlander]

I know @KA4993 did a ton of research on "sport mode" and stuff. He can answer this for sure.

 

[maxim ricky]

short answer it won't hurt anything even at higher speeds. It will just augment your throttle when accelerating and general transmission dynamics to be better suited for slippery conditions.
In my experience you do feel more grounded. similar to a pick up truck and it's higher torque dynamic.

 

[Rickvmax]

I did a couple of calls and ran a couple of tests before this post...
Everyone is correct! 3rd Gen Highlanders, when the Snow mode is activated, transmission starts from 1st gear (not 2nd) then shifts through gears sequentially according to speed (I couldn't confirm nor able to test if upto 4th gear only is true...); basically, by using a combination of sensors (particularly the Throttle position sensor) to slow-down/retard the acceleration (even if people just floor the accelerator).

 

[Buszman]

A

First lets get this out of the way, Snow mode does not start in second gear on a 3'rd gen. I have taken the time to search previous threads so I am aware that in snow mode all gears are still used while the throttle response is deadened.

This morning, driving through snow and ice on the expressway I noticed that my indicated MPG shot up significantly with the snow button on while cruising at 50MPH. It was clear that it /EDIT went up EDIT/a gear holding lower rpm's with snow mode on. On the surface this is enough to make me want to turn snow mode on all the time to reap the benefits of increased gas mileage but my concern is that this may actually be detrimental to the longevity of the powertrain.

Does anyone know if snow mode also manages (boosts) the power going to the rear wheels?

Could there be problems with increased transmission clutch wear from shifting much earlier? I know from my days driving a manual transmission that starting in second gear is much harder on the clutch.

What about engine and transmission temperature? Would I be subjecting my engine and transmission to higher operating temperatures?

No cruise control in "Snow" mode!!