15 MPG combined. Let’s be blunt: nobody buys the 2017 Toyota Tundra 2WD FFV 5.7L 8-cyl expecting Prius-like efficiency. This is a half-ton truck built for serious work and comfortable cruising, and fuel economy is simply the price of admission. It’s a capable, durable machine, and its owners are typically more concerned with payload, towing capacity, and legendary Toyota reliability than they are with squeezing every last mile from a gallon of gasoline. They understand that the roar of that V8 and the ability to haul lumber or a boat comes with a trade-off.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2017 Tundra 2WD FFV 5.7L at 13 MPG in the city and 18 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the engine’s thirstiness during stop-and-go driving, where its weight and displacement take their toll. On the open road, the 18 MPG highway rating is more respectable, though still far from stellar. Remember that driving habits strongly affect MPG. Aggressive drivers will likely experience MPG much lower than these numbers.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for this particular Tundra configuration at $2,900. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Of course, your actual expenditure will vary depending on how much you drive and where you live, as fuel prices fluctuate regionally. Some owners will spend less, and some will spend significantly more, depending on driving conditions and the amount the truck is used for commercial work, and other factors.

Real-world expectations

EPA numbers are a starting point, but real-world fuel economy often varies, and online owner forums suggest that many Tundra drivers see slightly lower figures. The heavier you load the truck or the more you tow, the worse the fuel economy will be. Headwinds, aggressive driving, and even tire pressure can all impact your mileage. A vigilant driver taking the appropriate precautions could expect something close to the EPA average.

How it compares

The 2017 Tundra’s fuel economy sits squarely within the range of other full-size, gasoline-powered trucks of its era. For comparison, the 2017 Ford F-150 with its 5.0L V8 and 2WD achieves 19 MPG combined, and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with its 5.3L V8 and 2WD clocks in at 18 MPG combined. The Tundra is slightly behind those. These differences, while seemingly small on paper, can add up over the course of a year and will, of course, influence total cost of ownership. For drivers who need significantly higher MPG in a full-size truck, these alternatives may be worth evaluating.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Smooth and steady acceleration is key. Avoid stomping on the gas pedal, as this guzzles fuel. The 5.7L V8 provides plenty of low-end torque, so you generally don’t need to rev the engine high to get moving. Anticipate traffic flow and try to maintain a consistent speed instead of constantly accelerating and braking.

Regular maintenance is critical for optimal fuel economy. Ensure your tires are properly inflated, as under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce MPG. Also, keep up with scheduled engine maintenance, such as air filter replacements, as a clean air filter helps the engine breathe more efficiently.

Minimize unnecessary weight in the bed of the truck. Extra weight increases the engine’s workload and reduces fuel economy. Remove any tools or equipment you don’t need for your daily driving. Don’t treat the bed like a parts garage, or fill it with sandbags when not needed , lighten the load, boost the MPG.

Consider the “S” mode on the automatic transmission for situations where you want more control over gear selection, such as when towing or driving in hilly terrain. However, in normal driving conditions, let the transmission shift automatically to maximize fuel efficiency. Locking the transmission in specific gear ratios may, at times, lower fuel efficiency.

Plan your routes strategically to avoid stop-and-go traffic as much as possible. Idling in traffic burns fuel without covering any distance. Using navigation apps to find less congested routes can save you fuel and time. Before planning your route, review all Toyota fuel economy data to see the impact that different vehicles have under different driving conditions.