The Kia Optima is one of several Kias equipped with driving modes tailored to different styles of driving and performance needs. The Kia Optima comes equipped with three modes: ECO, Comfort, and Sport. For those with fuel economy in mind, ECO Mode is the way to go.

To help you better understand how ECO Mode can benefit you and your driving experience,

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What is the Kia Optima’s ECO Mode?

Almost all Kia models feature Kia’s Active ECO technology that improves your vehicle’s fuel economy via adjustments to your Optima’s engine, transmission, and climate control system.

When ECO Mode is activated on your Kia Optima, it:

Decreases throttle response

Adjusts automatic transmission shift patterns to limit RPMs

Reduces power to climate control systems

These subtle changes allow your Optima to run at peak efficiency, conserving energy, reducing fuel consumption, and even helping to make you a safer driver! As an added bonus, because your engine doesn’t work as hard with ECO Mode switched on, you won’t put as much strain on your car’s battery. That means you could be prolonging both your powertrain and battery life, just by pressing a button!

Key Takeaway Subtle yet impactful adjustments allow Kia’s ECO Mode to both increase fuel efficiency and decrease wear and tear on your vehicle.

MORE: Kia drive modes: What are they, and what do they do?

Does the Kia Optima’s ECO Mode save fuel?

You may not notice a difference immediately, but

driving in ECO Mode will save gas

and return higher miles per gallon on your Kia Optima.

Does the Kia Optima’s ECO Mode charge the battery?

Regenerative braking technology allows hybrid Kia Optimas to charge the battery whenever you press the brake pedal. But even standard Optimas can benefit from Kia’s ECO Mode—it won’t charge your battery, but it will reduce the strain placed on it by systems like climate control.

What’s the difference between Kia Comfort and ECO Mode?

Comfort Mode is similar to ECO Mode when it comes to reducing throttle response, but Comfort Mode is much more about, well, comfort, than fuel economy. That’s why engaging Comfort Mode won’t decrease your climate control system output. Comfort Mode also allows Kias with an adaptive suspension system to soften your ride for increased ease.

When you’re looking for peak performance, switch to Sport Mode. Sport Mode not only reconfigures shift points to allow the transmission to shift at higher RPM, but it also increases throttle response and tightens your steering for unrivaled handling.

MORE: Does Kia have a self-driving car?

How to turn Kia ECO Mode on and off

Switching between drive modes in your Kia Optima is as simple as pressing a button—literally. Just press the “Drive Mode” button below your gear shifter. Your Optima’s default mode is Comfort, but when you press the Drive Mode button to engage ECO or Sport Mode, you’ll see either “ECO” or “Sport” displayed on your instrument cluster. If your vehicle is in ECO Mode when you turn it off, it will remain in ECO Mode when you restart it. On the other hand, Sport Mode will be disabled when you shut off your Optima, and it will be back in Comfort Mode the next time you start it up.

Is the Kia Optima’s ECO Mode worth it?

If you do most of your driving around town and at lower speeds, you’ll likely see a lot of benefits to Kia’s ECO Mode. But if you tend to have a lead foot, you probably won’t see much of a return from the feature.

MORE: Are Kias expensive to maintain?

How to save on Kia insurance

Enabling ECO Mode on your Kia Optima is a great way to save money on fuel costs over time. Luckily, saving money on car insurance can be just as simple when you shop using the free

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