Terrible Gas Mileage on Brand New 4-cylinder Automatic

Yep, multiple factor.

Tires are a big one, rolling resistance and weight. Even 2 different passenger tires can mean 1-2 mpg difference, I've seen that for myself.

Gearing is usually different, higher rpm at equal speed.

Extra weight.

Extra height increases wind resistance.

Dodge City KS, ouch!, I lived in Garden City for 3 years, don't ever want to go back.

 

There is your problem.. Tires and most likely weigh much more than stock. What type of tires are they? Do you still have your stock tires?

 

+1, Increasing unsprung weight is a bad idea if your looking for gas mileage. Also larger tires change your stock gearing ratio also reducing gas mileage.
Bigger tires are the curse that keeps on taking. Costs more to buy them and it takes more gas to turn them.

 

That's all I need is a reason to get a bed cover, lol...

 

When I got my 2011 Tacoma regular cab 2.7 automatic I calculated 15 mpg for the first few tanks but I eventually started averaging in the low 20's, now with 13,000 miles and commuting 120 miles 3 days a week I can average 25-26 mpg.

 

I noticed a drop in MPG going to 265/70/17s, but I did it only to correct my high-reading speedometer. It may also have something to do with my commute going from 45 miles highway to 8 miles city. Having an off speedo was like having an itch you just can't stratch... for 6 years...

Is it worth it to look into changing up my gearing? I probably should just save the $$$ and put it towards gas...

 

I could not agree more. I have a 2011 2.7 PreRunner with an auto and a mid-high cap on it. I am averaging about 23-24mpg right now, but I drive it gently with the goal of getting decent mileage. If I drive it more aggressively, the mileage drops into the low 20's.

 

I get 20-22 mpg no matter how I drive it or where. 2.7L auto. 14mpg is indicates a serious problem unless you spend a lot of time idling in traffic. I also use 90 octane gas and that probably helps a little on mileage.

 

Just take it easy on startups and don't race to the red light...

 

I have a 2012 Tacoma 4 cyl... Gas mileage was 17 mpg at first .. After 6000 miles I get almost 19.... Top speed is 80.. Very disappointed.... No power... Afraid to drive it on 2 lane roads... Will never buy another.. Piece of junk...!

 

Different cab configurations, hills, weight and driving habits all contribute. I got 18 average with my 4x4 up north going up and down hills with gear doing 70. I got 23 on a recent trip to PA doing the same. Everyone will get between 17 and 25 depending on those criteria. People with lower figures probably either accelerate harder then others and or live in an area with more hills if their truck checks out OK.

 

If your top speed is 80, then there's something wrong.

 

I have a 4cyl Tacoma .. 2012 with around 6000 miles... I was getting 17 mpg but the last few fill ups I have been getting 18 mpg.. Top speed is 80 mph... Got no power at all 0 to 60 in 25 seconds.. Forget driving on a 2 lane road.. No passing power ...

 

One simple question, have you taken it to the dealer? There is obviously a serious problem.

 

Joined this month. Has 4 posts in 4 different threads. All of them say the exact same thing. Nothing posted except he gets crappy mileage, and no replies from him to people who are asking questions and/or trying to help him.

Troll? Real dude? Dunno. But that's just the facts, ma'am.

 

I was thinking Troll

 

Yes. I was thinking that too.

 

Agreed then!

He says he has an AC. Having driven a 2.7 AC PreRunner I know it isn't as slow as he thinks.

So eff him in his A.

 

I just purchased a used 1996 Tacoma extra cab with a five speed manuel and 3.4 lit V-6 It needs basic maintenance, but runs just fine. I was surprised that the tires tolerate up to 44 lbs pressure as stated on the tire. I dropped them from 50 lbs to about 37 right now. I may boost them slightly. I shift early, and even skip gears to get into fifth as soon as possible. I love this engine. It is strong even down to 30 -35 mph. At 35 mph I drive it like an automatic. I do not need the 4 liter. I get 26 - 27 mpg and have even gotten 29 mpg. I rarely drive above 62 mpg and slower if conditions permit. I don't know about the engine design on the fours, but this one has four valves per cylinder, double overhead camshaft and I AM IMPRESSED with this older motor! Want gas mileage ? Four valves per cylinder = efficiency, especially at 1900 - 2100 rpm's, fewer cubic inches = more gas mileage.

 

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I have two suggestions. First, even when "free wheeling" you still have friction loss. Second, four wheel drive is more complicated. You have more pieces like a front driveline including Constant velocity (cv) joints. That adds weight. Rear wheel drive does not need a three hundred lb transfer case (or whatever it weighs)

In recent years manufacturers have switched to lighter aluminum cases. Before 1970 most transfer cases were CAST IRON, very strong and twice the weight of aluminum. So guess what happens when you start to carry around a lot of extra weight ?

And remember it is one thing to drive 4 wheel drive quietly on a smooth road, but once you try wringing it out in the field or desert, you are no longer cruising quietly on the highway at 40 mph. You are typically revving it up in lower (less efficient) gears and THAT uses more fuel. Sand and loose dirt and mud increase friction !!!