Fuel efficiency showdown: tacoma vs tundra – who wins the mileage war?

When it comes to full-size pickup trucks, the Toyota Tacoma and Tundra are two of the most popular choices in the market. While both trucks offer impressive capabilities and features, one of the key factors that buyers consider is fuel efficiency. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the gas mileage of the Toyota Tacoma vs. Tundra, providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Engine Options and Fuel Economy

The Toyota Tacoma is available with two engine options:

• 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine: 20 mpg city / 23 mpg highway
• 3.5-liter V6 engine: 19 mpg city / 24 mpg highway

The Toyota Tundra, on the other hand, offers three engine options:

• 4.6-liter V8 engine: 16 mpg city / 20 mpg highway
• 5.7-liter V8 engine: 13 mpg city / 17 mpg highway
• 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine (i-FORCE MAX): 19 mpg city / 22 mpg highway

Factors Affecting Gas Mileage

Engine Size: Generally, larger engines consume more fuel than smaller ones. The Tundra’s larger V8 engines result in lower gas mileage compared to the Tacoma’s smaller four-cylinder and V6 engines.

Transmission: Both the Tacoma and Tundra are available with automatic transmissions. However, the Tundra also offers a manual transmission, which can potentially improve gas mileage by up to 1 mpg.

Driving Habits: Aggressive driving, frequent acceleration, and high-speed driving can significantly reduce fuel economy. Maintaining a consistent speed and avoiding sudden stops and starts can help improve gas mileage.

Payload and Towing: Carrying heavy loads or towing trailers can put additional strain on the engine, resulting in decreased fuel efficiency.

Real-World Gas Mileage

While the EPA estimates provide a general idea of the gas mileage you can expect, real-world conditions can vary. Factors such as traffic, weather, and driving habits can impact fuel economy. According to Fuelly, which collects real-world data from vehicle owners, the average gas mileage for the Toyota Tacoma is around 18-20 mpg, while the average for the Toyota Tundra is around 15-17 mpg.

Other Considerations

Payload and Towing Capacity: The Tundra offers a higher payload and towing capacity than the Tacoma. If you frequently haul heavy loads or tow trailers, the Tundra may be a better choice, even though it has lower gas mileage.

Off-Road Performance: The Tacoma is known for its off-road capabilities, while the Tundra is more of an on-road truck. If you plan on taking your truck off-road, the Tacoma may be a better option, despite its higher gas mileage.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Truck for Your Needs

Ultimately, the best choice between the Toyota Tacoma and Tundra depends on your individual needs and preferences. If fuel efficiency is your top priority, the Tacoma is the clear winner. However, if you require a truck with a higher payload and towing capacity, the Tundra may be a better choice, even though it has lower gas mileage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Which Toyota truck has the best gas mileage?
A1. The Toyota Tacoma has the best gas mileage among Toyota trucks.

Q2. How can I improve the gas mileage of my Toyota truck?
A2. Maintain a consistent speed, avoid sudden stops and starts, and reduce payload and towing.

Q3. What is the average real-world gas mileage for a Toyota Tundra?
A3. The average real-world gas mileage for a Toyota Tundra is around 15-17 mpg.

Q4. Is the Toyota Tacoma a good choice for off-roading?
A4. Yes, the Toyota Tacoma is known for its off-road capabilities.

Q5. What is the maximum towing capacity of the Toyota Tundra?
A5. The maximum towing capacity of the Toyota Tundra can reach up to 12,000 pounds.