14 MPG combined is the stark reality for anyone considering the 2016 Toyota Sequoia 4WD with the 5.7L V8. This is not a vehicle purchased for its fuel efficiency. This is a tool. It hauls families, tows boats, and tackles snow-covered driveways. The Sequoia’s buyers accept, even expect, single-digit fuel economy for the capability it provides. They are buying space, power, and legendary Toyota reliability, and fuel costs are budgeted accordingly.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates reflect the Sequoia’s thirsty nature in all driving conditions. 13 MPG in the city isn’t going to win any awards, but it’s consistent with the demands placed on the 5.7L V8 as it lugs over 6,000 pounds of SUV through stop-and-go traffic. The 6-speed automatic transmission does its best to manage the engine’s abundant torque, but aerodynamic drag and sheer mass always become a problem. On the highway, things improve marginally to 17 MPG. Again, not a stellar number, but realistic if you maintain steady speeds. Expect that figure to drop considerably if you’re towing or encounter headwinds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Toyota Sequoia 4WD 5.7L V8 at $3,150. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway. The calculation uses national average fuel prices at the time of testing. Keep in mind that variations in local fuel prices and your individual driving habits will cause that number to fluctuate. Aggressive driving or extensive towing will almost certainly result in a higher annual fuel expenditure.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates are a useful benchmark, but drivers of the 2016 Sequoia 4WD 5.7L should temper their expectations. Achieving 17 MPG on the highway requires a light foot and optimal conditions. City driving will routinely dip below the 13 MPG estimate. Towing, especially heavier loads, will plummet your economy into the single digits. Consider investing in a real-time fuel economy monitor to better understand your driving habits and how they impact fuel consumption.

How it compares

The Sequoia faces stiff competition in the full-size SUV segment, but most competitors suffer from similar fuel economy woes. The 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD with the 5.3L V8 is rated at 16 MPG combined, a slight edge over the Sequoia. A Ford Expedition 4×4 EcoBoost from that same year also manages around 16 MPG combined. The Nissan Armada, another contender, lands in a similar range. These differences are ultimately marginal, and for Sequoia buyers, the choice usually comes down to brand loyalty, desired features, and specific needs beyond fuel efficiency. You can see SEQUOIA MPG across all years to understand its relative standings.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the 2016 Sequoia 4WD 5.7L V8 will never be a fuel-sipping champion, there are a few strategies to mitigate its thirst. Regular maintenance, including timely oil changes and air filter replacements, ensures the engine runs at peak efficiency. Neglecting these simple tasks can negatively impact fuel economy.

Driving style has a significant impact. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking; these actions waste fuel unnecessarily. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. The instant MPG readout on the instrument panel can become your friendly coach.

Tire pressure plays a critical role. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate to the recommended levels, which can be found on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Reduce weight whenever possible. Hauling unnecessary cargo adds strain to the engine and reduces fuel economy. Remove any items from the vehicle that aren’t needed for your current trip. Even small amounts of extra weight add up over time.

When towing, understand your limits. Exceeding the Sequoia’s towing capacity not only compromises safety but also drastically reduces fuel economy. Ensure the trailer is properly balanced and use the correct tow mode settings to optimize performance and efficiency. Visit the all Toyota fuel economy data page to understand more about the SUV class vehicles Toyota has made over the years.