Pickup trucks aren’t often praised for having great fuel efficiency. In fact, trucks can be some of the thirstiest vehicles on the road. Even the smallest trucks can gobble up gas at staggering speeds. A midsize Toyota pickup only gets 18 combined miles per gallon in its least fuel-efficient setting.
This Toyota Tacoma setup can gobble up gas
The term ‘gas guzzler’ is often reserved for the least fuel efficient vehicles in the industry. As gas mileage estimates improve across the board and more hybrids are introduced, the general public finds that fewer and fewer vehicles are gas guzzlers. The focus on reducing carbon emissions makes fuel-efficient vehicles really stand out.
Several Toyota nameplates have been scrutinized by consumers for having less than ideal combined mpg ratings. The Tundra and Sequoia were notorious gas guzzlers before their redesigns.
The Toyota Tacoma midsize pickup truck doesn’t have a horrible mpg rating, but some of its configurations aren’t very fuel efficient by today’s standards, and frankly aren’t meant to be. The Taco is a midsize off-road truck that shines best on the trails. Fuel economy is not something many die-hard Taco fans consider.
Fueleconomy.Gov claims that an all-wheel-drive Toyota Tacoma with the 3.5-liter V6 manual engine option with the six-speed transmission achieves 18 mpg combined. That’s three miles short of the base Taco’s 21 mpg combined. The four-wheel-drive V6 manual Tacoma has a range 63 miles less (379) than the base model’s 443-mile range. So if you want a daily driver, this Tacoma-specific setup is a poor choice. If you’re looking for a trail monster, this may be the Taco for you.
Why is the Toyota Tacoma so popular?
The Toyota Tacoma is one of the most popular pickup trucks in the United States. It is an outstanding model in its segment. The Taco is also one of the few vehicles on the market that often appreciates over time instead of losing value. Used Tacomas experienced this phenomenon during the height of the global pandemic.
It is clear that the Taco has a large following, but why is it so popular? The Toyota Tacoma is popular because it’s an affordable midsize truck that can easily stand the test of time. Most Tacoma models can last 200,000 miles or 14 years of ownership for the average driver. Well-maintained Tacos can last over 250,000 miles, or over 17 years for the average driver.
A big part of the Tacoma’s appeal is its off-road prowess. Japanese automaker Toyota now offers different off-road versions so enthusiasts can take full advantage of the Taco’s ability to tackle rough terrain.
Should You Get a 2023 Toyota Tacoma?
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma starts at $27,250. It comes in seven different trim levels. The Tacoma uses a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine to make 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. It gets 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. car and driver praises the Tacoma’s rugged design and many standard safety features.
The Toyota Tacoma is a great midsize truck, but it’s not the best in its vehicle segment. That title is claimed by the Honda Ridgeline, a one-piece truck that can perform as a daily driver while still boasting capability and reliability.