Real World MPG with Manual Trannys

I have searched and read through old posts regarding real world mileage on MT Tacos..

Seems people get variations of 17-21 highway.

Personally I don't care that much about MPG and those numbers but the wife unit is upset I put a $1,000 down payment on a MT TRD OR that is going to be here in a month (after she found out the MT gets worse MPG than the Auto). I think she just doesn't like that its going to be a manual but I LOVE manuals. She has her own vehicle but her excuse is with the kids she'll be needing to use MY vehicle to go visit her friends and family that are 2-5 hours away without the kids. Woman logic I know

Anyways sorry for the long tangent, I'll just have to teach her how to drive standard again. Just looking for options for in the future if its possible to squeeze out any more efficiency out of the manuals. Will a cold air intake help? better exhaust system? A tune?

Thanks in advance

I'll be sure to upload a few pics once it gets here.

 

As you know, your going to get a million different answers. Everyone drives different. It all based on your right foot, doesn't matter if you have a left foot pedal.

 

Get the manual. Keep it stock. You won’t regret it.

 

I’ve hit 22+ when driving smooth 40mph on flat back roads with minimal stop signs.

I live on a hill in highly developed suburbs however and my driving style definitely favors fun over practical and my average MPG is 17ish

this is an ‘18 sport, 90% stock suspension/wheels/tires, at basically sea level.

my GF also wishes I had an auto trans because she can’t drive stick but c’est la vie. I wanted the stick cause that’s what I’ve been driving since I was 18 and I like it.

 

Delete

 

18 tank average is normal for me. Good mix of around town and 65-75 highway. 265/75/16 SL Wildpeaks with 18lbs RPT1’s, no lift the rest is stock.

That being said when I drove it home from CO I only was getting a little over 16mpg doing 75mph on stock wheels and tires.

Love the manual, but I wish 5th and 6th was longer. 5th is basically useless imo. I mainly shift straight from 4th to 6th.

 

I’m hoping there will be an electric crate motor swap that has an answer for all the complications of a 2018 era ECU by the time the motor in my truck dies so that I can preserve the stick and drive a manual electric forever.

seems like cali has a thriving electric restomod scene that involves dropping electric motors into restored classic cars and I’m counting on them to make that move effective and main stream. If I can get a 100 mile range I’ll be satisfied, if battery tech has a breakthrough and I can get 300+ mile range like the f150 lightning I’m golden. Seems like with the weight distribution of the truck as is and the size of electric motors you can stuff a lot of battery packs under the hood and be ok.

tho I will finally do the gas strut mod on my hood if I have to pop the hood to charge at a super charger station!

 

Biggest way to get better mileage with these. Keep it below 2.5 k rpm between shifts and below 60 mph on highway.
Enjoy

 

Mine is rated for 17 city, 19 highway. I average 18 in the winter and 19 to 20 in the summer with a 50/50 mix of city and highway. It's bone stock.

The faster you go above 70 the worse it gets... exponentially.

 

When my MT Taco was stock, I average around 20mpg. One would say I drive "conservatively". HOWEVER, upon 35's, bumpers, 5.29 gear, lockers , and a lift I got around 17mph. THEN, I changed my differential oil to Lucas 85w-140 and now I average 15.5.....so yeah. If your looking to save at the pump, get a Rivian or wait for Cybertruck, or save money at other places like fast food or whining and dining at random restaurants

 

14mpg with steel bumpers, lift, 33” mud terrains.. All smiles per miles buddy.. I will add that I was getting 16mpg before mud terrains (Cooper AT3 XLT)

 

If I don't go past 70 MPH, I'd get 21 easy. Putting around 45-55 I can pull 25.

It's all about the aerodynamics, and this truck is not really very good at it... My 87 XJ gets better economy, because it's so small.

 

15-16 winter, 16-17 summer with combo rural/city driving. Slightly better on highway only miles if you stay 70 or under.

 

I’m averaging 14.8 and I do about 80/20 Hwy/city. This is calculated at the pump doing the math, the dash actually reads a bit lower (usually 13.5-14.5).

 

Only thing I have done is change from stock tires and wheels, to 265/70/17 AT and aftermarket wheels. Stock was getting 20.5 by calculator. Changed the wheels and tires and now getting 20.0 by calculator. The truck is very close with it's calculator.

But by no means change it to an automatic...you will regret it forever!

 

Actually manual versus auto does matter, because the auto has a higher overdrive than the manual does. I had a manual 2005 and now I have a auto 2018. Liked them both. Your money get what you want! It is your truck.

 

Lifted on 285/75/16. See anywhere between 13-19 in town but consistently above 20 for highway driving staying at 70

 

Stock I got 20.5 on my 90 mile each way once a week 75% interstate commute, with bigger tires and some armor I’m down to 18. Best I ever got was when I spent a month at my parents place outside Jackson WY. I was getting 22mpg religiously, probably because all the driving around there is under 70mph highway stuff. Hopefully I can get down to 16mpg after the lift

 

I was around 21 with stock. Went up one size tires to 265-70/17 and stock sport wheels and I average 18 now. Some days I lean on the skinny pedal, other days I use the cruise control and relax.
I will say I’m at 92,000 miles and on original brakes. That’s a plus about the manual!

 

How bold of you to assume your MT Tacoma will arrive in a month!