[qterrell]

When I test drove a Sport, the salesman kept trying to get me to drive into a subdivision to test the Mud and Snow Modes on dry pavement. Won't that damage the drivetrain?

 

[cchambers]

No, it's not like driving full time four wheel drive on dry pavement. Mud, snow and sand modes simply change the way the transmission starts and shifts. If I remember correctly, snow mode for example, starts out in second gear to reduce tire spin.

 

[qterrell]

No, it's not like driving full time four wheel drive on dry pavement. Mud, snow and sand modes simply change the way the transmission starts and shifts. If I remember correctly, snow mode for example, starts out in second gear to reduce tire spin.

Thanks, darksky! I also emailed Honda for their input. I think you're right, because it's full-time AWD, but I want to be sure before I buy used. My guess is that no one is going to put it into Sand Mode on pavement (besides the salesman) anyway.