The 2021 Toyota Tundra 2WD with the 5.7L V8 gets 15 MPG combined. Buyers of this truck aren’t expecting Prius-like fuel economy. They’re buying a tool, a workhorse, a machine that’s proven its reliability over decades. They’re prioritizing capability and longevity over saving money at the pump, and they’re willing to accept that decision.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2021 Tundra 2WD 5.7L are 13 MPG in the city and 17 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the engine’s thirst in stop-and-go conditions, made worse by the truck’s weight and older six-speed automatic transmission. The highway number is slightly better, but still lags behind modern trucks with more gears and advanced engine technologies. Remember that these numbers are based on standardized testing, and real-world conditions such as towing or hauling will impact the numbers more significantly.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Toyota Tundra 2WD 5.7L at $2,900. This uses 15,000 miles per year driven and national average fuel prices. Your personal fuel expenses will vary depending on how many miles you drive, how aggressively you drive, and where you live, as all of these factors influence the price of gasoline. This is an estimate based on pump prices at the time it was calculated. Higher fuel prices will increase the annual cost, and lower fuel prices will decrease it. This cost also doesn’t consider preventative and repair maintenance or other expenses related to vehicle ownership.

Real-world expectations

Don’t expect to consistently achieve the EPA’s numbers. If you regularly tow trailers, haul heavy loads, or spend a lot of time idling, expect even lower fuel economy. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and cold weather can also negatively impact your MPG. On the other hand, if you primarily use the truck for highway cruising at consistent speeds, you might see slightly better numbers, but realistically, few owners are seeing anything close to or above 20 MPG. The 2021 Tundra 2WD offers limited feedback tools for managing fuel economy, so it’s best to become familiar with your own habits and their effect on MPG over time.

How it compares

The 2021 Tundra’s fuel economy isn’t a strong point compared to its competitors. The Ford F-150 with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 is rated at 20 MPG combined, while the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 manages 18 MPG combined in 2WD configuration. Even the heavier duty Ford F-250 with the 6.2L V8 achieves around 15 MPG combined in real-world testing, matching the Tundra’s EPA estimate but with significantly greater towing capacity. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 also betters the Tundra at 17 MPG combined in 2WD form. The Ram 1500 with the eTorque 5.7L Hemi V8 achieves about 19 MPG combined. However, Tundra buyers are often willing to sacrifice MPG for Toyota’s reputation for reliability and potentially lower long-term maintenance costs. You can check all Toyota fuel economy data here.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. Ease onto the throttle and anticipate stops to minimize wasted fuel. Smooth, consistent driving is key to getting the most miles out of each gallon. This is especially important in a vehicle like the Tundra, where the V8 engine responds readily to pedal inputs.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and maintain it at the recommended level, which is usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Hauling around tools, equipment, or other cargo that you don’t need will negatively impact fuel economy. Remove any unnecessary items from the bed and cab of the truck to lighten the load.

Consider your route and time of travel. Avoiding peak traffic times and choosing routes with fewer stop-and-go situations can help improve fuel economy. Plan your trips strategically to minimize idling and maximize highway driving. Drivers primarily concerned with fuel economy should also check TUNDRA MPG across all years rather than limiting their search to this model year.

Ensure your Tundra is up-to-date with scheduled maintenance. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Regularly change the oil, air filter, and spark plugs according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Address any mechanical issues promptly to prevent them from impacting fuel economy.