I have a 2020 Mitsubishi Outland and it comes with something called “ECO” mode that I can push a button and activate. I have never pushed it so not even sure if it is on. What exactly is this and should I be using it or is it best left off?
That’s the economy mode.
It’s used when you want to save fuel.
Tester
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You can read up on it in your owner’s manual, although I’m not sure how informative it would truly be.
This a reasonably good summary: https://www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/what-is-eco-mode
Owner’s manual doesn’t explain it much better,
ECO mode is an eco-driving support system
which automatically controls the engine, air
conditioningsystem,4WDsystem(ifso
equipped) and S-AWC (if so equipped) to
improve fuel efficiency.
My wife’s Honda has an ECO button. I use it on longer interstate driving trips. Not sure how much good it does but I feel better about using it.
My understanding is the engine’s performance is decreased toward the goal of saving fuel. Some engines “deactivate” 1/2 of the cylinders. Usually I’v found that I need to turn the ECO mode off when I exit the interstate. Otherwise, the acceleration, like from a stop sign, is too sluggish for my tastes.
The transmission shifts at lower RPMs and throttle response is changed to reduce acceleration. There are a couple other systems that are altered, all changes are made to increase gas mileage. Here’s a link that explains it.
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For all the things that car manufacturers do in the name of fuel economy, like uber thin oil and low rolling resistance tires, they tend to do the one thing that hurts fuel economy and that is to raise the shift points too high. Higher shift points make the car feel peppier and on a test drive, that is very important. The customer will be disappointed in the fuel economy after the sale is complete, by then too late.
Lowering the shift points causes the engine to run at lower RPMs during acceleration. You do have to press the gas pedal a little more to get the rate of acceleration you want, but testing has proved that a higher % throttle at lower RPMs increases fuel economy.
Also most cars and trucks made in this century have what is called throttle by wire. There is no direct connection between the gas pedal and the throttle body. It is done electronically with a computer in between what you want and what you get. Mostly it just slows down the rate at which the throttle opens. You jab at the gas pedal but the computer opens the throttle at a rate that does not waste a lot of fuel but still gives you a good feel. You may not even notice.
Put it in ECO and enjoy the savings, just don’t drag race anyone in that mode, at least don’t bet on the outcome in that mode.