Gen 3 owner, but wondering why dodge ram 1500 with v8 can average about the same mpg?

When it comes down to it, the Tacoma in it's current state really isn't a 'small' truck. It's kind of approaching full size but not quite with a motor that may be at it's limit for such a 'big/small' truck. It's kind of like the differences with the 4cyl and 6cyl in the Subaru Outback. People with the 4cyl were complaining that those with the 6cyl were getting very similar mileage. Well, if you have to push the smaller motor and make it work harder than a 6cyl in the same car, of course the smaller engine will burn more fuel. Probably the same thing going on here with trucks. Sometimes a bigger engine is more fuel efficient since it doesn't have to work as hard. Also you have to consider the terrain and what you're using the truck for and under what conditions. I think once you get to a certain point it becomes a law of diminishing returns. If you threw an 8cyl in the Tacoma would it get better mileage? Maybe, most likely not...

Bottom line is if you don't like it, get rid of it and go buy something else! I went back and forth deciding between an F150 and a Tacoma. Similar mileage, more tech and 'bling' for my $$$ with the F150, but I did not want to be driving a larger truck around a major with and having to park it, and down the line the F150's resale would be garbage, while the Tacoma's resale is ridiculous, plus when it really came down to it, the Tacoma was more than enough truck for what I planned on using it.

It all comes down to what's more important to you. If you want better mileage get a Prius. If you want a fuel efficient truck, those just don't exist, and maybe you'd be better suited with a Crossover/SUV that has AWD and is still very capable and although doesn't get amazing mileage, they can get good mpg, or just buy a truck and understand that shitty mpg comes with the territory. You're moving a lot more than having the same engine in a passenger car, even with the Tacoma. It's grown quite a bit over the years!