An Introduction to Sport Mode: What Drivers Should Know

Sport code is a common feature in many vehicles. It's not limited to cars. Whether you drive a car, truck or SUV, it may come equipped with sport mode. What is sport mode exactly, and how does it work?

What Is Sport Mode?

Sport mode is an automotive enhancement feature that's designed to automatically adjust the performance of a vehicle. Contrary to its name, Sport mode isn't exclusive to sports cars. It's a common feature in many different vehicles. Regardless, activating Sport mode will automatically adjust and fine-tune the vehicle's performance.

How Sport Mode Works

Even if your vehicle is equipped with Sport mode, you might be wondering how it works. Sport mode is typically activated by pressing a button. On the dashboard, you may notice a button labeled "Sport" or "Sport Mode." Pressing this button will activate Sport mode.

When activated, Sport mode will make several adjustments to your vehicle's performance. You may notice a quicker throttle response, for instance. The throttle will be more sensitive. As you press the gas pedal, the engine will rev in less time due to the faster throttle response.

You may notice that your vehicle changes gears at a higher RPM while in Sport mode. Assuming you drive an automatic transmission, it will change gears automatically. Sport mode, though, can affect when your vehicle changes gears.

Sport mode may increase your vehicle's horsepower. It may change the ratio of fuel to air that your vehicle's engine burns. Alternatively, Sport mode may streamline the flow of exhaust gases out of your vehicle's exhaust pipe or pipes. The end result is higher horsepower that manifests in the form of a more powerful engine.

Sport Mode vs Eco Mode: What's the Difference?

Some drivers assume that Sport mode is the same as Eco mode. After all, they are both activated by pressing a button, and they are both designed to make automatic adjustments to vehicles. Sport mode and Eco mode, however, are different features with their own unique purposes.

Sport mode is a performance-enhancement feature. It's designed to automatically adjust the performance of a vehicle via changes to the onboard computer. Eco mode, on the other hand, is a fuel economy feature. When activated, Eco mode will make gas-saving adjustments to the vehicle.

If you're looking to maximize your vehicle's performance, you should consider using Sport mode. To save money at the pump, conversely, you should use Eco mode. They are different types of modes, each of which serves a different purpose.