Drop in MPG for 4x4 model vs 2wd only

I'm planning on picking up a regular cab Tacoma with the 4 cyl engine (manual) as soon as the 2011 model year releases. I'd really like 4x4 because I live in upstate new york and the snow here is insane. However, the thing that first drew me to the Tacoma is the gas mileage (I can use it as my commuter, I can't afford to have 2 cars).

The government rating for MPG is 20-26 for the 2wd tacoma... and 17-22 for the 4wd model. That's a pretty big hit. Does anyone know if this rating is for when the truck is operating in 4wd mode, or when you are driving in normally in 2wd? I can understand losing a little bit because of the extra weight that must be involved, but 3 to 4 mpg is unfortunate.

 

I get 18-20 either way. It all depends on how heavy my foot is.

 

Unless Toyota really did something drastic to the engine for 2011, you should be in the mid to upper 20's with a 4 cyl manual, even with 4x4 as long as you don't have a heavy foot. I'm getting 18 - 20 in the summer, 16 - 18 in the winter with a double cab V6 4x4 automatic.

 

i think your comparing the 6 lug truck to the 5. even with the 4 cyl, the 5 lug truck will get better mileage due to taller gearing, lighter weight and lower stance, as well as much smaller wheels.

 

I have a 2007 Access Cab 4x4/4cyl/5spd.

Since buying truck May 3, 2010 I average 22.7 MPG mixed driving. Low was 21.5, High 23.5 (mostly highway). Installing the AFE Pro-dry filter and removing secondary filter didn't make any difference in MPG for me, but the truck does seem less sluggish off the line.

This is all in 2WD; I figure 4WD will have some effect this winter (I'm in Alaska), but on any vehicle I've owned here, the MPG always goes down 2-4 miles due to the many variables of winter driving here.

Guess that really doesn't help much...but that's my experience so far with the truck.

 

i gotta 2000 3.4 v6 extra cab 6 lug and im pretty lucky to get 20 to 21 mpg i really gotta watch it. and as soon as i hit the trails and lock in the hubs and throw it in 4wh or low it really drops fast! it really fluctuates for me

 

I've got an '09 4cyl Reg Cab 4x4 and with pure city driving (and a camper shell) I average about 21.5 mpg. Interstate travel can get me up to 24 mpg.

 

If you live where you need 4x4 to get where you're going... a few mpg hit is well worth the cost imo. What good is another 3mpg if you can't even get to your destination?

I've also been getting about 19mpg average with my truck (4x4, double cab, v6, trd off-road)... up to about 21.6 as low as 16.5. Honestly, for the size vehicle it is I'm fairly impressed. I averaged about 18mpg with my old truck, rain or shine, pedal down or light.

 

The hit in gas mileage is due to having auto hubs on the 4x4. Extra drag, and then the lower gearing( 4.10 gears), and bigger tires equate to worse mileage. I get on average 18mpg( combined) with 255/85/16 tires. Stock the best I ever saw was 21.5 mpg. Get the 4x4. you won't regret it.

 

Man if those are the numbers you're getting... seriously get the v6 it's the same millage with a butt-ton more power.

 

I don't need the power, and with the problems I hear of with the v6 taco's, I'll take mine. Plus, I have that nice, shorter wheelbase. Makes it alot better in the hills and woods where I spend the majority of my time.

 

.... what problems? I haven't heard of one issue with the v6 engine at all... I've heard issues with the 6 speed throwout bearing... a few auto transmission issues that would account for about 0.001% of all users... I'm confused. Even the boosted supercharged v6's hold strong under abuse....

 

I have a 2010 4x4 a/c 2.7 manual transmission. Combined city and highway I've been getting around 21 mpg. On road trips almost all highway averaging 73 mph I've been getting 25 with my highest 26.8 mpg so I'm satisfied given the EPA estimate of 17/22

 

I agree with Kyou..........

Last year when I was scoping out the Tacos, I found ONE access cab on the lot with a 2.7 4x4... they told me it was very rare and I told them I'm interested in it... because of better gas mileage...

The one salesman got me, and took me to the corner and told me quietly "dude, it gets 1 mpg better than the 4.0... don't buy this puny thing you will forever regret...."


I didn't get anything at the time, but when I went to get my 4.0 DC just recently, I specifically went and made sure I found that salesman as my guy

From a 4x4 perspective, I think when it comes to a truck, its a must (I know, lot will disagree with me... it's a personal opinion...). But where I live, everybody has lifted units with 33's or 35's and almost none are 2 wheel drives. I'd rather tow around a front axle and not need it, then get stuck and wish I had it (we have all been there....)

Plus, how many of you Taco heads have had to pull out a buddy or two off-roadin? Pictures last a lifetime.

 

Its the 4:10's, the parasitic drag of the transfer case, and front diff that kills the mpg in the 4 banger...
May as well get the 4.0L if you have the coin.

 

A couple of the front pulleys that go out pretty damn fast when you get much grit/mud. The 6 speed( I only want a manual), has had problems with that throwout bearing. The last thing I want is a problem when I am out on the trail. My 4 cyl has treated me quite well in that respect. Plus, my gears and lighter weight make up for less power when pulling the boat. Besides, the 2.7 has been around for quite some time, and has continued to prove itself a reliable powerplant.

 

Isn't this 2.7 designed the same time as the 4.0L v6? It's not the same motor as the first gens from my understanding.

Not sure on the pulley thing, the only thing I've heard of is the supercharger serph belt goes out about every 10k... regular belts seem to last just fine like any other vehicle would? Mud/dirt getting in any pulley regardless of what engine, make, model would go out faster... abrasive resistance will damage things. Anyway, it's all up to what you want... gl in the hunt.

 

16 mpg over here. in 4wd it gets a healthy 11-12 mpg.

 

There are 3 trucks you need to consider...

The 4cyl 5 lug 4x2 will get the 20/26 reported
The 4cyl 6 lug 4x2 PreRunner will get the same mpg as a 4x4
The 4cyl 6 lug 4x4

Also, you want a manual or auto? They are switching up the combinations on the '11...

 

I would not say that as the prerunner is lighter. I would say, and I'm only making a guess based on personal experience and comparing v6 configurations that...

The 4cyl 5 lug 4x2: 20/26
The 4cyl 6 lug 4x2 PreRunner: 19/23
The 4cyl 6 lug 4x4: 17/22.

I have the 6 lug 4x2 PreRunner and have never gotten below 20 mpg, never above 24, although I speed on a regular basis.

And you are right, if OP wants a stick he better get shopping quick, I've heard 2011 may only have Auto's.