Several Kia models are equipped with one or more special drive modes that adjust your Kia’s steering response, throttle response, and suspension performance with the press of a button. The Kia Soul is equipped with three modes: Normal, ECO, and Sport. Sport mode will put a little more pep in your Soul’s step, but ECO mode trades increased performance for increased fuel efficiency.

To help you better understand how ECO mode can benefit you and your driving experience,

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What is the Kia Soul’s ECO mode?

Kia’s Active ECO technology is offered on almost all Kia models. It’s designed to improve fuel efficiency by adjusting everything from throttle response to air conditioning output.

When ECO mode is activated on your Kia Soul, it:

Decreases throttle response

Adjusts automatic transmission shift patterns to limit RPMs

Reduces power to climate control systems

These simple adjustments help to conserve energy and reduce fuel consumption, and could even help make you a safer driver. ECO mode can even help extend your Kia’s life by decreasing wear and tear on both your powertrain and braking systems!

Key Takeaway You may not even notice the difference in your Kia Soul’s performance, but Kia’s ECO mode can both increase fuel efficiency and decrease wear and tear on your vehicle.

MORE:

Kia drive modes: What are they, and what do they do?

Does the Kia Soul’s ECO mode save fuel?

The change in your Kia Soul’s fuel economy when in ECO mode isn’t drastic, but it will consume less fuel and get more miles per gallon than in Normal or Sport modes. The more you utilize ECO mode, the more savings you’ll have on fuel consumption and fill-up costs.

Does the Kia Soul’s ECO mode charge the battery?

If you’re driving a Kia Soul EV, then yes. Your Soul EV is equipped with regenerative braking technology that charges the battery when you hit the brakes. If you’re driving a standard Kia, ECO mode won’t charge your battery, but it will help extend your battery’s life by requiring less power to run features like climate control.

What’s the difference between Kia Normal and ECO modes?

The major difference between your Kia Soul’s Normal drive mode and ECO mode will, of course, be fuel economy. Normal mode strikes the perfect balance between performance and fuel economy for everyday driving. ECO mode sacrifices a bit of your performance and comfort to save fuel and power.

But sometimes, we need a little spice in our lives, so if you’re looking to bring some excitement to those famous Soul hamsters, try engaging the Soul’s third drive mode—Sport. It essentially does the opposite of ECO mode for your Soul, allowing it to rev higher and accelerate faster, and it even tweaks your steering for a sharper response.

MORE:

Does Kia have a self-driving car?

How to turn Kia ECO mode on and off

To turn Kia ECO mode off in your Kia Soul, just press the “Drive Mode” button to the left of your gear shifter. The Soul’s current drive mode will be displayed in the instrument cluster. The Kia Soul will always be set to either Normal or ECO mode when you start your vehicle.

If you left the Soul in Normal or Sport mode when you turned it off, it will be in Normal mode when you turn it on again. If you left it in ECO mode, it will remain in ECO mode until you engage another drive mode by pressing the Drive Mode button.

Is the Kia Soul’s ECO mode worth it?

If you’re like most of us, and you’re looking for every opportunity to save money on fuel costs, then, yes, the Kia Soul’s ECO mode is worth it—especially as you continue to use it over time.

If you’re more interested in driving excitement and performance, you’re not likely to get much use out of the feature.

MORE:

Are Kias expensive to maintain?

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How to save on Kia insurance

When you engage ECO mode in your Kia Soul, you can be sure you’re getting optimized fuel economy for maximum savings on fuel consumption and costs. Wouldn’t it be great if there was something that could ensure

your car’s insurance policy

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Like Kia’s drive modes, Jerry is simple to use—all you have to do is download the free super app, answer a few questions, and Jerry will compare quotes from over 55 top insurance providers to curate your best options in about 45 seconds. Just tap your top pick, and Jerry will help you set up your new policy and even cancel your old one.

And the best part? Just like you can look forward to fuel savings with Kia ECO Mode, the average driver saves over $800 a year on car insurance by switching with Jerry!