14 MPG combined isn’t going to win any fuel economy awards, but the 2018 Toyota Sequoia 4WD FFV 5.7L 8-cyl isn’t trying to. This is a full-size SUV built for serious work and serious hauling, a body-on-frame bruiser designed to comfortably transport up to eight passengers and tow upwards of 7,000 pounds. For its target demographic, large families, boat owners, and anyone who regularly needs maximum passenger and cargo capacity, fuel efficiency is a secondary concern, a compromise they knowingly accept in exchange for the Sequoia’s unmatched capabilities and legendary Toyota reliability.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Sequoia’s 5.7L V8 at 13 MPG in the city and 17 MPG on the highway. These figures reflect the engine’s displacement, the vehicle’s considerable weight, and the full-time four-wheel-drive system. While the six-speed automatic transmission does its best to manage the engine’s power, it ultimately can’t overcome the inherent inefficiencies of a large displacement engine working hard to move over 6,000 pounds of SUV. Expect to see the city MPG drop even further during stop-and-go traffic, while highway figures are highly sensitive to driving style and speed. Exceeding 70 mph will rapidly degrade fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Toyota Sequoia 4WD FFV 5.7L 8-cyl 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, using national average fuel prices. Given the fluctuating nature of gasoline prices and individual driving habits, your actual fuel costs may vary significantly. However, the $3,150 figure provides a useful benchmark for understanding the financial implications of owning a vehicle with this level of fuel consumption. It’s an important number when cross-shopping the Sequoia against less capable, more fuel-efficient vehicles.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates are a useful starting point, real-world fuel economy for the 2018 Sequoia will often differ. Owners report figures often falling slightly below the EPA estimates, especially in mixed driving conditions. Aggressive acceleration, frequent towing, and driving in hilly terrain will all negatively impact fuel economy. Conversely, careful driving on flat highways can sometimes yield results closer to the 17 MPG highway rating. Payload also matters; hauling kids and cargo regularly will have a subtle but noticeable effect on fuel consumption. To see SEQUOIA MPG across all years is to understand an established benchmark.

How it compares

Compared to its direct competitors, the 2018 Sequoia’s fuel economy is roughly in line with expectations. The Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD with the 5.3L V8 manages a slightly better 18 MPG highway, 15 MPG combined, but offers less maximum cargo space. The Ford Expedition 4×4 with its 3.5L EcoBoost V6 achieves a noticeably superior 19 MPG combined, a key advantage for buyers who prioritize fuel savings. However, the Sequoia’s V8, combined with Toyota’s reputation for longevity, appeals to those who value reliability above all else, even at the expense of an extra mile or two per gallon.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Given the Sequoia’s inherent limitations, significant fuel economy improvements are unlikely. However, there are steps you can take to optimize efficiency. Regular maintenance, including timely oil changes and air filter replacements, ensures the engine operates at its peak performance.

Gentle acceleration and braking are crucial. Avoid sudden starts and stops, which needlessly consume fuel. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. The Sequoia’s mass requires more energy to accelerate, so minimizing unnecessary speed changes makes a noticeable difference.

Tire pressure plays an important role. Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, increasing fuel consumption. Check your pressure regularly and adjust as needed, especially when temperatures change.

Minimize unnecessary weight. Remove any cargo you don’t need, as extra weight directly impacts fuel economy. Consider that rooftop cargo carriers dramatically degrade MPG due to wind resistance. If you must use a carrier, choose a more aerodynamic design and remove it when not in use.

Consider that the FFV designation does not necessarily mean using E85 will save you money; in most cases, the lower energy density of E85 will lead to worse mileage and a higher overall cost. For all Toyota fuel economy data, keep in mind that how and where you drive impacts efficiency even more than fuel choice.