Does ECO mode really save gas?

[Dallas Maverick]

https://www.consumerreports.org/fue...mC8nK48y4larpx1hDTWToTbwBRtjdjt4p8evgWa4sQtT4

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[Bushpilot]

Their observations match my understanding. Eco mode is helpful because it trains the driver, and restrains "bad" behaviors, like quick acceleration. On the hybrid, it seems to regen more aggressively, which is better than heavy friction brake usage, but not as good as coasting.

A smooth driver can achieve equivalent results in either Eco or Normal.

 

[DWV]

It can; but it depends on how you drive and the geography/topography, and distance of your trips.
Cold start and short trips are tough on mileage.

 

[Jonny44]

It remaps the throttle response, widening the lower end of the throttle to slow your acceleration rate. It allows you better pedal control to stay in electric mode at lower speeds.

 

[SLINGSHOT]

Regular mode the engine says, "Oh, you want to go someplace? OK."
ECO mode the engine says, "You want to go someplace? Hold on a sec, I'll be with you soon."
SPORT mode the engine says, "Yeehaa, we're out of here!!"

 

[MakinDoForNow]

They tested reco mode at 65 mph which is 2-5 mph where maverick almost totally stops eco mode assist and enters highway 35mpg range. So consumer reports did not even test eco mode except when getting up. to speed and slowing down. On the flat with zero wind at 60 mph I can get around 50-55 mpg. Also if you want to coast further you can use slippery mode which reduces Regen braking below that of eco mode. I can get 3 mpg better in slippery than eco. Not withstanding advantages of eco and slippery if you are real attentive you can get same or even better in normal. Just depends on how you drive.

 

[HeyBales]

Does it save gas?
More like - does it save/help you from using gas in your driving scenarios?
More education in article would have been useful.

I'll frequently forget to change to ECO mode, or short trip don't bother, so in Normal mode.

I'll try to remember to use ECO mode for city driving.

I'll use Slippery if getting on highway.

I've become very adept at acceleration under all three and see no benefit there, except a wider margin of pedal movement to perhaps max to 10% power but not slip over when not needed, from Eco to Slippery.
Which frankly in my city driving is almost always needed to go over if other cars are behind me.
If it would allow going up to 15% I could mostly keep up with other traffic on flat areas, the next incline will get the engine on for HVB recharge anyway.

The big difference I don't always remember is the braking. Normal at 35-45 mp coast applies about 25% regen, Eco 50%, slippery what maybe 5-10%.
Sometimes I'll get off the highway and forget still slippery so slamming on brakes on 1st light.
Easy to get 100% regen on Eco which is why I like it for city driving.

ETA - I did like their last comment about many vehicles with Eco mode turn on a display to educate drivers. Not sure how many drivers look at dashboard, early sunset and lights being off says not that great many. But I guess if selecting that mode you are interested.
I like the Hybrid method of just keeping something up for display not matter what mode.

Does the EB engine have a display like that to assist with learning?

 

[Meeka]

Does it save gas?
More like - does it save/help you from using gas in your driving scenarios?
More education in article would have been useful.

I'll frequently forget to change to ECO mode, or short trip don't bother, so in Normal mode.

I'll try to remember to use ECO mode for city driving.

I'll use Slippery if getting on highway.

I've become very adept at acceleration under all three and see no benefit there, except a wider margin of pedal movement to perhaps max to 10% power but not slip over when not needed, from Eco to Slippery.
Which frankly in my city driving is almost always needed to go over if other cars are behind me.
If it would allow going up to 15% I could mostly keep up with other traffic on flat areas, the next incline will get the engine on for HVB recharge anyway.

The big difference I don't always remember is the braking. Normal at 35-45 mp coast applies about 25% regen, Eco 50%, slippery what maybe 5-10%.
Sometimes I'll get off the highway and forget still slippery so slamming on brakes on 1st light.
Easy to get 100% regen on Eco which is why I like it for city driving.

You use slippery mode on dry pavement?

 

[HeyBales]

You use slippery mode on dry pavement?

As a great many do.

On hybrid it may not do the same as you think for EB.

 

[vandeda2024]

Regular mode the engine says, "Oh, you want to go someplace? OK."
ECO mode the engine says, "You want to go someplace? Hold on a sec, I'll be with you soon."
SPORT mode the engine says, "Yeehaa, we're out of here!!"

Oh boy ... this makes me think of my current Prius v, but it's a bit different:
Regular mode the engine says, "oh, you want to go someplace? OK, I'll get you there within a few days or so"
ECO mode the engine says, "You want to go someplace? Yeah, that'll take at least a week"
PWR mode the engines says "HAHAHA, I don't have any power, that button is just a joke"

 

[LSchicago]

I've noticed it being better mostly in slower highway speeds. 60-70 MPH.

 

[Camdak]

As a great many do.

On hybrid it may not do the same as you think for EB.

Hmm, thanks, will look into that.

 

[Stevezilla]

In my daily 70 mile commute, I get an average of 45-46 mpg in Eco mode, vs 42-44 in Normal mode. 50% of my commute is interstate, the other 50% is city and suburbs.

 

[Random]

100% Slippery Mode for 2 years now.

 

[Camdak]

100% Slippery Mode for 2 years now.

Wow, I guess I just don’t get it. I always thought slippery mode was for snow in winter. I guess my 24 XLT FX4 manual is wrong? Mud/ruts, sand, I’m so confused!

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