Owner guide · Michigan City Hyundai · Michigan City, IN
Hyundai ECO Mode Explained
ECO mode trades a little throttle response for better fuel economy. This guide follows the Drive Mode Integrated Control System section of the 2027 Palisade owner's manual, text saved October 26, 2026; PDF link checked November 8, 2026: what ECO changes, how it compares with the other drive modes, and how SMART mode uses ECO on its own. Available modes vary by model and trim, so check the manual for your vehicle.
4effects of ECO mode listed in the manual
Stays onECO is kept after an engine restart
NORMALmode the others return to at restart
SMART ECOchosen automatically with gentle driving
What is ECO mode on a Hyundai?
ECO is a drive mode that helps improve fuel economy. With it on, acceleration may feel slightly softer with moderate pedal input, air conditioner performance may be limited and the transmission shift pattern may change. In the 2027 Palisade, ECO stays selected after you restart the engine, while other modes return to NORMAL.
What ECO mode does
In the 2027 Palisade owner's manual, ECO mode is one of the drive modes in the Drive Mode Integrated Control System. The manual says ECO mode helps improve fuel economy for eco-friendly driving. When ECO mode is active:
- Acceleration response may be slightly reduced if you press the accelerator pedal moderately.
- Air conditioner performance may be limited.
- The transmission shift pattern may change.
- Engine noise may be louder at some shifts, because a downshift requires pressing further on the accelerator pedal.
When ECO or SPORT mode is selected, its indicator lights up on the instrument cluster. The manual adds that fuel economy in ECO mode varies with your driving habits and road conditions.
Hyundai drive modes compared
| Mode | What the manual says |
|---|---|
| ECO | Helps improve fuel economy for eco-friendly driving. Stays selected after the engine is restarted. |
| NORMAL | Smooth driving and comfortable riding. It does not appear on the instrument cluster when selected. |
| SPORT | Sporty but firm riding. Fuel economy may decrease. |
| MY DRIVE | Lets you set powertrain (ECO, NORMAL, SPORT or SMART) and steering (NORMAL or SPORT) yourself, under Setup > Vehicle > Drive Mode > MY DRIVE MODE in the infotainment system. |
| SMART | Chooses SMART ECO, SMART NORMAL or SMART SPORT on its own by judging how you drive. |
From the Drive Mode Integrated Control System section of the 2027 Palisade owner's manual, text saved October 26, 2026; PDF link checked November 8, 2026. Available modes vary by model and trim.
Does ECO mode stay on after you restart?
Yes, in the Palisade. The manual says that when the engine is restarted, the drive mode changes back to NORMAL, but ECO mode is kept after restarting the engine. So if you prefer ECO, you do not have to select it every time you drive.
How SMART mode uses ECO on its own
In SMART mode the vehicle picks a mode for you. According to the manual:
- Gentle use of the accelerator pedal moves it to SMART ECO after a certain period of time.
- Pressing the accelerator sharply or repeatedly moves it from SMART ECO to SMART NORMAL after a certain period of time.
- It changes to SMART NORMAL on an upward slope of a certain angle, and returns to SMART ECO on level road.
- It changes to SMART SPORT only in harsh driving, such as abrupt acceleration or repeated steering, and then uses a lower gear and more engine braking.
The manual says SMART may be limited while you shift manually with the paddle shifters, while Smart Cruise Control is on, or when the transmission oil temperature is extremely low or extremely high. Actual fuel economy in SMART ECO still depends on hills, braking and acceleration.
Other things to know
Related points from the 2027 Palisade owner's manual:
Terrain mode on AWD models
On AWD vehicles, pressing the DRIVE/TERRAIN button switches from drive mode to terrain mode, which controls the engine and braking for road conditions such as snow, mud or sand.
Paddle shifters take priority
In SMART mode, manual shifting with the paddle shifters takes priority over the system.
Menus can change
The manual notes that the infotainment system may change after software updates, so menu names on your screen can differ.
Michigan City Hyundai service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. |
| Saturday | 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. |
From Michigan City Hyundai's website, November 8, 2026. The website lists Monday to Saturday service hours and none for Sunday. Holiday hours can differ.
Hyundai ECO mode questions
What does ECO mode do on a Hyundai?
The owner's manual says ECO mode helps improve fuel economy. Acceleration response may be slightly reduced with moderate pedal input, air conditioner performance may be limited, and the transmission shift pattern may change.
Does ECO mode save gas?
It is designed to. The manual says ECO mode helps improve fuel economy, but the result varies with your driving habits and road conditions.
Does Hyundai ECO mode stay on after I turn the car off?
In the 2027 Palisade, yes. The manual says the drive mode returns to NORMAL when the engine is restarted, but ECO mode is kept after restarting.
Why does my AC feel weaker in ECO mode?
The manual lists limited air conditioner performance as one of the effects of ECO mode.
What is the difference between ECO and SMART mode?
ECO stays in its fuel-saving setting. SMART chooses SMART ECO, SMART NORMAL or SMART SPORT for you based on how you use the accelerator, brake and steering.
Fuel economy dropped?
If your Hyundai is suddenly using more fuel or a drive mode indicator does not behave as expected, visit Michigan City Hyundai at 625 US 20 in Michigan City, IN, or schedule service online and tell us what it is doing.
Sources
Mode descriptions come from the 2027 Palisade owner's manual, text saved October 26, 2026; PDF link checked November 8, 2026. Other Hyundai models can differ, so the manual for your vehicle is the final word. Address and hours are from Michigan City Hyundai's own website. Image: Hyundai Motor America.
- 2027 Hyundai Palisade owner's manual (PDF): Drive Mode Integrated Control System (ECO, NORMAL, SPORT, MY DRIVE, SMART modes and limitations; Terrain mode), Hyundai Motor America, text saved October 26, 2026; PDF link checked November 8, 2026
- Palisade (image), Hyundai Motor America, November 8, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Hyundai, November 8, 2026
- Hyundai service at Michigan City Hyundai, Michigan City Hyundai, November 8, 2026
