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Fuel Economy - I4 vs V-6

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by PhoenixCadet, Jun 25, 2008.

  1. Jun 25, 2008 at 9:16 PM
    #1
    PhoenixCadet

    PhoenixCadet [OP] Well-Known Member

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    For those here with experience using both engines, I'd like to know what your opinions are on them in regards to fuel economy. This is (probably) the last detail I'm going to decide on (and probably the biggest, due to fuel costs), and I'd like to get as much info as possible.

    In doing some research, I've come up with these figures:

    19/25 (city/hwy) - 4x2 4cyl auto (access cab)

    16/20 (city/hwy) - 4x2 Pre-runner V-6 auto (access cab)

    What I'd like to know is:

    (1) Does the difference between the two mileage amounts make a really big difference? From what I know, using regular-grade fuel would be fine in the Taco V-6, so that's not a problem there.

    (2) If I were to get the 4x4 (Access Cab, auto), is there a difference between the mileage gained while not driving in 4x4 - or is it the same?

    (3) I know the mileage varies from truck to truck, so for those with any of the trucks I've listed - I'd like to know what you get.

    Thanks!

    *Disclaimer - I may sound like an idiot, but I'm trying to get every detail down before I get my Taco.
     
  2. Jun 25, 2008 at 10:35 PM
    #2
    BlueTaco

    BlueTaco Well-Known Member

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    I drive a 4x4 DC V6 auto. I get around 18mpg highway, have done rarely any city driving so I'm not sure about the mpg. Most of my mileage is driving 75+ mph which lowers fuel efficency. I mainly picked a V6 because I do alot of highway driving and runs at lower rpm than a I-4. That, and towing capabilities but later found out a I-4 would be just as fully capable for what I haul. A 4x4 would have a tiny bit less mpg due to the heavier weight than a 4x2. Are you picking a vehicle by gas milage alone, what other decision making factors do you have?
     
  3. Jun 25, 2008 at 11:29 PM
    #3
    flyby08

    flyby08 Well-Known Member

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    I have a 08 DC 4x4(just hit 1k on it) so I am getting around 17mpg, but each tank has been getting a little better. I will say my driving is about 60/40 with highway/city driving. my pops has a 07 I4 AC, since I don't drive it all the time I am not completely sure but his gets somewhere in the low to mid 20mpg(23-26ish), with roughly the same type of driving. like you said you can run regular on both so that not much of an issue. As for the I4 4x4, it will get slighty less mpg about 1-2, since it adds components to the truck which adds weight and lowers your mpg. If mpg is your only factor in making your choice, I would most likely go with I4. especially since for most everyday chores there isn't much that I4 can't handle, but if your need to do some real heavy lifting you might have to go with the V6, and with truck this size it gets pretty good mpg.

    hope that helps.
     
  4. Jun 26, 2008 at 12:05 AM
    #4
    PhoenixCadet

    PhoenixCadet [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I won't be doing any heavy hauling. I'm interested in the Prerunner because I like the height to it, however, it's either the V-6 or a manual I4. While I'm going to learn how to drive a stick, I'd prefer not to get one.

    I did see a thread a while back in which a member found a [somewhat] cheap lift kit and bigger wheels to get their Taco up to Prerunner height. I guess I'll look into that.
     
  5. Jun 26, 2008 at 12:09 AM
    #5
    flyby08

    flyby08 Well-Known Member

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    it might be better to just stay with the prerunner,IMO. I don't like messing with ride suspension to much if you don't have to. my pops is a regular and mine is 4x4 and I can't lie, I love the added height. good luck with your decision
     
  6. Jun 26, 2008 at 5:44 AM
    #6
    Demoncleaner

    Demoncleaner Well-Known Member

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    TRD exhaust Homemade bed mat & bed extender, front Drings, Short clutch throw, Summer: Stock 17's Winter: Blizzaks on 16' black steelies
    (1) Does the difference between the two mileage amounts make a really big difference? From what I know, using regular-grade fuel would be fine in the Taco V-6, so that's not a problem there.

    (2) If I were to get the 4x4 (Access Cab, auto), is there a difference between the mileage gained while not driving in 4x4 - or is it the same?

    (3) I know the mileage varies from truck to truck, so for those with any of the trucks I've listed - I'd like to know what you get.


    1. In an ACab 2x4 4cyl auto should do 3-4 mpg better than the V6, empty like the sticker says. A stick could do even better. If your hauling, towing, or driving high Interstate speeds the V6 will narrow the mpg gap.

    2. You only drive in 4x4 on slippery surfaces. Winter driving 4hi, I lose about .5-1mpg. That's it.

    3. 6spd V6, 17 dead of winter, 20 all summer long (no stop and go). So 2x4 should do even better.

    From sound of it, an I-4 Prerunner should be fine for your needs. Just learn the joys of rowing your own gears in a beater and your good to go.
     
  7. Jun 26, 2008 at 6:36 AM
    #7
    Mudbug

    Mudbug Well-Known Member

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    Amsoil 0w-20 engine oil and Amsoil Full synthetic 75w-90 in the Transmission, transfer case, front and rear Differentials. AFE Cold Air Intake
    The I4 4x4 and pre runners get about the same mileage. The weight isn't that substantial. The difference is frontal area. The 5 luggers get better mileage because they are lower to the ground and they don't have 4.10 gears in them.
     
  8. Jun 26, 2008 at 6:42 AM
    #8
    MikeM

    MikeM Well-Known Member

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    I haven't hit 1K miles yet with my new 08 I4 Access Cab SR5, but my first check shows I'm getting 20 MPG city, with mixed A/C on. I am traveling soon and will be able to show Hiway MPG.

    Mike M
     
  9. Jun 26, 2008 at 6:56 AM
    #9
    hillbillynwv

    hillbillynwv Well-Known Member

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    I just bought a 2008 Tacoma 4x4 access cab with the V6 automatic, so far i'm getting 18 MPG. That's with 75% highway and 25% city driving with no A/C on using plus grade gas.
     
  10. Jun 26, 2008 at 5:44 PM
    #10
    WilsonTheDog

    WilsonTheDog Kylie's dad

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    I get 18 city/23 hwy, and that's proven over many many tanks. That's a real world figure, not a government agency figure.
     
  11. Jun 26, 2008 at 7:26 PM
    #11
    kubota man

    kubota man Well-Known Member

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    my v6 got 21.9 today highway mile never got over 60 mph even tho the speed limit was 70 running ac 3 people and luggage in my 08 trd off road 4x4. i get 18 in town i am happy with these number
     
  12. Jun 26, 2008 at 7:26 PM
    #12
    mainerinexile

    mainerinexile Well-Known Member

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  13. Jun 27, 2008 at 8:36 PM
    #13
    Sodbuster

    Sodbuster Active Member

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    2008 AC I4 4X4 Manual

    Last few fills: 21.0, 25.7. 26.8, 25.5, 20.4 (driving around my neight
    borhood looking for my @#$%ing dog)

    I love the I4
    I love the Tacoma
     
  14. Jun 27, 2008 at 11:10 PM
    #14
    bledsoe3

    bledsoe3 Well-Known Member

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    I got 17+ MPG on my last tank with all city driving. '07 DC 4.0 4X4.
     
  15. Jun 28, 2008 at 2:33 AM
    #15
    jrws6

    jrws6 Well-Known Member

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    I have the 08 Access cab 4x4 I4 5 speed, getting 24 to 26 mpg average with 3000 miles on it. Have seen a best of 27.4 mpg
     
  16. Jun 28, 2008 at 7:27 AM
    #16
    ricepow

    ricepow Well-Known Member

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