How to turn off the ECO mode in the Prado?
4 Answers
Method to turn off the ECO mode in the Prado: Switch to the ECO ON interface by pressing the square button below the instrument panel brightness adjustment on the left side of the dashboard, then press and hold to deactivate the ECO mode. The ECO mode primarily affects the throttle. Whether the vehicle speed is too low or too high, as long as it exceeds the normal range, the ECO system will activate, reminding the driver to pay attention to the way they press the throttle to achieve fuel savings. The Prado is a mid-to-large-sized SUV under FAW Toyota, equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine, delivering a maximum power of 206kW and a maximum torque of 365Nm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, and features a front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout.
My Prado has been running for almost three years, and I found that turning off the ECO mode is much more enjoyable. Just look at the row of buttons below the air conditioning knob on the center console—there’s a small round button labeled ECO. Press it, and the green ECO light on the instrument panel will turn off. For newer models without a physical button, you’ll need to adjust it via the steering wheel. Hold the DISP button to access the instrument panel menu, find the driving mode option, scroll down, and uncheck the ECO selection. After turning it off, the most noticeable change is the more responsive throttle, making hill climbs and overtaking smoother, though it does consume a bit more fuel. It’s better to turn it off when driving on highways or mountain roads, but keeping it on in city traffic is fine. Just be careful not to mistake the vehicle stability control switch for it—that function shouldn’t be tampered with.
Last time I drove my friend's Prado on National Highway 318, he taught me to turn off the ECO mode. Find the ECO button in the left control panel area, next to the seat heating switch, and press it once. For the new Prado model, go to the touchscreen settings, click the vehicle icon, enter the driving mode, and select either Sport or Normal. The principle of this mode is to limit throttle opening for fuel economy. After turning it off, the power response becomes much quicker. Don't keep it on when overtaking on plateaus, as the engine may roar without moving, but it does save fuel in normal city driving. The vehicle defaults to ECO mode on every start-up, requiring manual deactivation—you'll get used to it. No need to worry too much about fuel consumption; the difference is only about half a liter per 100 kilometers.
Turning off the ECO mode in Toyota vehicles is straightforward. Look for the row of circular buttons below the center console's AC controls—press the one labeled 'ECO' until its light turns off. If there's no physical button, use the steering wheel controls: navigate left or right to access the settings menu, then enter the driving assistance section to disable it. The key indicator is the dashboard display: with ECO on, the tachometer and acceleration feel sluggish, but once turned off, the immediate throttle response returns. However, beginners are advised not to disable it casually, as ECO mode helps prevent aggressive throttle inputs. For long trips, switching to Sport mode is more comprehensive, as it also alters the gear-shifting logic for a more dynamic drive. Experienced drivers know the fuel efficiency difference is minimal—driving enjoyment matters most.
