2wd vs 4wd

Hey guys, new to the forum, and from Tennessee. I have a question. I am starting to look to buy a Tacoma in the year models 2005-2010. I can't decide on if I want to get a 2wd or 4wd. I really want a 4wd, but I'm uncertain as to the gas mileage difference. From what I can tell by looking at the mpg from the stickers there isn't but about a 1 mpg difference. This is a 6 cylinder I am talking about. Have any of yall seen much difference in the mpg between the 2wd and 4wd?

 

Probably depends on Prerunner vs 5-lugger. I don't know from experience, but would guess that the prerunner similar mileage to the 4x4.

 

My 2007 4X4 DC with 4.0 and auto gives me 17ish with normal driving. I don't do any real city driving, mostly rural 2 lane and small town driving. Very little stop and go rush hour or downtown driving. On road trips 19.5-20 mpg is the norm. But under ideal conditions I've hit 21-22 mpg at times.

Given similar tires and all else being equal the real world difference will be a fraction of 1 mpg.

A lot of guys modify 4X4's with bigger than stock aggressive tires, lift kits and add extra weight with winches, push bars, and heavy bumpers. It is those modifications that kill fuel mileage. You'd do the same to a 4X2 truck with the same mods.

I'm a firm believer in just buying a 4X4. I've been buying trucks and SUV's since 1977 and only had one 4X2. Never did like it. They cost more initially, but are worth more when the time comes to trade so in the long term costs come pretty close to even. I've never found that maintenance costs were significantly more either.

 

There won't be much of a difference in mpgs between 2wd and 4wd. Mines a 4wd and my last tank was 21.7 mpgs. 4wd is just worth having. I'm putting up pictures because I don't feel like arguing with guys saying, "hoot hoot, that's empossibly, hoot hoot, turcomers doesn't gets gude gas."

323.8 miles plus 3.6% for tire size difference. 335.46 miles total.
15.42 gallons used.

335.46 miles / 15.42 gallons = 21.7 mpg


Reason price is low is because I used my grocery points for discount. Date is on receipt.

 

If you want 4x4 you will be very disappointed without it.

 

^^^This. So much this.

 

Welcome to TW. Where everyone needs 4WD, 35" tires, steel bumpers, and long travel/SAS.

 

Why no love for the 11??


4x4 or bust

 

If you plan to do any mods like armor or otherwise that will hurt your fuel mileage WAY more than the added weight of a transfer case and differential on the front end. It's approximate 1-2mpg which can be smoothed out by your pedal being light.

Honestly don't worry about that small of a fuel mileage difference.

 

If I didn't live in a place with icy roads and snow for 6 months out of the year I would totally go 2wd. They ride nicer, they get better mileage, and they have fewer parts to break. 2wd for the win.

 

To contrast this my truck gets ~15mpg on a good tank with lots of highway and zero dirt. It's all about what you do and how hard you drive it. Period.

 

This is stupid.

Just saying.

 

Don't make that decision just based on gas mileage. I have Pre-runner and modified suspension for light trail, hauling & towing and I have been very happy with it. But I don't get a lot of snow, or into the mud or climb Mt. Everest..... So application is going to be your factor. FYI. DONT even look at an '05-06 (head gasket issues from best I can tell from others on here)

 

Of course it does, but many will say its impossible to get good mpgs in a Tacoma.

 

They're ridiculous. "Good" is relative anyway. On a bad week my Miata gets 25mpg. I can push that a lot higher but it's so much fun to get that go-kart moving.

 

Howdy,

My biased advice; buy the best and cry once!

Go 4x4!

Here's and down and dirty math problem to figure $ per mpg based on an average of 15K miles per year.

15000m/19mpg = 790/gpy
15000m/20mpg = 750/gpy

You go through ~40 extra gallons per year per mpg difference or ~$100 more in fuel/year or ~$2/week on 15k mile/year average.

Most of the modern Tacomas only vary 2-3 mpg 2wd v 4x4 and driving habits can close that gap. Almost even on hwy.

HTH

W

 

I went through this myself—for about 10 minutes—before I realized I already knew what I wanted…You already know the answer to your question, you’re just looking for validation. There’s nothing wrong with that, it’s a good idea.

Bottom line…you can drive a 4X4 in 2WD, but you can not do the opposite. If fuel economy is that important to you, do not buy a Tacoma—any Tacoma!

 

If you 'want' a 4x4 get a 4x4. If you get a 4x4 there's nothing to regret. If you don't get one then you'll regret not getting what you want.

 

Like others have mentioned, if fuel economy is a high priority, don't get a Tacoma .