EV, ECO Mode On/Off While Driving Normal?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by PriuSocal, Jan 25, 2026 at 1:52 AM.

  1. PriuSocal

    PriuSocal Member

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    Maybe a Newb question but its my 1st 3rd gen so take it easy on me lol.

    My question is, when driving I notice the EV , ECO modes light up and then go off on their own on the Hybrid System Indicator animation screen (photo attached). But appears they aren't the same as when one actually presses the buttons on the center console which then activates a light up on the far left of the screen next to the MPH to indicate you have manually activated EV, ECO or PWR mode.

    Is it normal for those lights above the Hybrid System Indicator to go on and off on their own? If so then whats the difference from manually pressing the buttons on the center console?

    gen 3 gauge.jpeg
     
    #1 PriuSocal, Jan 25, 2026 at 1:52 AM
  2. indel

    indel Member

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    That meter keeps track of whether the car is able to be driven only in EV mode or in eco mode regardless of which mode you have selected. Generally speaking if your battery is not fully depleted and if you are driving under 35-40MPH, on flat ground or decline, you will see the EV mode illuminated. Anything above that or on even on slight inclines, regardless of speed, you will be in eco mode. Unless of course you love spirited driving which will push the meter out of eco into pwr.
     
    #2 indel, Jan 25, 2026 at 9:06 AM
  3. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

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    The icons on the far left, when activated are only, ECO, EV & POWER.

    NORMAL will not show an icon to the far left.

    When you do not see icons to the left you are in NORMAL mode.

    I am usually always in ECO mode.
     
    #3 AzusaPrius, Jan 25, 2026 at 1:42 PM
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    It’s up to you which mode you want to drive in.
    Try them and see if you like one.
     
    #4 bisco, Jan 25, 2026 at 1:47 PM
  5. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

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    One more thing when selecting POWER mode and once after you shut the car down, POWER mode will be deactivated after you start the car back up the next time.

    Only ECO and obviously NORMAL will still be activated after a shut down and powering the car on.

    Do not worry about the meter the middle that always changes as you drive.

    Staying under the half way mark will get you the most MPG.

    Another meter to pay attention to is the one that shows 0-100. I watch this and keep the number as high as I can all the time.
     
    #5 AzusaPrius, Jan 25, 2026 at 1:55 PM
  6. PriuSocal

    PriuSocal Member

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    Great info guys! Thanks for the tips.

    I am glad it is normal as I recall once test driving a gen 3 and dont recall those ligths coming on and off as i drove it. Also, I love the PWR mode as the car is pretty quick BUT I know that would defeat the purpose of owning a prius if I want to step on the pedal and lower my mpg’s.

    And when you all say NORMAL i dont recall seeing a NORMAL text on the screen or is that just a description of regular mode lol? Also, I remember with my old 13 Civic and its ECO mode, it would make the car run sluggish obviously to save on fuel, especially on the highway entrances or uphills. Im sure the same applies to this prius, so I think ill just be in NORMAL for now and maybe use PWR when going into a highway, then switching back to normal.
     
    #6 PriuSocal, Jan 25, 2026 at 2:37 PM
  7. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

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    Normal is not in ECO or POWER modes.

    Normal mode will not show any icons to the left.

    ECO mode easily drops the rpms by 400-600.

    You save fuel over using it in Normal or POWER modes.

    My Prius is different so I have no problem always being in ECO and passing anyone or going on steep inclines.
     
    #7 AzusaPrius, Jan 25, 2026 at 2:56 PM
  8. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

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    Also being in ECO mode uses the HV battery more when driving.

    The Engine kicks on at 1000 rpms.

    Letting go of the gas pedal and seeing the meter at 100 means the Engine is in open loop, using no gas, only the HV is moving the car at this time.
     
    #8 AzusaPrius, Jan 25, 2026 at 2:59 PM
    PriuSocal likes this.
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