Honda CR-V Econ Mode
It usually doesn’t take long for Honda CR-V users to discover the Econ mode, especially those with fourth or fifth-generation models that feature a dedicated “ECON” button. But what exactly does ECON mode do, and why did Honda decide to include a special button for it?
Learning how and when to use ECON mode can help you save on fuel costs. In this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know about Econ mode on the Honda CR-V.
What It Is
The Honda CR-V’s ECON mode is a driving option to enhance fuel efficiency. Once enabled, several aspects of the car’s performance are optimized to reduce fuel consumption.
Notably, the ECON mode adjusts engine power output and transmission shift points to improve efficacy rather than speed or acceleration capabilities. It also manages the air conditioning system to minimize energy usage.
It alters the throttle response to smooth out acceleration, helping to conserve fuel, assisting drivers in saving fuel, ECON mode on fuel, and reducing environmental impact.
When to Use It
Activating ECON mode can create a more environmentally conscious driving experience by considerably lowering fuel consumption on busy city streets and lengthy highway trips.
Here are some specific scenarios where using ECON mode proves especially advantageous:
City Driving
In stop-and-go traffic, ECON mode helps reduce fuel consumption by adjusting the throttle response and air conditioning output, which are typically high in urban settings.
Long Highway Cruises
On long stretches of highway where constant speed is maintained, ECON mode optimizes fuel efficiency by smoothing out throttle response and shifting patterns. This makes it ideal for keeping speeds steady without unnecessary fuel burn.
Daily Commutes
For regular commutes that don’t require rapid acceleration or high-speed maneuvers, ECON mode can help extend your fuel tank by ensuring that the engine and other systems operate more fuel-efficiently.
Light Load Conditions
Cars require a lot of power when carrying or training heavy loads. That means when you don’t have a heavy load in your vehicle, always turn in your ECON mode.
Fuel-Saving Goals
ECON mode can assist you in fulfilling your fuel-saving and environmentally conscious goals by enhancing the effectiveness of your car. Less fuel usage means lowered vehicle operating costs and exhaust fumes.
It’s important to note that ECON mode will make the vehicle less responsive, so it’s not ideal when you need more power.
If you’re going uphill, towing, or preparing to overtake another vehicle on the highway, I recommend turning off ECON mode. In these situations, switching to Normal or Sport mode (if available) will give you better performance.
How to Turn It On/Off
If you’re new to the Honda CR-V and want to learn to turn ECON mode on and off, just follow these easy steps.
2023-2025 Honda CR-V
To activate ECON mode on the 2023-2025 Honda CR-V, use the drive mode switch on the center console to cycle through the available modes. The options will appear on the instrument panel display, and then you can simply select ECON mode.
To turn off ECON mode, use the same method as when activating, but choose a different drive mode, such as Normal, Sport, or Snow.
2012-2022 Honda CR-V
For the 2012-2022 Honda CR-V models, activating ECON mode is much simpler, thanks to a dedicated button. Just press the ECON button to turn it on, and press it again to turn it off.
On some models equipped with a Sport mode button, activating Sport mode will automatically turn off ECON mode as well.
When you press the Econ button, an “Econ Mode” message and icon will appear on your CR-V’s instrument panel screen.
Does It Make a Difference?
Yes, Econ mode certainly impacts fuel efficiency positively. When driving a 2021 Honda CR-V, activating Econ mode has resulted in a notable improvement of 2 or 3 MPG in fuel efficiency.
Click here to find out what MPG you can expect from your Honda CR-V.
While this function may not bring about an extreme transformation in your vehicle’s gas usage, it does provide steady marginal savings that have the potential to accumulate into substantial benefits with time.
That is especially true for those who frequently drive in conditions or styles that consume more fuel.
By optimizing engine performance and reducing unnecessary power drains, Econ mode helps make subtle yet effective improvements to your vehicle’s overall fuel efficiency, making it a worthwhile feature for cost-conscious drivers.
Expert Tip
After extensive testing of the Honda CR-V’s driving modes, I recommend primarily using Econ mode for daily driving.
This mode optimizes fuel efficiency, making it ideal for typical driving conditions without high power.
However, switching to Normal or Sport mode is a straightforward adjustment for situations that demand more dynamic performance, such as overtaking on highways or navigating steep inclines.
These modes enhance the vehicle’s responsiveness and power, adapting seamlessly to your immediate driving requirements without significantly compromising fuel efficiency.
By predominantly using Econ mode, you can achieve a balance between economical fuel usage and the flexibility to handle diverse driving scenarios effectively.
Conclusion
Econ mode, introduced in 2012, has proven beneficial for Honda CR-V owners seeking improved fuel efficiency.
Though not a miraculous solution, it does provide gradual advantages that are especially noteworthy when navigating stop-and-go traffic conditions.
Easy to activate and adjust, Econ mode helps save on fuel costs and encourages more mindful driving habits. Try it out on your next drive and observe the benefits for yourself.
