Is it necessary to turn on Honda's ECON mode?
3 Answers
Honda's ECON mode is an energy-saving mode, which is worth using but doesn't need to be kept on all the time. Here's an introduction to the ECON mode: 1. The main principle of ECON mode is to comprehensively judge and analyze factors affecting fuel consumption during vehicle movement, including automatic transmission gear position, engine speed, vehicle speed, braking, and transmission oil temperature. The ECU control unit then calculates the optimal fuel quantity to provide to the engine, effectively reducing fuel consumption compared to normal driving mode. 2. ECON mode cannot function under certain specific conditions. When the vehicle speed exceeds 120 km/h, priority is given to speed, the energy-saving mode automatically deactivates, and the ECON mode no longer serves its fuel-saving purpose. Since ECON mode mainly works through computer-controlled operations during vehicle movement, it doesn't function when the vehicle is idling, in N or P gear, or in manual mode.
I found the Eco Mode particularly useful for beginners, as it mainly optimizes three core control modules: throttle response, air conditioning power, and shift logic. After activating it for urban commuting, you can save 8-15% on fuel, and the instantaneous fuel consumption bar on the dashboard visibly becomes gentler. However, be aware that you may feel a power delay during sudden acceleration for overtaking, and the air conditioning cooling will also slow down. Last week, I tested the Eco Mode during morning and evening rush hours, and my original fuel consumption of 11L per 100 kilometers dropped to 9.5L. Using it long-term can save you more than half a tank of fuel money annually. However, it's advisable to turn it off when driving on mountain roads on weekends, especially during uphill sections that require frequent high engine revs, to avoid worsening carbon buildup issues.
Veteran drivers advise caution when using Econ mode on highways! During cruise control, the engine is already operating in its most efficient range, and the fuel-saving logic of Econ mode can be counterproductive. I once conducted a long-distance test with my Accord Hybrid: with Econ mode on at a constant 120 km/h, fuel consumption was 5.1L; with Econ mode off at the same speed, it dropped to 4.9L. This is because the vehicle's computer forcibly reduces power output, requiring deeper throttle input to compensate when climbing hills. However, Econ mode proves very useful in severe traffic congestion, as the system proactively releases the throttle and shifts to neutral for coasting, achieving greater precision than manual operation. The auto start-stop function also engages more aggressively whenever coming to a complete stop.
