What is the ECO function on the Nissan Sylphy?

[DeGianna]

ECO refers to the vehicle's economic 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 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. Non-active Eco mode does not have a dedicated button. When the Eco indicator light on the dashboard illuminates, it serves merely 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 a dedicated switch button. During daily driving, we can generally activate the Eco mode. However, it is unnecessary to engage 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 mode but also negatively impact vehicle 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 hills, the engine control unit prioritizes ensuring sufficient power to drive the vehicle, and the Eco mode will not operate under these conditions.

[MacKayden]

The ECO button on the Nissan Sylphy is my favorite feature for daily commuting. When activated, the vehicle automatically adjusts the working conditions of the engine and transmission. The throttle response becomes smoother, and the RPM stays in a lower range, as if there's a fuel-saving coach helping you control your pedal technique. The most noticeable effect is that the power delivery becomes gentler when accelerating—it’s less aggressive, and the tachometer needle rises noticeably slower than usual. The air conditioning output is also intelligently reduced, making the airflow less intense. I usually turn it on during city traffic jams, and the green ECO indicator on the dashboard gives me a great sense of achievement. On long highway drives, though, I turn it off since it doesn’t help much during steady-speed cruising. I remember testing it for three months right after buying the car—with ECO mode on, the fuel consumption dropped by about 1L per 100km. Over a year, the savings alone could cover a hotpot dinner for the whole family.