Tacoma Bad MPG

Hey Yall,
Had the 2012 since April and am moderately dissatisfied with it. I have 2 other trucks, both full size, both V-8's with much more horsepower, larger, heavier, and both of them get better MPG than the Tacoma. Dealer no help.
I would appreciate any suggestions. I drive like Granny, the tires are aired up to 35 front, 32 rear, (no load). There is an aluminum shell. I am thinking about getting rid of the truck. HELP !
ORR (Old Retired Roy)

 

What are the numbers?

Expect under 20 generally.. I hear a LOT of people getting under 20.

Hell, I get like 8.

 

I average 16-18mpg driving very calm.

 

I normally get just under 20, but recently towed a 6x12 U-haul and, even empty, was getting about 12....

 

I have a double cab long bed 4x4 with the only big change being tires Goodyear DuraTracs 265-70R17 and get between 16-18

 

i get 14 with lift and tires and when its low I go to the pump. I got a tacoma because they are the best looking trucks.

 

Are you towing? Lift? Stock tires?
Also what is your current MPG and how are you calculating it?

 

whats are the numbers you are seeing? i get 18 to 20. and i don’t baby it all.

 

i check mine every fill up
i fill up every weekend

city driving to and from work and errands
usually comes out between 18.5 and 20

all highway driving usually comes out above 22

 

Yep, it is under 20. On a trip I get almost 21 but that is only on a long, highway only trip. My full sized 2008 chevy with a 327 turning out 330 hp and weighing in at over 5000 pounds gets 22-23 regularly. My other 4WD full sized chevy with nearly 300,000 miles and a 350 gets 22-23 mpg as well. Whats the matter with Toyota? It looks like they are WAY behind in technology and efficiency.

 

Maybe you're biased to Chevy? I've got friends with Chevys and they can't even come close to that sort of mileage. Even on a good day. They have the 5.3L in both trucks. And the 6.0 I have at work, I'd be lucky to see 10 with that one.

 

HI ALL YOU TACOMA TRUCKERS, THIS IS KALAUKIA37. HEY I HAVE A 2X4 EXTRA CAB V6 3.4L 5 SPEED SR5 LOADED 1998 LIMITED. I GET BETWEEN 25 TO 29 MPG WITH THE AIR ON. MY FOOT IS ON THE LITE SIDE, BUT IT WILL GET UP AND GO IF I WANT IT TO. I USED TO HAVE A 1995 STANDARD CAB, 2.4L ENGINE, GREAT LITTLE ENGINE, 32 MPG. I GOT RID OF IT BECAUSE IT DID NOT HAVE AND SEAT ADJUSTMENT. I HAVE SEVERAL BACK SURGERIES AND IT WOULD JUST KILL ME. I LOVE MY V 6, BUT I WOULD RATHER HAVE THE 2.4L WITH A 5 OR SIX SPEED. OK THAN, GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND DRIVE SAFE. ALOHA!

 

Glad to hear from an islander. One of the truly beautiful places on this planet. Just takes too long and too many $$$ to get there. Aloha from Virginia.
Roy

 

Hey, for what you paid for that new Tacoma, you could've gone to Hawaii and back several times.

Since you already had 2 trucks, why did you get another one? Inquiring minds want to know

 

I get 8-9mpg towing my 2place atv trailer going 75-80mph on the interstate.
In town I get 16-18mpg driving like a granny.

I'm lifted 6" w/35s and 4.88 gears. so kinda feel like its pretty good for what im running

 

I drive mixed city/highway in traffic, medium foot, and consistently get 19.5 in my DCSB TRD OR. At times I break 20. I use Super, and when it has been unavailable the mileage seems to suffer a bit.

There are 2 main gas stations that I use. One has a sticker that says 10% ethanol, the other does not, and I primarily use the one that does not. It may be an illusion, and the gas is probably the same (not sure if they are required to display the stickers), but I feel like I get better mileage when I use the gas from the one without the sticker.

The GR engine base has been around a while and is used in a lot of models in different forms and displacements. Historically Toyota waits until improvements are proven out on other models before updating the Tacoma. For instance, the 22-RE was available in early-80's Celicas, but it didn't hit the pickup until the late 80's or early 90's (pickups got the carbureted 22-R). I would agree that it is about time for a good update, like Dual VVT-i and direct injection.

 

Well, one of them is owned by a charity but I am the only user, the other has 295,000 miles on it. I thought it was time for a new one for personal use.

 

Around Town driving the fuel economy is surprisingly poor. On the the Highway its surprisingly excellent. I've found changing the rear diff oil over to synthetic has made a very good improvement to rolling resistance and fuel economy. My switch over to alloy wheels has helped alot, too.

 

My scan gauge gives me a tank average of 14.6-15.0 MPG consistently with 91, from the same station.

My Tundra did the same, on the same commute, with 34" All-Terrains.

Embarrassing to be honest. It just had its first oil change and I haven't seen much of an improvement. The engine is running smoother, and the noise is down slightly.

I have a feeling that emissions blower might have something to do with it, although it only runs on cold starts if I am not mistaken.

Truck never really smells like its running rich/lean. I want to say the transmission might be another possibility? I think i am going to count how many shifts it takes to get how from work.

Anyone wearing out torque converters? I feel that sucker working overtime on hill climbs.

I will agree with the post above about synthetic oil. I gave my GF's 2006 RSX with 85K Mobil1 Full Synthetic for the first time, holy hell. Pures like a kitten now. Lifter noise is gone, all you can here now is the almost worn out belt tensioner and the injectors.

 

So I wanted to update this post with something I found.

Before a trip to the desert this weekend I pulled the TRD, K&N Style Drop In Filter that came with the truck. It was relatively clean only a slight discoloration, although it seemed like it had quiet a bit of oil on it. So I cleaned it, and put fresh oil on, a very light 1 pass mist with a TRD Branded Oil.

I am now getting 20MPG going to work, and 17MPG coming home. Those numbers sat around 15-16 going to work and 13-14 coming home. (Scan Gauge Numbers) (Backside of the hill is steeper). I am shocked. I am even running my tires at 40lbs, when normally I have them at 46! My average is at 19.5 up from 14.5.

This weekend I plan on ripping apart the intake up to the throttle body and make sure the TB and MAF aren't drenched in oil.

So just a note to those who have a re-usable filter, check for excessive oil!

Wish I would have done this sooner.