What does Eco mean on a Dodge?
Eco refers to Eco Mode, a drive-mode setting in many Dodge vehicles that prioritizes fuel efficiency over peak performance. Engaging Eco Mode typically softens throttle response, alters transmission behavior, and may tune climate control to save fuel.
Beyond the label, Eco Mode’s exact behavior varies by model and model year. In general, it reduces engine and drivetrain aggressiveness, shifts more quickly to economy-focused gear ranges, and can temper non-essential electrical loads to improve miles per gallon. Availability and specifics differ across Dodge’s lineup, so the effect you experience can vary between a Challenger, Durango, Charger, or other Dodge models.
What Eco Mode does
When Eco Mode is active, a Dodge may display several changes designed to maximize efficiency. Here are the typical effects you might notice:
- Throttle response is softened, so the same pedal input yields slower initial acceleration.
- The transmission may shift earlier or hold higher gears to reduce engine RPM and improve fuel economy.
- Non-critical systems such as climate control and certain electrical loads may operate more conservatively to save energy.
- The instrument cluster or infotainment display may show an Eco icon or MPG readouts to indicate the mode is active.
- Fuel-economy indicators on the gauges or screens may improve with steady, moderate driving in Eco Mode.
Keep in mind that the exact results depend on driving conditions, vehicle weight, and weather. Eco Mode is designed for efficiency, not raw performance, and savings can be marginal in hilly terrain or with aggressive driving.
How to use Eco Mode
Engaging Eco Mode varies by model and year. The general approach uses a button or drive-mode selector labeled ECO, ECO MODE, or Eco on the center console or steering wheel.
- Locate the Eco control—it's typically a physical button labeled ECO or a drive-mode selector near the shifter or steering wheel.
- Press the button or rotate the dial to select Eco Mode.
- Confirm that Eco Mode is active by checking the gauge cluster, instrument display, or infotainment screen for an Eco badge or message.
- Drive with smoother inputs and steadier speeds to maximize efficiency while Eco Mode is engaged.
- To return to normal performance, switch back to Normal or another drive mode (Sport, Comfort, etc.).
Some models may enable Eco automatically under certain conditions or require enabling Eco in the vehicle’s settings. If you’re unsure, consult your owner’s manual for your exact model-year configuration.
Model coverage and caveats
Eco Mode is widely available on many recent Dodge models, including various trims of the Charger, Challenger, and Durango, as well as on related Stellantis platforms. Availability and the exact behavior can differ by year, engine, and option packages. In general, Eco Mode provides the best mpg benefits with steady, moderate driving and mindful climate-control use.
Notes on variations by model
Because Dodge updates features between model years, the precise appearance and controls for Eco Mode can vary. Always check your vehicle’s owner’s manual or the Uconnect system for the exact instructions and behavior for your year and trim.
Indicator and what it means
When Eco Mode is active, you’ll typically see an Eco badge, leaf icon, or similar indicator on the instrument cluster or infotainment display. If the indicator is not showing, Eco Mode may be off or not available in your current configuration.
Summary: Eco on a Dodge denotes Eco Mode—a drive mode aimed at maximizing fuel economy by tuning throttle response, transmission behavior, and selective energy use. The exact impact varies by model and year, but you can expect smoother acceleration, earlier upshifts, and reduced load on non-essential systems when engaged. It’s easy to toggle on and off, and model-specific steps are best confirmed in your manual.
