What does the ECO in Prado mean?

[VonAaliyah]

The ECO in Prado refers to the vehicle's economic driving mode function. ECO is an English abbreviation derived from the words 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 on the dashboard lights up, 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 lights up, 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 dashboard ECO indicator lights up, it serves merely as a reminder function. The ECO system automatically evaluates your driving behavior, and if your current driving operation achieves the optimal fuel supply, the dashboard will simultaneously display the ECO indicator. Most vehicles use the active ECO driving mode, meaning they have a dedicated switch button. Therefore, during daily driving, we can activate the ECO mode. However, it is unnecessary to enable ECO mode when driving at speeds exceeding 120 km/h, during idling, 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 conditions: When the vehicle speed exceeds 120 km/h, the system prioritizes speed, causing the ECO mode to deactivate automatically. During idling 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.

[Elias]

I think the ECO mode in the Prado is like installing a fuel-saving assistant for the car, with the main purpose of making driving more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Having driven for many years, I always turn on ECO in city traffic jams—the throttle response becomes gentler, gear shifts smoother, and the engine avoids sudden acceleration, which saves a lot on fuel costs in the long run. For example, daily commuting fuel consumption can drop by about 10%, while also reducing emissions and protecting the environment. However, don’t expect strong performance—it’s best to turn it off when overtaking on highways or climbing hills, otherwise acceleration feels sluggish. This feature is easy to operate with a one-touch switch on the Prado’s center console, and making it a habit can even extend engine life. Overall, it’s quite practical but should be used flexibly based on road conditions.

[Palacios]

The ECO mode in the Land Cruiser is essentially an economical driving function. As an average car owner, I find it quite practical. After activation, the throttle feels less responsive, acceleration becomes smoother, and it noticeably saves fuel during daily city commutes—resulting in significant monthly fuel cost reductions. It also optimizes driving behavior by avoiding sudden acceleration or hard braking, reducing emissions for environmental friendliness. During a long-distance test with ECO mode on, fuel consumption did decrease, but I had to turn it off for quicker overtaking on highways as the power output felt somewhat conservative. This mode suits most people's daily driving, improving fuel efficiency, protecting the wallet, and reducing carbon footprint—highly recommended for regular use.

[DeAbel]

I have some knowledge about automotive technology. The ECO mode in the Land Cruiser refers to the fuel-saving mode. It means that the computer adjusts the engine and transmission to limit power output under high load, prioritize low-speed operation, and optimize shift points to achieve fuel economy. Driving in this mode results in more linear throttle response, reducing fuel waste. Although the power response becomes slower, it does not affect comfort. This design can reduce fuel consumption by approximately 10%, which is particularly useful in urban traffic congestion, and also lowers emissions, making it environmentally friendly.