Owner guide · Elgin Toyota · Streamwood, IL
Toyota Snow Mode: What It Does and When to Use It
AWD versions of the Toyota RAV4 have a Snow mode switch, and other Toyota models may too. Here is what it does, when it switches itself off, how it differs from the off-road modes, and Toyota's own winter driving and getting-unstuck steps. The Toyota facts here are from Toyota's RAV4 Owner's Manual (OM0R024U), read October 27, 2026.
AWDversions have the Snow mode switch (RAV4)
1 pressturns Snow mode on; press again to turn it off
Engine offcancels Snow mode automatically
4 snow tiresor the right chains: Toyota pre-winter advice
What does the Toyota Snow mode button do?
Toyota's RAV4 Owner's Manual says Snow mode can be selected to suit the conditions when driving on slippery road surfaces, such as on snow. On AWD versions, press the Snow mode switch: the Snow mode indicator lights on the multi-information display and the display background changes. Press it again to turn it off. It also turns off by itself when you turn the engine off.
How to turn Snow mode on and off
The RAV4 Owner's Manual lists the Snow mode switch for AWD vehicles. The steps are the same for both AWD systems it covers (Dynamic Torque Control AWD and Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD):
- Press the Snow mode switch. The system switches to Snow mode and the Snow mode indicator lights on the multi-information display; the display background also changes.
- Press the switch again to turn Snow mode off. The indicator goes out.
- Snow mode is canceled automatically when the engine switch is turned off, or when Mud & Sand or Rock & Dirt mode is selected for Multi-terrain Select.
Not every Toyota or trim has this switch; the manual marks Snow mode for AWD vehicles. Check your own owner's manual for your model and year.
Snow mode vs. the other drive modes
| Mode | What Toyota says it is for | Stays on after engine off? |
|---|---|---|
| Snow mode (AWD) | Slippery road surfaces, such as on snow | No, canceled when the engine switch is turned off |
| Normal mode | Normal driving | Yes, until another mode is selected |
| Eco drive mode | Better fuel economy; smoother torque and restrained heating/cooling | Yes, until another mode is selected |
| Sport mode | Sporty driving, such as mountain roads | No, returns to normal mode |
| Mud & Sand (Multi-terrain Select, AWD) | Roads with more driving resistance, such as sandy or muddy roads | No, canceled when the engine switch is turned off |
| Rock & Dirt (Multi-terrain Select, AWD) | Bumpy roads, such as unpaved forest roads | No, canceled when the engine switch is turned off |
From the Toyota RAV4 Owner's Manual (OM0R024U), sections on the driving mode select switch, Multi-terrain Select and the Snow mode switch, read October 27, 2026. Multi-terrain Select is for rough roads; the manual says to drive in normal mode during normal driving.
What the AWD system does on its own
The manual describes the AWD system as switching automatically from front-wheel drive to all-wheel drive according to driving conditions. Its examples include cornering, going uphill, starting off or accelerating, and when the road surface is slippery due to snow, rain and so on.
Snow mode does not change the rules of the road. Toyota's winter tips say to accelerate slowly, keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to road conditions.
Two side effects to expect on the RAV4: the Stop & Start system will not stop the engine while Snow mode is selected (AWD models), and switching into Snow mode restarts an engine that Stop & Start has stopped.
Toyota's pre-winter checklist
The RAV4 Owner's Manual's Winter driving tips list these preparations:
Fluids for the cold
Use engine oil, engine coolant and washer fluid that are appropriate to the outside temperatures.
Battery check
Have a service technician inspect the condition of the battery.
Snow tires or chains
Fit four snow tires, or buy tire chains for the front tires. All tires should be the same size and brand, and chains must match the tire size.
Snow tire rules
Use the specified size, keep the recommended air pressure, use snow tires on all wheels, and do not drive over 75 mph on them.
Tire chains cannot be mounted on RAV4s with 235/55R19 tires; the manual says to use snow tires instead. Regulations on tire chains vary by location and road type, so check local rules first.
Before and during a snowy drive
From the manual's winter tips: do not force open a frozen window or move a frozen wiper. Pour warm water over the frozen area and wipe the water away right away so it does not refreeze.
Clear snow from the air inlet vents in front of the windshield so the climate control fan works, and remove ice or snow from the exterior lights, roof, chassis, around the tires and on the brakes. Knock snow or mud off your shoes before you get in.
When parking in the cold, the manual says to move the shift lever to P without setting the parking brake, because it may freeze, and to block the wheels. If the parking brake is in automatic mode, release it after shifting to P.
If your Toyota gets stuck in snow
The RAV4 Owner's Manual gives this recovery procedure for tires that spin or a vehicle stuck in mud, dirt or snow:
- Stop the engine. Set the parking brake and shift to P.
- Remove the snow from around the stuck tire.
- Put wood, stones or other material under the tires to help with traction.
- Restart the engine.
- Shift to D or R and release the parking brake. Then, with caution, press the accelerator.
If it is still hard to free the vehicle, the manual says to turn off TRAC (traction control), which may make it easier to rock the vehicle free. Make sure the area around you is clear, avoid spinning the wheels more than necessary, and if the vehicle stays stuck it may need towing.
Elgin Toyota service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7 a.m.-7 p.m. |
| Sat | 7 a.m.-4 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Elgin Toyota's website, October 27, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Toyota Snow mode FAQ
What does Snow mode do on a Toyota?
Toyota's RAV4 Owner's Manual says Snow mode can be selected to suit the conditions when driving on slippery road surfaces, such as on snow. It is a switch on AWD versions; pressing it puts the system in Snow mode and lights the Snow mode indicator on the multi-information display.
Does Snow mode stay on after I turn the car off?
No. Per the RAV4 Owner's Manual, Snow mode is canceled automatically when the engine switch is turned off, or when Mud & Sand or Rock & Dirt mode is selected for Multi-terrain Select. Press the switch again after each start if you still need it.
Is Snow mode the same as Mud & Sand or Rock & Dirt?
No. Those are Multi-terrain Select modes for muddy, sandy or rough roads, and the manual says to drive in normal mode during normal driving. Snow mode is its own switch, meant for slippery surfaces such as snow.
Why does my engine not shut off at stops in Snow mode?
On the RAV4, the Stop & Start system only stops the engine when certain conditions are met, and one of them is that Snow mode is not selected (AWD models). Changing to Snow mode also restarts an engine that the system has stopped.
What if I get stuck in snow?
The RAV4 Owner's Manual says to stop the engine, set the parking brake and shift to P, clear the snow from around the stuck tire, put wood, stones or other material under the tires for traction, restart, shift to D or R, release the parking brake and press the accelerator with caution. If it is still hard to free the vehicle, turn off TRAC. If it stays stuck, it may need towing.
Can Elgin Toyota get my Toyota ready for winter?
Yes. Toyota's winter tips call for fluids suited to the outside temperature, a technician inspection of the battery, and four snow tires or the right tire chains. Our service team in Streamwood can check the battery, fluids and tires; see the service hours above.
Getting ready for winter?
Book a battery, fluid and tire check at Elgin Toyota, 1600 W. Lake St. in Streamwood, before the first snow.
Sources
Everything about Snow mode, the other drive modes, AWD, winter preparation and getting unstuck is from Toyota's RAV4 Owner's Manual (OM0R024U), read October 27, 2026. Switches and modes vary by model, grade and year; your owner's manual is the final word. Address and hours are from Elgin Toyota's own website. Photo is illustrative.
- RAV4 Owner's Manual (OM0R024U): Snow mode switch; driving mode select switch; Multi-terrain Select; AWD and TRAC; Stop & Start; winter driving tips; if the vehicle becomes stuck, Toyota, read October 27, 2026
- Address and service hours, Elgin Toyota, October 27, 2026
