Can the ECO mode of the Avalon be turned off?
3 Answers
The ECO mode of the Avalon can be turned off. The method to turn it off is to enter the sport mode, press the accelerator pedal hard to accelerate, or encounter an uphill section, and the ECO mode will automatically turn off. When to enable ECO mode: ECO mode works best in congested urban traffic conditions. In such situations, strong power is not required, and the frequent stops and starts lead to higher fuel consumption. Enabling ECO mode not only reduces fuel consumption but also makes driving more comfortable. When it is unnecessary to enable ECO mode: When the car is driving at high speeds (up to 100km/h), even if ECO mode is turned on, the vehicle's computer will prioritize speed, and the ECO mode will automatically deactivate. When high torque output is needed, such as when climbing a hill, the engine computer will prioritize ensuring sufficient power to drive the vehicle, and the ECO mode will automatically deactivate. Types of ECO modes: Generally, ECO modes can be divided into two types: passive ECO driving mode and active ECO driving mode. The passive ECO driving mode mainly serves as a reminder and guidance function. The active ECO driving mode usually has a button, and once enabled, a series of driving-related settings will change. For example, the throttle opening corresponding to the same accelerator pedal depth becomes smaller (the accelerator becomes less responsive), the transmission shift logic becomes more focused on fuel efficiency (shifting up earlier), and some vehicles may also adjust the air conditioning output power, etc.
Of course, you can turn off the ECO mode in the Avalon! I often do this while driving. Just find the DRIVE MODE button behind the steering wheel and press it to switch modes. When the ECO light turns off, it means you've successfully disabled it. Remember, keeping it on during traffic jams can save some fuel, but I always turn it off when driving on highways or climbing hills—otherwise, the throttle response lags, making overtaking difficult. After turning it off, the dashboard color will change, and the power delivery becomes noticeably more responsive. However, the auto start-stop system needs to be turned off separately—don’t confuse the two. Also, the car defaults to ECO mode every time you start it, so you’ll need to manually disable it each time if you want it completely off.
Last time I drove my friend's Avalon, I specifically studied the ECO mode switch issue. It's actually quite simple - just operate the drive mode selection button near the gear shift lever. When you switch to NORMAL mode, ECO automatically turns off. I tested it myself, and after turning it off, the power output increased by about 15%, especially noticeable when going up elevated roads as the RPM became more responsive. However, be careful not to turn it off during rainy days when the road is slippery, as ECO mode helps limit torque to prevent skidding. Essentially, this function works by the ECU limiting throttle opening - turning it off won't affect the vehicle's condition at all, and you can easily turn it back on with a press of the button. If you keep it off for extended periods, fuel consumption might increase by 0.5-1 liter per 100 km.
