The 2022 Toyota Tacoma 2WD with the 3.5L V6 engine gets a combined fuel economy of 21 MPG. It’s not the most efficient truck on the road. For Tacoma fans, this is an acceptable trade-off for the truck’s legendary reliability, rugged looks, and strong resale value. This is a vehicle bought more for work and weekend adventures than for saving gas; capability and image are high priorities.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2022 Tacoma 2WD V6 at 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. These numbers reflect the truck’s engineering. The 3.5L V6 has to work to overcome the Tacoma’s weight and aerodynamics. The six-speed automatic transmission is reliable and shifts smoothly around town but isn’t geared for maximizing fuel economy at higher speeds.

City driving, with its stop-and-go nature, makes the engine use more gas. Highway cruising allows it to settle into a more efficient rhythm, although the truck’s aerodynamics still affect fuel efficiency.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Toyota Tacoma 2WD 3.5L V6 to be $2,100. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, city versus highway driving, and the price of gasoline in your area. Aggressive driving, frequent towing, or driving in heavy traffic will increase the annual cost.

Tacoma buyers often consider fuel costs part of the price of owning a truck that fits their lifestyle, and they may also spend extra money on performance parts.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates are a useful measuring point, real-world fuel economy often differs. Expect to see figures close to those shown on TACOMA MPG across all years, but don’t be surprised if they change. Many owners report averaging around 18-22 MPG in combined driving, with highway trips sometimes reaching the EPA’s 24 MPG figure. Factors like tire pressure, cargo weight, and driving style are important. Hauling heavy loads or driving with oversized off-road tires will lower fuel economy.

How it compares

Compared to other mid-size trucks, the 2022 Tacoma 2WD V6’s fuel economy is usually lower. The 2022 Chevrolet Colorado 2WD with its base 2.5L four-cylinder engine gets an EPA-estimated 19 MPG city and 25 MPG highway. The Honda Ridgeline, with its standard V6 and unibody construction, gets an EPA-estimated 18 MPG city and 24 MPG highway. The Ford Ranger 2WD with its turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder manages 21 MPG city and 25 MPG highway. These differences can add up over time.

Tacoma buyers may care less about fuel efficiency and more about the truck’s proven reliability and expected lifespan. The Tacoma is a long-term investment for many, and fuel economy isn’t the only deciding factor, as buyers understand when looking at all Toyota fuel economy data.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

The Tacoma isn’t known for great fuel economy, but you can take steps to improve it. Properly inflated tires are critical. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the driver’s side door jamb.

Avoid aggressive driving habits because rapid acceleration and hard braking waste fuel. Accelerate smoothly, anticipate traffic flow, and maintain a consistent speed. Using cruise control on the highway can also help maintain a steady speed and improve fuel efficiency.

Reduce unnecessary weight because extra cargo adds to the vehicle’s weight, which reduces fuel economy. Remove any unnecessary items from the truck bed and cab. If you frequently carry equipment for work or recreation, consider investing in a lightweight storage solution.

Only use the truck’s “ECT Power” mode when necessary. This mode alters the transmission’s shift points to provide quicker acceleration, but it also consumes more fuel. Only use it when you need extra power, such as merging onto the highway or climbing steep hills, and turn it off when those needs are fulfilled. For normal, daily driving, the standard drive mode offers the best balance of performance and fuel economy.