The 2016 Toyota Tacoma 2WD with the 2.7L four-cylinder engine gets a combined fuel economy of 21 MPG. It’s durable, reliable, and an endlessly useful compact pickup with a reputation that borders on legendary, so it’s fuel economy is not the primary reason to buy it. Instead, the 21 MPG is simply the price you pay for a tough Toyota truck without the added expenses of four-wheel drive or the V6 engine. This Tacoma is for the buyer who wants a reliable truck without all the extra features.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates that the 2.7L Tacoma 2WD gets 19 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. This difference is typical for trucks, as stop-and-go driving and idling use more fuel than consistent highway cruising. This engine, paired with the 6-speed automatic transmission, focuses on steady power delivery instead of rapid acceleration. You’ll notice the difference when merging onto a fast-moving highway or going up a steep hill with a load in the bed. However, it’s enough power for most normal driving, and the Tacoma can go from 0-60 in about 9 seconds, which is acceptable for a small truck.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,100 for this 2016 Toyota Tacoma configuration. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year with national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs may be different, depending on your driving, whether you do more city or highway driving, and the price of gasoline where you live. Also, aggressive driving, frequent towing, and lack of proper maintenance can increase your yearly gas bill. The $2,100 figure is a baseline for comparison, showing the annual cost to drive this vehicle for someone driving an average amount.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates are a good starting point, real-world fuel economy can vary. Many Tacoma owners report numbers close to the EPA’s figures, but expect some changes. Things like tire pressure, cargo weight, and extra accessories can all affect your MPG. Expect to see slightly lower numbers if you frequently haul heavy loads or drive in hilly areas, even on the highway. And if you always drive gently on flat roads, you might get better mileage. A TACOMA MPG across all years can be expected to differ.

How it compares

In 2016, the Chevrolet Colorado 2WD with its 2.5L four-cylinder got slightly better EPA estimates, at 22 MPG combined. The Nissan Frontier 2WD with the 2.5L four-cylinder had similar numbers to the Tacoma. However, the Tacoma’s strong reputation for reliability and high resale value often matters more than a small difference in fuel economy. When comparing these trucks, keep in mind that the differences in MPG won’t result in big savings on gas over time. People often buy a truck for its utility and are willing to deal with the decreased MPG compared to a compact car.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Check and maintain your tires at the correct pressure. Tires with low pressure increase rolling resistance, using more fuel. Adjust your tire pressure according to the sticker on your driver’s side doorjamb.

Avoid quick acceleration and hard braking. The 2.7L engine uses fuel most efficiently when driven gently. Watch the traffic patterns ahead and keep a constant speed as much as possible. Each sudden burst of the accelerator will consume more gas to get back up to speed.

Reduce extra weight. Carrying extra tools, equipment, or other items in the truck bed can decrease fuel economy. Only carry what you need and take out any extra weight when you can. Less weight requires less fuel to accelerate.

Keep up with scheduled maintenance. Regular oil changes, new air filters, and spark plug maintenance help your engine run well. An engine that is poorly maintained will burn more fuel. See the service manual for maintenance schedules.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Keeping a consistent speed improves fuel consumption, particularly on flat roads where changes in speed waste fuel. Cruise control minimizes these changes.

The 2016 Toyota Tacoma 2WD with the 2.7L engine is not a hybrid, so it won’t get the best mileage. It’s a strong vehicle for work or recreation, or a safe companion for outdoor activities. This Tacoma balances utility, longevity, and reasonable fuel costs for truck buyers. Find all Toyota fuel economy data here.