I went for a second test drive and I love the truck, but.......

I can't pull the trigger because of the fuel mileage at that power point. I am used to my 6 speed manual 2002 powerstroke diesel. That gets 18-19 on the highway. I am looking for something smaller, easier, more economical. The Taco seems like the perfect fit. I did my second test drive on a 6 speed Taco. It looks like at 75mph I am probably getting 20-21 mpg. I averaged 18.7 on the 25 min test drive. I just can't do that for something that is so small and lacks power. So.... I hope that they bump some things up for the new redesign. The Tundra gets about the same mileage with way more power. I really love the Taco and was sold on the design and concept of it. But, it needs more fuel economy for that size of a package. I think both the Tundra and F-150 actually get better fuel mileage, without even going hybrid.

Any word on the 2024? I can only hope for a more economical 4 cyclinder turbo or something like that. I highly doubt a diesel option will be available. I also hope they keep the 6 speed manual.

 

The Auto gets about 3 mpg due to a higher overdrive. I have had manuals and autos, depends on what your preference is.

 

It's a fluke of physics. Small/midsize trucks aren't as efficient as their full size counterparts; they never have been and never will be. (With exceptions - 5 lug and lowered trucks are, thanks to the same fluke of physics)

It's for different reasons. Big trucks have to burn more fuel to accelerate their mass, but smaller trucks have to burn more fuel to overcome wind resistance. Why? It's because they are every bit as tall as a full size, but much smaller wheelbase and somewhat lighter, equating in increased drag coefficient.
It's for the same reasons why economy is so highly variable in a Tacoma and that a 5mph speed change can have highly noticable effects. It's also why a crosswind will fatigue the fuck out of you when driving a small-yet-tall vehicle on a road trip.

The only place where the Tacoma wins is in town - environments with constant acceleration is where it will have the better economy. Unless you put big tires, bumpers and skids on the thing. Then you just fucked yourself.

 

Yup, Tacoma is a lot of things, just not efficient. Don't hold your breath for the new model. Even after its released it will likely be a long wait to get one.

 

@Rock Lobster
“It'sbecause they are everybit as tall as a full size, but much shorter”

I’m gonna guess that’s the (lack of) coffee speaking?
Just bustin your chops!

i definitely agree with the f’ing yourself with mods, I have.

 

Great trucks, but that’s what Toyota does. They make a great engine that runs forever, is lazy, and stress free. But it burns fuel.

look at the 4.0 in the Tacoma, the 4.6 and 5.7 in the tundra. The 2jz in a lot of rwd Lexus. All great engines, but not as efficient.

 

tacoma not for you sir...

 

Definitely lack of coffee. Tall in stature, short in wheelbase.

 

Ok...? You made an account on a place called Tacomaworld just to tell us that you aren't buying a Tacoma?
Bye Felicia.

 

You should grab a Prius. Great mileage.

 

Ha ha , Prius. I have a 7.3L powerstroke diesel that can tow the tacoma faster than it can pull itself. I am a truck guy, but I need this little truck to get more economy to make it make sense for my needs.

 

What kinda stroke engine do you have again? Is that made by GM? Great company.

 

It's a truck. Being a truck guy, you should know that trucks get shit mileage. Sounds like you can't afford to keep a truck and should consider other options.

 

I agree.

After owning a 2003 Honda Pilot (2003-2018) with 3.5L engine averaging 17/22 MPG and weighing over 4400 lbs, height & weight affects fuel economy.

I figured I'd get the same fuel economy since the Tacoma Sport has the same engine size.

I'm sure if I added a tonneau cover or a cap on the bed, it may improve MPGs...but it may be negligible.

 

My 4x2 DCLB gets 28mpg. I do mostly highway driving.

 

How do you get way over the epa mileage - 45 mph on flat highways? Or do you have a rare Unicorn Tacoma?

 

I drive 90% on the highway going 65-70mph. 50 miles 1 way to work, I pretty much cut across Houston.

I really just follow that meter on the dash with the mileage and always try to get the bars to hit 30mpg.

No lift, the air dam is still on, I do have a Bakflip MX4. But yeah, it’s pretty sweet considering my 2nd gen would get 20mpg on the same route.

 

Yep, my old 4.7 tundra is still running great after 300k miles. Was told by a friend that runs a automotive service shop that bought the vehicle that its doesn't touch a drop of oil, and still sounds as good as new.

 

You're comparing two different things. The likelihood of you finding something that is everything you're looking for is almost impossible, unless you forgo the manual transmission. Rumors for the 4th gen are a 4 cylinder turbo. I in all honesty will be surprised if we get a manual transmission option in the next gen Taco. They could go the route of the Ranger and everyone gets the same engine/trans. If we do I could see it being offered with a lethargic naturally aspirated trim level. My father in law had a 2019 Ranger Lariat, it was faster than the Taco but seemed to lack the torque so I do not know how much better of an engine option a turbo 4 would be over the 3.5 V6, even if it happened to include an MT. After seeing what they did with the Tundra I don't think a hybrid is the solution either. Power numbers are there but not fuel economy. this was disappointing as I was expecting something similar to the RAV4 Prime in terms of numbers. Good power and fuel economy.

 

Sounds like a Ranger or Maverick may be what you're looking for if you're chasing MPGs. The Ranger still isn't knocking it out of the park though.