You’ve probably noticed the “ECO” button near the gear shifter in a Toyota Camry—it’s hard to miss. But have you ever wondered what it really does?
Understanding how and when to use ECO mode can help you cut down on fuel costs.
In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about ECO mode on the Toyota Camry.
What is Eco Mode on Toyota Camry?
The Camry’s ECO mode adjusts various functions of the car to maximize fuel efficiency. When activated, it optimizes torque delivery based on how you press the gas pedal while also regulating heating, air conditioning, and other power-consuming features.
Compared to other available driving modes, ECO mode is the most fuel-efficient option. It helps drivers save money on fuel while also contributing to lower emissions and a reduced ecological footprint.
However, it’s important to note that activating this mode can reduce the vehicle’s responsiveness, making it feel less powerful overall. This is why ECO mode is best used in the right situations. We’ll discuss this further in the next section.
When to Use It
Engaging ECO mode promotes a more eco-friendly driving experience by significantly reducing fuel consumption, whether you’re navigating crowded city streets or cruising on long highway journey.
Here are a few specific situations where using ECO mode can be particularly beneficial:
- City Driving: Driving in urban areas with frequent stop-and-go traffic typically increases fuel consumption. Activating ECO mode helps optimize fuel efficiency in these situations.
- Daily Commutes: For daily driving, such as heading to the office or taking the kids to school, ECO mode can help you save a considerable amount of fuel when you don’t need significant power from the car.
- Long Highway Cruise: On long highway drives at a relatively constant speed, ECO mode can further enhance fuel economy.
- Fuel Saving Goals: Sometimes, you may face a situation where conserving fuel becomes critical—like when you’re running low and still far from a gas station. In such cases, I usually turn off the air conditioner, drive more calmly, and activate ECO mode to make the most of the remaining fuel.
Activating ECO mode reduces the car’s overall responsiveness and power, so it’s not the ideal choice when you need extra performance.
For situations like driving uphill, carrying heavy loads, or overtaking vehicles on the highway, I strongly recommend turning off ECO mode and switching to Normal or Sport mode for better power and responsiveness.
How to Turn It On/Off
If you’re unsure how to turn ECO mode on or off in your Camry, just follow these simple steps.
- To activate ECO mode, simply locate the button labeled “ECO” and press it once.
- To turn off ECO mode, press the ECO button again. Alternatively, you can switch to another driving mode, such as NORMAL or SPORT, and ECO mode will automatically turn off and switch to the mode you’ve selected.
When ECO mode is active, the ECO indicator light will turn green, and your multi-information display (MID) will also highlight in green. When ECO mode is deactivated, the indicator will disappear.
It’s important to note that the style and color of the indicator light may vary depending on the model year of your Camry. However, regardless of the color and style, you will always see an “ECO” indicator on the MID screen when ECO mode is active.
Does It Make a Difference?
Some people believe that you don’t need ECO mode to save fuel, and that how you drive has a bigger impact. I completely agree with that; however, ECO mode makes it easier to adjust your driving habits and save fuel.
Yes, ECO mode does make a difference. Personally, I’ve noticed an improvement in fuel efficiency by 2 to 3 MPG when it’s activated.
The exact amount of fuel saved will vary depending on each person’s driving style, but the key takeaway is that ECO mode does have an impact.
It won’t transform your Camry from 25 MPG to 45 MPG, but it does create a small difference that adds up over time.
ECO mode will be especially appreciated by those who frequently drive in ways that consume a lot of fuel.
For example, if you often drive in cities with a lot of stop-and-go traffic, ECO mode can make a noticeable difference. Over time, you’ll appreciate how it helps save money at the gas station.
Expert Tip
After several years of driving and experimenting with various driving modes, I recommend activating ECO mode as often as possible to get the most benefit.
This mode is most effective for daily driving, especially since we often drive on urban roads or highways where less power is required. That’s why I suggest keeping your car in ECO mode as much as possible.
Of course, when more power is needed, such as during certain driving conditions, you can switch to a more suitable mode. However, in my experience, the Camry offers plenty of power even in ECO mode.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wrapping Up
ECO mode is a driving option that has been available on the Camry for several years. While it’s not a magic button that will transform your vehicle into a significantly more fuel-efficient machine, it does make a small difference that adds up over time.
ECO mode is particularly effective if you frequently drive in urban areas with stop-and-go traffic. By making the vehicle less aggressive in acceleration, it helps conserve fuel.
That said, regardless of the ECO mode’s presence on your Toyota Camry, driving behavior remains the most important factor in achieving good fuel economy. ECO mode simply enhances your efforts to save fuel.