The 2024 Toyota Tundra 2WD with its 3.4L V6 engine gets 20 MPG combined. It’s a full-size truck designed to haul, tow, and tackle demanding jobs, not a hybrid or a small crossover. For the Tundra’s intended purpose, that 20 MPG figure is a compromise between capability and efficiency, one that many buyers accept.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2024 Tundra 2WD gets 18 MPG in city driving and 23 MPG on the highway. These figures reflect the engine’s performance and the truck’s weight and aerodynamics. City driving, with its stop-and-go nature, strains fuel consumption due to frequent acceleration and idling. The highway MPG, while better, still reflects the aerodynamic challenges of a large pickup truck. The 3.4L V6’s turbocharging helps it deliver reasonable highway numbers, but at a cost during urban use. Your driving habits significantly impact your fuel economy whether you’re navigating construction sites or cruising open highways. Consider using cruise control on road trips to consistently meet the ideal speed for fuel efficiency.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Toyota Tundra 2WD will be approximately $2,200. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price. Fuel prices fluctuate, and your actual mileage may vary, so this number is just an estimate. For buyers who use the Tundra primarily for shorter commutes or occasional hauling, the annual fuel cost could be lower. However, those who frequently tow or drive long distances can expect to spend more. It’s important to factor this projected fuel expense into your overall budget when considering the Tundra, or compare all Toyota fuel economy data to see if another option better fits your budget.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy can vary significantly depending on driving habits, terrain, and load. Aggressive acceleration, frequent braking, and towing heavy loads will all decrease fuel efficiency. Smooth driving, consistent speeds, and keeping the truck properly maintained can help you achieve closer to the EPA estimates. Many Tundra owners report that reaching the EPA’s highway MPG is achievable during extended road trips. The city MPG can be more challenging to attain in congested urban areas. Towing will substantially reduce fuel economy, potentially dropping it into the low teens or even single digits depending on the weight and distance. Be sure to track your fuel consumption to understand how your specific driving patterns impact your Tundra’s efficiency. Before buying, consider checking through the TUNDRA MPG across all years to see what trends exist for other model years.

How it compares

The Tundra’s 20 MPG combined is generally in line with other full-size, half-ton trucks in its class, but there are variations depending on engine and drivetrain configuration. The Ford F-150 with its 2.7L EcoBoost V6 achieves up to 22 MPG combined in its 2WD configuration, giving it a slight edge. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 2.7L Turbo offers similar figures around 20 MPG combined, while the RAM 1500 with its EcoDiesel engine can reach up to 26 MPG highway, but at a premium price and with potentially higher maintenance costs. The Nissan Titan struggles to match the Tundra’s fuel economy, however, the Tundra buyer often values Toyota’s reputation for reliability and long-term durability, sometimes prioritizing those factors over marginal fuel economy gains found in competing brands. If fuel economy is your top priority, all competitors noted offer more efficient powertrain options that may be a better fit.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. The Tundra’s powerful V6 can be tempting to unleash, but doing so will quickly deplete fuel. Gentle acceleration and anticipating traffic flow will significantly improve your MPG, especially in city driving. The weight of the vehicle requires you to give yourself extra time to stop.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended specifications found on the doorjamb sticker. Investing in a portable air compressor can help you maintain optimal tire pressure at home, at any time.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying extra cargo in the bed or cab of the truck adds weight, which negatively impacts fuel efficiency. Remove any unnecessary items to lighten the load and improve MPG. This is especially true if you frequently use the truck bed to haul material such as gravel or construction materials.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed helps optimize fuel consumption by eliminating the fluctuations in throttle input that occur during manual driving. Be mindful of the terrain and traffic conditions, and disengage cruise control when necessary for safety.

Consider the drive mode. If equipped with a drive mode selector, experiment with the “Eco” mode, if available. This mode typically adjusts throttle response and transmission shift points to prioritize fuel efficiency over performance. The trade-off may be reduced acceleration, but if efficiency is the goal, “Eco” mode can be beneficial.