To "mode" or not to "mode"

Eco mode should help a little on mileage but the ac and heater work at a reduced level to conserve energy, also I found the throttle response in Eco a bit frustrating, so I just used the default mode. I am not a hyper miler I just drive it like a normal car.

 

There is no best and there are too many factors involved to suggest one over another. Some folks use EV mode in parking lots while others say that just uses up the battery and the ICE has to eventually recharge it. Some use ECO mode thinking it will save fuel, but the only way to know if it does is to drive the same route many times in both modes. As Munport said, ECO mode reduces throttle response, etc. Some folks don't mind the sluggishness, but I don't know how many have done actual tests to see if it's saving them money or not. PWR mode seems to be the only mode that doesn't get much use manually. I played with all the modes and I no longer bother, I just drive the car. The car will switch between modes as needed and, like cruise control, that's good enough for me.

 

If you want to maximize fuel economy, then generally run in ECO mode.

When driving on ice, crossing frozen lakes/rivers, when I must push through a pile of slush at an intersection, or when on the on-ramp getting up onto the interstate; I use PWR mode. It gives you the zip you need to punch through those issues.

 

Except for some minor tweaks to cruise control and AC (allowing more slop for both), the different modes (ECO vs Normal vs PWR) change only the user interface, not anything with how the propulsion system actually operates. So, the choice is entirely a matter of personal preference.

If you have fantastic dexterity (with the right foot), you should be able to achieve the same MPG with all of them (absent cruise control and AC). If your coordination is less stellar, like some of us clumsier folks, the ECO should help achieve better results.

EV is a different matter. It is useful sometimes, but can sabotage economy when used improperly.

 

What fuzzy said. I find with neither ECO or PWR pushed, I get "normal" gas pedal response, works just fine for me. ECO just gave my right leg too much of work out, tromping through excess travel.

 

Never touch any modes. Mine goes into EV mode automatically during "parking lot" situations. The previous owner had it in ECO mode when I bought it, but I did not like the diminished throttle response, so de-selected it. Never tried PWR mode.

 

I usually leave it in Eco as I don't mind the reduced response and it probably saves some fuel. I'll use PWR once in a great while if I need to accelerate quickly from a stop.

 

I used ECO for about the first 6 months of ownership. Then switched it off, didn't notice any difference. It does change some other stuff, AC performance, and maybe something with Cruise Control. But with the gas pedal all it's doing is remapping response.

 

Not sure why that would surprise you. Automatic transmissions have manual controls on the shift lever, but most people only use drive, reverse and park. Automatic transmissions are designed for optimal "all-around" performance, just like the Prius is designed for optimal "all-around" mileage. There are times when some might use D1, D2, whatever, just as there are times when some use EV, ECO or PWR mode, though my guess is most just let the car decide. I tried ECO and didn't like the throttle response, especially in heavy traffic here in Phoenix. Back home in small town Wisconsin, ECO might work just fine. I'm just not convinced giving up throttle response would be worth whatever benefit I'd gain. I already try to minimize getting into the PWR zone in "normal" mode. However, everyone drives differently and in different traffic patterns, so there's absolutely nothing wrong with using ECO if it works for you. That's why I said there was no best, it's up to each driver to figure out what works best for them. If you do some tests, please report back with your findings.

 

I use ECO mode 99% of the time.
The sluggish response allows me to give the car small amounts of throttle.
I use PWR mode when I need to launch from a stop to assert my position in traffic.
My results are usually 52 to 57 mpg calculated.
You have to want to get really good mileage to get the most out of a Prius.
I'm usually one of the slower cars on the road(driving the speed limit)
Aggressive Impatient Drivers on the road don't like how slow I drive.
Once you slow down a bit you will find driving is much more relaxing.

 

I drive the vehicle in ECO mode at all times.....

 

I use eco mode most of the time, just because it's easier to finely control the throttle.
The Prius IS NOT an "EV", though it CAN be operated as one under the correct conditions for short distances. If I want to wash Pearl S, for example, and she is in the garage and hasn't been operated for a few hours (engine is cold), I will use EV to move her to the back yard to wash. This prevents the engine from starting and being shut down when still "cold" (sometimes a "bad thing" (tm)). But about half the time "EV mode not available" is displayed, due to temperature, battery charge level, colour of the sky, etc. This is the only use of "EV" I could find in my case. YMMV.

Be aware, use of "EV" is inefficient, because the battery must be charged from running the engine. Charging the battery is about 30-40% efficient. Same for discharging it. So overall, it is about 1/2 as efficient as running from the engine directly. It's there to allow all the other things the Prius does to maximize efficiency in "hybrid operation". Not to make the Prius an EV. It's a little different for the PIP (Plug In Prius), because you can charge that battery by plugging it in. So your inefficiency is transferred to your home power bill.

 

Same here, and same issues: there are SO many times EV is locked out, not available, on a coffee break, makes you wonder. You DO have about 15 seconds of EV, at start up, guaranteed, without pushing the EV button. I can cajol the car outa the garage and into the driveway with one of those. If I need to zig-zag it to an adjacent spot in our (double-wide) driveway, I can do it with two or 3 of the 15 second EV sessions. Just wish they'd give you a minute, that'd be nice.

 

San Francisco no matter how hard I tried any modes 39-43 mpg not using aircon just fan is enough to be comfortable inside. Anyone in SF can do 50mpg+ I dare you.

 

I get approx. 50 mpg calculated (52 displayed).