Notices
RX - 5th Gen (2023-present) Discussion topics related to the 2023 and up RX models

Drive Modes

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 10, 2024 | 08:27 PM
  #1  
newbielexus's Avatar
newbielexus
Thread Starter
1st Gear
 
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Default Drive Modes

Can someone explain the different drive modes to me? I have only owned my rx350 for a couple months. Im really unhappy with the jolty behavior of the engine. Today i switched from normal mode to sport and eco, they were both considerably more smooth than normal mode. Is this normal? Can i drive in eco all of the time or is it only for when my fuel tank is low? Please HELP!
Reply
Old Sep 10, 2024 | 11:52 PM
  #2  
Measured's Avatar
Measured
Advanced
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 728
Likes: 142
From: BC
Default

The drive modes as listed by Lexus. However, the ECU learns your driving behaviors and adjusts accordingly overtime.

ECO, truthfully shouldn't ever be used as most folks have a tendency to overcompensate with the throttle thus reducing the impact it is meant to have. Learn to be smooth with your throttle in normal and you'll be fine.

My GS performs drastically different than my brother in law who drives like he's on a perpetual Sunday drive. It's such a difference that my throttle response is significantly more responsive.

Snow mode which isn't mentioned is nothing more than the vehicle starting in a higher gear to reduce tire slip.

Eco Mode

Eco Mode improves the car's efficiency by reducing fuel consumption. This is typically achieved by reducing the fuel that enters the engine and shutting down some of its cylinders. Besides this, the air-conditioner temperature and the throttle response are often reduced to save fuel and enhance mileage capabilities.

EV Mode

Lexus cars should automatically operate in EV mode when driven below 45km/h. Hybrid vehicles with moderate powertrains may not have this mode available, and therefore it can be selected manually.

Sport Mode

The vehicle will be more maneuverable in sport mode and perform better because it emphasizes dynamic handling. The powertrain output and supply voltage are increased to achieve this. Engine revs will be higher, as well as EPS (Electric Power Steering) and throttle.

Moreover, vehicle traction control and stability are less intrusive in Sport Mode. As a result, Lexus drivers can enhance their vehicle's performance without constraints.
Reply
Old Sep 11, 2024 | 06:31 AM
  #3  
toyotaman7's Avatar
toyotaman7
Pole Position
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,228
Likes: 904
From: Ontario
Default

I drive in ECO mode most of the times.

It suits my driving. You have to try all to see which best matches your driving.
Reply
Old Sep 11, 2024 | 07:54 AM
  #4  
Carbuff2's Avatar
Carbuff2
Instructor
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 960
Likes: 513
From: NJ
Default

Also, note the mention of reduced A/C operation in ECO, a fuel-saving setting.

I'll admit, we haven't felt a lack of A/C performance, but we don't live in an area with triple-digit ambient temperatures, either.
Reply
Old Jun 14, 2025 | 03:54 AM
  #5  
Denzo's Avatar
Denzo
Pit Crew
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 244
Likes: 116
From: Switzerland
Default

ECO mode clearly minimizes the jerky gear shifts felt in Sport and Normal modes.
Reply
Old Jun 14, 2025 | 05:52 AM
  #6  
mcomer's Avatar
mcomer
Lead Lap
10 Year Member
Shutterbug
Liked
 
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,329
Likes: 1,238
From: IL
Default

We use Drive Mode ECO in our 2020 ESh when traveling solo or as a couple.
Softened throttle response and lessened AC output is fine for this load.

Switch to Normal when out with friends and the increased conversations tax the AC!

Occasionally Switch to Sport instead of using Paddle Shifters when negotiating cloverleaf
highway interchanges, this increases engine and regen braking and then punches up the
next merging acceleration. Switch it back to ECO or Normal (see above).
Reply
Old Jun 14, 2025 | 07:29 AM
  #7  
mikemu30's Avatar
mikemu30
Lexus Test Driver
5 Year Member
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Liked
 
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 9,659
Likes: 3,438
From: NJ
Default

Try all modes to determine your preference. I use SPORT in both our ES and RXh. Huge difference in the ES in terms of throttle response but not so much in the RX.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bclexus
Hybrid Technology
6
Dec 22, 2021 10:12 AM
suresh2018
Hybrid Technology
4
Oct 19, 2020 02:15 PM
tx8koibito
NX - 1st Gen (2015-2021)
10
Mar 12, 2016 01:21 AM
bclexus
GS - 4th Gen (2013-2020)
24
Apr 13, 2015 07:26 PM
TitanFan
GS - 4th Gen (2013-2020)
12
Sep 4, 2012 06:05 AM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 12:22 AM.

story-0
Toyota and Lexus Join Mille Miglia For The First Time

Slideshow: A five-car lineup spanning more than five decades of Toyota performance and engineering will tackle one of Italy's most celebrated automotive routes.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-15 16:53:16


VIEW MORE
story-1
Lexus NX 350h: A Fuel-Sipping Secret Hot Hatch???

Slideshow: a quick review of the 2026 Lexus NX 350h F Sport Handling

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-18 14:36:21


VIEW MORE
story-2
5 Best & 5 Worst Lexus Daily Drivers

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Lexus daily drivers

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 11:14:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 5 Hottest Lexus & Toyotas in 2026 (Hardest To Buy)

These five Lexus and Toyota models are the most sought-after on the market right now.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 10:47:52


VIEW MORE
story-4
2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks

Slideshow: the 2026 IS 350 isn't all that new, and that's why we love it!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-04 14:35:23


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!

Slideshow: 10 most confusing things Lexus has ever done.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-04 09:40:55


VIEW MORE
story-6
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles

Slideshow: Our First-Drive Review of the 2026 Lexus ES!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-29 20:30:16


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4

Slideshow: 10 Lexus bargain that are cheaper than a new Toyota.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 10:28:20


VIEW MORE
story-8
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built

Slideshow: From hoverboards to luxury yachts, these are the strangest projects Lexus has ever attached its badge to.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-16 11:34:36


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Some luxury cars chase trends, but these Lexus models look better now than they did when they first rolled into showrooms.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-06 17:58:29


VIEW MORE