"X miles before empty"

Is this number in the dash display a zero-margin estimate, as in, you'll be running on fumes when it reaches zero?
Or is it an estimate down to where there is still say a 2 gallon reserve left in the tank?

This will be my first fillup (it had a full tank from the dealer and the truck isn't a daily driver) so I just want to know for future reference.

 

All I know is that when I fill my tank, that "miles to empty" can vary from 260 to 340.

 

i filled it up at 1 mile left once and the gas meter read 20.6 gallons

 

There are for sure ~2 gallons left when the miles-to-empty says 0

Ask me how I know

 

It's not remotely close in my truck, once i was down to 2 miles left (yes i know its not good for the truck) tank size says 21.1 i only filled up 19.8 gallons

 

For sure can get at least 30 miles more after hitting “please fill up soon”

 

OP here. I haven't seen the "please fill up soon" message yet.
I'm guessing the "miles to empty" estimate is based on its current reading of your MPG for the tank (mine is currently showing about 14 mpg (all short trips, city traffic) and about 28 miles to empty). I don't know why it doesn't just display "gallons left" which would be more useful.

 

Last fill up it said 17 miles to empty which should be about one gal. Could only get 18.3 gals in so I guess there was 2.8 gals left or closer to 50 miles before it would die. Apparently Toyota's built in some safety factor, so if you go by the reported number you won't get stranded.

 

#goals

 

I hit 0 miles left the other day, filled up to the pump stopping with 18.8 gallons. So I had 3 gallons left...

 

I filled up after 412 miles and 7 miles till empty was on the display, it held about 18.5 Gallons, there is still quite a few miles left before actually empty.

 

A thing to remember is that all the mileage estimates assume you're getting close to factory EPA mileage estimates. Once the gas light comes on, you've got about 3 gallons left, once it says "please refuel" the gas gauge is exactly at E and there are two gallons left.

The gas gauge will actually go slightly below E when you dip into that reserve.

 

I wish I could drive that sedately with the MT.. although my roof rack, window vents and 255/85s aren't helping either!

 

I don't mean to doubt you, but has Toyota written this anywhere? I'd love to see it verified.

 

Your MPGs are on point!

 

I am at 6 miles to empty now. I'll see what it is shortly...

 

This is all very scientific.

 

Oh goodness, could this possibly be an OWNERS MANUAL?!

 

I believe the "reserve" range starts once the display reaches 0 miles remaining "Please fill up soon". For the 3rd gen tacos that is about 2-3 gallons.