My 2019 CX-5 AWD is my first "Sport Mode" vehicle. What is the best situation for the Sport Mode? I did read it will help to down shift exiting the highway. Will the MPG change when in use? Do you leave it on when on the highway? Would it be useful for winter driving? Thanks..
2017~2024 Sport Mode Switch Location
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7eregrine
The man, the myth, the legend
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- Land of Cleve
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- 2016.5 CX5
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It just changes the transmission shift points to hold gears longer. So normally, lets say at light to moderate acceleration, the car shifts from 2nd gear to 3rd gear at 2500 RPM (just an arbitrary number I'm using for this example). With Sport mode on, the car will shift from 2nd to 3rd at 3200 RPM instead (again, arbitrary number). This means that when you're cruising along at 40 mph with Sport mode on, you might be in 3rd gear with the RPMs at 3600, vs with Sport mode off, you might be in 4th gear with the RPMs at 2200.
The benefit of being in the moderate to higher RPM range is that the car is more responsive to throttle input in those ranges, so when you depress the accelerator, there is less of a "lag" in picking up speed.
Fuel economy will likely decrease slightly if you drive with Sport mode on all the time. I only turn it on in advance when I think I might need it, and I wouldn't turn it on for winter driving.
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186746
Honestly, it's rarely something you need to use, as the transmission is responsive enough for most driving conditions. If you have a tight or short entrance ramp onto a highway and want slightly quicker acceleration by already being in a lower gear rather than pressing the accelerator and waiting for a downshift, it can be marginally useful. There really isn't enough compression braking (at least in the turbo models) to make using lower gears to slow down very useful (and the engine doesn't sound very good doing it - again turbo model). Also if you are on a nice twisty road and want to drive in a more aggressive manner it can be good.
Definitely not something to leave on for highway driving, as it'll keep you in a lower gear with worse fuel economy. Definitely not for winter driving as you want less torque to the wheels and not more. Generally in my opinion, it's best to leave it in normal mode almost all the time.
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186746
As my post clearly showed, I was responding to HeloJoe and not the OP. Thanks for reading the rest of the post that already stated ultimate acceleration is not changed.
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- 2019 CX-5 Signature
Yes, I understood that you were clearly not responding to the OP, or me. I just thought you left out something and wanted to make sure no one would misinterpret what you were conveying.
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181962
More drive modes are being added for 2022, a catch-up to competitors, so the issue is probably moot. You have to think past just a Sport toggle. The current competitor multi-mode systems are typically controlled by a dial on the console. One key competitor has both a dial and buttons:
2024 Toyota RAV4 Features | Toyota.com
Dive into the comprehensive guide on 2024 Toyota RAV4 features, from cutting-edge safety technology to comfort amenities and performance capabilities. Learn how this compact SUV sets the standard for versatility, efficiency, and reliability.
The evident intent in this design is to select a mode with one click of a button or one click on the dial. The Normal "hot button" on the dial and the separate normal button seem redundant, so the logic behind that would require a reading of the manual and a test drive. A dial-only design would require clicking through multiple modes to get to the one on the far right or far left, evidently not intended as something to use on the fly.
According to some reports, the 2022 CX-5 features increased body rigidity and a re-tuned suspension which would suggest Mazda is shooting for better off-road chops. So, one or two off-road settings along with Sport, Snow, whatnot may be in the cards.
Now, if they go with a console dial and retain the screen controller dial, there will be two big dials on the console. Then drivers will have the opportunity to complain about turning the wrong dial.
Pictures I've seen on the webinets purporting to be of the 2022 interior show console, steering wheel, and the small touch screen that don't look any different than on my 2020 so those are head fakes. The C&R photo intro to their slide show is an example of the old interior presented as new. The last Mazda stock photo in the C&R slide show has an interior shot which excludes the console. I guess we'll just have to wait for Mazda to do a reveal unless somebody has dug one up.Anyway, the 2022 trans is purported to be smoother shifting which would address a common complaint. If that's the case, one may be less inclined to momentarily punch in and out of Sport.
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- 2021 CX-5 Sig.
Is that listed in the manual or something? I've been trying to find this information but I wouldnt say actively.
CarpeDiem
Under Pressure
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- Superstitions
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- 2021 CE Turbo
Partly, but it isn’t as clear as explained above.
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181962
The 2020 manual says little about Sport Mode. The most salient bit is:
When the sport mode is selected, driving at higher engine speeds increases and it may
increase fuel consumption. Mazda recommends that you cancel the sport mode on normal
driving.
Drive mode cannot be switched in the following conditions:
ABS/TCS/DSC is operating
The Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go function (MRCC with Stop & Go
function) System/Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system/cruise control is
operating.
Steering wheel is being operated abruptly
That's about it. It's pretty obvious just driving in Sport that it holds the gear to higher RPMs before upshifting than in Normal mode. As previously mentioned, in less than aggressive driving Normal mode runs through the gears at around 2500 RPM, give or take. In Sport it runs up to 3000 RPM, maybe a little higher.
If you floor it, there may be some slight difference between Sport and Normal since Sport is starting from a higher RPM. However, in Normal the tach will go flying up to the red line is short order so if there is any difference it might not be noticeable.
7eregrine
The man, the myth, the legend
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- Land of Cleve
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- 2016.5 CX5
Someone who's obviously never used it. I rarely do either, but yea... it's, no question, noticeable.
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181962
Try cruising at 50 mph, floor it to 85 mph, put a stop watch on the two modes and see what you get.
I'm not much of a "sport" driver; the only time I've used the "Sport" mode is when leaving my house there is a long, steep downhill stretch of road. I've found that when in Sport mode, engine braking is much more effective and longer lasting before I have to touch the brake pedal.
Of course, decades ago when learning how to drive, my father said he didn't do much engine braking as he would rather replace the brakes than the transmission!
Of course, decades ago when learning how to drive, my father said he didn't do much engine braking as he would rather replace the brakes than the transmission!
7eregrine
The man, the myth, the legend
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- Land of Cleve
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- 2016.5 CX5
I didn't say "it makes the car drive WAY FASTER/BETTER"" or any such nonsense.
I said "It's noticeable, when it's on"
