15 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, but the 2016 Toyota Sequoia 4WD FFV 5.7L isn’t trying to be economical with fuel. This is a full-size SUV built for serious towing, hauling, and off-road adventures, with a thirsty V8 engine at its core. Buyers aren’t prioritizing trips to the pump over the Sequoia’s immense capabilities. They need a vehicle that can tow a boat to the lake, transport a large family and their gear, or navigate challenging terrain. The Sequoia delivers on these promises, and the fuel economy is simply what it costs to own it.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2016 Sequoia, broken down, are 13 MPG in the city and 17 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the impact of stop-and-go traffic, coupled with the engine’s displacement and the vehicle’s considerable weight. The highway figure, while slightly better, still indicates that long road trips will require frequent fuel stops. Keep in mind that “highway” figures are determined using a testing cycle that prioritizes steady-state cruising. Aggressive acceleration or maintaining higher speeds will reduce fuel economy even further.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2016 Toyota Sequoia 4WD FFV 5.7L is $2,900. This figure is calculated based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using the national average fuel prices at the time of the EPA’s testing. It is a useful benchmark for comparison, but your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, location, and the price of gasoline.

Real-world expectations

While EPA estimates provide a standardized baseline, real-world fuel economy for the Sequoia can change a lot. Owners report numbers that often fall slightly below the official figures, especially in urban environments or when frequently towing. Factors like tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and the weight of cargo all influence efficiency. Driving style, particularly the frequency of hard acceleration, is a major determinant of fuel consumption in a vehicle of this size. If you drive it like a truck, it will drink gas like one.

How it compares

The Sequoia’s fuel economy is generally comparable to other full-size, V8-powered SUVs. For example, a 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD with the 5.3L V8 achieves an EPA estimated 16 MPG combined. The Ford Expedition 4×4 with its 3.5L EcoBoost V6 manages slightly better, rated at 18 MPG combined, but even that is modest by modern standards. A Nissan Armada from the same year, also equipped with a V8, posts figures similar to the Sequoia. Drivers looking at the SEQUOIA MPG across all years will notice relatively stable fuel economy throughout the vehicle’s production run. The Sequoia buyer is less concerned with squeezing every last mile per gallon and more focused on the vehicle’s overall capabilities. For all Toyota fuel economy data, FuelEconomyHub is a helpful resource.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the Sequoia isn’t designed for ultimate fuel efficiency, there are still steps you can take to improve its MPG. Regular maintenance, including air filter replacements and oil changes with the recommended grade, ensures the engine runs as it should. Properly inflated tires also reduce rolling resistance and contribute to slightly better fuel economy.

Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. The Sequoia’s weight requires more energy to accelerate and decelerate, so anticipating traffic flow and maintaining a steady speed can make a noticeable difference. Using cruise control on the highway can help prevent unintentional speed fluctuations and improve fuel consumption during long drives.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Hauling around heavy cargo when it’s not needed puts extra strain on the engine and reduces MPG. If you frequently carry tools or equipment, consider removing them when not required for daily tasks.

Consider fuel grades. The 2016 Sequoia 4WD FFV (Flexible Fuel Vehicle) 5.7L can run on E85 (a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline). While often cheaper at the pump, E85 typically yields significantly lower fuel economy than gasoline, erasing any cost savings. Pure gasoline is the best choice.