Driving In ECO Mode
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 227
Likes: 3
From: California
Driving In ECO Mode
Yesterday I drove all day in ECO mode for the first time in my 4RX. I never gave ECO a good shot till now. My own personal experience, pertaining to the whole upshift-too-soon/drone/gear hunting thing, is that it seems the transmission is mapped a LOT better for mild acceleration and slight uphills stuff around town than drive mode. So in my own experiences with mine, ECO mode is even better than S-mode or sport because you can leave the shifter alone but get smoother plus economical upshifts. All your power is still there when you need it in ECO-when you get into the throttle, it's the around-town throttle stuff that I believe ECO is most effective within. I just wanted to share this with others and suggest you try ECO yourself to see if you have the same experience. It still wants to upshift sooner but it's not as "boggy" as in drive. I want to say that the lockout converter doesn't happen in ECO is why. Better for the motor not to lug it IMHO.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,024
Likes: 40
From: Tennessee
Maby the engineers at Lexus got it backwards when programing the eco and normal modes and accidently switch the two mode with each other. Thats why eco feels like normal and normal feels like eco?
We might me on to something here.....
We might me on to something here.....
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 227
Likes: 3
From: California
Alieninvader-that's a good one! It sure seems that way doesn't it? It's ironic to me that this thing acts up when you are trying to be frugal in your acceleratings, but then it straightens right out when you're into the throttle. Boggling. I don't like the idea that this trans boggs the motor so much just to achieve Lexus' claims of mileage. I will not allow it.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,161
Likes: 117
From: ca
I tried eco mode. I didn't like it. The acceleration wasn't there when I needed it unless I really punched it. It does seem good for people who don't like the jerky movements since it keeps it at low RPMS
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Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 227
Likes: 3
From: California
It's in the manual. Pgs. 369, 371, and on 372 it states: "ECO mode controls the heating/cooling ops and fan speed of the AC system to enhance fuel efficiency."
I used auto-AC during my full day use of ECO and saw no difference in temp. But it also wasn't hot out. Maybe you guys in the hell-hot areas need to stay out of ECO.
I used auto-AC during my full day use of ECO and saw no difference in temp. But it also wasn't hot out. Maybe you guys in the hell-hot areas need to stay out of ECO.
Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 119
Likes: 3
From: MA
Yesterday I drove all day in ECO mode for the first time in my 4RX. I never gave ECO a good shot till now. My own personal experience, pertaining to the whole upshift-too-soon/drone/gear hunting thing, is that it seems the transmission is mapped a LOT better for mild acceleration and slight uphills stuff around town than drive mode. So in my own experiences with mine, ECO mode is even better than S-mode or sport because you can leave the shifter alone but get smoother plus economical upshifts. All your power is still there when you need it in ECO-when you get into the throttle, it's the around-town throttle stuff that I believe ECO is most effective within. I just wanted to share this with others and suggest you try ECO yourself to see if you have the same experience. It still wants to upshift sooner but it's not as "boggy" as in drive. I want to say that the lockout converter doesn't happen in ECO is why. Better for the motor not to lug it IMHO.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,024
Likes: 40
From: Tennessee
For your information Eco mode does decrease A/C output but you can change the settings with Lexus Personalized settings so that when in eco mode A/C is not affected. Carista app is the easiest way to change that setting.
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 227
Likes: 3
From: California
I was again all day in ECO mode and I have to say, that the AC was blowing icy cold in auto mode. But again, not hot out. I have my temp set at 67* and that air comes out cold! I am sure that on a 90* day though, I would definitely see the difference.
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 227
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From: California
Lead Lap
Joined: Nov 2015
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From: SoCal