How are you guys getting 20+ MPG V6 4x4s

That's hard to do when most the highways out here are 75 and 80 mph. You do 65 and get an "impeding traffic" ticket.

 

40 psi and 45 mph

 

getting about 20 mph and about 330-340 on a tank on regular gas. More highway than city too. I do have a tonneua, not sure if it makes a big difference maybe 1-1.5 mpg's. Drive like there's an egg shell under the gas pedal, keep it between 2,000 and 2,500 rpm's. looking into a scangaugeII and posssibly an afe pro dry filter when it is necessary to replace. Any other gas saver features out there.

 

I got 9.5 MPG with my full size chevy so my tacoma is doing wonders for me lol

I haven't really paid attention to mpg with this truck yet.. soon.

 

A Prius!

 

I don't think of any way it would be possible to get 20 MPG going those speeds that's for sure. Really, our gearing do not like speeds over 65MPH...

 

On the flats driving across the country just a month ago I was getting 19.5mpg doing 75 most the way with my meaty 285s. The larger tire size without regear made it nice honestly, 70 on the speedo, 2300 I think was my highest avg RPM.

Back in the day before my tires though I was easily gettin over 20 mpg, closer to 21.

 

they failed math.

 

Don't be jealous because you're not getting it! FYI manuals will probably never achieve 20mpg due to gearing.


I will add that premium gas makes a big difference, and the gas quality changes things a lot. Here in CA now I'm getting horrible gas mileage compared to the east coast gas.

 

That's because the idiots in the EPA are adding ethanol and other such additives to gas for cleaner air and less dependency on foreign oil, which kills HP and MPG's. This in turn has made the cost of everything skyrocket, corn, groceries, meats, everything etc. Gotta love the EPA! It must be completely made up of morons!

 

I'm getting a good honest 22 mpg with my V-6 Ex.cab. I set the cruise at 65 on the highway and try not to go over 70. It's not easy, especially with everyone around you going 85 plus, but if you want to get that mileage, that's what needs to be done.

 

The other thing, just to re-state it, the whole baby the gas pedal or "treat it like there's an egg under it" only works once your up to speed. It's actually better to get up to speed, 65, quicker than by slowing accelerating. Why? Get to the cruising speed quicker where gas conservation happens.

One study found taking 30 seconds to get to 65 used more gas, substantially, than doing it in 15 seconds. I find 15 seconds to 65 is pretty quick, or normal for me. But I stick the cruise at 63-68 depending on traffic flow and also use it to slow down or speed up.

Also:

"5. Vehicles with automatic transmissions always get worse fuel mileage than vehicles with manual transmissions.

False. Modern automatics have improved to the point where the opposite is often the case now. According to the federal EPA ratings, the 2011 Ford Mustang V-6 gets 19 mpg city, 31 mpg highway with the six-speed automatic, and 19/29 with the six-speed manual. The Cadillac CTS 3.0-liter V-6 gets 16/26 with a manual, 18/27 with an automatic. The Toyota Tacoma V-6 pickup gets 17/21 with an automatic, 15/19 with a manual. Check Fueleconomy.gov for the numbers on any vehicle, new or used, that you are considering. That said, a manual transmission is almost always cheaper to buy, usually by $700-$1,200."

 

So guys with a manual, who drive mostly city or lead foot it at times can expect 15. While my AT which is mostly highway and babied, once cruising, get 21.2.

I think that's the difference right there.

 

Im doubt the stock hood scoop helps cause air cannot make it to the engine. there is a metal plate blocking air flow it is simply for looks.

 

Oh really?

I've only put 87 in mine...

 

Premium gas does not affect mileage.

However, the gas ingredients might.

 

Don't forget that + all the damn grades!

 

I agree with you that brisk acceleration is better.

But the only reason automatics can be more efficient that manuals is because the manufacturers choose to gear the autos better. Toyota and it seems everyone else have decided to gear the manuals terribly, and my guess they don't want to sell base stick vehicles because they make more money on autos. A better 6th gear could make the stick a much better choice, why don't they?

They haven't ruined the lowly I4 stick with poor gearing and it remains better than the auto.

 

Exactly. The gearing on the manual transmissions are off and most people are too stupid and lazy to operate it so they buy an auto.

 

The government keeps raising the percentage of ethanol. One gallon of ethanol will not take you as far as one gallon of gasoline. 87 octane is not 87 any longer.
I had a V6 Ford Ranger until I got this V6 Tacoma. I was expecting MPG to be about the same. It was a eye opener for me.