The Toyota 4Runner, a rugged and reliable SUV, isn’t typically known for its stellar fuel economy. If you’re a 4Runner owner, especially one keen on managing gas costs, understanding how to optimize your MPG is crucial. As a fellow 4Runner enthusiast, I recently conducted a real-world experiment to see just how fuel-efficient my 2023 4Runner Anniversary Special Edition (essentially an SR5) could be. Here’s what I learned about maximizing your 4Runner MPG, even with some modifications.
My 4Runner, while boasting stock wheels, is fitted with Falken Wildpeak 265/70 R17 tires. These are slightly heavier than the stock Bridgestone Duelers, adding about 6lbs per tire. Living in the flatlands of North Central Texas, my daily commute is primarily on highways with minimal elevation changes. My goal was to see if I could achieve respectable gas mileage in my daily driving, without any modifications to the stock suspension or lift. I know that lifting a truck can negatively impact aerodynamics and fuel efficiency, so keeping everything else stock seemed like a good baseline.
During my first week, I maintained a speed of 70MPH on the highway. The result? I averaged a solid 19 MPG. While my overall tank average was lower due to initial city driving and idling, I managed to clock over 410 miles on a single tank. Refueling required a full 23 gallons. For the second week, I decided to reduce my speed to 65MPH to observe the impact. On my commute to work, I achieved an impressive 22.9 MPG, and on the way back home, it was 20.8 MPG.
To help you achieve similar or even better 4Runner MPG figures, here are key driving habits and considerations based on my experience:
1) Gentle Acceleration is Key: Remember, the 4Runner is a substantial SUV, not a sports car. Avoid aggressive starts. Gradual acceleration will significantly conserve fuel.
2) Speed Management is Crucial: Speeding is a major MPG killer. Once you exceed 70mph, your fuel economy will noticeably decline. Finding that sweet spot around 65-70mph can make a big difference.
3) Minimize City Driving and Idling: Stop-and-go city traffic and prolonged idling are detrimental to MPG. I observed my MPG drop from 21.0 to 20.3 simply waiting at a traffic light. Plan your routes to minimize city driving where possible and avoid unnecessary idling.
4) Reduce Unnecessary Weight: While aftermarket accessories like roof top tents and larger tires might enhance the off-road look, they add weight and aerodynamic drag, both of which negatively impact MPG. If fuel economy is a priority, reconsider any non-essential heavy items.
5) Be Mindful of Hills: Hills are the enemy of fuel efficiency for any vehicle, especially trucks and SUVs. Try to maintain a steady RPM, ideally under 2,000, when tackling inclines to avoid excessive fuel consumption.
6) Towing and MPG Don’t Mix: If you plan on towing, be prepared for a significant drop in MPG. Towing my boat or camper resulted in a mere 9 MPG. It’s best to avoid constantly monitoring the MPG display when towing to prevent frustration!
Toyota 4Runner MPG display showing 22.9 MPG achieved on a commute, reflecting efficient fuel economy through optimized driving habits.
Ultimately, I’m confident in achieving similar MPG figures in my 4Runner as I did in my previous Tacoma, comfortably averaging 20-21 MPG. While this might not sound exceptional compared to smaller cars, for a factory-lifted SUV weighing around 6,100lbs with off-road tires, it’s a commendable result. By adopting these driving techniques and being mindful of factors that influence fuel consumption, you too can maximize your Toyota 4Runner MPG and enjoy more miles per gallon.
