What does the ECO displayed on the Toyota Highlander dashboard mean?
1 Answers
ECO refers to the vehicle's economical driving mode function. ECO is an English abbreviation formed by 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 economical 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 illuminates, and the vehicle automatically begins adjusting settings such as throttle opening, transmission shift logic, and air conditioning output power. Non-active ECO mode does not have a dedicated button. When the dashboard ECO indicator light illuminates, it serves merely as a reminder function. ECO 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 a dedicated switch button. Therefore, ECO mode can be activated during daily driving, except when the speed exceeds 120 km/h, during idle parking, in N/P gear, or manual mode, especially when climbing hills. Activating ECO mode under these circumstances would not only fail to demonstrate its fuel-saving characteristics but also affect power output. Additionally, ECO mode typically becomes ineffective under the following conditions: 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, ECO mode may also become ineffective. When high torque output is required, such as during hill climbing, the engine control unit prioritizes ensuring sufficient power to drive the vehicle, and ECO mode will not operate under these conditions either.