The 2017 Kia Forte is equipped with an alternative “Active ECO” driving mode that helps you save gas by modifying your vehicle’s throttle response to shift gears at a lower RPM.
Drivers of the 2017 Kia Forte can take advantage of multiple driving modes that alter vehicle performance to achieve their desired driving experience. One such mode is ECO mode, which promises fuel conservation and can potentially help cut drivers’ monthly gas budget—but do you actually save gas in ECO mode, and is it worth using?
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers What is the 2017 Kia Forte’s ECO mode?
The 2017 Kia Forte is equipped with three driving modes: Regular, Sport, and Eco Mode.
Your Forte’s integrated control system allows you to select a driving mode depending on your preference or the condition of the road. For average, everyday driving, most Kia owners keep things on “regular”—but depending on the driving experience you’re looking for, alternative modes can be activated to alter your car’s transaxle system and steering response and change the way your vehicle performs.
The 2017 Kia Forte’s Eco Mode—also called “Active ECO”—can be activated to improve fuel efficiency and reduce aggressive driving habits. With Active ECO turned on, you’re likely to get better mileage as you drive—but just how fuel efficient your Kia is in Active ECO will ultimately depend on your driving habits.
When Active ECO is turned on, you may experience:
Reduced acceleration (regardless of how hard you hit the gas pedal)
A limited or lower-power climate control system
A change in your vehicle’s shift pattern of the automatic transaxle
These changes are a normal part of Active ECO Mode. By altering your vehicle’s throttle response to shift gears at a lower RPM, Active ECO mode aims to conserve fuel—and has the potential to make you a safer driver, too.
Key Takeaway The 2017 Kia Forte’s Active ECO mode alters your car’s transaxle response to shift gears at a lower RPM, helping you conserve fuel and engage in safe driving habits.
Does the 2017 Kia Forte ECO mode save fuel?
The short answer is, yes, Active ECO mode does conserve fuel and may help lower your monthly gas costs over time. But exactly how efficient your mileage is while driving in Active ECO Mode will depend on your personal driving habits, as well as how much time you spend driving in ECO mode versus its performance-focused counterpart, Sport mode. You can always keep track of your Kia’s mileage on the instrument cluster or odometer.
Does the 2017 Kia Forte ECO mode charge the battery?
No, your Forte’s Active ECO Mode won’t charge the battery. It also doesn’t drain the battery, either—but depending on your model options and trim level, there may be a built-in automatic start/stop feature that shuts the engine off as you idle at red lights to save extra fuel.
What’s the difference between the 2017 Kia Forte’s ECO mode and SPORT mode?
The 2017 Kia Forte’s SPORT mode is an alternative driving mode that prioritizes performance.
You should think of SPORT and ECO modes as opposites: where ECO mode decreases certain performance features to keep things fuel-efficient, SPORT mode enhances performance for a more dynamic driving experience. With SPORT mode activated, your Forte’s steering, engine, and transaxle response are automatically adjusted for a smoother ride and better handling—making for a more spirited driving experience.
In SPORT mode, you’re likely to see a decrease in fuel efficiency as you drive, since you’ll shift gears at a higher RPM than in either ECO or Regular driving modes.
MORE: How to choose an eco-friendly car
How to turn the 2017 Kia Forte’s ECO mode on and off
Activating your Kia Forte’s ECO mode is simple—just press the “drive mode” button on the left-hand side of your gear stick. A square, green, ECO indicator light will illuminate on the left-hand side of your instrument cluster to let you know the driving mode has been activated.
Once you’ve turned Active ECO mode on, it won’t automatically shut off, even after you’ve cut the engine or restarted your vehicle. In order to properly turn off Active ECO mode, you’ll have to press the “drive mode” button on your steering wheel
Is the 2017 Kia Forte’s ECO mode worth it?
Ultimately, whether or not Active ECO mode is worth it depends on how you drive—and your driving priorities. If your primary concern is to conserve fuel, then Active ECO mode is likely worth utilizing.
Active ECO works best when you drive at a consistent speed, such as when you’re on the highway. But for city stop-and-go, it may not make much of a difference in your car’s fuel economy. And, of course, the tradeoff is that your Forte’s speed and performance are limited whenever Active ECO is turned on—so if you’re someone who prefers to hit top speeds during highway drives, Active ECO will make it harder to achieve the speed or acceleration you’re looking for.
How to save on Kia Forte insurance
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