What does ECO mean in the Highlander?
2 Answers
ECO in the Highlander refers to the vehicle's economic driving mode. ECO is an English abbreviation derived from the combination of Ecology (environmental protection), Conservation (energy saving), and Optimization (power). The Eco mode is further divided into active Eco driving mode and non-active Eco driving mode. When the ECO indicator light on the dashboard illuminates, it indicates that the vehicle's economic mode has been activated. ECO mode is categorized into active and non-active types. The difference lies in the fact that the active type has its own dedicated button, allowing the driver to choose whether to activate it. When the driver presses the ECO mode switch, the dashboard indicator light immediately turns on, and the vehicle automatically begins adjusting settings such as throttle opening, transmission shift logic, and air conditioning output power. The non-active ECO mode does not have a dedicated button. When the ECO indicator light on the dashboard illuminates, it merely serves as a reminder function. The ECO system automatically evaluates your driving behavior. If your current driving operation achieves the optimal fuel supply, the dashboard will simultaneously display the ECO indicator light. Most vehicles employ the active ECO driving mode, meaning they have their own switch button. In daily driving, we can generally activate the ECO mode. However, it is unnecessary to enable ECO mode when driving at speeds exceeding 120 km/h, during idle parking, in N/P gear, or in manual mode, especially when climbing hills. Doing so would not only fail to demonstrate the fuel-saving characteristics of ECO but also impact the vehicle's power performance. Additionally, the ECO mode typically becomes ineffective under the following circumstances: When the vehicle speed exceeds 120 kilometers per hour, the system prioritizes speed, causing the ECO mode to automatically deactivate. During idle parking or when in N/P gear or manual mode, the ECO mode may also become ineffective. When high torque output is required, such as when climbing a hill, the engine control unit prioritizes ensuring sufficient power to drive the vehicle, and the ECO mode will not function in such scenarios.
When I see the ECO light on while driving my Highlander, I know it's operating in economy mode. ECO stands for economy mode, meaning it helps you save on fuel costs by optimizing the operation of the engine and transmission. Once activated, the throttle response becomes smoother, acceleration is less aggressive, resulting in lower fuel consumption. I find the ECO mode particularly useful for daily city driving, especially in traffic jams, as it reduces unnecessary fuel waste. Over time, I've noticed significant savings on monthly fuel expenses, and it also helps prolong the engine's lifespan. Additionally, you can enhance the ECO effect by gently pressing the accelerator and maintaining a constant speed, but it's best to turn it off when climbing hills or overtaking on highways to avoid insufficient power. I recommend fellow drivers to regularly check their vehicle's condition, such as ensuring proper tire pressure, to further improve efficiency in conjunction with ECO mode.
