2024 tacoma tow haul vs ECT mode

Can someone explain the differences between these two modes?

 

Last I knew, they did the same thing. They change the shiftpoints and (I believe) the throttle mapping to something more conducive to pulling loads.

"TOW/HAUL" is a pretty common nomenclature for that functionality I can remember seeing in trucks as far back as the 90's. Toyota probably just decided to rename the feature to bring it in line with what people are used to and reduce confusion about "ECT PWR" actually meant. "Electronically controlled transmission power" is entirely meaningless to a layperson and marketing wank to someone who knows how this stuff works.

 

I find it odd to have both buttons. I assume there must be some difference, no?

 

Oh! I don't have that button and somehow got in my head that they just renamed the feature from the 3G.

The manual says this on the subject on p.220:

Use “TOW HAUL” mode when pulling a trailer or hauling a heavy load. Activating “TOW HAUL” mode is changes engine, transmission, and steering to be more suitable when pulling a trailer.

Use when high levels of response and feeling are desirable, such as when driving in mountainous regions.
Press the “ECT PWR” switch to select power mode.

I've got a "DRIVE MODE" button where your ECT PWR button is. The description of ECT PWR seemed familiar, so I went and looked at their descriptions of the drive modes:

“SPORT” mode

Assists acceleration response by controlling the transmission, engine and steering. Suitable for when precise handling is desirable, for example when driving on mountain roads. The “SPORT” indicator comes on.

It kind of sounds like ECT PWR mode is similar to or the same as SPORT mode. They seem to indicate that you should use them for the same things. It sounds like you've got only two "DRIVE MODEs" (NORMAL and SPORT) where I've got three (NORMAL, ECO, and SPORT). The manual shows there's even some other ones for trucks with active suspension.

If it were me, unless I was broken up about not having ECO mode — basically "no fun allowed" mode, though it does make driving in crappy weather a little easier — I wouldn't worry and just punch the button come time for hooliganism.

 

Tow haul mode and sport mode must turn the tacoma into a rocket ship

 

I think they're similar in terms of adding power, but tow haul mode on my SR5 turns off the rear parking sensors. Front sensors stay on.

 

Tow haul mode in my sr5 is way too aggressive, too much power in my opinion, but I don’t tow anything. Ect power is also aggressive. Honestly this new powertrain is tuned so good from the factory that the standard drive mode has tons of power

 

Have you had both on at the same time, is that even possible?

 

You can only turn on one or the other