2026 Hybrid - Driving in Econ Mode

[Glen Baker LLC]

You mean you don't break out the torque wrench before every drive?

Nope.
Not even if I owned a torque wrench.

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[Finnster]

i stopped using ECO mode. I light up the L button (the only downside is that whenever you say L button everyone will feel the need to remind you that the engine braking regen doesn't light up the brake lights) and drive in normal mode. L button makes the ECO mode regen redundant.

2X for Normal Mode!
I spent my first 8 months of ownership without ever trying Normal mode, now I use Normal mode exclusively!
I have several reasons for this. The truck feels and drives better (more normal and relaxed, IMO)
The regen in Normal mode is perfect, it allows me to more easily judge coast down to a stop, and if I overshoot - there's always the parachute button (Low).
I have noticed an improvement in MPG's in Normal mode (YMMV), but I can't be sure why that is.
I can hypermile in Normal mode without working at it. Give it a shot!

 

[blitzoid]

Not even if I owned a torque wrench.

Does that mean you're providing your own "CLICK" when required?

Next thing you're going to tell me you don't slap the tie down and say "that'll hold" every time...

playing with fire there, my friend.

 

[Chops]

Just don’t use eco mode while towing. Tow mode will lessen the stress on your Atkinson (but mpg will suffer).

This might be a “captain obvious” comment but what the hey.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Does that mean you're providing your own "CLICK" when required?

Next thing you're going to tell me you don't slap the tie down and say "that'll hold" every time...

playing with fire there, my friend.

Let's see now. I'm 71 years old.
I've owned more than 45 vehicles in my lifetime never once had lug nuts or bolts loosen up, much less a wheel fall off.
As far as the tie down goes.
I strum it a few times. If I hear the right tone it's good to go.

 

[notfast]

I wish I could have the extra regen breaking from eco mode in normal mode. That would be perfect, imo.

When I drove a 2025 hybrid, normal mode in L felt like just that...the regen braking of Eco mode but everything else in, well, normal mode.

I can deal with this if it means better gas mileage and no long-term impact.

Might run into deep sleep issues? Pure speculation, but others found out that the 12V battery SOC changes depending on whether the headlights are on or the fan is set to a higher speed, so it wouldn't surprise me if Eco mode allowed the HVB or the 12V battery to discharge further than in normal mode.

 

[Mavster Mechanic]

Let's see now. I'm 71 years old.
I've owned more than 45 vehicles in my lifetime never once had lug nuts or bolts loosen up, much less a wheel fall off.

Me neither.

But it was weird once at work.
We had ALL the lug nuts come off a 75 ton (that's 150,000 lbs for some) dump truck. And with those 72" wheels it had either 24 or 32 lugnuts, I forget. Don't work there any more. (For good reason!)

 

[Pointyears]

I only do it when it’s flat. If it’s hilly, fuhgetaboutit.

 

[msallen518]

Does anyone else drive in Econ mode the majority of the time to increase gas mileage?

I can't find any information that states this would harm the vehicle. The performance declines slightly, but I can deal with this if it means better gas mileage and no long-term impact.

Yes, when I remember to switch to that mode. It has made a difference to me.

 

[ZABSMAV]

Does anyone else drive in Econ mode the majority of the time to increase gas mileage?

I can't find any information that states this would harm the vehicle. The performance declines slightly, but I can deal with this if it means better gas mileage and no long-term impact.

Yes, almost exclusively. It is the most fuel efficient mode. Ever wonder why it is called "Economy" mode?

 

[DWV]

I do, except when I forget to re-activate after a short stop!
I find you can stay in electric just a tad above the first line, but in normal hit the line and that's it.

 

[Manollo3]

I wish I could have the extra regen breaking from eco mode in normal mode. That would be perfect, imo.

That's why I use Eco Mode daily.

 

[mikepoole]

Eco all the time except for highway, then slippery for improved coasting. L for extra slowing and/or regen...

 

[Hankgagnon]

Does anyone else drive in Econ mode the majority of the time to increase gas mileage?

I can't find any information that states this would harm the vehicle. The performance declines slightly, but I can deal with this if it means better gas mileage and no long-term impact.

I drive in ECO mode most of the time. It does not hurt the vehicle at all. It was engineered that way. ECO mode does improve fuel efficiency. People who don't want to save money and gas can drive normal mode or in sports mode. The vehicle is engineered that way. I believe they can do better just by adding a better/bigger battery. Even in ECO mode the truck has plenty of Get-up-and-Go from a stop.
Of course all bets are off if you drive it like a nut, and gun it at every start, constantly coming to quick and abrupt stops, or drive 80-90 MPH all the time. No matter what mode your in gas mileage will drop significantly.

 

[ZeroDay]

I have 50,000km on my truck now. I stopped using Eco as I found no real benefit on my commute. My new record was achieved on normal mode. 4.44L/100km.

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