Tacoma Fuel Economy

...yeah, between the PreRunner Suspension, the larger AT tires, the AccessCab, and my damn lead foot - it is no wonder I have poor MPG.

 

It sounds like smoke to me…. I’m taking my 07 Tacoma in tomorrow to have them adjust he mix and re-program the computer (their words). Maybe this is the ECU business.

I’m not at 3000k and I’m getting 18.5mpg. This is not good enough. I like Toyota, but my reason for buying the Tacoma was based on the 23-28 mpg. I need to see an improvement.

 

My Tacoma started at 17.5 and now at 3000 miles of city/highway I’m at 18.5. What mpg did you start at?

 

A couple notes, I just found the July 2006 issure of Car and Driver, there's an excellent article called "Ethanol Promises". In it it states that it takes 1.48 gallons of Ethanol to equal the energy in 1 gallon of gasoline. So for the 5 or 10 percent that's present at some of your pumps, you'll lose at least a half mile per gallon, probably more. Also, when I ordered my 07 Taco with the 6 speed I asked why the difference in the milage rating between the MT and the AT (the sticker says 20/26 for the MT and 22/28 for the AT). The salesman told me it was because of the shift points they used for the test.
In 2008, the milage testing is changing for all new cars and you can expect a 10 to 15 percent reduction in the stated miles per gallon on the sticker. My Taco comes in May 22nd so I'll be looking forward to seeing what my Milage is.

 

I think around 18.

This last tank I got 19 all around town driving and heavy foot.

 

I dropped my truck off last week at the dealership to have them check out the mpg on my truck. As I have mentioned, along with many folks, the poor mileage I am getting, and what they can do to remedy the situation. I mentioned the ECU refresh and to check the mixture. They checked ECU and said I have the latest update (2.5) and the oxygen to fuel mixture is right on target. They mentioned the fuel around DFW is very poor quality, and even the ethanol can in some cases be higher than 10%. This can cause the mpg to decrease a lot. He mentioned that he hand recently taken a trip to San Antonio and when they had used gas outside of the DFW area, and the mpg had gone up 1.5 to 2 miles per gallon. He also mentioned that my truck is still in the break-in period (3000 miles) and it would not be fully broken in until 5000 miles. He said he has seen many trucks show improvement around that point. The internal parts are still in the process of breaking in and the engine is still tight. Ok. I will have patience, but I will be monitoring the mpg every fill-up. At 5000 mile marker, if the mileage has not improved, we will have another discussion.

 

What's wrong with 18.5 MPG? or do you have an I4? I would be happy with 18.5 in my truck for the type of diving I do (not a lot highway).

 

I have a 2007 4cyl that is EPA rated at 23/28 mpg and only getting 18.5 mpg. I did the numbers, and I know this is a bit anal, but if I continue to get that type of mileage it will cost me approximately $780 more a year, or $7800 in ten years. That’s what I’m complaining about.

 

You’re not being anal, especially with the prices of gas going up nonstop. When I saw 18.5 I assumed V6 which like I said with a v6 thats nothing to complain about but with the 4 I see why your upset. Hope it works out for ya, good luck.

 

Just took possession of my new V-6 Tacoma with the sports package and also had shell installed. Taking my time, 65-75 mph from Des Moines, Iowa to Dallas, Texas I averaged just at 19 mpg on regular 87 octane. NOt too bad as my truck has only 1600 miles on it. Will be interesting to see if the shell continues to make any difference.

 

Keep track of the places you buy the fuel and let us know how you do. 19 mpg is not bad. How will it do with DFW fuel around the metroplex.

 

What kind of shell did you get? Does it match your paint on your truck?

I wanted one, but my wife won't let me get one. She wants me to get a tonneau cover instead. So I gave in.

I wonder how that will effect your fuel economy...

 

I'm almost at 2000 miles and I am getting anywhere from a low of 18.5 doing all city driving to a high of 23 with cruise set on highway for a full tank (around 70mph). I am quite happy with my mileage! Gas is what ever is cheapest and closest - lately its been a tossup with Murphy USA, Pumpers and Spinx.

 

I finished my first tank at about 26MPG. I hope the rest are that high! 28MPG in my 1994 are missed though

 

I pretty much have the same setup as you do... I have yet to see any where near the 28 mpg (highway). I live in Lubbock and make frequent trips to Temple (340mi approx) and average about 22.5 - 23 for the entire trip. I even purchased a ScanGauge II so that I can monitor my current mileage and adjust my driving habits accordingly. It seems that everything I try to do my mileage is at a stalemate. I am at 7k miles for my truck so I am past the presumed break-in period. I have a Roll-up Tonneau cover; it works great but keeping your stuff dry but I wouldn't recommend buying one for the sake of improving mileage. (I haven't seen an increase since i got it about 9 months ago)

I did read an interesting article on howstuffworks.com
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/28004-epa-fuel-economy-explained.htm

 

That is an unfortunate truth about the "current" EPA mileage estimates. If you visit the site fueleconomy.gov, they now have a "new" way of getting mileage estimates. On that site, you can compare the "current" EPA ratings to the "new" ratings that are coming out later this year... Stinks, huh?

I have slowly been getting better mileage as I have gone over 10K miles, but, like you said, nothing is consistently near 28 MPG.

BTW - How are things in Lubbock. My wife went to college there. We would trade off every other weekend and drive out to see each other. Lubbock to Houston - 8 hours! No wonder I loved having a Diesel Jetta that got 41 MPG average.

 

Even with the old rating I was only expecting 18MPG but at least now I'm sitting right in the middle insteasd of on the low end of the ratings.

So your wife is a Red Raider huh?

 

That's AWESOME - the mileage, not the Stros!

What route did you take?

 

Yep! We even have a huge TECH rug in my office! Really makes the room more lively.