2016 4x4 fuel economy figures across brands

Here is a table of 2015 4x4 automatic trucks, unless otherwise noted. Numbers are taken from fueleconomy.gov, except the 2016 tacoma. This is sorted by combined fuel economy so if it isn't on this list it means it is worse than the Frontier or it didn't get classified in the EPAs pickup truck category.



I can't be bothered to do 2wd versions because personally I don't give a shit about those. No manuals because most of these don't have manuals anyway.

Draw your own conclusions.

 

Here's my conclusion I posted in another thread. I cared more about manuals so this has an MT slant to it...

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I ran some numbers to give myself some perspective on whether I should be concerned the economy numbers weren't as impressive as I hoped. Here's what I found.

Assuming 20,000 miles per year (long commute plus road trips), $3.30 per gallon gas, MT if avail, and my Xcab '99 as my baseline, here are *my* rough gas costs per year:

1st Gen 1999 Tacoma 4WD, 3.4L V6 Xcab MT (16 mpg combined) = $4125/yr gas cost
2nd Gen 2015 Tacoma 4WD, 4.0L V6 DCAB MT (17 mpg combined) = $3882/yr (saves $283/yr)
3rd Gen 2016 Tacoma 4WD, 3.5L V6 DCAB MT (19 mpg combined) = $3473/yr (saves $652/yr)
GMC '15 Canyon 4WD, 3.6L V6 CrewCab AT (20 mpg combined) = $3300/yr (saves $825/yr)

So the perspective? I will probably spend ~$55/month less on gas (-$652/yr) if I upgrade from my '99 to a 4WD MT DCAB '16. If I chose to go GM, it would only save me an extra $14 a month (-$173/yr)...*if* I was able to manage to get the EPA result.

Basically, if I was thinking of choosing the GM twins instead of the 3rd gen for fuel economy, I would be doing so over a measly $173 in savings per year, at best. Definitely not a decision breaker or maker over functionality, amenities, drivability, performance, etc.

In comparison, I have been averaging over $1k-2k in repairs on the '99 the past two years...mx cost on a new one will be effectively zero (most likely), and saving an extra $650/yr in gas makes this mpg -though a moderate improvement- a nice benefit to an upgrade.

 

I think the 2016 Tacoma beats the Colorado at this point in time even with the same mileage. The issue for Toyota arises when the 4cyl diesel becomes available and the thing gets 32mpg combined or some crazy good number. Then there is a real dilemma as which one to choose. I can only guess that at some point in the near future Toyota will swap out their 4cyl for something with more HP and much better fuel economy. I think they would be stupid not to. But then again I've seen some pretty stupid shit before.

 

What savings will you have when you factor the new vehicle payments?

 

None. You take my point the wrong way. Oh, it'll cost me a lot of money to upgrade. Even at $2k in repairs a year, I still will pay more for the new truck. But I am not looking for a new vehicle merely for better mpg. Better fuel efficiency is just one metric in a complicated decision which acknowledges that if I do buy, it will cost me more than simply keeping the '99.

 

Yeah, I don't think so.

 

Hey, I just realized I took your post in only a negative tone...to answer your question if it had positive intent...

I did a rough calculation, and depending on how much I put down for the truck, with loan costs per month I end up with spending an extra $250-$300 per month more out of pocket buying the 2016. And that doesn't include the huge downpayment/trade-in of ~$20k.

 

Don't understand why Toyota is even bothering making the obsolete 4 banger. Unless it's a temporary replacement and a new 4 banger will become available next model year.

 

The Nissan MPG is pathetic.

 

Don't be so sure. The 2wd could possibly hit 32 hwy and diesels easily beat epa ratings. The 4wd could very easily get 30 mpg real world average (assuming no heavy towing). Read some long term reviews for the diesel cars, they routinely get well over city and hwy epa ratings.

 

Would you guys take a:

1) 2016 2X4 DC Prerunner SR5 at $28,885 MSRP or a
2) 2015 4X4 DC TRD Off Road at $32, 510 MSRP (but can be had for $29k, basically the same price as the 2016 Pre-Runner)

The 4X4 is a bonus. 95% of the time I'll be using it for city driving. I just need a car than can take a beating on our Mass roads (you would be surprised at how poor the roads can be in the winter, potholes etc). A truck would offer great utility for Home Depot & garden/dump trash. It would be nice to have a half decent vehicle for snow storms (or a skiing trip, at least a 2X4 truck would fair better than our mini-van).

So 4X4 would be a bonus but not a deal breaker. Its just hard for me to compare the two values of these trucks (the 2016 2X4 vs the 2015 4X4) at basically the same cost. Im trading 15% better MPG and a quieter, more modern interior for a 4X4.

PS. I've given up the idea of the boat, 2 kids will do that......

 

Oh man, I was looking at the 2015 Colorado but now read this: http://blog.caranddriver.com/2016-c...-duramax-diesel-details-and-pricing-released/

This diesel engine looks pretty sweet (~30mpg highway .

 

Yes, it does look pretty sweet. But buying it for fuel econmy when it adds $3700 to the price over the v6 is big time pay back. Plus, it may have 100 more ft lbs of torque but it has 120 (180plus) fewer HP. How does that affect drivability ? For the most part, it means not having to shift gears much but above fifty, leave lots of room to pass. For American roads, it does little or nothing for you except to say...."hey buddy, speak up, I'm driving a diesel. Aren't I cool ? What ? Was that ? You'll have to speak up ?"
The over price Colorado with a diesel will draw a few. But these babies will push $40k on the lot. Why not get an SR5 4 cylinder and a used Corolla ?
Toyota is smart to see how this shakes out.

One more thing. Just in case you want to bring towing into the issue. At 7700 lbs you can officially tow 700 lbs more. Really, how many of you have towed regularly over 5k with a mid size truck that weighs 4500 lbs. I have and compared, it ain't fun as the geometry of a narrow shorter truck vs a full size f150 or Chevy or Tundra really works against you, regardless of the motor. It's the tail wagging the dog.....

 

What erks me is that Toyota already has the technology to get 28-30+mpg out of their diesels. See Hilux or even DieselToys...they offer the conversion and are getting those numbers right now. I think that would make the extra investment upfront worth it. (3-5k at the dealer not for the 28k conversion)
But if gas prices dip as much as predicted it wont matter anyway. 19-23mpg out of the 3.5 will be just fine.

 

I would take the 2016 2 wd prerunner in a heartbeat for Mass. If you think you might worry about winter snow, get AT tires and throw a little weight in the back ( 4 or5 tube sand bags) 4 wd is not good on tarred roads and your snow seldom lasts after noon. If a 2 wd pre runner with LSD and AT tires can't get around city streets, they are probably closed anyway. I drive over my snow cover road in central Maine and unless it's deep, I can use LSD and not 4 wd on most days. Your conditons are always easier then my mountain road.

But, Though you don't need winter tires for Mass, would definitely up grade the tires over the standard ones with any 2 wd in NE. A high quality, high rated All Terrain tire should be great all yer round. The off road model is waaaaay over kill for your needs and you would have too many mechanics you would never need and just have stuff that goes wrong. Heck, my OFF Road only uses the locking diff during the summer when I off road. You should not use a locking diff in snow and neither should you used low range on snow covered roads.

Get the 2wd 2o16 prerunner and be happier 99.99999999999 % of the time. The only time you will want an Off Road 4 wd...is for bragging. ;-)

 

That's what I believe as well but not next year, I believe they are holding out to see what the GM diesel does and if they start to lose sells due to a diesel I believe they will have something in their back pocket to replace the old 4 banger. They already have the engines, it would just take the mods necessary to meet the emissions which could be done in 2 years with testing. If the diesel in the twins don't steal sells then they just use a different proven 4 banger petrol in their arsenal.

 

I haven't seen those numbers IRL. My 2013 TRD Sport DCSB 5A averaged 19. My exact same 2015 is averaging 21 after 7500 miles.

 

I really love this answer. Thank you for responding. Its such a big ticket purchase for me. Its my first truck. One never really knows what you need until after the fact. It sounds like the Prerunner would be perfect for my needs. Thanks!

 

Dagosa, so if I look at the PreRunner:

1) 2015 DC SB 2X4 V6 = $23,400 and gets 17/21/19 MPG
-comes with SR package
-remote keyless entry system, cruise control, sliding rear window with privacy glass, side glass with privacy, power outside mirrors, steering wheel with audio controls. Removes passenger-side door-key cylinder.

2) 2016 DC SB 2X4 V6 = $26,285 and gets 19/24/21 MPG
-comes with SR5 package
-power windows/mirrors/locks, basic six-speaker Entune audio system with a 6.1-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, USB, voice recognition including Apple Siri Eyes Free, a backup camera, and a GoPro windshield mount, keyless entry, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a larger 4.2-inch color LCD on the instrument panel, fog lamps, variable intermittent wipers, and tinted rear glass

I'm leaning towards the 2016 model because for the extra ~$2,900, I get quite a bit (+ a quieter ride and 2 more MPG etc). But Im very hesitant because this is a new model and will have bugs. I dont want to be a guinea pig.

Which PreRunner model would you take?

http://blog.caranddriver.com/truck-you-money-2016-toyota-tacoma-priced-starts-under-25-grand/

 

I once compared a pre-runner to the 4x4.

A member gave me this advice -

"Buy the 4x4 so you don't want to kill your self latter."


No one regrets going 4x4. You will/may regret the Pre-Runner.