Would someone explain exactly what setting the eco air conditioning and heater function to "on" accomplishes when not in eco driving mode. Does it impact accelertion, for exmple? I do not have a hybrid. The manual seems skimpy on this function.

 

Can't explain exactly, but I have observed that the compressor is running less frequently when in ECO mode. I notice the difference in humidity very quickly when I switch to ECO on a hot day, which is about the only time I use it. Haven't noticed any changes when in heat modes.

 

How do you switch HVAC to ECO?

 

Hit the ECO Drive button.

 

Hit it with a hammer so that you never have to use it again!

 

Refer to the Drive Mode Eco setting as "Active Eco", you Act to twist the **** and the car Acts different.
Everything that uses power (and fuel) uses less, throttle provides less acceleration, HVAC provides less
cooling and the cruise control doesn't push as hard to maintain speed up a hill. Can provide up to 7% better
fuel economy. Stays engaged when restarting the car, must be deliberately turned off.

The old ECO light and the newer Eco graphic display are "Passive ECO", they are intended to change
your behavior, not the cars.

All Drive Mode settings, Eco, Normal and Sport will provide full power if you floor the pedal in an emergency.
The throttle mapping is modified during the mid throttle pedal positions.
Following from Lexus Tech:SPORT Mode and ECO Mode Control

(1) During SPORT mode, the ECM optimizes acceleration feel by increasing the throttle valve opening angle more quickly at the beginning of accelerator pedal operation.

(2) During ECO mode, the ECM optimizes fuel economy and driving performance by gently generating the motive force in comparison to accelerator pedal operation. At the same time, it supports ECO driving by optimizing the air conditioning performance.

 

Okay I get that part and only drive in SPORT. I thought eco hvac was something different. I agree with the comment about using a hammer.

 

Eco air conditioning/heat can work independently of Eco drive mode. The original post asked what was the impact on driving with the eco air/heat on, while still driving in normal mode. If you engage eco drive, the eco air/heat also engages automatically, but what happens if you do not use eco drive? You can engage eco air/heat separately from the main screen as a submenu under climate.

 

Interesting. I did not realize the climate screen had a separate Eco mode setting. Since I typically drive in Eco mode anyway, it is unlikely to impact me but it’s good to understand the difference. Thanks for the clarification.