15 MPG combined won’t win any awards, but it represents the compromise Toyota Tundra 4WD FFV 5.7L owners knowingly accept. This isn’t a vehicle purchased for fuel efficiency, it’s chosen for its strong capability, legendary reliability, and unwavering ability to tackle demanding tasks. The Tundra is a workhorse, and its fuel consumption reflects its appetite for hard work.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2017 Tundra 4WD FFV with the 5.7L V8 are 13 MPG in the city and 17 MPG on the highway. These numbers reflect hauling a large, body-on-frame truck through stop-and-go traffic and maintaining highway speeds. The 5.7L V8 requires fuel to produce its power, and the Tundra’s weight and aerodynamic profile don’t help. These figures are for the FFV (Flex Fuel Vehicle) version, which is designed to run on either gasoline or ethanol blends. Ethanol blends could alter these figures slightly. For all Toyota fuel economy data, check out our Toyota model pages.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,900 for this Tundra configuration. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, location, and fuel prices.

Drivers who spend more time in city traffic or frequently tow heavy loads will likely exceed this estimate, while those who primarily drive on the highway may see slightly lower costs. It’s a critical factor to consider when evaluating the overall cost of ownership.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standardized benchmark, but real-world fuel economy often deviates. Tundra owners frequently report figures within a range close to the EPA estimates, but driving style and load have a significant impact. Aggressive acceleration, frequent towing, and prolonged idling will all decrease fuel economy. Conversely, gentle acceleration, consistent highway speeds, and diligent maintenance can help drivers achieve the upper end of the EPA range.

How it compares

The Tundra’s fuel economy is comparable to other full-size, four-wheel-drive trucks with V8 engines. The Ford F-150 with its 5.0L V8 might offer marginally better highway economy at 19 MPG, but around-town numbers are similar.

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 post similar numbers, usually 16 MPG combined.

For owners prioritizing fuel efficiency above all else, the Tundra isn’t the best choice. However, for buyers who require V8 power and the ruggedness of a full-size truck, the difference between these options becomes less significant. You can look at TUNDRA MPG across all years if you’d like to directly compare the differences between model years. Some full-size trucks even offer diesel engine variants, which can significantly improve fuel economy over their gasoline counterparts, but they come with a higher initial cost and potentially increased maintenance expenses.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Check your tire pressure regularly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Maintaining the correct tire pressure, as specified on the door jamb sticker, can contribute to a noticeable improvement in fuel economy, especially on the highway.

Avoid aggressive driving habits. Rapid acceleration and hard braking consume significantly more fuel than smooth, gradual maneuvers. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a consistent speed whenever possible to minimize unnecessary fuel consumption. This is noticeable with larger displacement engines like the Tundra’s 5.7L V8.

Minimize idling. Letting the engine idle for extended periods wastes fuel and contributes to unnecessary emissions. If you anticipate a delay of more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines do not require extended warm-up periods, so idling is rarely necessary, even in cold weather.

Consider your load. Carrying unnecessary weight in the bed of the truck reduces fuel economy. Remove any items that are not essential for the current trip. Especially avoid filling the bed with heavy materials without purpose.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed with cruise control can help optimize fuel efficiency on long highway journeys. Be mindful of terrain changes and adjust the speed accordingly to avoid unnecessary downshifting.