When you activate ECO Mode on a Lexus, the car’s throttle response, acceleration, and climate control systems are all restricted to reduce gas consumption. ECO Mode performs best when used on short drives at low speeds.

Most modern Lexus vehicles are equipped with a useful drive mode selector, which gives you the ability to change how your car performs based on your preferences. In most cases, a new Lexus will be set to Normal Mode by default, but you also have the option of using Sport Mode to boost engine power or ECO Mode for better fuel economy. With the high cost of gas in 2022, ECO Mode can be an invaluable feature.

Whether you’re a new Lexus owner, or just want to learn a little more about how your car works, check out this guide to using ECO Mode from

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What is Lexus’ ECO Mode?

ECO Mode is one of Lexus’ standard driving modes that can be used to improve gas mileage and cut down on overall fuel costs.

Here’s how ECO Mode changes your car’s performance:

Reduces your vehicle’s pedal input, throttle response, and acceleration.

Decreases power to your car’s climate control systems.

With these alterations, ECO Mode helps you save power and optimizes fuel efficiency—but it can also help you stick to safe driving habits. Since ECO Mode prevents harsh acceleration and braking, drivers who use ECO Mode are less likely to do things like speed, run red lights, or tailgate.

Another benefit to using ECO Mode is that it can help keep your car in better condition for longer since aggressive driving habits can increase wear and tear.

Key Takeaway ECO Mode makes slight alterations to your Lexus’ performance to improve fuel economy and encourage safe driving.

Does Lexus’ ECO Mode save fuel?

Using ECO Mode doesn’t guarantee better gas mileage in all driving scenarios—but using it in situations where you know you’ll be driving for short distances at low speeds can maximize potential fuel savings.

In general, you should turn ECO Mode on if you’re simply running around town doing errands, but switch it off if you’re taking a long drive on the freeway.

Does Lexus’ ECO Mode charge the battery?

No—ECO Mode won’t automatically charge your car’s battery.

However, because all of Lexus’ hybrid vehicles use regenerative braking technology, your battery gains power whenever you press the brake pedal. As a result, your battery regenerates faster in situations where you might hit your brakes more often—such as driving at low speeds while using ECO Mode.

What’s the difference between Lexus’ Normal Mode and ECO Mode?

Normal Mode is the default setting for Lexus’ drive mode selector and provides drivers with an equal balance of fuel economy and performance. Normal Mode is best used when you need to travel longer distances or maintain higher speeds.

Lexus' other driving mode, called Sport Mode, increases engine output and throttle response to improve the car’s maneuverability and handling. Sport Mode is ideal for high-speed highway driving in light traffic.

MORE:

Does Lexus have a self-driving car?

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How to turn Lexus’ ECO Mode on and off

If you own a Lexus from the 2013 model year or later, you can turn ECO Mode on and off by locating your drive mode select dial to the left of your steering wheel or on the center console. Simply move the dial to ECO Mode in order to switch it on, and move it back to Normal Mode (or Sport Mode) when you want to turn it off.

Your selected drive mode will appear on the vehicle’s instrument panel.

Is Lexus’ ECO Mode worth it?

In short, it depends on the type of driving you do. If you’re an urban driver or if most of your driving consists of short trips around town, ECO Mode might reduce how often you need to go to the gas station.

ECO Mode may also be beneficial to drivers who own one of the Lexus models known for poor fuel economy, such as the LX 600,

GX 460

, or LC 500.

On the other hand, drivers who spend a lot of time on the freeway may prefer to do most of their driving in Normal Mode or Sport Mode instead. Because ECO Mode limits your ability to accelerate, it can cause difficulties in situations where you might need to speed up quickly—such as merging onto the interstate or reacting to high-speed traffic.

MORE:

Are Lexus expensive to maintain?

How to save on Lexus insurance

For some drivers, Lexus’ ECO Mode can help cut down on fuel costs—but those savings usually aren’t enough to put a big dent in your wallet. If you’re looking for significant savings on your car-related expenses, use the

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