The Quest For Better Gas Mileage

While I like this idea, I don't think you could get a running Corolla that was any newer than the 80s for under $1k right now.

OP: Where are you located, and how do you drive?

People at sea level and/or in flat areas seems to post about way better mileage than I see here at 5300 ft. I thought my mileage was bad until you posted yours. I've got a 2017 DCLB, full steel skids, sliders, 33s, 5.29 gears, matching OVTune, and I've been averaging around 15.8 MPG for the last 3 months. It's a little worse in the winter when we switch to a 10% ethanol fuel mix.

 

A stock V6 Tacoma can easily get 21+ MPG combined unless you are at elevation or always fighting grade changes. Its all about extra weight, rolling resistance, and aerodynamics. Living in Wisconsin I am upset if if I have a tank <22 MPG in the summer, and thats with a long bed and shell. If you're lifted, heavy, and/or running large, aggressively-treaded tires, you're going to pay the price on the NA V6. I dropped my light AT tires for highway tires with lighter wheels to boot. It all adds up.

 

I don't think I drive too aggressive or anything like that. I do have an aggressive tune at the moment, but I removed my bed rack and tent and crap. On the days I have to commute to the office, the speed limit is 70MPH, with speeds ranging between 25-40MPH between my house and freeway and freeway to office.
I live in SLC, UT. I believe we are at 4,222 Ft. Trips up to the Uintas can range from 8,000-13,000Ft.

Lifted, 285/75 R 17 Cooper ST3 tires, Roof rack, C4 plate bumper with winch (I know heavy), and a tune that I can't remember.

 

Hot air intake

 

Mid size truck no idea. Haven't looked. I needed something to toy my toy hauler and got a 2019 Silverado 2500HD and I get about 22mpg on the highway. So for long trips we drive that.

I have heard though the new rangers do pretty decent with mileage.

 

Oh yeah sorry, mid size, full size whatever. What would your dream truck be?

 

I know this is not popular but the current Tacoma V6 is outdated technology and will be replaced as the Tundra engine platform was. They are incredibly reliable but the HP and torgue versus displacement and mileage is lacking. Most if not all manufactures are heading to the less displacement and forced induction versus naturally aspirated. The current 3.5 liter Tundra engine is almost twice the HP and torgue of the Tacoma V6 and nets better fuel economy and towing capacity. I like the Tacoma but the fuel economy will never be what a forced induction engine will be. Still probably the most reliable engine though.

 

My 2019 Silverado lol. Been waiting it to get one since 2019

Otherwise I love my Taco. Just wish it was 4x4

 

I've got one. It sucks, literally.

 

wait really?

 

It's 109 today, 112 this weekend. I need to move somewhere cooler.

 

I have 285 70 17 c load around 51 lbs, 2 inch lift, went with aluminum winch mount, skids, leer canopy, Smittybilt X20 winch, and I get around 17 or 18mpg comb. On a road trip doing the speed limit get around 19 mpg.
I think mods are awesome, just look at the weight of everything. If your hard core go steel, occasional rough stuff go aluminum.
As far as going skinnies, lots are heavier than a c or D load 285. I like the look of a 285.
Sure I’m a 2nd Gen but you guys should get way better mpg than me.

 

As others have said, losing weight will help some. Also slowing down helps. I know it sounds like common sense but I've purposely played around with a tank of gas making an effort to drive as fuel efficient as possible and it made quite a difference.

Another vote for a corolla though. Wifes 2014 is closing in on 200k and still drives like it's brand new

 

It's like 2 bolts and you're done.

 

The $900 03 is over 255k and still gets ~32mpg with a lead foot. My wife's new 2021 is getting 40+ on average.

 

Mines an 03 with over 255k on the clock.

 

This isn’t a quest. This is an opium den query.

Drop the heavy shit. Or get a beater commuter. New Tundra isn’t your solution.

I’ll defend the archaic Honda Fit endlessly—it’s ridiculous how much stuff fits in that horrid little minivan with the magic seats down. Plus you can toss some vinyl on it and channel early 2000s cheesy tuner culture emulations.

 

Toyota's have NEVER delivered on their window sticker average MPG, NEVER. My 22 Tacoma just got 19.5 mpg on a 65mph flat, 110-mile drive on I-8 last week. I intentionally wanted to get a "best possible" HWY MPG. My sticker states 18 City, 22 Hwy, & 20 Average. In the big city (Phoenix) 1-mile apart stoplights on surface streets, I drive 80% freeways (65 mph) and get 16.8 MPG.

The best item to increase gas MPG I have found is a Flowmaster Muffler. Their website has a comprehensive selection for your vehicle complete with sound. I bought a used 18 Tacoma & when I pulled the flowmaster off I lost 3.2 MPG.

 

I mean if you know of any of theses dens in my area dm me .

A commuter is probably the best choice, I shouldn’t have sold my WRX. Just finished talking to my buddy who reviewed an early Tundra. He thought it was more evolutionary than revolutionary. I am probably one of the few that do like the new styling of them.

 

Thats really interesting to me, from what I read while researching my 1cyl go kart it seemed that higher flow mufflers increased fuel consumption. Considering exhaust work on my truck, so i'll research this more, thanks!