Why the 2022 Toyota Tacoma's Miles Per Gallon Will Surprise You

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma is one of the most well-loved midsize trucks in America. It's tough, reliable, and ready for any adventure. While it boasts a strong reputation for its ruggedness, durability, and off-road capability, fuel efficiency is often a key concern for potential buyers. So, how many miles per gallon (MPG) can you expect from the 2022 Tacoma? We'll break it down, look at the various engine options, and discuss what you can expect from each configuration. We'll also dive into some real-world performance and address potential drawbacks you should keep in mind when deciding if this truck is right for you.

Overview: Toyota Tacoma MPG

Before we dive into specifics, it's essential to understand that fuel economy numbers vary based on engine type, transmission, and drivetrain. The Tacoma offers several configurations, and your Tacoma’s MPG will depend on whether you choose a 4-cylinder engine or a V6, a 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrain, and either an automatic or manual transmission. According to the EPA, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma's fuel economy ranges from 18 to 20 MPG in the city and 22 to 24 MPG on the highway, depending on the model. Let's take a closer look at each configuration to help you understand the potential MPG differences.

Engine Options and MPG

2.7-Liter 4-Cylinder Engine

For those who prioritize fuel efficiency and don’t need maximum towing power, the base 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine is the most fuel-efficient option in the Tacoma lineup. This engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and is available in either 4x2 or 4x4 configurations.

• 4x2 drivetrain: The 4x2 model gets an EPA-estimated 20 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. This gives it a combined MPG rating of 21 MPG, making it one of the more fuel-efficient options among midsize trucks.
• 4x4 drivetrain: If you opt for the 4x4 version, you can expect a slight dip in fuel efficiency. The EPA estimates this version will get 19 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway, with a combined rating of 20 MPG.

While these numbers are decent, it’s important to note that the 4-cylinder engine may not have enough power for heavy towing or hauling tasks. It’s more suited for daily driving and light-duty use. As Alex Collantes, a truck enthusiast, puts it: "The 4-cylinder is great for commuting and light weekend adventures but don’t expect it to tow your boat effortlessly."

3.5-Liter V6 Engine

Most Tacoma buyers will gravitate towards the 3.5-liter V6 engine, which offers more power and capability than the 4-cylinder option. This engine is available with either a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission and can be paired with either a 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrain. However, fuel efficiency does take a hit with this option.

• 4x2 drivetrain (automatic): The 4x2 automatic V6 model has an EPA-estimated 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway, with a combined rating of 21 MPG. This is on par with the 4-cylinder 4x2 model in terms of fuel economy but offers significantly more power.
• 4x4 drivetrain (automatic): Opting for the 4x4 version will reduce fuel efficiency slightly. The EPA estimates it will get 18 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway, with a combined rating of 20 MPG.
• Manual transmission: If you prefer the manual transmission, you'll sacrifice even more MPG. The V6 with a manual transmission and 4x4 drivetrain gets an EPA-estimated 17 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway, with a combined rating of 18 MPG.

While the V6 is more capable, towing up to 6,800 pounds, it’s also less fuel-efficient, especially with the manual transmission. As Collantes adds, "I love the V6 power on my TRD Off-Road, but the gas mileage isn’t great, especially when I’m hauling gear for camping."

Real-World MPG Performance

EPA estimates are a good starting point for comparing fuel economy, but real-world conditions often differ from the lab settings used to calculate these numbers. Factors like driving style, terrain, payload, and weather can all affect your Tacoma’s fuel efficiency.

Drivers report that the Tacoma’s real-world MPG can be lower than the EPA ratings, especially when driving in stop-and-go traffic, off-road conditions, or when towing a load. For example, off-road models like the TRD Pro or TRD Off-Road with 4x4 drivetrains and heavy-duty tires often see lower-than-expected fuel economy. Some owners report getting as low as 15 to 16 MPG in city driving with these configurations. The more aggressive tires and added weight of off-road equipment can take a toll on gas mileage.

If you plan on using your Tacoma for long highway trips, you may get closer to the EPA ratings, particularly if you drive at moderate speeds and avoid heavy loads. Highway cruising in a V6 Tacoma can yield 22-24 MPG as advertised, especially with the 4x2 configuration.

Factors Affecting MPG

Several factors can influence how much gas your Tacoma uses:

1. Driving style: Aggressive driving (fast acceleration, hard braking) burns more fuel.
2. Off-road driving: If you're hitting the trails, expect your MPG to dip as your truck works harder on uneven terrain.
3. Towing and payload: Hauling heavy loads will lower your fuel efficiency significantly.
4. Tire choice: Larger, more aggressive tires can reduce MPG by increasing rolling resistance.

So, if you’re using your Tacoma for towing or off-road adventures, keep in mind that you won’t hit those EPA estimates. It’s essential to manage expectations when deciding which Tacoma model is best for you.

Comparing Tacoma's MPG to Competitors

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma faces stiff competition in the midsize truck market, with rivals like the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, Nissan Frontier, and Jeep Gladiator vying for the top spot. How does the Tacoma’s MPG stack up?

• Ford Ranger: With its turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine, the Ford Ranger is one of the most fuel-efficient trucks in this class, offering 21 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway in 4x2 models.
• Chevrolet Colorado: The 2022 Colorado with the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine achieves 19 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway in 4x2 models. The V6 version is similar to the Tacoma, with 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.
• Nissan Frontier: The new Nissan Frontier’s 3.8-liter V6 engine is rated at 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway for the 4x2 version, making it competitive with the Tacoma.
• Jeep Gladiator: The Jeep Gladiator, which shares its platform with the Jeep Wrangler, is one of the least fuel-efficient trucks in the class, with its V6 offering 16 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway.

Overall, the Tacoma’s fuel economy is average for the segment, and if you’re looking for the absolute best MPG in a midsize truck, you may want to consider the Ford Ranger.

Pros and Cons of the 2022 Toyota Tacoma's MPG

Pros:

1. Multiple engine choices: You can choose between a more fuel-efficient 4-cylinder or a powerful V6, depending on your needs.
2. Respectable highway MPG: With up to 24 MPG on the highway, the Tacoma performs well for road trips.
3. Competitive MPG: While not class-leading, the Tacoma's fuel efficiency is on par with other midsize trucks like the Chevrolet Colorado and Nissan Frontier.

Cons:

1. Lower city MPG: City driving isn’t the Tacoma’s strong suit, with the V6 4x4 models dropping to 18 MPG or less.
2. Off-road versions suffer: If you opt for the TRD Pro or other off-road packages, expect lower fuel efficiency due to the added weight and aggressive tires.
3. Manual transmission penalty: The 6-speed manual V6 models see significantly lower MPG than their automatic counterparts.

Fuel-Saving Tips for Tacoma Drivers

While you can’t change the Tacoma’s EPA ratings, there are ways to improve your real-world MPG:

• Drive conservatively: Avoid rapid acceleration and braking, which can hurt your fuel economy.
• Reduce weight: Take off unnecessary gear when you're not using it (like roof racks or tools in the bed).
• Keep tires properly inflated: Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, lowering MPG.
• Use cruise control: On long highway stretches, cruise control can help maintain a consistent speed, improving fuel efficiency.

Final Thoughts on the 2022 Toyota Tacoma’s Miles Per Gallon

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma offers a decent balance of power and fuel efficiency for a midsize truck, especially if you opt for the 4-cylinder or 4x2 models. While the V6 engine provides more capability, it also comes with a fuel economy penalty, particularly in off-road or manual transmission configurations.

As Alex Collantes puts it, "If you're willing to accept a bit lower MPG for the extra power and off-road chops, the Tacoma is still a great choice for adventure." However, if maximizing MPG is a top priority for you, it might be worth considering other options in the midsize truck segment, like the Ford Ranger or even looking at a hybrid or EV truck, like the Ford Maverick or Rivian R1T.

In summary, the 2022 Tacoma provides acceptable fuel economy for the average driver, but it's not a segment leader. Still, if you're after Toyota's legendary reliability, off-road prowess, and versatility, the fuel economy is a fair trade-off. Just keep in mind that real-world MPG can be lower, especially if you're using your truck for off-roading or towing.

For those considering the Tacoma, the 2022 model year strikes a balance between performance and fuel efficiency, but understanding the engine and drivetrain options is key to getting the best MPG for your driving habits.