Does turning on the Eco Heat/Cool option if I am using normal or sport mode impact engine performance, e.g. less acceleration or power generally? Thanks in advance.

 

Heat is generated by running radiator water thru a heater coil and thus not a tax on the engine. This would be in any mode. OTOH, A/C is generated by turning on a compressor that runs off the engine and does affect, very slightly, engine performance. To be correct with these statements I'm not sure if Toyota designed their A/C compressor to be activated by electricity and therefore not be run by a belt attached to the engine. I'm quite sure that someone smarter than me will let us know. Again, this would be in any mode....

 

Note that he makes the distinction "Eco" heat/cool. I think there's a setting by default to turn on the A/C (don't know about heat) to "Eco" ac *IF* the car is in ECO mode -- you can disable this in Carista, and interestingly enough there's yet another setting in Carista to have "low noise" mode. I left that alone cause I'm sure that compromises my "cooling" ability. i want max coldness lol.

In the hybrid, the compressor is electric. with the V6 I'd *guess* it's belt-driven but not 100% sure. Either way I wouldn't worry about it, it's not like we're driving high performance cars... and even then it wouldn't matter on the street. it's a moot issue to worry about =)