20 MPG combined fuel economy is what you get with the 2022 Toyota Tacoma 4WD with the 3.5L V6. It’s not a great figure, but for loyal Tacoma buyers, it’s a perfectly acceptable trade-off for the truck’s reliability, off-road capability, and enduring resale value. This truck isn’t about saving fuel; it’s about going practically anywhere and lasting for decades.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Tacoma 4×4 V6 at 18 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. In urban environments, expect the V6 to work a little harder, especially with frequent stop-and-go traffic. The automatic transmission, while smooth, can search for gears at lower speeds, impacting efficiency. On the open road, maintaining a steady speed results in better fuel economy, but any attempt to use the V6’s power for passing or climbing hills will quickly reduce the MPG. These numbers are fairly representative of what drivers typically experience, although individual results can vary depending on driving style and load.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma 4WD 3.5L V6 will cost approximately $2,200 per year in fuel. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles annually and using the EPA’s estimated combined fuel economy, with fuel prices based on the national average. Remember that fuel prices fluctuate, and your actual cost will depend on local pump prices and your individual driving habits. This $2,200 estimate provides a benchmark for budgeting fuel expenses.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures offer a guideline, real-world fuel economy for the Tacoma 4WD V6 often mirrors the official numbers, give or take a mile or two. Loaded with gear for a weekend camping trip, expect a dip in MPG. Towing anything substantial will drop it even further. Aggressive tires, lift kits, and other common aftermarket modifications will also substantially reduce fuel efficiency. The key is that the Tacoma’s fuel economy is adequate for its intended use, but it will not win any fuel efficiency contests. See TACOMA MPG across all years to understand potential gains and losses from earlier model years.

How it compares

Compared to its competitors, the Tacoma’s fuel economy is roughly on par. A comparable 4×4 V6 Chevrolet Colorado or GMC Canyon typically achieves around 17 MPG city and 24 MPG highway. The Nissan Frontier, redesigned for 2022, gets around 17 MPG city and 23 MPG highway with its 4×4 V6. The Jeep Gladiator, with its standard 3.6L V6 and four-wheel drive, manages about 17 MPG city and 22 MPG highway. These figures show the Tacoma’s average positioning within the segment. For potential buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency above all else, the Ford Maverick Hybrid offers significantly better numbers, but it is a unibody truck with limited payload and towing capacity compared to the body-on-frame Tacoma. Understanding these trade-offs is critical for buyers considering the Tacoma.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key to improving fuel economy in the Tacoma. The V6 has ample power, so avoid heavy throttle inputs. Smooth and gradual acceleration will help minimize fuel consumption, especially in city driving.

Pay attention to vehicle weight. If you regularly carry heavy loads in the bed, consider removing unnecessary items that add extra weight and reduce fuel efficiency.

Proper tire inflation can make a surprising difference in fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels listed on the door jamb. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which negatively impacts fuel consumption. Using the correct type of tire for your primary use case is also important. Aggressive off-road tires look great, but their increased rolling resistance will reduce efficiency.

Avoid excessive idling, especially during cold starts. Modern engines warm up quickly, so there is no need to let the engine idle for an extended period before driving. Excessive idling wastes fuel and contributes to unnecessary emissions. If you anticipate being stationary for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine.

Use cruise control on the highway to maintain a consistent speed. This minimizes unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, which can improve fuel efficiency. The Tacoma’s adaptive cruise control system (if equipped) can further enhance fuel economy by maintaining a safe following distance and adjusting speed automatically.

Regular maintenance is critical for optimal fuel efficiency. Ensure that the engine is properly tuned, the air filter is clean, and the oil is changed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently, which translates to better fuel economy. Review all Toyota fuel economy data to get a better idea on the brand’s overall efficiency focus.