4X2 vs 4x4 I4 MPG

Looking to get an access cab I4 with SR5 packge. Either Prerunner or 4X4, Im gonna be living out in West TX where there will be plenty of open road.. However my family lives in South TX and we love to take our 4X4 trucks to the beach which I definitely will do when I visit. Just wondering if the real world MPG are different enough to make up for the additional cost of 4X4.

 

Does the engine have enough power to run the 4x4 and the ac at the same time?

But like was previously said, it's better to have it and not need it than get in a situation and need it but don't have it.

 

My 2.7 4x4 averages about 21 mpg in real world mixed driving. Someone with a 4x2 will have to chime in on the difference, but I'm sure the 4x2 gets better mileage.

 

Here's the EPA numbers on Tacomas with an I4.

17/22 4x4 m/t
20/26 4x2 m/t
19/25 4x2 a/t

Hope this helps and welcome to TW.

 

get 4x4 you wont regret it even if its slightly more gas

 

^That is a sweet pic
Anyway, I'd say go for the 4X4. Chances are you'll get stuck at least once (or weekly if you're me) and wish you had 4X4. I know I have, but all my "incidents" have been in snow, something you probably don't have to worry too much about

 

Keep in mind the 4x4/4x2 prerunner will have a different rear end ratio than a regular 4x2. Making the mileage lower, but giving the truck a "peppier" feel. If you are looking at a prerunner and a 4x4 then its a no brainer.

 

Real world, there won't be any more than a 1 mpg difference. I get 21/22 mpg in mixed driving in my 05 prerunner. And the EPA numbers are crap - there's now way my truck gets the same mpg as a 5 lug with a 3.31 rear end!

 

MPG bellow, but I haven't owned it long enough to warrant my first oil change, so it may not be too accurate. I also do 75mph on the hwy fyi. If you wil use 4x4, buy 4x4. If not, save the upfront cost and the cost every time you go to the pump.

 

FWIW, My base tacoma 5-lug auto gets about 25mpg on the highway, but it is a dopey little truck. I would much rather have a 6-lug beast and slightly lower fuel mileage.

 

So I gathered that there is an insignificant difference in real world MPG, and If I have the funds available get the 4X4 even if I may rarely if ever use it. Unfortunately not many I4 Prerunner owners could provide their insight on the MPG issue. If Prerunners were getting at least 25+ MPG hwy *real world* then I would be all over that. At last it seems the 4X4 may win my money but seeing as how my dads Sierra 1500 Z71 4X4 just gave up power to front wheels... makes me wonder long term maintenance cost of a 4X4.


Prerunner or 4X4, either way I have to learn STANDARD !

 

Well at least you will never need jumper cables!

 

20,000 plus miles in my 09 4X4, logged every fillup. Just over 21 mpg overall to date.