My daughter wants a Tacoma because "they're cute." I'm possibly on her side because they are Toyotas and a truck. But they are a little less "cute" if rated MPG is reality. I'm hoping there's enough cross-pollination here to help with this query ... I didn't want to join a Tacoma forum just to ask one question!

So I am wondering if Generation 2 Toyota Tacomas hold to their EPA estimates in fuel economy? For instance, a 2005 4.0L V-6 4x4 with an automatic is rated at 16/17/20 city/combined/highway, the same truck with a 6 speed manual pulls a dismal 14/16/18. 2.7L 4 cylinders show about 1 mpg better.

I'm thinking that if my much heavier, all wheel drive, V-8 GX 470 is rated at 14/15/18, something does not make sense. I get about 1 mpg better than EPA figures. Geez, my buddy's Chevy Silverado V-8 4x4 does better than the published Tacoma figures. Anybody know how a humanely-driven Tacoma V-6 4x4 does in the real world?

 

The 2006+ 4 bangers get better mpg (21+ in our case, we have a '11)

 

its a truck, its gonna get ****ty MPG.

if you're looking for better MPG and a truck, consider a used Escape Hybrid...I know 2 guys that have these and love them...over 32+MPG every tank...no matter how they drive

 

I have a 2013 V6 4WD TRD Sport - In purely city traffic (2wd mode) I am averaging 17.5 mpg (calculated) but I only have 1,700 miles on the truck so far.

Definitely not great, but I knew that. It's the same motor/drivetrain from the 05 debut of this body style.

 

Why don't you look at a 2WD, I4 5-speed model if you're concerned about MPGs?

 

The frame will rust on those pickups.

 

I have a 2012 V6 Double Cab Long bed TRD Sport 2WD with the Skewp. I have about 3500 miles now and my fuelly.com average is about 18.9 mpg. I drive roughly 30/70 city/highway with highway cruising between 70-75 mph. I came from an RX450h so I drive "smartly". When I figure the cost of the Premium (91) vs. Plus (89-90) gas the Tacoma does as good or better than my spouse's RX350 AWD. It is winter so the mpg will only rise when it is getting warmer.

The 2WD DCLB is surprisingly good in snow and really comfy (better than my 2002 4Runner Sport Edition). May be because of these Bilsteins.

 

I had a 07 4x4 V6 manual (6 speed) for about 18 months and averaged about 17 overall. Keep in mind this was with slightly larger tries than stock.