Lifted Tacoma gas mileage?

Hello friends. I really appreciate all the help I got in my question about racks and tonneau covers. Here is my new question. We lifted my Tacoma 3” and put bigger rims and tires on it because we liked the looks. My gas mileage went from 18-20 mpg to 14-16 mpg. Is this what happens to everyone who has made these mods or am I special?

How do you decide if it is worth it?

 

I'd say normal.

You have added weight. You have increased wind drag.

This takes fuel to haul this weight down the road and overcome the wind resistance.

 

Definitely a standard to see a drop in mpg.
It all comes down to practicality, are you actually going to go out and use your truck to it’s abilities as a lifted 4x4 or is it just a commuter? And ultimately is the drop in mpg because of a lift and bigger wheels something you can live with because the truck makes you happy

 

Normal,,, could be worse actually

Everyone's situation is different- if you're inherently wealthy it doesn't matter. If you're in debt and living paycheck to paycheck, hell no! ,,,,, And everything in between. Hell, everyone's gas prices are all over too. Another factor: how bad do you actually need the lift and tires? They for cool, or do they get you to work everyday?

 

That is helpful. Thanks!

 

That’s a pretty typical situation really only two ways to fix that. 1) go back to stock or 2) regear to compensate for the larger tires.

 

Well that happiness factor is a big one. Thanks for pointing that out!

 

Good answer!

 

Good to know. Thanks! Guess Im glad it isn’t worse!

 

Thanks!

 

Yes, you need to be careful with modifications.

Some are for added function.

Some are for appearance.

Me, I will only do a modification for added function. Appearance is secondary for me.

 

I guess I can live with it. The lifted truck does make me very happy! I guess I just didn’t anticipate that much of a drop. Thanks!

 

I have a 3 inch lift on 285's on a 18 inch wheel and i carry work equipment that weighs around 250 pounds and i average 15.5 on conservative days and as bad as 13 on moderate driving. I would like to know everyones mileage on a lift. I had a 2016 with a 3 inch on 275s on a 20 inch wheel and was getting like 18 to 21 normally. But i guess how knute said the width of tires and even if theyre mud terrains can impact gas massively than if you went with a radial and say a 10.5 inch tire instead of a 11.5 inch.

 

Very true! If one has $$$ falling out of their butt, doesn't matter what you do to yer truck.
If you like the lift and big tires and can afford to feed yer rig gas .. No BFD.

 

How are you checking your MPG? Larger tires will screw up the speedo and mileage giving you bad readings. If you didn't correct it, you will show much lower than it actually is getting.

 

Sounds normal. It’s the bigger/heavier tires that do the most damage, but it all contributes.

People who claim big tires and lift resulted in “no major difference in mpg” are outta their minds.

3” is a big lift on a taco. Lots of additional air resistance and turbulence under the truck. This is a bigger factor at speed.

 

Normal because... physics.

 

Pay 2 play

 

This is correct and often overlooked.

 

Has anyone done a OV tune to help mpg?