20 MPG combined is nothing to brag about for the 2020 Toyota Tacoma 4WD 3.5L 6-cyl. It’s the trade-off Tacoma buyers accept. You don’t buy a Tacoma for Prius-like efficiency. You buy it for its legendary off-road capability, its unwavering reliability, and its rugged charm. This V6-powered, four-wheel-drive configuration is specifically for those who prioritize exploring trails and tackling challenging terrain over squeezing every last mile out of a gallon of fuel.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2020 Toyota Tacoma 4WD 3.5L V6 at 18 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. Those figures reflect the inherent compromises in a truck designed for more than just paved roads. The city MPG suffers due to the truck’s weight and the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, while the highway MPG is reasonable but unlikely to impress unless you’re used to older, larger trucks. The automatic transmission, while smooth, is geared for confident acceleration and strong towing rather than outright fuel conservation. Off-road tires, which many Tacoma owners quickly install, will further degrade these numbers.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Toyota Tacoma 4WD 3.5L 6-cyl is $2,200. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that your actual fuel expenses may vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and where you live, as regional fuel prices can have a significant impact on your yearly spending.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized benchmark, real-world MPG for the Tacoma can vary considerably. Aggressive driving, frequent off-roading, carrying heavy loads, or adding aftermarket accessories will all lower fuel economy. Conversely, gentle acceleration, consistent highway cruising, and adherence to posted speed limits can help achieve figures closer to the EPA estimates. Many owners say they average slightly below the combined rating, emphasizing that the Tacoma’s strengths lie elsewhere. See TACOMA MPG across all years for owner-submitted data points.

How it compares

The Tacoma’s fuel economy isn’t class-leading, but it’s also not entirely out of line for the mid-size truck segment. The Chevrolet Colorado 4WD with its 3.6L V6 earns a similar 17 MPG city and 24 MPG highway. Ford’s Ranger 4WD with the 2.3L EcoBoost manages a slightly better 20 MPG city and 24 MPG highway. The Jeep Gladiator, with its Pentastar V6, lands closer to the Tacoma, typically achieving about 17 MPG city and 22 MPG highway depending on the trim. These differences, while numerically significant, often fade in importance for buyers prioritizing off-road prowess and long-term reliability. Someone cross-shopping these trucks will understand the compromises inherent in each vehicle’s design.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Resist the urge to accelerate quickly from a stop. The Tacoma’s V6 provides ample power, but aggressive acceleration burns unnecessary fuel. A gentle foot on the accelerator will make a noticeable difference, especially in city driving. Treat the gas pedal the way you treat the trail: with deliberate, steady inputs.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure, which can be found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel, particularly off-road where lower pressures are used for enhanced traction. Once you’re back on the pavement, reinflate.

Minimize unnecessary weight in the bed of the truck. Hauling extra gear, tools, or equipment that you don’t need adds to the vehicle’s overall weight and reduces fuel economy. A lighter truck is a more efficient truck. Think about it like packing for a backpacking trip: every pound counts.

On the highway, use cruise control whenever possible to maintain a consistent speed and avoid unnecessary speed fluctuations. Consistent speed is the key to reducing fuel consumption on long highway drives. Try to anticipate traffic flow to minimize unnecessary braking and acceleration.

Consider using the truck bed cover. Although the topic is debated, some studies show that having a bed cover may improve aerodynamics at constant highway speeds. Find all Toyota fuel economy data and compare this vehicle to other models.