Fuel mileage

I pay more attention to the rpm. I always try, other than picking up from a light, to drive at 1,200 rpm. If the rpm says 1,500, I know how to kick to shift to a higher gear to make it drop back down to 1,200 in city cruising.
I think the rpm is more relevant than the fuel efficiency bar.

 

Your bar will drop below 15 with high rpm’s. Learning the 6 speed automatic sensitivity with the 2.7 is a chore.

 

Mine is an auto but I find I get the best fuel economy when I'm cruising around 2k. Anything below and the engine feels like it's bogging and using more gas to go slower.

 

Yeeeees! Same

 

That’s the range of the algorithm of the meter. The whole thing is statistical bull anyway. Find a measured 10 mile on the highway and calibrate you mileage over 10 tanks for a better picture. These momentarily data points are essentially meaningless.

 

Get a manual...

 

I find that driving at high rpm also pushes the bar to 3/4 of the range. I always drive at 1.200 rpm in the city and 1,500 highway. This is my 3rd Tacoma, (1 gen 2 & 2 gen 3 all 4 bangers ). My average fuel efficiency (tank full / distance travelled and all city driving) have averaged to better than the manufacturer suggested, not a hell of a lot, but I am happy with it.