Is driving in eco-mode worth it?

If you drive a new car, it’s likely that you’ll have seen the ‘ECO’ button on the dashboard. On the surface, ECO mode seems great, but does it really help you save fuel? Or is it just another one of those features that you forget about after two weeks? 

With fuel prices increasing and all of us trying to do our bit for the environment, ECO mode is pretty trendy at the minute. However, not everyone knows when to use it, how it works, or whether it’s even worth bothering with. 

In this blog, we’ll break down what eco mode in a car really means, whether it saves fuel, and the correct time to use it. Whether you’re a city commuter or a family driver, we’ll help you decide whether pressing that button is worth it. Let’s get into it: 

Modern cars can be a bit overwhelming. Gone are the days of getting behind the wheel, and all you had to contend with was a speedometer, rev counter, and radio. Now, there are plenty of features, and one of the most common is eco mode. 

Eco mode, short for ‘economy mode’, is a system designed to make your car more fuel efficient by changing how certain features work. Once activated, it tells your car to prioritise saving fuel over delivering peak performance. In simple terms, your car sacrifices performance for energy efficiency. 

• Throttle response reduced - the car accelerates more gently, even if you press hard on the pedal. 
• Gear shifts happen earlier (in automatics) - keeping engine revs lower. 
• Air conditioning/heating reduced - reducing the load on the engine bay. 
• Engine power limited - ensuring everything runs in a more efficient, less aggressive way. 

Now, you might be reading this thinking, “who on earth would use eco mode?”. Don’t worry, even with all of the above, it doesn’t drastically change how your car drives. You’ll notice a slight change, but it's nothing severe. 

It’s the big question: does eco mode actually save fuel, or is it just a nice idea? 

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. 

What makes eco mode particularly useful is how it encourages more frugal driving. In fact, a 2024 study by Consumer Reports found that driving smoothly with eco mode activated could make a difference of 2-3mpg around town. 

That said, eco mode isn’t a miracle worker. If you’re cruising at high speeds on the motorway or overtaking regularly, it’s unlikely to help. In fact, you might end up pushing the engine harder to get the response you want, which could hurt your fuel economy! 

Pros: 

• Improved fuel economy (in certain conditions) - By softening throttle response and shifting gears earlier, it limits unnecessary fuel use. If used correctly, this could contribute to improved fuel economy. 
• Fewer emissions - The more fuel-efficient the car, the less emissions it emits. 
• Smoother drive - With gentle acceleration, eco mode encourages a more relaxed drive. If you’re not in a rush, go for eco mode and enjoy a relaxing commute to work. 

Cons: 

• Sluggish performance - One of the biggest gripes with eco-mode is that it reduces throttle response. If you need nippy acceleration, this can be frustrating. 
• Not suitable for all situations - If driving on the motorway, in the countryside, or when towing, eco mode can hinder your performance. 
• Can lead to overcompensation - Because of eco-modes reduced performance, it can lead some drivers to overcompensate and push the car too hard. This defeats the purpose of eco mode and can actually result in worse fuel economy.

Eco mode can be a helpful tool, but as you’re now aware, it’s all about timing. Use it in the right situations and it will come into its own. Use it in the wrong situation, and you’ll end up frustrated, and might even use more fuel. 

Here’s when eco mode is at optimal levels: 

• Stop-start city driving - Eco mode thrives in urban environments where traffic lights, roundabouts, and queues are the norm. It prevents heavy acceleration from a stop and keeps fuel economy respectable. 
• Smooth, low-speed cruising - If you’re on a relaxing Sunday drive through residential streets or 30mph zones, eco mode will keep your car smooth and efficient. 
• Short trips - Nipping to the shops? Eco mode can help you make the most of those short journeys, especially when you’ve got time on your side. 

Eco mode isn’t built for every occasion. Most of the time, you’ll get a feel for when it’s not right, but just to be clear, here are the situations where it’s best left off: 

• Motorway driving  - Eco mode reduces engine power, which isn’t sensible on the motorway. Also, once you’re at 70mph, your car will be driving pretty efficiently, so there’s no need for eco mode. 
• Rural roads - If you’re driving on a hilly road or rough terrain, you’ll want full engine responsiveness. Eco mode limits power delivery, which could leave your car struggling on steep inclines.  
• Towing - Same goes for towing or carrying heavy loads. You’ll need the full engine performance and eco mode restricts that, which isn’t ideal. 

Eco mode might not be the flashiest feature in your new car, but it can be one of the most practical, especially if you’re a calm, everyday driver looking to save a bit of fuel. 

While it won’t turn your car into an eco-warrior simply by the press of a button, it encourages efficient driving practices and makes small adjustments that can add up over time. 

In the right setting, it can genuinely help you to drive more efficiently without drastically changing the way you drive. 

If you like the idea of getting behind the wheel of a fuel-efficient car, leasing could be a perfect fit. Nationwide Vehicle Contracts offers a range of eco-friendly cars, whether you’re after a hybrid, electric, or efficient petrol.