When should you use eco mode on a Honda Pilot?

Eco mode on a Honda Pilot is designed to optimize fuel efficiency by softening throttle response, encouraging earlier upshifts, and moderating climate-control demands. Use Eco mode for steady, normal driving to save gas, and switch it off when you need quicker acceleration or more power for towing or steep terrain.

What Eco Mode Does in the Pilot

Eco mode adjusts several engine and drivetrain behaviors to prioritize efficiency. The following notes summarize common effects you may notice when Eco mode is active.

• Throttle response is softened, so acceleration feels less abrupt.


• The transmission tends to upshift earlier and keep engine RPMs lower to save fuel.


• Climate control operation may be moderated to reduce power draw from the engine.


• An Eco indicator appears on the instrument cluster when Eco mode is engaged, and the mode is typically activated or deactivated via a dedicated button on the center console.

In practice, these adjustments favor fuel economy and smoothness over aggressive acceleration or performance. Your actual savings will vary with driving style, conditions, and payload.

When to Use Eco Mode

If your goal is to maximize fuel efficiency during ordinary driving, enable Eco mode in these situations:

• Long highway or freeway cruising with steady speeds.


• Regular city commuting when quick bursts of power are not required.


• A light load or moderate-capacity driving where you don’t need maximum acceleration.


• Trips where conserving fuel is a priority and terrain is flat to mildly rolling.

Using Eco mode in these conditions can help you achieve better mileage, but expect a perceptible difference in throttle response and acceleration when you need to merge or pass.

When to Avoid Eco Mode

Turn Eco mode off in scenarios where you require immediate power or enhanced performance:

• Overtaking, merging onto busy highways, or rapid acceleration is needed.


• Driving on steep grades, mountains, or with a heavy trailer or payload.


• Cold-weather starts where faster climate control response improves cabin comfort.


• Sportier or more responsive driving preferences, or when you need precise throttle control on certain roads.

In these cases, Normal or other drive modes (if available on your model year) will provide more immediate power and responsiveness.

How to Enable and Disable Eco Mode

1. Locate the ECON button on the center console.


2. Press the button to turn Eco mode on; a corresponding indicator will appear on the instrument cluster.


3. Press the button again to turn Eco mode off and return to normal throttle and shifting behavior.


4. Be aware that aggressive throttle input or high-demand driving may cause the system to disengage Eco mode automatically to provide full power.

Tip: If you notice sluggish response during merging or passing, you can temporarily disable Eco mode to regain immediacy, then re-enable it after completing the maneuver if you wish to continue prioritizing efficiency.

Summary

Eco mode on the Honda Pilot is a practical tool for improving fuel economy during regular, steady driving. Use it for highway and city commuting when you don’t need rapid acceleration, and disable it for towing, steep grades, or when you want quicker throttle response. Understanding how Eco mode affects throttle, shifts, and climate control can help you choose the right driving style for your situation.

When should you not use eco mode?

You should not use eco mode when you need quick acceleration, such as merging onto a highway or passing another vehicle. It is also best to avoid it when driving on steep hills or towing a heavy load, as eco mode reduces engine power to save fuel. Other times to consider deactivating eco mode include high-speed highway driving or any situation that requires high performance, such as spirited driving.
 
This video explains when and when not to use eco mode: 47sFat PetrolHead YouTube · Sep 10, 2024
Situations to avoid using eco mode

• Merging onto highways or passing: These situations require quick and responsive acceleration, which eco mode limits. 
• Driving on steep hills: The reduced power output can make your car feel underpowered when going up a steep incline. 
• Towing or carrying a heavy load: Eco mode is not suitable for these situations because it limits the engine's power. 
• High-speed highway driving: On the highway, your car may need more power than eco mode can provide to maintain speed or to accelerate, especially if the speed is above 757575 mph. 
• Spirited or track driving: If you are looking for performance, you should use a sport or track mode instead of eco mode. 

You can watch this video to learn how eco mode affects your car's performance: 0:59History of Simple ThingsYouTube · May 31, 2025

What is the best drive mode for a Honda Pilot?

Normal mode provides the best balance between responsiveness, efficiency and comfort. ECON mode smooths the throttle response to enhance fuel efficiency.

When to use eco mode on Honda Pilot?

If you are wondering when to use the ECON button, the answer is most daily driving is fine. As long as you aren't going to need to accelerate quickly or on challenging roadways, the Honda ECON mode button can be safely engaged and provide some fuel-saving results.

Is it okay to leave econ mode on all the time?

Yes, it's generally safe to leave your car's "econ" mode on all the time, as it only changes the throttle response and transmission shifts for better fuel economy without causing damage. However, you may want to turn it off during situations where you need quick acceleration or the most responsiveness, such as on a steep hill or in heavy traffic. 
Benefits of leaving econ mode on

• Increased fuel efficiency: Econ mode makes the throttle less sensitive and shifts the transmission at lower RPMs, which can lead to better gas mileage, especially for highway driving.
• Smoother acceleration: By making the car less "sporty," it encourages a more gentle driving style, which can lead to smoother acceleration. 

When you might want to turn it off

• Need for quick acceleration: If you need to accelerate quickly, such as merging into highway traffic, you should temporarily turn off econ mode to access the full power of the engine. 
• Stop-and-go or heavy traffic: In heavy, stop-and-go traffic, the frequent shifting and reduced responsiveness can make the driving experience feel sluggish and potentially strain the transmission. 
• Climbing steep hills: In situations requiring continuous high load, such as climbing a steep mountain, you may want to switch it off to prevent the engine from struggling.