Eco Mode: Everything You Need to Know

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Geoff Cudd

Geoff Cudd

I am a serial entrepreneur and a consumer advocate. When I’m not helping car buyers, I love working on ventures that have a positive impact.

I run a cause marketing agency and serve on the board of Vayu Global Health where we are disrupting the medical industry and preventing the needless deaths of mothers and babies during childbirth.

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Did you know that the average U.S. driver spends about $3,000 a year on gasoline?

If you ever wanted to cut down on your fuel usage, you will want to consider a vehicle that offers Eco Mode. This innovative new driving technology can actually help you get excellent fuel efficiency on your vehicle.

Here, we will look at what Eco Mode is, what vehicles have it, and when you should use it.

What is Eco Mode?

Eco Mode is a type of drive mode that allows a vehicle to regulate the climate control, power output, and seat heating. This allows the vehicle to put less demand on the vehicle’s engine. Thus, the vehicle can deliver better fuel economy.

While the vehicle is in Eco Mode, the driver will notice that the vehicle will not have the acceleration performance that they are used to. Therefore, there is a trade-off when using Eco mode on the road.

When Should I Use Eco Mode?

Eco Mode is ideal when a driver will be traveling at lower speeds or in stop-and-go traffic. For instance, Eco Mode is a great idea if you will be driving in the city.

However, Eco Mode is not a great idea for highway nor long-distance driving. That’s because you are likely to be cruising at higher speeds on the highway.

Does Eco Mode Save on Gas?

Yes. Eco Mode is designed to save you on gas. This will, in turn, save you on your running fuel costs. In fact, you should see lots of savings with Eco Mode if you are doing the majority of your driving close to home. You only want to turn off Eco Mode if you drive on the highway or go on a long road trip.

Popular Manufacturer Eco Modes

If you are interested in all the benefits that Eco Mode offers, you may wonder which vehicle offers this technology. The good news is that a wide range of brands offer Eco Mode in their vehicles.

Here’s a look at some of the most popular manufacturers that currently offer Eco Mode:

Ford/Lincoln

Ford and Lincoln offer Eco Mode on their vehicles. The Ford Eco Mode system provides a running evaluation of the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. The system constantly evaluates the vehicle’s speed, braking, and gear shifting. Ford claims drivers can save up to 5% on their fuel by using Eco Mode during local and low-speed driving conditions.

Toyota

Toyota’s Eco Mode will evaluate the vehicle’s cabin system and regulate various cabin controls. That includes the vehicle’s heated seats, A/C controls, and additional power outputs. Toyota’s Eco Mode is designed for stop-and-go driving.

Lexus

The Eco Mode system on Lexus vehicles is known as Drive Mode Select. With Drive Mode Select, the driver has a choice of five settings: Sport Mode, Normal Mode, ECO Mode, EV Mode, and Sport S+ Mode. Each mode can be customized.

Kia/Hyundai

The Eco Mode on Kia and Hyundai models is known as Active ECO. When the Active ECO system is activated, a green ECO indicator will illuminate in the driver’s information center.

GM/Chevrolet Brands

For GM/Chevrolet brands, the Eco Mode unlocks the vehicle’s torque converter, allowing the driver to enjoy better fuel efficiency at a lower speed. The system will also cut the engine’s speed while at idle.

Nissan

You can find Eco Mode across Nissan’s line-up of cars, trucks, and SUVs. The Eco Mode on Nissan vehicles moderates the acceleration, which lowers the overall fuel consumption.

Top Models With Eco Mode

There are a number of excellent vehicles with Eco Mode. But which ones are the best?

Here are some popular models that offer Eco Mode:

Toyota Corolla Hybrid

The Toyota Corolla Hybrid is one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the road. In fact, you can get a combined fuel economy rating of 52 miles per gallon. Best of all, the Toyota Corolla Hybrid is available for less than $25,000.

Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is a perennial best seller with a huge emphasis on fuel efficiency. With a combined fuel economy rating of 32 miles per gallon, you are sure to get lots of benefits with the Eco Mode on this small car.

Chevrolet 1500 Duramax Diesel

Who says that you have to spend lots of money on fuel when driving a pick-up? The Chevrolet 1500 Duramax Diesel offers Eco Mode along with an excellent combined fuel economy rating of 27 miles per gallon.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Eco Mode work?

Eco Mode works by regulating the power output of other systems on the vehicle. For instance, the Eco Mode system may regulate the air conditioning output, the heated seats as well as other systems that may put a strain on the vehicle’s engine and electrical system.

What models have Eco Mode?

Some of the top models that have Eco Mode include the Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry, Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Nissan Sentra, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, Kia K5, Ford Escape, Ford EcoSport, Chevy Trax, Chevy Equinox, and the Chevy Silverado 1500.

Can I use Eco Mode all the time?

It is recommended that you only use Eco Mode for low-speed driving conditions. You should not use Eco Mode for higher-speed driving.

Can I use Eco Mode on the highway?

It is not recommended that you use Eco Mode on the highway. That’s because Eco Mode is designed to inhibit acceleration. When you are on the highway, you will need the vehicle’s acceleration power to keep up with highway driving.

Does Eco Mode drain the battery?

Eco Mode will not drain the battery. The system is designed to regulate the power output of certain functions of your vehicle, which does not create huge demands on the vehicle’s battery.

Can Eco Mode hurt my engine?

There is no evidence that Eco Mode can hurt your vehicle’s engine. However, there is nothing to gain by using Eco Mode when you are on the highway.

Can you turn off Eco Mode while driving?

In just about all vehicles, you can turn off Eco Mode while driving. Usually, the vehicle’s system will ask you to confirm before you turn off Eco Mode.

Does Eco Mode change the driving experience?

Eco Mode is designed to regulate output on certain vehicle functions. In doing so, the vehicle will not be able to provide a fast acceleration response. However, if you are driving under low-speed conditions, you should not notice any change in the driving experience.

What’s the difference between Eco Mode and Sport Mode?

Eco Mode will regulate your vehicle’s output while Sport Mode will hold a vehicle in gear with an automatic transmission. Sport Mode is designed to make the throttle more sensitive and give you a faster response.