Best MPG case scenario for DCLB

The thing is....I'm a very, very frugal driver. You guys would probably hate the way I drive. I view driving as a competition to see how efficiently I can get from one place to another, which is why I am almost certainly going the 4-banger.

I do realize that some people don't get much better MPG with a smaller motor simply becuase they just drive it harder and end up pretty close to what they would get with a V6. But I'm not that person. I take my sweet time, and the fuel savings with a 4 cyl will be significant (and make me happy!)

 

If you are so concerned about mpg, why not just get a smaller SUV and a utility trailer? Most smaller SUVs should be able to fulfill trailer pulling duty and return 28 mpg or something like that. The best tanks I ever got out of my DCLB Tacoma were in the 22 mpg range in stock form with mixed driving and conservative throttle.

 

I just got 250 miles out if a full tank this weekend on a 2nd gen DCLB with AC on doing about 75 80 ... but im lifted and steel skids

 

2013 TRD Sport lifted. I live at elevation about 7k ft driving most of the time. Open hwys tho. I get between 20-21 mpg.

 

Fuel savings and truck dont go well together.

 

Obviously I'm not buying a truck to save gas. I'm buying a truck to be able to put crap into the bed, and have a rig that has decent (not crazy) ground clearance. But if I'm GOING to buy a truck....I'm going to get the one that saves the most gas. Pretty simple logic there.

 

Ok..

Well, you can't get a DCLB with a 4 cylinder.

If you don't "need" a truck, then get a 5 lug AC or DCSB with a manual trans.

 

Thank you. That is very useful information.

 

The largest configuration with the 4 cyl is a DCSB 4x2 (Prerunner).

You can also get a DCSB 5 lug, if you need occupant space and less bed space. AC 4 cyl comes in either 5/6 lug and both Prerunner and 4x4.

 

Does putting in mid-grade vs regular grade make a difference?

 

I've tried it and didn't notice any advantage other than a lighter wallet.

 

Yeah can't do the AC...must have full double doors (car seat friendly). I think it comes down to a choice between long bed and fuel economy (i.e. can't have the 4 cylinder with the longbed..).

 

Best gas mileage is walking.

 

You could do what I do. My truck gets 14-15mpg...lifted, 33" mud terrains, full skids, sliders, plate bumper, camper shell, platform, aux fuel tank and only drive it on trips and when I need it to act like a truck.

In the meantime my daily driving is done with a motorcycle. Going 80mph I get 45mpg. Going 50 I'd probably be in the 70's mpgs. Being in CA I can lane split and use the car pool lane. It was $4k used in amazing shape. So for $4K I got a vehicle that goes 0-60 in 4 seconds and averages 45mpg and I go about 80mph everywhere. Plus it's fun as hell.

 

You are going to get EPA estimates. Plain n simple. Trust me, i have tried to get better but short of doing 55mph tops.... you are going to get a max of 21 on the highway.


And dont be that asshole doing 55 on the freaking freway to save gas.

 

Get a civic and a small trailer.

 

Well.. I had a DCSB Prerunner 4 cyl for almost 4 years, when it was stock I averaged 23-24 MPG with an all time high tank of 28 MPG.

Worth noting also, if you want a DCSB Prerunner 4 cyl, you can only get an auto trans. I don't know if this is true for the 5 lug variant, though.

 

Get a Corolla and one of these--meets all your needs...

 

Didn't answer about the need for 4wd.

I have a 5 lug AC. Over the last 3 years it's consistently pulled mid 20's at posted limits on the interstate, runs around 19-20 in town, depending on my destination, traffic, idle time, etc.

2.7 auto, A/C, and I use the A/C.

I have about 1" of lift over stock with the 235x75 tires, the largest that will fit OE wheels and have 0 clearance issues.

I wanted a truck for similar reasons as you. I did factor in MPG in my shopping, but all of them are so poor it was really a 2nd tier criteria. The resulting truck is perfect for how I use it. Including bikes, kayaks, and misc. 'stuff' to be hauled.

However, I also don't drive it much more than 5k a year. Another reason the MPG was secondary.

If I was driving 10-12k in this vehicle, for what I use it for, I'd have a nice small CUV/SUV. Even AWD units get good MPG, have fair ground clearance and will go great in the snow with winter tires.

Matched up with a good hitch, light trailer and a decent bike rack, I'd be all set. In fact, my '04 Highlander just about fits that bill, except it's MPG is as bad as my truck.

But the later RAVs, CRVs, Subie Outbacks, etc. do pretty well.

Have fun deciding!

 

Yup, this is my alternate: 48 mpg overall (mostly 55 to 80 rural, and 50+ liters of storage under the seat) :