TERRIBLE gas mileage on new Tacoma TRD OR

[cgramajo]

A little over 1500 miles on my new TRD OR. I researched the break in cycle and tried to stay on track with what was recommended. My drive home from the dealership I was getting over 20mpg, then after the first gas fill up I was getting about 19.1 mpg. After I performed the 1000 mile break in oil change, my mpg went up to 19.5-19.6. Interestingly, I get better gas mileage driving in sport mode than in normal mode. I would recommend checking the fluid levels (oil, transmission, coolant) to see if anything was low leaving the factory.

It so bad that I’m still driving my 06 Tacoma every day. Because I’m getting around 15 miles per gallon on my 25.

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[GPTaco]

 

[mtbocoee]

There is no way that Toyota is unaware how poorly these vehicles are performing, yet they put a tag on the window claiming 22-24 mpg. I believe a class-action suit regarding this crap would be appropriate.

I totally agree. I have a 2025 Trailhunter 6" bed with factory roof rack. Before I added an Alucab canopy I cracked 20 mpg once averaging roughly 17-18. I just returned from vacation from TN to WA and parts between with on and off road driving covering just shy of 7700 miles. I am almost finished analyzing the mileage data. I can post the data for various driving conditions if there is interest.

 

[TacoFreak]

I agree that the mileage on 4th gen hybrids is lower than advertised, although mine keeps improving as I add more miles. I'm not sure a class action suit is possible though, because Toyota did not make those mileage estimates, the EPA did. Toyota is required to put them on the sticker, but they can't change what the EPA came up with, even if they know it is not correct.

 

[redlimitediforcemax]

Just passed 8000 miles on the ODO on my Limited I-forcemax. MPG will change based on your driving conditions. The landscape also plays a huge role. Driving habits like short trips will destroy mpgs. Even normal toyota hybrids are not exempt from that. The Tacoma i-forcemax is really, a mild hybrid. The system works best when operating temps are met, in stop and go traffic or steady speeds below 70 mph. I get 22-24MPG with mostly traffic conditions on somewhat hilly conditions. With that being said, If I had a non hybrid I expect that to dip in the 17-20 mpg. That's the advantage of the hybrid system, I know a lot of people claim it doesn't add any benefit but it does in city driving. If you drive mostly highway, it won't be effected as much for gas or hybrid. I've seen 24-26 mpg at speeds below 70 mph. 70 and above will vary between 22-24 depending on the headwind. Oh yeah, my truck is also Full-Time 4WD.

 

[WKTJR1]

Just passed 8000 miles on the ODO on my Limited I-forcemax. MPG will change based on your driving conditions. The landscape also plays a huge role. Driving habits like short trips will destroy mpgs. Even normal toyota hybrids are not exempt from that. The Tacoma i-forcemax is really, a mild hybrid. The system works best when operating temps are met, in stop and go traffic or steady speeds below 70 mph. I get 22-24MPG with mostly traffic conditions on somewhat hilly conditions. With that being said, If I had a non hybrid I expect that to dip in the 17-20 mpg. That's the advantage of the hybrid system, I know a lot of people claim it doesn't add any benefit but it does in city driving. If you drive mostly highway, it won't be effected as much for gas or hybrid. I've seen 24-26 mpg at speeds below 70 mph. 70 and above will vary between 22-24 depending on the headwind. Oh yeah, my truck is also Full-Time 4WD.

I completed my first long trip with the truck a few weeks back. I probably averaged 20-22 on the highway at speeds that would be severely frowned upon by the authorities. Around town, I've gotten as high as 25 mpg. For me, speeds at 45 or lower and intown driving really bump up the average.

 

[TacoFreak]

@WKTJR1 That is my experience too, and I am getting basically the same mileage as your are. My mileage has improved and comes very close to the EPA ratings as I have put more miles on my truck.

I understand why people get frustrated when they see mileage 10 mpg below the estimates, which I saw at first too. But what we are getting now is very acceptable IMO. I also think that it is important to remember that the hybrids were mainly about more power, and not killer fuel economy, and based on that my truck is exactly what I was hoping for.

 

[bitflogger]

There is no way that Toyota is unaware how poorly these vehicles are performing, yet they put a tag on the window claiming 22-24 mpg. I believe a class-action suit regarding this crap would be appropriate.

I totally agree. I have a 2025 Trailhunter 6" bed with factory roof rack. Before I added an Alucab canopy I cracked 20 mpg once averaging roughly 17-18. I just returned from vacation from TN to WA and parts between with on and off road driving covering just shy of 7700 miles. I am almost finished analyzing the mileage data. I can post the data for various driving conditions if there is interest.

What is your idea here? A class action lawsuit against Toyota or the US EPA? The idea leaves me in wondering when they are two different entities, and the EPA test publishes how it's done, as well their certification test groups. For the halo models I'm sure it is less likely to match because the certification groups are the powertrains.

For me, same or beating the the EPA test only requires the same general driving except for big headwinds and loads.

 

[trailhunger]

There is no way that Toyota is unaware how poorly these vehicles are performing, yet they put a tag on the window claiming 22-24 mpg. I believe a class-action suit regarding this crap would be appropriate.

I totally agree. I have a 2025 Trailhunter 6" bed with factory roof rack. Before I added an Alucab canopy I cracked 20 mpg once averaging roughly 17-18. I just returned from vacation from TN to WA and parts between with on and off road driving covering just shy of 7700 miles. I am almost finished analyzing the mileage data. I can post the data for various driving conditions if there is interest.

I too have a 6’ bed TH, stock suspension & tires with a GFC and a roof rack, 8800 mi. Getting better MPGs as of late. Although I did mod an airdam on my rig. Some of these city drives in rush hour are literally like driving a Prius. I’ll achieve or exceed sticker by ~10k..

 

[mtbocoee]

I quoted someone else in this thread but it did not capture it.

I have spoken with some that get the projected mileage but not with a TH. I gather the estimate was applied across Tacoma versions and really does not apply to the TH.

 

[bitflogger]

I quoted someone else in this thread but it did not capture it.

I have spoken with some that get the projected mileage but not with a TH. I gather the estimate was applied across Tacoma versions and really does not apply to the TH.

If not this thread, in others I've brought up and explained the EPA test uses certification classes that are in essence the powertrains and not the niche or halo models. Also, how the EPA test needs to be understood as a standard or something to make a baseline comparison.

Just the sales volume of the Tacoma has to be used and considered to know some frustrated complainers are outliers. I don't believe the product could be such a large seller and hold a good reputation if they were truly problems. Ford and GM put a lot of effort in new generations. The Nissan has the naturally aspirated engine some cry for. The 4th gen Tacoma sales still smother their sales. They don't lead automotive news as being a problem like some vehicles do.

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