24 MPG combined is what you can expect from the 2017 Toyota Camry 3.5L V6. This car is designed to deliver smooth power and relaxed cruising. It’s not a fuel-sipping hybrid or a turbocharged fuel-efficient marvel, it’s a classic V6 sedan for drivers who want effortless acceleration and a refined driving experience, even if it means more frequent stops for gas.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2017 Camry V6 gets 21 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. This difference between city and highway MPG highlights a key aspect of this car, it’s more efficient on the open road. The smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission helps the engine settle into a more efficient cruising speed. Stop-and-go city driving makes the engine work harder, outside of its best efficiency range. Consider the highway figure a best-case scenario for longer trips, and the city figure a realistic average for daily commutes in urban areas.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Toyota Camry 3.5L V6 at $1,800. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and using national average fuel prices. While individual fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits and local gas prices, this $1,800 estimate is a useful benchmark for comparison. Drivers who stick to city driving or accelerate quickly can expect to exceed this estimate.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates are just that, estimates. Real-world fuel economy can change based on driving style, traffic, weather, and tire pressure. Drivers who accelerate quickly or encounter stop-and-go traffic probably won’t consistently achieve the EPA’s combined MPG. However, those who accelerate smoothly and maintain consistent highway speeds may see numbers close to, or even exceeding, the 30 MPG highway rating. Tire pressure is often overlooked, but properly inflated tires can improve gas mileage. See the sticker on the driver’s side door for optimal tire pressure.

How it compares

Compared to other mid-size sedans from 2017, the Camry V6’s fuel economy is in the middle of the pack. The Honda Accord V6 achieved similar figures. Four-cylinder versions of the Camry and the Accord offer better fuel economy, typically in the high 20s or low 30s combined. A 2017 Ford Fusion with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine offered similar power and slightly better combined MPG with an EPA rating of 25 combined. It comes down to priorities. Buyers choosing the Camry V6 aren’t as focused on fuel economy, trading MPG for the added punch and refinement of the V6 engine. You may want to reference CAMRY MPG across all years to see if another model year is a better fit. If fuel economy is important, the four-cylinder Camry or hybrid options are a better value. You can also compare all Toyota fuel economy data to other offerings from the brand.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 2017 Toyota Camry V6 favors gradual acceleration and relaxed cruising, it isn’t a high-strung performance machine. Avoid aggressive starts and hard braking to see an increase in fuel economy.

Properly maintaining your Camry helps. Regularly scheduled oil changes and air filter replacements ensure the engine runs efficiently. A clean air filter allows the engine to breathe easier, and fresh oil reduces friction and improves lubrication.

Reduce your use of accessories that draw power from the engine, like air conditioning, particularly in stop/start traffic. While air conditioning is essential in hot weather, using it sparingly can affect fuel consumption.

Plan your routes to avoid congested areas. Stop-and-go traffic significantly decreases fuel economy because the engine wastes fuel idling or accelerating from a standstill. Consider alternate routes or travel during off-peak hours.

Consider your tire pressure. Maintaining the correct tire pressure is an easy way to help fuel economy. Every little bit helps!