MPGs with 3rd Gen Tacomas (4WD)

That looks great - I'll have to try that.

 

I've got a stock '22 OR MT with less than 4k miles and before a tire change at 1,500 miles, I was averaging 24-25mpg on the highway at 65mph and 20.5mpg, give or take, on my non highway commute at 40-45mph. I replaced the tires with Nokian Outposts in a 235/85r16 E rated that weigh just a hair over 40lbs on my package scale - so approximately 2lbs more than the stock Goodyear tires. My mileage dropped 1.5mpg when adjusted for the larger diameter tires.

No added weight other than a rigid bed cover (gorilla) so 70lbs give or take. While the Nokian's are only 2lbs heavier, they have more rolling resistance as I used to be able to just release the e-brake and slowly roll out of the garage and down the driveway. Now when I release the brake I roll back a couple of inches and stop.

I have noticed that cold weather impacts my mpg's on short trips more than other vehicles I have owned over the past 45 years. Once it has warmed up it isn't much different than warm weather mpg's but my one way commute is only 5 miles and not enough to bring things up to an efficient thermal operating temperature.

 

On my prior 2015 got right at 20 mpg on a slightly hilly 65mph 100 mile run, with a straight cap. Put wide 32" E load Cooper tires, 45-50# and dropped 2mpg, to 18mpg, on that run. It also ran very sluggishly on take off. I got regeared and stayed at the same 18mpg, but was much more responsive.

On my 2021 I now run Toyo stock sized tires, regular LT, with similar weight to SR5 stock and no notable variation. Also, with straight cap and get about 21mpg on the above run, but have only done twice (been other places mostly). Whether I've got 100# or 400# in back I can see no noticeable variance in highway mpg, given other variables, though I do notice a slight extra effort when braking or taking off.

I did get a retune, moderate, with no noticeable mpg variance, but a lot less gear hunting and very quick, perhaps too quick, pedal response.

The biggest variance I have noticed is speed and road surface. When driving in the south Texas flatlands I will notice a variance of up to 3 mpg at same basic speed and wind on different road surfaces-which still blows my mind, but have noticed on several occasions.

The other is speed. I've basically noticed a 8%-12% drop for every 5mph faster.

 

Thanks for your info. The very specific details that you and others are sharing is so fantastic - much appreciated!!

 

Thanks for the details. This thread has turned into a wealth of very usable info for me and hopefully others. I just completed my first 1000 mile road trim with my totally stock '23 OR. In the end I got maybe 21 or 22. I noticed that my performance seems dramatically impacted by wind conditions - no surprise there.

 

My 1989 Full size Silverado 4X4 regular cab, 8' bed Curb weight 3933 Lbs. My Mid size 2019 AC 4X4 4300 Lbs.

 

I noticed the same thing when I parked my 2009 AC beside my FIL's 1995 Sierra king cab 6.5'. The trucks are almost identical in dimension EXCEPT for the 48" between the wheel wells on the Sierra.
It got thinking about why Tacomas DON'T have 48" between the wheel wells, and I stumbled upon your thread from a few years back asking the same thing.
I mean it made sense to have <48" when the chicken tax was a thing, and the trucks were made in Japan, but now that these trucks are made in North America, it is no longer a reason.
Having under 48" really limits accessories like slide in campers, etc.
Time for someone to step in and make an actual mini truck, or for Toyota to widen the arches in this truck.
I'm not holding my breath for either, unfortunately.
Making the Tacoma 48" between the wells, I'm sure some people would say "Just buy a Tundra." but there's no way some uglier than sin Tundra is ever going to grace my driveway

 

Road trip data today:

170 highway miles, 2:40 driving time
sixth gear all the way (MT)
cruise set on 70, a few construction zones at 55-60
cool, 65 degrees, no noticeable wind, no air conditioner used
22.6 MPG, I have taken the same trip many times, this is a bit better than usual
Truck is stock including Firestone tires

 

My typical mileage as per above.