Will turning off ECO mode increase the power of the Prado?
2 Answers
Turning off the ECO mode in the Prado generally does not change the power output. This is because the power is determined by the engine, and the computer controls the power, throttle, and air conditioning. The ECO mode achieves fuel economy by regulating these components. The ECO mode works best in congested urban traffic conditions. In such scenarios, strong power is not required, and the frequent stops and starts lead to higher fuel consumption. Enabling ECO mode not only reduces fuel consumption but also provides a more comfortable driving experience. There are a few situations where it is unnecessary to activate ECO mode: 1. When the vehicle is traveling at high speeds (up to 100km/h), even if ECO mode is turned on, the onboard computer will prioritize speed, causing the ECO mode to automatically deactivate. 2. When high torque output is needed, such as when climbing a hill, the engine computer will prioritize ensuring sufficient power to drive the vehicle, and the ECO mode will automatically deactivate.
When I drive the Prado, I noticed that turning off the ECO mode immediately makes the throttle response much quicker. Before, I had to press the accelerator deeply in advance to overtake, but now just a light tap makes the car surge forward. However, this is only an improvement in driving feel; the engine's maximum horsepower remains unchanged. It's mainly the computer lifting the throttle response restrictions. With ECO on, it deliberately controls fuel injection and shift timing to save fuel. After turning it off, the transmission is more willing to downshift, making the acceleration feel much more aggressive. The trade-off is a slight increase in fuel consumption, especially during frequent starts in the city. I recommend keeping ECO on for normal driving to save fuel and turning it off when climbing hills or overtaking on highways for more responsive handling.