What does Land Cruiser ECT PWR mean?
4 Answers
Land Cruiser ECT PWR refers to the power mode. Compared to the normal mode, in power mode, the transmission delays upshifting to provide stronger acceleration. Below is an introduction to the Toyota Land Cruiser: 1. Powertrain: It is equipped with 4.0L and 4.6L engines. The 4.0L V6 naturally aspirated engine delivers 202 kW (275 PS)/385 Nm, while the 4.6L V8 naturally aspirated engine produces 228 kW (310 PS)/453 Nm. 2. Exterior: The front headlight assembly is connected to the decorative strip and incorporates LED daytime running lights. Additionally, the front bumper design has been updated, and the fog light assemblies on both sides feature chrome trim.
Last time I drove my friend's Land Cruiser, I also wondered about the meaning of the ECT PWR button next to the gear shift. It's actually a power mode switch—when pressed, the whole vehicle feels like it's been given a boost. The transmission deliberately holds gears until above 3,000 RPM before shifting, unleashing the engine's full power, making overtaking and hill climbing particularly exhilarating. However, it's less fuel-efficient for normal city driving and can make the throttle overly sensitive, so I only use it for highway overtaking. This function operates on a similar principle to BMW's sport mode but is tuned more for off-road vehicle characteristics, making it a perfect match when paired with low-range four-wheel drive for steep climbs. Don't underestimate that tiny indicator light—it can be a lifesaver in critical moments, especially on high-altitude oxygen-deprived sections.
When driving my Land Cruiser on National Highway 318, I used ECT PWR every day. Simply put, this feature is the transmission's sport mode. The moment you press the button, the most noticeable change is the tachometer needle becoming much more active. The car, which originally shifted gears at 2000 rpm, now holds off until nearly 4000 rpm before upshifting, which is especially useful when climbing long slopes like those on Zheduo Mountain. Fuel consumption increases by 1-2 liters compared to normal driving, but it's much more efficient than manually downshifting. I remember once encountering a snowy road, and with this mode engaged, I smoothly overtook a slipping truck. This power-prioritized logic is even more practical in body-on-frame off-road vehicles, given their heavier weight—when you need that torque burst, it gives you the confidence.
Tried my cousin's newly purchased Land Cruiser a couple of days ago and specifically tested that ECT PWR button. In layman's terms, it's like giving the transmission a Red Bull—normally it upshifts to 6th gear at 60 km/h, but with this activated, it stubbornly holds 5th gear even at 80 km/h. This creates two noticeable changes: the engine growls louder but delivers instant power on tap, making overtaking trucks without needing excessive merging distance. Honestly pointless for city driving though—it makes the car lurch at traffic light starts while wasting fuel. But on unpaved mining site roads, paired with Crawl Control, it effectively prevents getting stuck. Toyota's powertrain calibration truly understands what off-road veterans need.
