The Honda CR-V Econ mode adjusts the engine’s throttle and climate control systems to reduce harsh acceleration and optimize your car’s energy usage. This improves your CR-V’s fuel economy and encourages safer driving habits.

If you’ve ever wished you could improve your driving while saving gas, Honda’s Econ mode is right for you! Econ mode doesn’t directly cut back on fuel consumption. Instead, it helps you pay attention to aggressive driving habits that use a lot of fuel while adjusting the throttle and shifting systems.

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What is Honda CR-V Econ mode?

Honda says the Econ mode adjusts the CR-V’s performance to maximize fuel efficiency, but what does that mean? The econ mode does several things to enhance fuel efficiency. For instance, it:

Switches off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop

Adjusts the throttle response at higher speeds

Limits the shifting behavior to shift at lower RPMs (even when using cruise control)

Limits the A/C system capacity

Reduces fuel injection

Overall, Econ mode prioritizes fuel consumption over performance and handling. These aren’t huge changes, and you might not even notice it’s on if you’re just driving around town. It’s fine to set it and forget it, but you might want to turn it off when driving at high speeds.

Your CR-V won’t feel like it has the usual get up and go when Econ mode is on during highway driving or when you need to accelerate quickly. Nothing’s wrong with your CR-V—it’s just those adjustments to shifting and throttling that we mentioned. Many drivers turn off Econ mode when they need full power.

Econ mode also encourages safer driving habits. You won’t be able to accelerate quickly or slam your foot on the brakes. You might even think twice about zipping past traffic and cutting in front of other drivers. But Econ Mode isn’t the only fuel efficiency feature that Honda offers.

Your CR-V might be equipped with Eco Assist. This meter on the dash changes color to show your driving style. If it’s green, you’re getting the best fuel efficiency. If it’s blue-green, you’re moderately accelerating and decelerating. If you see blue bars, you’re being a little aggressive with accelerating and decelerating.

Some CR-Vs also have Eco Drive which is a feedback program like Eco Assist, but it uses bars that extend to show acceleration or deceleration. Aim to keep the bars low to maximize your fuel efficiency. Smooth driving and steady acceleration help!

Does Honda CR-V Econ mode save fuel?

Although Honda says Econ mode maximizes fuel economy, don’t expect to see huge differences. Consumer Reports found that at best, Econ mode saves two or three mpg compared to erratic driving. Play around with the mode to track your own fuel consumption if you want to see if you’re saving on fuel.

Does Honda CR-V Econ mode charge the battery?

No, you can’t charge your CR-V battery by using Econ mode. That feature is only available on Honda plug-in hybrids like the

Honda Clarity

What’s the difference between Honda Normal, Sport, and Econ mode?

If your CR-V is equipped with these driving modes, you can select how the car handles. In Normal mode, you’ll get smooth, efficient driving that’s perfect for day-to-day city driving. If you want more responsive handling, select Sport Mode to use the drive-by-wire throttle system. The Econ mode noticeably damps the throttle, so you’ll find it’s harder to quickly accelerate.

A note to the 2023 Honda CR-V drivers: you also have the option to drive in Snow mode! This driving mode changes the transmission and throttle settings and helps prep the AWD system for slipping on ice.

MORE: How to remote start your 2021 Honda CR-V

How to turn Honda CR-V Econ mode on and off

Look to the left of your shifter and you’ll see a button labeled “Econ.” Press it to activate Econ mode—you’ll see a leafy green symbol light up on the dash. To switch it off, just push the button again!

Is Honda CR-V Econ mode worth it?

Drivers who are trying to adjust their driving habits while improving fuel efficiency will probably find the Honda CR-V Econ mode helpful. But if you’re hoping for a drastic improvement in gas consumption, you’ll most likely be disappointed.

If you love the power and quick handling that comes with your CR-V, you might be frustrated with Econ mode when shifting becomes jerky or you don’t have the engine power you need to accelerate. Overall, Econ mode is decent for city driving, but you’ll probably want to turn it off when you’re on the highway or need the engine’s full power.

MORE: How to save money on gas

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