22 MPG combined makes the 2025 Toyota Tacoma SR5/Sport/PreRunner 2WD 2.4L 4-cylinder an efficient option for a mid-size pickup, a meaningful achievement for a truck designed to work hard, play harder, and embody Toyota’s legendary durability. This is the choice for the weekend warrior, the small business owner, the person who needs truck utility without the burdensome fuel bills of a full-size or a V6. They understand the Tacoma’s mission, and for many, this 2.4L provides the perfect blend of capability and economy.

City and Highway Performance

Delving into the specifics, the EPA rates this Tacoma at 20 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. That 20 MPG city figure is quite respectable for a body-on-frame truck. Stop-and-go traffic, hauling gear to the job site, or navigating urban sprawl won’t punish your wallet excessively. The 2.4L turbocharged inline-four, paired with the 8-speed automatic transmission (S8), delivers its power smoothly and efficiently, prioritizing accessible torque for city driving where it’s most needed. On the open road, the 24 MPG highway rating reflects the tuning of the powertrain, allowing the Tacoma to settle into a comfortable cruise without constantly demanding more fuel. This isn’t a truck built for drag racing, but for consistent, reliable performance on long hauls or daily commutes.

Annual Fuel Cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,000 for this specific Tacoma configuration. This figure is calculated based on an average of 15,000 miles driven per year, assuming a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving, and using national average fuel prices, which are updated periodically. For the practical buyer eyeing the SR5, Sport, or PreRunner 2WD variant, this $2,000 yearly expenditure offers a tangible understanding of ongoing ownership costs. It allows prospective owners to budget effectively, ensuring their trusty Tacoma remains a dependable tool without becoming a financial drain at the pump. For more about Toyota’s fuel economy figures, explore all Toyota fuel economy data.

Real-World Expectations

While the EPA numbers provide a solid baseline, real-world fuel economy for any vehicle can fluctuate. For this 2.4L Tacoma, consistently loading the bed with heavy cargo, frequently pushing the truck hard, or adding heavy aftermarket accessories like large tires or lift kits will inevitably bring those numbers down. Conversely, drivers who maintain conservative driving habits, avoiding aggressive acceleration and braking, and sticking primarily to highway routes, may even see numbers slightly higher than the EPA estimates. The 2WD configuration inherently offers a slight advantage over 4WD versions in terms of weight and drivetrain parasitic losses, contributing positively to its efficiency. This truck is designed for those who value its utility on an everyday basis, and its 2.4L engine is carefully calibrated to deliver a balanced performance that satisfies both the need for capability and the desire for reasonable fuel consumption.

How it Compares

The 2025 Tacoma SR5/Sport/PreRunner 2WD 2.4L 4-cylinder holds its own effectively in the competitive mid-size truck segment concerning fuel economy. Consider the Chevrolet Colorado with its 2.7L Turbo engine in 2WD form, which typically achieves around 20 MPG combined (18 city/23 highway). The Ford Ranger, also with a 2.3L EcoBoost 4-cylinder and 2WD, often posts similar figures, around 22 MPG combined (21 city/26 highway). The Nissan Frontier, powered by a 3.8L V6 in 2WD, is less efficient, bringing in about 20 MPG combined (18 city/24 highway). The Tacoma’s 22 MPG combined positions it squarely in the sweet spot for the segment, offering a modern turbocharged four-cylinder that’s competitive without sacrificing its rugged truck identity. It allows buyers to get the renowned reliability and resale value of a Taco without a significant fuel penalty compared to its direct counterparts. For a specific look at how these numbers evolve, check out TACOMA MPG across all years.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Maintaining proper tire pressure is one of the easiest and most effective ways to ensure your Tacoma runs efficiently. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check them regularly, especially before long trips or when carrying heavy loads.

Adopt a smooth driving style. The 2.4L turbo benefits from gentle acceleration and anticipating traffic to avoid unnecessary braking. This allows the truck’s 8-speed automatic to operate in its most efficient gears for longer periods, reducing fuel consumption significantly in both city and highway driving.

Avoid unnecessary idling. If you’re going to be stopped for more than 30 seconds, it’s generally more fuel-efficient to shut off the engine. While modern engines are efficient, idling still consumes fuel without moving the vehicle, and the 2.4L is no exception.

Periodically check your air filter. A clogged air filter restricts airflow to the engine, making it work harder and decreasing fuel economy. Replacing it as recommended by Toyota ensures the 2.4L can breathe properly and perform at its best.

Minimize excess weight. While the Tacoma is designed to haul, avoid driving around with unnecessary heavy items in the bed or cab. Every extra pound your engine has to move requires more fuel, and for a 4-cylinder, even small weight reductions can make a noticeable difference over time.