The 2019 Toyota Tacoma 2WD with the 3.5L V6 gets 21 MPG combined. It’s not the best in its class, but Tacoma owners accept it as the cost for strong reliability and proven capability. This truck isn’t for those obsessed with fuel economy. It’s for those who value dependability and prioritize weekend adventures over saving every drop of gas. Owners know the Tacoma’s strengths are its toughness, resale value, and even its off-road ability in 2WD form, qualities more important than class-leading fuel efficiency.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2019 Tacoma 2WD V6 at 19 MPG city and 24 MPG highway. The difference between city and highway MPG shows how the engine and six-speed automatic transmission are programmed. They prioritize low-end torque for strong acceleration and pulling power. The 3.5L V6 uses Atkinson-cycle combustion at cruising speeds to improve fuel efficiency. Highway fuel economy drops significantly when driving up hills, against headwinds, or carrying cargo, because the engine works harder and downshifts more often to maintain speed. However, city MPG might be optimistic if you’re often in stop-and-go traffic.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that owners of the 2019 Toyota Tacoma 2WD V6 will spend $2,100 per year on fuel. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and national average fuel prices during EPA testing. Your costs may vary with your driving habits, type of driving, and local gas prices. Aggressive driving, short trips, and extended idling will increase your fuel bill, possibly exceeding $2,100.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a guide, but real-world fuel economy for the 2019 Tacoma 2WD V6 changes. If you drive aggressively or haul cargo often, expect numbers closer to the lower end of the EPA range or below. If you accelerate smoothly, anticipate traffic, and obey speed limits, you might get figures near or above EPA estimates. Also, small changes in driving habits can affect fuel consumption. Check out all Toyota fuel economy data to compare its MPG to other Toyota models.

How it compares

The 2019 Tacoma 2WD V6’s fuel economy is about average for mid-size trucks. For example, the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado 2WD with its 3.6L V6 offers a slightly better EPA-estimated 25 MPG highway, while the Nissan Frontier 2WD with the 3.8L V6 gets 24 MPG highway and 18 MPG city for 2020 models after its engine upgrade. This MPG difference can matter to those who drive many miles. Still, Tacoma buyers often value reliability and resale value over small fuel economy gains. Many still use a resource like FuelEconomyHub.com to check TACOMA MPG across all years though!

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Tacoma’s V6 engine benefits from smooth acceleration. Avoid quick starts and hard braking, since these consume more fuel. Gently applying the throttle will keep the engine efficient.

Even though the Tacoma is a truck, remove unnecessary weight from the bed. Extra weight makes the engine work harder, lowering fuel economy. Remove tools, equipment, and debris you don’t need regularly.

Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, cutting fuel efficiency. Check the pressure often, especially when the temperature changes, because the pressure changes as well.

Reduce idling. If stopped for over a minute, turn off the engine. That’s more efficient than idling, especially in vehicles like the Tacoma, where engine restarts are quick.