Thinking about switching… Tacoma V6 vs Tundra V8 gas mileage?

I’ve outgrown my 2016 Inferno Tacoma. With three kids and being 6’1", it’s just too cramped. I’m considering moving to a 2020 or 2021 Tundra, but I drive quite a bit—15 miles each way for work, five days a week.

My Tacoma has a mild 2-inch lift, an OTT tune, and 32s, and I’m averaging 15.7 mpg. How much worse would the Tundra realistically be?

Eventually, I’d lift the Tundra and put it on 33s or 35s. I’m not interested in the V6 twin-turbo version because I’m unsure about its reliability. I’ve been the original owner of my Tacoma and plan to keep the Tundra for at least 10 years.

Would love to hear your thoughts!

If gas mileage is a big concern, lifting your truck isn’t helping much, my friend.

Sayer said:
If gas mileage is a big concern, lifting your truck isn’t helping much, my friend.

Exactly. If you cared that much about mpg, you probably wouldn’t be driving a Toyota truck at all. They’ve never been known for great mileage.

@Bay
My 2008 CrewMax V8 still gets over 15 mpg, so I’m not complaining.

Sayer said:
@Bay
My 2008 CrewMax V8 still gets over 15 mpg, so I’m not complaining.

Depends a lot on where you drive. I get about 12 mpg in town and 13-16 mpg on the highway with my 2010. One time on a flat stretch during a vacation, I hit 18 mpg.

But compared to newer V8s out there, like the ones hitting 30 mpg, Toyota’s are falling behind. I’m not saying they’re more reliable—just pointing out the mpg differences.

@Bay
Yeah, mpg with a lifted truck is just something you have to accept. Can’t have it all.

Is a 30-mile round trip really ‘driving a ton’? Not trying to be rude—just don’t get it. Are you towing a lot or something?

Pip said:
Is a 30-mile round trip really ‘driving a ton’? Not trying to be rude—just don’t get it. Are you towing a lot or something?

Maybe they’re from the city?

North said:

Pip said:
Is a 30-mile round trip really ‘driving a ton’? Not trying to be rude—just don’t get it. Are you towing a lot or something?

Maybe they’re from the city?

Uh, no.

Pip said:
Is a 30-mile round trip really ‘driving a ton’? Not trying to be rude—just don’t get it. Are you towing a lot or something?

For some people, a 30-mile commute feels like a lot. I only have a 10-mile round trip to work but still end up driving close to 30,000 miles a year!

2017 DC basically stock 13.something city and about 17 highway, the 38 gallon tank (of which about 30 is usable) gets me around 425m per tank

I’m getting 14.9 mpg on my 2015 with a 3-inch lift and stock TRD rims with KO2s.

Zinn said:
I’m getting 14.9 mpg on my 2015 with a 3-inch lift and stock TRD rims with KO2s.

But I drive like a grandpa and stick to 55 mph highways most of the time.

Why not keep the Tacoma and grab a used EV for commuting? Gas savings could cover the cost. You can get a Model Y for around $30K, which is cheaper than upgrading to a Tundra.

I’ve got a 2018 double cab long bed, stock suspension, and 287/75/17s. I get about 12-14 mpg with mixed driving in winter. It’s probably a couple mpg better with summer fuel. The 28-gallon tank feels tiny on long drives because you can watch the needle drop.

@Sadie
It’s actually 26 gallons, which is even worse. I get 13-14 mpg normally, but when towing, I’m down to 7 mpg.

Penny said:
@Sadie
It’s actually 26 gallons, which is even worse. I get 13-14 mpg normally, but when towing, I’m down to 7 mpg.

Yeah, and the low fuel warning kicks in after you’ve used about 20 gallons. The 6-gallon reserve keeps the fuel pump submerged. I’m tempted to spend $2000 on the 48-gallon upgrade.

@Sadie
Whether the tank is big or small, the cost is the same—it’s just a matter of how often you fill up. My 2010 Tundra only has a 22-gallon tank, and it’s a pain!

I’ve got a 2014 CrewMax 5.7L with a leveling kit and 33s. I average 13 mpg, and if I’m lucky on highways, I get close to 15.

If mpg is that big of a concern, maybe stick with the Tacoma and get a midsize SUV for family trips? That’s what I’d do.