Snow Mode?
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Yes. Snow mode will noticeably reduce throttle response and reduce acceleration. This is to prevent any of the wheels from breaking loose or spinning. Otherwise, the Passport handles the snow just fine. If you have snow or winter tires, it will be even better.
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I've been happy with the Passport's performance in snow so far.
I think the limiting factor will be tire traction. Very limited snow experience so far (mild NE winter) but vehicle felt pretty controlled and stable in Snow mode. It does slow throttle response and if I'm not mistaken starts vehicle off in 2nd gear to avoid losing traction.
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81 Posts
Snow mode with stock tires handled like a champ! Got 2+ ft in less than 24 hours and had 0 traction issues on a windy mountain road with lots of ups and downs and curves. I can’t wait to get better M+S rated tires once the stock ones wear down a bit and then the Passport will be almost unstoppable in the snow.
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223 Posts
Vehicle is excellent in the snow. Even with non-winter tires. I was able to drive vehicle with both sets of tires in bad weather at different times.... I don't even use Snow Mode as it reduces throttle input to the point of making vehicle sluggish.... I'm sure there's a use for it in treacherous conditions, but if you are used to driving a lesser vehicle in Winter weather... you'll be fine. The stock Conti's work pretty well even for not being snow tires. My 2 cents.
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223 Posts
Hahaha... yeah, no, I didn't have to "floor it" but it is really lethargic... It's like that in Economy Mode too. Not a fan of those settings. Using those settings and making a left turn in traffic can get you in trouble. Like I said, if you are a Northern driver and have some miles under your belt, you probably know how to drive in the snow with an even lesser capable vehicle.
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86 Posts
Thanks for the responses. I want to add that my wife's car does not default to Econ mode, you have to manually switch it and that is when the Auto Engine Idle Shut Off is engaged, not before.
Great to hear about the snow and PP - thanks again.
Great to hear about the snow and PP - thanks again.
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187 Posts
I tested my Pilot in 4 inches of snow in Normal and Snow mode. Lot's of traction in either mode, but in normal mode it is easier to break lose all 4 tires. Snow mode allows for gentler power delivery so wheels stay planted. I have a set of winter tires so traction was not an issue at all. The car felt solid on ice and in fresh snow, way better than both my Subaru Outback (2002 and 2013). I always recommend winter tires if you drive in the snow regularly.
VSA?
Northern Colorado- we have about 8-10 inches of fresh snow and have been out in the passport- my impression is very nice. I tried snow mode and regular. I prefer regular mode. What I wasn’t impressed with is the wipers and front defrosters. I mean that’s a lot of glass to warm and it took, in my opinion, quite long to keep windshield clear. Snow hitting and freezing. It’s about 10 degrees and I have lived in this environment a long time. Overall though very satisfied and like I said the handling was really good.
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60 Posts
JRJ, thanks for your winter forecast, I live in Maine and have been wondering how I'll fare once snow starts. If you never have, try some Rain-X de-icing washer fluid. It really helps to keep the glass cleaner and makes your wiper blades perform their best. I also highly recommend Bosch Icon wipers. They aren't cheap but neither are accidents.
Good reminder on the de-icer. I usually use the Preston winter mix and it’s been ok. Don’t think I’ve tried the rainX but maybe I’ll give it try. Years ago for reason(s) I don’t remember, I kind of snubbed my nose at RainX but I hear a lot of people with very positive comments- so maybe I just had my nose up my arse.
Bosch blades, I don’t think there is anything better for winter, I my opinion. I’ll definitely be adding them. We bought the PP in August and I haven’t done anything to it. Only negative I have on the Bosch is it’s wrapped in a thin rubber casing on the outward aspect then tends to dry out and curl in the warmer months. The sun out here at altitude can be very intense. I know the smart thing to do would be to switch out to non- winter blade but I’ve been too lazy it seems.
Bosch blades, I don’t think there is anything better for winter, I my opinion. I’ll definitely be adding them. We bought the PP in August and I haven’t done anything to it. Only negative I have on the Bosch is it’s wrapped in a thin rubber casing on the outward aspect then tends to dry out and curl in the warmer months. The sun out here at altitude can be very intense. I know the smart thing to do would be to switch out to non- winter blade but I’ve been too lazy it seems.
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The beauty of the Rain-X is it treats the windshield while it de-ices so the water/slush slides off and doesn't get a chance to stick. The Icon blades have a beefy plastic frame with no rubber wrapping. I usually get a year or more with them. FYI with Covid washer fluid supplies are suffering due to alcohol shortages. Stock up !!
Good info- thanks. Admitting I haven’t tried the Icon but some of the older Bosch blades did have a rubber wrap for lack of a better word. I think the last few times I’ve put on blades I’ve tried other brands like Anco. I’ll give the Icon a try.
A few years back with my Ridgeline I had to drive from Albany to Boston and back in a blizzard. I had snows and the the Ridgeline was great. Temps were around -10 to +10 and as mentioned, there wasn't enough heat output to keep the window defrosted and the cabin warm at the same time no matter which combination I tried. Fortunately, this is not a normal temperature range around here.
Does the Ridgeline have the same size windshield as the PP? It did seem as though the warm air output was insufficient. Full on, dedicated to defrost mode. It wasn’t horrible and mainly on the passenger side, distal ( from hood ) aspect of the wiper. It would build up a think layer of ice at the end of the wiper and that kept the middle portion of the wiper from cleanly sweeping. I got out a couple times and snapped the wiper to break the buildup, but it returned. Eventually it got better.
I think they are the same size. Yeah, I was hoping defrost/floor would work but nope, had to go to the full defrost as you mentioned to keep the windshield clear. Was constantly switching between the 2 modes to keep warm but here, it rarely snows when it's that cold and I'll assume it was a once in a lifetime situation when I would actually have to be out.. I didn't see bare pavement until I got within the Boston suburbs. I'll never forget it. These I-VTM4 Hondas with snow tires are the setup to have if you have to be out in the snow. I did another trip with the Ridgeline last winter picking up my other daughter for xmas break on a hilly back road and interstate trip on I-88. On that day there were snow squalls that covered a good part of the state. At times visibility was poor but the Ridgeline was Most impressive, I often couldn't tell how fast I could push it because it felt so sure footed. Heat output for the cabin and the windshield that day was aplenty. I'm hoping the PP to be just be as good or better. I've had CRV's with Blizzaks that were awesome as well.
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