What does the ECON button mean in Honda cars?

[Dominick]

ECON stands for the car's fuel-saving mode switch. This button can turn the fuel-saving mode on or off. Modern cars generally offer three driving modes to choose from: fuel-saving mode, comfort mode, and sport mode. Below is information about these three modes: Fuel-saving mode: When the car is in this mode, fuel consumption is relatively low. The throttle pedal sensitivity decreases, and the transmission shifts up more aggressively. Comfort mode: This mode can be considered a normal operating mode for the car. In this mode, the throttle pedal response is more sensitive than in fuel-saving mode. Sport mode: Sport mode can be used during aggressive driving. After activating sport mode, the throttle pedal response becomes very sensitive, and the transmission delays shifting. The transmission will only upshift after the engine speed reaches the redline zone. After switching to sport mode, the engine speed is maintained at around 3,000 RPM, ensuring better power response during acceleration. When the car enters ECON mode, it achieves reduced fuel consumption and energy savings, but the car's power output weakens. ECON can be understood as an abbreviation for "economy." In most situations, it is recommended to keep ECON mode on. Only when high torque output is needed (e.g., climbing hills) or when driving at very high speeds should ECON mode be turned off. Pressing the ECON button activates a low-carbon, eco-friendly driving mode. The ECU, engine, and transmission then intelligently execute the driver's intentions in the most fuel-efficient manner, achieving optimal fuel economy through quick upshifts and smooth acceleration. The idle state also operates in an energy-saving mode. When the driver presses the throttle pedal deeply, the ECON system effectively controls the opening and closing of the intake valves to ensure smooth engine operation and energy savings. Although ECON mode is simple and effective to operate, it cannot function under certain conditions: When the vehicle speed exceeds 120 km/h, priority is given to speed, and the fuel-saving mode automatically deactivates. This means that if the car exceeds the economical speed range (typically between 60-90 km/h), ECON mode will not save fuel. The key to ECON mode is its reliance on computer-controlled independent operation while the car is moving. Therefore, it does not work during idle stops, in N or P gear, or in manual mode. When overcoming significant resistance or requiring high torque output—such as when climbing hills—the ECU prioritizes ensuring sufficient power to drive the car, and ECON mode will not function in such cases.