2010-19 vs. 2020-21 MPGs

Just curious, as I have never seen it discussed: I have been paying attention to our gas-thirsty common obsession since I bought it in December, and probably have been averaging between 17-18 MPG since I picked it up. On certain tanks, it seems like I can get almost 20 MPG -- but wondered why the official fuel economy rating got worse by 1 MPG for what is essentially the exact same truck from the 2019 model year (17 city / 20 highway) to 2020 and beyond (16 city / 19 highway).

Any clues or thoughts?

 

Yup. It's not a Prius

 

Change in testing methods? Heavier than they used to be? In the summer I can be 17-19 mpg, I filled up yesterday and I was averaging 12.5. the 16 city and 19 highway seems more realistic honestly

 

I am so glad I saw this thread... I was super frustrated yesterday! Just bought my 2020 TRD in September and got 16-17 first two tank fulls. Now... 12mpg. I was about to take it to Toyota but it seems this might be normal in winter. My 2017 Wranger JKU never got below 15.5 and it is just about as heavy and aerodynamic. I guess it is what it is.. I always hand calc. the computer says 15.5... hahaha.

 

The TSS added weight LOL.

 

TSS?

 

Toyota Safety Sense

 

Oh!! Right, it's at least 400 lbs.

 

TSS?? LoL..


Last time when I tested mine i got 19.3mpg according to the trip computer after 250miles in CO (reset it to 0mpg before the trip). Happy to see that with lift + 285s + sliders + full skids, etc..

https://youtu.be/nzrcjKHEKeM

 

Yeah, I do 90%city so I know it will be not great but 12.5 yikes. I hand calc because I find the computer to be too optimistic

 

Cmon, smiles per gallon everyone.

 

We do 90% & we get 12.7 to 13.4. It gets better (as advertised) 19ish on trips but covid has killed those tests.
We bought for smiles per gallon but running errands isn't fun. Time for a beater with a heater. My plow truck doesn't make a good run around vehicle! Lol
Ryan

 

Yeah, I will chill until I see the summer mpg's. I'm sure it will get better, maybe the Gen6 will be a lot better and more powerful. Turbo 3.5!

 

Agree; I didn't buy it for its fuel efficiency, that is for sure -- but just curious. I had the same thought about TSS (ha), but it couldn't possibly be that, I don't think...

Smiles per gallon it's off the charts, natch.

 

On the dirt roads / trail -> Smiles Per Gallon
On CO mountain highways -> Nerves Per Gallon

 

Testing standards change over time, so this is very likely the culprit. I'm not aware of any mechanical differences. And as always, when consdering fuel economy, YMMV.

 

On our 2021 we are averaging 19 MPG. On our 2016 we were getting 16-17. It (2016) had aftermarket wheels but with stock size tires, so you wouldn't think there would be that much of a difference.

 

Y'all wrong, the heck with gas. 4runner equals smiles per mile

 

12 seems low unless you're modified, or a lot of stop and go driving.

Mine has only been that low once, cruising at 80+ on 33.5" mud tires in single digit temperatures.

 

12.5 - 13.5 is all you get using it as a daily errand runner (pun not intended).
Sadly we got ours for our GSD & trips just before covid & only have that vehicle to logically use (I have a plow truck). But I still smile every time I enter & drive it. I love turning off the traction control in the neighborhood and drifting like a teenager!
Sad truth but it will get anywhere it needs no matter what the snowfall around here. Got 12.5" last week & I drove it like a sports car in 4h (I have a ton of experience snow driving; not to be bragadocious). Drive to your safety limits!
Ryan.

 

That's odd. Mine never went below 15 or 16 when I had stock size tires. Even last summer on 285's trying to keep up with my buddies in a bunch of sports cars I got 14.5.

But, I suppose if you never take it on the highway it could get lower.

 

I am the same, I have never seen below 16 or so. Even in the winter using 4HI, roof basket on snow covered roads with the truck loaded. Highway usually nets about 18.5-19.5 in cold weather. I am on stock Terra Grapplers, no lift.

 

I drive from NJ to VA for work a lot and during the snow/slush last week I averaged 16.9 over 270 miles. No weather this past Thursday, I averaged 18.9.

 

Are you all just going by the computer? I hand calc and it's 2 mpg's lower than the computer. Also, I did buy Duratracs however they are the stock size

 

By hand with same tires as you!
All 3 of our vehicles have Duratracs. It is a great tire.

 

I have never trusted the computer. Although, the one in my '19 is much more accurate than the one on my '03. I reset the computer a few days ago and it it still very close to actual. I wouldn't believe it if it wasn't my own vehicle, but I've been getting 16-18 on 33.5" MT's.

 

I hand calculate mine, I recently lost a solid 2.5mpg just from switching tires.

Stock size Dueler HT's to stock size P rated Grabber ATX. Was able to get 20.5 consistently, now struggle to break 18 with the same driving.

 

I agree. I have stock Duelers .On a trip last summer I was getting 23mpg .(all highway.) 20.5 everyday driving

 

Agree that it could be a different tire that changed it from 17/20 to 16/19, or maybe the latest ones are a bit heavier (more options) on average. The real change could be less than 1 mpg, it could be just enough to have to round down instead of up. If it's tires feel good about more traction. If it's vehicle weight feel good about more goodies.

I don't think mine would get 23 mpg going down a mountain in neutral.

 

As everybody likes to say, YMMV, but to me unsprung weight is a big one. Haven't touched the Terra Grapplers yet, and don't see the need for any kind of LT tire, have been reading on here about what size P-rated tire might work when it comes to doing that. Strange that stock size P-rated tires would vary one's fuel economy so much unless they were considerably heavier or the tread pattern created much more drag.