Why all threads over MPG ???

Toyota is stock other than ARB front bumper. I bought the truck used the first of the year with 2200 mi on it and have done nothing except have the oil changed.

 

My wife has a prius, it gets 55mpg I bought a Tacoma because I don't care about MPG. In saying that, I knew going in that I would average about 20mpg and am ok with that. If I could figure out a way to get better MPG and save that $23 a week, that's more money to put back into the truck

 

Honestly I don't see what everyone is complaining about, the MPG on these trucks is pretty good imo.

 

This is my 3rd truck since '89 and mileage has always been a concern even with my first car, a 1500cc Ford Cortina GT that was in the family for 25 years. It's money and it doesn't grow on trees so anything I can save is more for other things. My last was a 4.0 4x4 Ranger XLT and with lumber racks was in the mid teens which I found unacceptable. I no longer need 4wd and choose to keep the topper on full time both for security, aerodynamics, and rack mounts. Rack bars are removable and only installed when in use. Using less gas to get there is a good idea no matter where you live or how much money you have. I like my truck and enjoy driving it, it hums along just fine no matter the load and saves me close to 50% what it cost in the last one. This exactly what I want from it. My last 3 fill ups were 23.4, 23.4, 24.4.

 

I'm happy with my mpg. It's usually better than the sticker says. If and when I put bigger tires etc on the truck, I'll do that knowing perfectly well mpgs will suffer. I think a lot of the curiosity and questions come from people who have stock or close to stock trucks and are getting 15 mpg or less. They want to know if that's normal which of course it is not and is probably due to driving conditions and/or driving habbits.

 

I think people also just want to research and know more about how different configurations affect their performance. I’m sure most people already know that mpg isn’t a factor if they own a truck. It’s nice to know through this pool of knowledge how different tire sizes, or suspensions will affect your mpg.

 

I wonder if that's true! That would explain a lot.

 

I been more than happy with mine ! Gets 10 L/100km on a good highway run, like 24 mpg

 

One curiousity I have in regards to mpg is if elevation affects overall efficiency. Like higher elevations means less oxygen so more fuel is required for combustion. So people who live in the mountains will have lower mpg than people who live at sea level. Can any mechanical engineer elaborate?

 

Gas costs matter. That figure you have is probably assuming the average U.S. work commute, which is about 16 miles. For some people, who commute 200-300 miles a week or more, the money adds up fast.

To say if you can't afford $23 a week you shouldn't have the truck is honestly a bit dense. Many people may need a truck for work, and can't just snag a Corolla, that's just one reason.

$23 x 52 = ~$1,200 per year more on gas. Costs in CA went up $1 in the last month, my monthly gas budget went from $200 to $250 just from that. Personally, I'm one of those who can take the hit in MPG to own a truck just because I want it. Not everyone is so fortunate.

 

Its called California Exodus. And these trucks dont like Ca shitty roads to pile on. Every stop is damn bounce house party.

 

Dcsb here and I load it and use it no probs. Could use a long bed but needed stick

 

Less oxygen means less fuel as well. Your ecu trys to maintain an air fuel ratio of 14.7:1.

I live around 8000ft and get 2mpg better than when I was around sea level last. I just added a turbo and I'm managing 4mpg better than na at elevation.

NA at sea level around 15mpg, NA at 8000ft 17mpg, turbo at 8000ft 21 mpg.

This is a first gen that weighs in at around 5250lbs and is about as aerodynamic as a bus. I think Toyota need a factory turbo option.

Edit: with air being less dense at altitude it also means less drag.

 

When the maf sensor detects lower air pressure the computer reduces fuel flow to compensate so you get less power at altitude. Push the pedal to the floor and the ecu will still only supply fuel to match air supply. Only way around this is forced induction. Lower octane fuels are sold because the cylinders can't generate the pressure to justify higher octane fuel. Most of the lower mpg's at altitude come from the extra work required to get up the mountains and the lower energy content of 85.

 

Summer gas is now here in my region. Driving out to the low desert hills go shooting and wheeling, I got 29mpg tank average. Coming back downhill, I'm at 25 and change.
Maybe Commandante Gavin Newsom should bump up California gasoline to Great Britain prices??? ($9/gallon)

 

OP.....I will take that $1200 a year that obviously means nothing to you. I hate it when people make assumptions about other people like it is fact.......I bet you make alot more money annually than I do, since I am retired......should I make assumptions about your job/lifestyle then??? NOT MY PLACE!!! I am on my 7th (at least) personally owned truck - last two before my Tacoma were Tundras. Also drove at least 10 different pickups over my 35 year work career. The ONLY truck that got worse gas mileage than this Tacoma was a brand new Nissan Frontier crew cab, long bed, automatic, 4x4 (which is the same specs as my current truck). I got rid of it after 6 months of ownership.

I like my truck, but gas mileage is only 2 MPG better than my '07 Tundra got and it was bigger and heavier but also had some zip to it!!! I expected much better mileage than I am getting, but as was stated earlier, I don't think Toyota cares diddly squat about truck mileage.

Oh, My father-in-law's 2009 full size heavy ass Ford F150 gets better mileage than my little truck. Work buddy has an F-150 (2 or 3 years old) 4x4 access cab that sometimes gets close to 30 MPG highway.

If Ford can do that on big trucks, why can't Toyota do that on small ones???

My truck isn't lifted, doesn't have any added armor/bumpers/RTT, tires may be a little bigger than stock, but are C range ATs. I drive like the old man that I am, too......RARELY go over the speed limit - the reverse of when I was younger and invincible!!

 

Forgot to ask, OP: Do you happen to be on a fixed income and paying for a child's college education (after already paying for another's BS degree)??? Didn't think so. Maybe you would understand all the MPG threads then.

One last thing.....EVERY vehicle's estimated MPG's are inflated to some extent, but when you are getting 25% or worse than what you expected, that sucks.

 

I just want a bigger gas tank. Whatever will get me 500 miles per fill up. Regardless of price.

 

I said I was not trying to be rude that I was just asking question . Don't get weird with me because your Tacoma is not living up to your expectations .

 

Really WTF idiot .