[JeffJo]

Frankly, ECO mode in Honda's sucks... because in modern Hondas it deliberately cripples performance for a benefit of a modest improvement in fuel economy (for a light footed driver). This is true for the ICE version as well as the iMMD hybrid drive. In my limited experience with ECO mode in my ICE CRV... a heavy footed driver gets penalized by ECO mode in terms of fuel economy.. so might as well just stick with setting the CVT to D and just drive.

ECON (is mine the only Honda that has an "N" on the button?) mode does several things. I use it by default in my Accord hybrid because it slows the response in cruise control. In NORMAL or SPORT, in any type of close traffic it adjusts speed too abruptly. My wife keeps the 1.5T CR-V in ECON because I can't convince her that the performance sacrifice is much more than any mileage gain.

And some of you may have seen this before, but I once did a short (10.2 mile) but highly controlled test that compared the three modes in the Accord. The main point was actually to show how the button-pushing strategy he used hurt mileage, but I extended the test to cover the three modes.

• ECON: 55.0 mpg, w hands off the buttons
• NORMAL: 54.1 mpg, w hands off the buttons
• SPORT: 48.9 mpg, aggressive button pushing

 

[beww]

ECON (is mine the only Honda that has an "N" on the button?) mode does several things. I use it by default in my Accord hybrid because it slows the response in cruise control. In NORMAL or SPORT, in any type of close traffic it adjusts speed too abruptly. My wife keeps the 1.5T CR-V in ECON because I can't convince her that the performance sacrifice is much more than any mileage gain.

And some of you may have seen this before, but I once did a short (10.2 mile) but highly controlled test that compared the three modes in the Accord. The main point was actually to show how the button-pushing strategy he used hurt mileage, but I extended the test to cover the three modes.

• ECON: 55.0 mpg, w hands off the buttons
• NORMAL: 54.1 mpg, w hands off the buttons
• SPORT: 48.9 mpg, aggressive button pushing

ECON (yes, I have an "N") will also reduce the performance of your air conditioner a bit.

 

[JeffJo]

ECON (yes, I have an "N") will also reduce the performance of your air conditioner a bit.

Not sure how you measure "performance." It lets the temperature vary a bit more before it decides to do something about it, but can get back to the same temperature. I don't notice the difference, but that's me.

 

[williamsji]

Not sure how you measure "performance." It lets the temperature vary a bit more before it decides to do something about it, but can get back to the same temperature. I don't notice the difference, but that's me.

I don't own the hybrid, but in the Honda's I do own (2017 CRV, 2018 Accord) when in Econ mode, the AC generally will not keep up with cabin cooling well if ambient temperature is hot (hot as in 90 degrees +). It tries of course, but it fails unless you set your cabin temp to high 70s. I believe this is due to Honda using a different set of variables in the climate control system when the vehicle is in Econ mode. I agree there is definitely more hysteresis in the AC controller when in Econ mode.

By the way.. I believe you said you have an "N" rather than Econ on your hybrid? What exactly does "N" stand for?

 

[JB in AZ]

...

By the way.. I believe you said you have an "N" rather than Econ on your hybrid? What exactly does "N" stand for?

As I understood, it, @JeffJo was commenting on the fact that many Hybrid posters were saying "ECO" mode, and he wondered if he was the only one who had an "N" at the end of "ECO"...as in "ECON".

 

[williamsji]

As I understood, it, @JeffJo was commenting on the fact that many Hybrid posters were saying "ECO" mode, and he wondered if he was the only one who had an "N" at the end of "ECO"...as in "ECON".

Oh.. thanks! I get it. Makes sense now.

 

[HeniekF2]

Side note ... never tried ECO, neither SPORT - the lag I'm mentioning is in "normal" mode ... I'm kind of "don't bother me with these buttons" guy, so I keep it as it was pick up from the dealer until now. Beside that, I do not like this "red" indicator on the dashboard when you turn on the SPORT mode. Keep it simple next time Honda - all these different modes do much, beyond confusing the users

 

[TheDarkKnight]

Keep it simple next time Honda - all these different modes do much, beyond confusing the users

Be grateful they all work....unlike certain European OEMs that give way too many options for drive modes that then....break down!

 

[williamsji]

Keep it simple next time Honda - all these different modes do much, beyond confusing the users

Thing is.. Honda gives owners options and features with options... not mandatory use requirements.

And frankly, I prefer Honda continue doing so.. because the range of drivers and driver preferences and wants are large in a large production volume vehicle like a CRV.

In other words, Honda will get fewer customer complaints with their approach VS adopting your desire of a "minimalist approach".

 

[beww]

In other words, Honda will get fewer customer complaints with their approach VS adopting your desire of a "minimalist approach".

In other other words, it's a lot easier to ignore a button that is there than it is to use it if it isn't there.

I think if no manufacturer ever had a mode switch of any kind nobody would notice or care.
But once the first outfit did it, the rest had to follow in lockstep, or give up a sales talking point.
I'd guess the modes are more useful before the sale than after it.

 

[williamsji]

In other other words, it's a lot easier to ignore a button that is there than it is to use it if it isn't there.

EXACTLY!

I guess we will always have some owners who somehow feel entitled to super-duper [email protected] personalized customization of features in a vehicle. Which is fine.. but then Honda is not the brand for them... and they better have some deep pockets.

Honda has a features selection and configuration checklist they ship with every new Honda. It's purpose is to allow the buyer and the sales person to choose which features to have enabled and what options in a feature to select.. and then the sales guy hands it off to the prep team to go in and set everything accordingly. Apparently some dealers though do not do this with new owners, but the checklist is great even for the owner to use at home with their new vehicle because everything in that checklist is a driver chosen feature or feature-off. Both my most recent Honda purchases, the sales guy and I took 5 minutes to go through the checklist, make choices, and then he handed it off to the service prep team to finish up the final touches on the vehicles.

 

[HeniekF2]

You know, I cannot get rid of impression, perhaps this is just me, the carmakers do not allow themselves to get the "best" of the design they are working on. Imagine, why you need eco-mode in 911; or are you going to take your CRV to race on the track? Why you need Sport then? I'm maybe purist, but I remember cars without these functions, and each car had own unique characteristic. Nowadays - ooo Sir, you want the car to be more "left" - no problem push this button; you want the car to be more "rights" - no problem push this one. The thing is, most of these buttons do exactly - noting. The car is artificially - ECO or SPORT'y; at the end - we are switching in between different "compromises". The natural, and perhaps "design-wise designated to be the best" characteristic - NORMAL - is compromised as well, because the sister ECO and brother SPORT - must have their place

 

[williamsji]

You know, I cannot get rid of impression, perhaps this is just me, the carmakers do not allow themselves to get the "best" of the design they are working on. Imagine, why you need eco-mode in 911; or are you going to take your CRV to race on the track? Why you need Sport then? I'm maybe purist, but I remember cars without these functions, and each car had own unique characteristic. Nowadays - ooo Sir, you want the car to be more "left" - no problem push this button; you want the car to be more "rights" - no problem push this one. The thing is, most of these buttons do exactly - noting. The car is artificially - ECO or SPORT'y; at the end - we are switching in between different "compromises". The natural, and perhaps "design-wise designated to be the best" characteristic - NORMAL - is compromised as well, because the sister ECO and brother SPORT - must have their place

Human engineering factors, which is a big thing with consumer products (especially motor vehicles), continue to move toward user-control of as many things as possible, or at least the appearance this is the case. The reason is that in the volume consumer space, you need a design that is great for many, but perfect for few... which means you sell a lot of the product because more users see that they can configure the product to their liking. Chasing the "perfectionists" in the market is a fools folly for a big brand motor vehicle company. The few, may not like it.. but there will always be niche providers for these outlier consumers.

The hilarious part is that in many cases a design team will give a broad owner base the appearance that they have more features and more control over features than the consumer actually does.

For the nostalgic person like you, just don't press those feature buttons. Get your vehicle settings all the way you like them when the vehicle is brand new.. and then spend the rest of your ownership years with a vehicle that needs no buttons pushed or features popped.

If there is a mistake on Honda's part here with their new round of iMMD powered vehicles.. it is giving the owner the impression that the owner is part of the decision processes for the power train in operation. It is great marketing candy for button pushers and knob twiddlers in the consumer base, but at the end of the day all important factors in the operation of the power train have all been automated by Honda engineers.

 

[Charlie1960]

It is great marketing candy for button pushers and knob twiddlers in the consumer base, but at the end of the day all important factors in the operation of the power train have all been automated by Honda engineers.

The sooner you realise this the sooner you can just sit back and enjoy the ride.

 

[RonDavue]

Nothing to do with the battery. It may be switching from the electric motor to the gas engine directly powering the wheels as I believe this is what happens at highway speed, not sure exactly what the changeover point is though.

Change over is approximately 20 mph

 

[beww]

Change over is approximately 20 mph

I'm not sure of that. Given the gearing I don't think the ICE can move the car directly at 20 MPH. I thought it was more like 65 MPH, though it depends on the overall load, which includes speed, slope, wind load etc.
I would like to see an "OD Clutch Engaged" light on the dash, you can figure it out from the power displays, but doing so requires a LOT of attention.

 

[EXcommunicated]

Change over is approximately 20 mph

Nope, doesn’t happen at that low of a speed.

 

[gbrown]

I keep my display on the "Range & Fuel" setting. When the car is using the high voltage battery, it shows the MPG at the RHS limit. This is a lot simpler than the "Power Flow Monitor" setting.

 

[JeffJo]

Change over is approximately 20 mph

Um... no.

Given the gearing I don't think the ICE can move the car directly at 20 MPH. I thought it was more like 65 MPH, ...

There is an insignificant 1% difference between the Accord and the CR-V. Tire pressure differences can account for more than that. Since I don't recall which direction it goes, I'm going to ignore it.

With the clutch engaged, there is a fixed relationship between rpm and speed: RPM = 37*MPH. The lowest point on the "Hybrid Mode Operating Line" is a 1150 rpm and 72 lb-ft of torque. Which is 31 mph and 16 HP. But I've never seen it operate that slowly. I have seen it under 40 mph (1500 rpm), but only on a slight down-slope. Typically changeover occurs above that.

"I would like to see an "OD Clutch Engaged" light on the dash.

Load up the Power Flow Monitor. The little gear in the center of the display is the light you are asking for. I don't see how it takes "a LOT of attention."

 

[SpareTimeGizmos]

Load up the Power Flow Monitor. The little gear in the center of the display is the light you are asking for. I don't see how it takes "a LOT of attention."

Exactly. And I don't know about the OP's car, but driving on the freeway in mine the changeover between "ICE direct drive" and "all electric drive" is totally seamless. You can't feel a thing; there's not even a tiny hiccup in the car's motion, and at least at these RPMs, the ICE is quieter than the road noise. They only way you know it's happening is by the power flow meter, and the "EV" icon blinking on and off (in this car, EV icon on means "ICE off").