What’s normal fuel economy on a newer 5th gen?

I might buy a 22” 4Runner but fuel economy is a little rough. Makes me want to possibly get a Lexus GX since fuel economy is similar, but they have the 4.6 over the 4.0. I know fuel economy shouldn’t be a major focal point, but getting sub 20 hurts a little. Ive been averaging 21 city and 24 highway in my Tacoma, but it does have the 3.5 which many dislike plus the 6 speed which people also dislike.

 

I get 16 city letting it shift at 2K RPM.

 

Don't buy it. You will rarely average over 20 mpg under any circumstances.

 

I get 13-15

 

Well thanks guys! Makes me a little sad that it’s that bad, but sill tempted. The main issue is whatever vehicle I buy is going to be a daily so I have to be a little over cautious about fuel economy.

 

I’ll give you a glimmer of hope. On my 2020 SR5 premium (4wd) I averaged 18-19 around town, and got 22 on a 300 mile highway trip once. But I always averaged above 20 on trips. (Barely above 20, but still) I don’t accelerate aggressively but usually set the cruise at 75-80 mph on the highway

 

It's going to depend a lot on how fast you drive. If you're easy on the gas and keep it below 70-75, you can get 20+.

 

I daily mine, get about 15MPG.

 

I daily mine, I typically get 20.2-20.8. I rest my avg. mpg display shortly after getting it, I haven't touched it since. After 45k miles, it's reading 20.5mpg.

Keep in mind though, I have a 60 mile round trip commute, mostly highway. I drive like a grandma, typically use cruise control, and rarely get over 70mph.

Before I put the all terrains on, I was getting 21.5mpg pretty regularly. I also use some of the hypermiling tricks, such as falling in behind people rather than trying to pass and anticipating red lights and coasting up to them rather than accelerating then slamming on the brakes at the red.

 

Just shy of 1,000 miles now and my average is 17.8. That’s daily city commute of 7 miles one-way, plus a couple off-road trips. On stock size BFG KO2’s.

Incidentally I traded a 2020 Tacoma like yours and don’t miss it one bit. The 4Runner 4.0 liter and 5-speed is a much better setup IMO.

 

I mostly cruise around the Lehigh Valley just enjoying the beautiful countryside and homes. I fill to the click and calculate mpg each time. My 4Runner ORP gets 20 - 22 always.

Occasionally, on a certain 50 mile trip I drive more aggressively and get 18 - 19..

 

I'd driven 225,000 miles with a 2003 Sequoia 4x4 for 18.5 years until selling it this week to a friend. Driving a 2016 4R since 2019, its gas mileage is Prius-like in comparison to the Sequoia. I'm more interested in PPG (parts per gallon) than MPG. It nudged against 20 mph on the Interstates. Gil

 

That is true. A 4Runner may get pretty bad fuel economy compared to other SUV’s that compete, but it will last a whole lot longer than say a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco.

 

Someone says this in every MPG thread. If MPG is one's ONLY priority, then I would agree.

But, like me, most people are just trying to get the best fuel economy possible with the 4Runner. We realize that the 4Runner is never going to get great fuel economy. But, getting ~20 MPG VS getting ~15 MPG is a huge deal when you drive a lot.

I can't afford a 4Runner AND a Prius, and a Prius can't do what I need out of a vehicle.

 

I have had both a ‘21 GX and a ‘21 4Runner (2) and both struggle to achieve 18 MPG overall. As just 87 octane here on the Lost Coast costs around $5 a gallon, I am grateful not to need to use premium anymore as you do with the GX.
Primary driving location will be a large factor for mileage as well.

 

@Samuel.Rowland here is some information from actual owners about average fuel economy. This is for 2019, but you can click back to the overall 4runner results and look at different years.

https://www.fuelly.com/car/toyota/4runner/2019

You'll see that the overall average is around 17 MPG, but there are a good number of owners getting 19 and some getting 20+. If you're able to keep your highway speed lower than ~75. MPH, you should be able to hit 20. Once you start modifications, all bets are off, though.

 

I read this a lot on a Jeep forum. There were also many threads for how to carry more fuel.

The better the MPG the more driving I can do and free up money for other important things like good food and drink, goodies for the vehicle, gear, etc...

My solution has been to get a hybrid and the vehicle I enjoyed, truck, fast car, etc.

I don't drive much now so the 4Runner is fine without having a gas sipping cohort in the driveway.

 

as others have said, mpg will depend on your right foot and your mods. Stock tires and didn't add weight, you can definitely see slightly over 20 on a long highway road trip (especially on flatter roads and not going above 65). add a bunch of armor, heavy ass offroad tires, and watch it plummet and you'll be pulling out the ole gas card more often.

totally worth it though

 

Wait for 6th generation perhaps you are offered a hybrid 4runner by TOYOTA

 

I see about 19.5 to 20.2 on highway, vehicle loaded with camping gear. Half rack with gun case, dry bag, 5 gallons of gas, recovery boards and awning.

Aired down to 25, on dirt roads with same loads I still see 17.

2019 4Runner, stock size Nittos no armor or bumpers, etc.

 

This vehicle caters to the group of people that measure it in smiles per gallon.
If the mpg is a concern now, it will only get worse later in the ownership.
You will love the winter numbers...the 4.0 really dislikes the cold

 

I daily mine (100 miles a day) and I get 19-20. If mpg are your main concern then the 4Runner definitely isn’t for you.

 

Had a 20 Hybrid Highlander ie big prius ( only comes in 4 cylinder and electric motors ) best mpg was 38 mpg. Towing not recommended.

 

The 2021 EPA numbers are pretty accurate for the average driver. 16 city, 19 highway, 17 combined.
I noticed on a recent trip in UT/AZ I got 21 MPG highway for one tankful.

As they say, depending on how you drive, your mileage may vary.

 

We need a thread in the stickies titled "What MPG to expect on a 5th gen 4R".

Even then this question will continue to come up.

 

i get 22 mpg city, 28 highway. And you can trust me, because I never lie.

 

Pencil the difference(in fuel cost annually) and you're likely talking about a negligible difference.

 

I get 13.1, and I've had mine since March. For the Gx, you have to pump Premium, so there's the added overhead from one to the other. And also take in consideration the Price of the Gx compared to the 4Runner at the point of sale... just saying

 

Around our parts regular is going for $3.99(non tier) to $4.55(tier). Ain't life wonderful