What is the eco mode on a Honda City?

Eco Mode, often labeled ECON, is a driving setting that prioritizes fuel efficiency by adjusting engine response and climate-control loads. This article explains what it does, how to use it, and what to expect across Honda City variants.

What Eco Mode does

In most Honda City models with automatic or CVT transmissions, Eco Mode reduces energy demand and helps the engine run more efficiently by tweaking several systems. This typically includes softer throttle response, earlier upshifts, and a lighter touch from the air conditioning system to lower overall fuel consumption. The exact behavior can vary by model year and market.

Key ways Eco Mode alters the car's behavior:

• Throttle mapping is softened so gradual acceleration is encouraged rather than quick bursts.


• Transmission logic shifts to keep the engine RPM at lower levels, reducing fuel use.


• Air conditioning and other electrical loads are moderated to decrease engine load and improve efficiency.


• Some HVAC settings may reduce fan speed or climate comfort marginally to save fuel.

In practice, Eco Mode can make the City feel less eager at first pedal input and may slightly compromise cabin comfort on hot days, but it can deliver noticeable gains in city driving where stop-and-go traffic is common.

How to activate and monitor Eco Mode

Follow these steps to enable or disable Eco Mode on most Honda City models. The steps may vary slightly by market and model year.

1. Start the engine and ensure you are in a drive gear (D) or appropriate mode for city driving.


2. Locate the ECON button on the center console near the gear lever or on the dash. It is usually labeled ECON and may have a leaf or green indicator.


3. Press the ECON button to turn Eco Mode on. A green indicator or message on the instrument cluster confirms activation.


4. To revert to normal operation, press the ECON button again. In some configurations, Eco Mode may automatically disengage if you floor the accelerator or request maximum power.


5. In models with an infotainment system, you may also see Eco Mode status in the instrument cluster or vehicle settings.

With Eco Mode active, you can expect more economical fuel consumption in typical urban driving, at the cost of quicker acceleration and peak performance.

What Eco Mode means for performance and fuel economy

Eco Mode is a deliberate trade-off. It prioritizes efficiency over brisk acceleration, which is beneficial for daily commuting and fuel savings, but less suited for overtaking or steep terrain where more power is helpful. The actual savings depend on your driving style, terrain, and climate conditions; climate control use, passenger load, and driving speed all influence the outcome.

Market variations

Honda City models in different regions may implement Eco Mode a bit differently. Some markets offer more aggressive throttle control or more visible shifts in the CVT behavior, while others emphasize minimal impact to cabin comfort. Always consult your owner's manual for exact details for your model year and region.

Summary

Eco Mode (ECON) on the Honda City is a built-in efficiency setting that softens throttle response, adjusts gear-shifting, and moderates climate-control load to reduce fuel consumption in typical city driving. It is easy to activate and deactivate, provides tangible gains in everyday commuting, but sacrifices some responsiveness and climate comfort. The effect varies by model year and market, so check your manual for specifics.

Should I drive in eco mode in the city?

Good news, eco mode can help you save fuel, but how much you save really depends on your driving conditions. In stop-start city traffic or when you tend to accelerate aggressively, eco mode can be surprisingly effective. It smooths out your acceleration and avoids those fuel-hungry gear changes at lower speeds.

When to use Honda city econ mode?

When to Use the Honda ECON Button

1. Cruising at a steady pace on the highway.
2. Normal city driving conditions.
3. Areas where the terrain remains relatively flat.
4. You aren't towing anything.
5. On days that aren't unbearably hot and you won't need to use max A/C for long.

When should we use eco mode?

Use eco mode for situations where you prioritize fuel efficiency, such as city driving with frequent starts and stops or long highway cruises at consistent speeds. It is ideal for daily commutes and errands where you want to maximize your miles per gallon and don't need strong acceleration. Avoid using it when you need to accelerate quickly, like when merging onto a busy highway, as eco mode can make the throttle less responsive. 
You can watch this video to learn what happens to your car in different driving modes: 59sHistory of Simple ThingsYouTube · Aug 4, 2025
When to use eco mode

• City driving: It can help save fuel in stop-and-go traffic by making the transmission shift up earlier and the throttle less sensitive to prevent hard acceleration. 
• Long highway commutes: While the benefit is less pronounced on the highway, it can still improve efficiency by encouraging smoother driving and keeping the engine in a more economical gear range. 
• Daily errands: For short trips and routine errands, eco mode is a good choice to maximize fuel economy throughout the week. 
• Driving with light loads: It can be beneficial when the vehicle is not carrying heavy loads or towing, as it helps maintain efficiency. 

When to avoid eco mode

• When quick acceleration is needed: If you need to merge onto a busy highway or quickly pass another vehicle, switch out of eco mode for better responsiveness. 
• When driving up steep hills: The reduced power output can make the vehicle feel sluggish on inclines. 
• For spirited driving: If you are on a track or engaging in performance driving, use a sport mode instead for a more responsive experience. 

This video explains how to use different driving modes and their effects on gas mileage: 1mToyotaJeff ReviewsYouTube · May 25, 2019

When should I use eco mode on my Honda?

Best use: City traffic or stop-and-go conditions. In traffic, you need quicker throttle response and more flexibility for merging, accelerating, and maneuvering. Eco mode in heavy traffic can sometimes feel sluggish and force you to press harder on the pedal, which cancels out its fuel savings.