If you’re in the market for a midsize SUV with a reputation for ruggedness and off-road capability, the Toyota 4Runner is likely on your list. One important factor to consider when choosing a vehicle is its gas mileage. While the 4Runner is known for its durability and performance, how does it stack up when it comes to fuel economy?
The 2022 Toyota 4Runner gets an EPA-estimated 16 city and 19 highway miles per gallon, with a combined rating of 17 MPG. While this may not be as impressive as some other SUVs on the market, it’s important to keep in mind that the 4Runner is built for adventure and off-road capability, which often comes at the expense of fuel efficiency. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Toyota 4Runner’s gas mileage performance, as well as some factors that can affect fuel economy and ways to improve it.
Key Takeaways
- The Toyota 4Runner is a midsize SUV known for its ruggedness and off-road capability.
- The 2022 4Runner gets an EPA-estimated 16 city and 19 highway MPG, with a combined rating of 17 MPG.
- Factors such as driving habits, terrain, and vehicle maintenance can affect gas mileage, and there are steps you can take to improve fuel efficiency on your 4Runner.
Overview of Toyota 4Runner
If you’re looking for a rugged, off-road capable SUV, the Toyota 4Runner is a solid choice. It has a reputation for being tough and reliable, with a design that’s built to handle rough terrain.
The Toyota 4Runner is a midsize SUV that’s been in production since 1984. It’s currently in its fifth generation, which debuted in 2009. The 4Runner is known for its body-on-frame construction, which gives it a truck-like feel and makes it more durable than many other SUVs.
When it comes to gas mileage, the Toyota 4Runner gets average fuel economy for a vehicle of its size and capability. According to FuelEconomy.gov, the 2022 4Runner gets an estimated 17 combined MPG with the 2WD model and 16 combined MPG with the 4WD model.
While the 4Runner’s gas mileage may not be the best on the market, it’s important to keep in mind that this SUV is designed for off-road adventures, not fuel efficiency. If you’re looking for a vehicle that can handle tough terrain and provide a comfortable ride, the Toyota 4Runner is a great option.
Fuel Economy Basics
When it comes to buying a car, fuel economy is an important factor to consider. The Toyota 4Runner is a popular SUV known for its off-road capabilities and ruggedness. However, you may be wondering how it performs in terms of fuel economy.
Fuel economy is measured by the miles per gallon (MPG) a vehicle can travel on a single gallon of fuel. The higher the MPG, the more fuel-efficient the vehicle is. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) provides estimates for the MPG of vehicles based on standardized testing procedures.
The 2020 Toyota 4Runner has an EPA-estimated MPG of 17 in combined driving conditions. However, it’s important to note that actual MPG may vary depending on driving habits, road conditions, and other factors.
To improve your Toyota 4Runner’s fuel economy, there are several things you can do. These include:
- Keeping up with regular maintenance, such as oil changes and air filter replacements
- Keeping tires properly inflated to the recommended pressure
- Avoiding aggressive driving, such as sudden stops and starts
- Removing excess weight from the vehicle, such as heavy cargo or roof racks, when not in use
- Using cruise control on the highway to maintain a consistent speed and avoid unnecessary acceleration
By following these tips, you can help improve your Toyota 4Runner’s fuel economy and save money on gas in the long run.
Toyota 4Runner Gas Mileage Performance
The Toyota 4Runner is a popular midsize SUV that is known for its off-road capabilities and rugged design. However, it’s also important to consider the vehicle’s gas mileage performance before making a purchase.
According to FuelEconomy.gov, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner with 2WD and a 6-cylinder, 4.0L engine has an EPA estimated gas mileage of 17 combined MPG, with 16 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. The 2023 Toyota 4Runner with 4WD has a similar estimated gas mileage performance.
When looking at actual gas mileage data from owners on Fuelly, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner gets an average combined MPG of 17.59, based on data from 46 vehicles and over 189,600 miles of driving. The 2022 Toyota 4Runner also has similar actual gas mileage performance, with an average combined MPG of 17.73 based on data from 88 vehicles and over 1,108,019 miles of driving.
It’s important to note that gas mileage can vary based on driving habits, road conditions, and other factors. However, the Toyota 4Runner’s gas mileage performance is generally in line with other midsize SUVs on the market.
If you’re looking for a midsize SUV with decent gas mileage and impressive off-road capabilities, the Toyota 4Runner may be a good option for you. However, if gas mileage is a top priority, you may want to consider other SUVs on the market that have higher estimated or actual gas mileage performance.
Factors Affecting Gas Mileage
There are a number of factors that can affect the gas mileage of your Toyota 4Runner. Some of the most important factors to consider include:
- Driving habits: Aggressive driving, such as rapid acceleration and hard braking, can reduce your gas mileage by up to 33% on the highway and 5% in the city. Driving at a steady speed and avoiding sudden stops and starts can help improve your gas mileage.
- Vehicle maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and tune-ups, can help improve your gas mileage. A dirty air filter can reduce your gas mileage by up to 10%, and underinflated tires can reduce your gas mileage by up to 3%.
- Driving conditions: Driving in heavy traffic, on hilly terrain, or in extreme temperatures can reduce your gas mileage. Avoiding rush hour traffic and driving during cooler parts of the day can help improve your gas mileage.
- Vehicle weight: Carrying extra weight in your vehicle, such as heavy cargo or a roof rack, can reduce your gas mileage. Removing unnecessary items from your vehicle can help improve your gas mileage.
- Fuel quality: Using high-quality fuel can help improve your gas mileage. Using lower octane fuel than recommended by the manufacturer can reduce your gas mileage.
By keeping these factors in mind and making small changes to your driving habits and vehicle maintenance, you can improve the gas mileage of your Toyota 4Runner and save money on fuel costs.
Comparison with Other SUVs
When it comes to SUVs, the Toyota 4Runner is a popular choice among many drivers. However, it’s always good to know how it stacks up against other SUVs in its class. Below are some comparisons between the Toyota 4Runner and two other popular SUVs: the Honda Pilot and the Ford Explorer.
Toyota 4Runner vs. Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is a midsize SUV that has been around since 2002. It’s known for its spacious interior and smooth ride. When compared to the Toyota 4Runner, there are a few key differences to note.
First, the Honda Pilot has better gas mileage than the 4Runner. The Pilot gets an estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while the 4Runner gets an estimated 16 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.
Second, the Honda Pilot has more cargo space than the 4Runner. The Pilot has a maximum cargo capacity of 83.9 cubic feet, while the 4Runner has a maximum cargo capacity of 88.8 cubic feet.
Toyota 4Runner vs. Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is a full-size SUV that has been around since 1990. It’s known for its powerful engine and spacious interior. When compared to the Toyota 4Runner, there are a few key differences to note.
First, the Ford Explorer has better gas mileage than the 4Runner. The Explorer gets an estimated 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the 4Runner gets an estimated 16 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.
Second, the Ford Explorer has more horsepower than the 4Runner. The Explorer has a standard engine that produces 300 horsepower, while the 4Runner has a standard engine that produces 270 horsepower.
Overall, the Toyota 4Runner is a solid choice for those who prioritize off-road capability and ruggedness over gas mileage and cargo space. However, if you’re looking for better gas mileage and more cargo space, the Honda Pilot or Ford Explorer may be better options for you.
Improving Gas Mileage on Toyota 4Runner
If you’re looking to improve the gas mileage on your Toyota 4Runner, there are a few things you can do to make a difference. By following these tips, you can increase your fuel efficiency and save money on gas.
Reduce Excessive Short Trips
Short trips can be hard on your fuel economy, as your engine has to work harder to warm up and cool down repeatedly. By reducing the number of short trips you take, you can improve your gas mileage. Try to combine errands into one trip and plan your route to minimize the number of stops you make.
Keep RPMs Low
High RPMs can be a major drain on your fuel economy. By keeping your RPMs low, you can reduce the amount of fuel your engine uses. To do this, try to accelerate slowly and shift gears at lower RPMs. You can also use cruise control when driving on the highway to maintain a consistent speed and reduce the need for sudden acceleration.
Reduce A/C Use
Using your air conditioning can also have a negative impact on your gas mileage. To reduce the amount of fuel your A/C uses, try turning it off when you don’t need it, or using the fan instead of the A/C. You can also park in the shade to keep your car cooler and reduce the need for A/C.
Check Your Tire Pressure
Proper tire pressure is essential for optimal fuel efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, every 1-psi drop in tire pressure decreases gas mileage by 0.4 percent. Be sure to check your tire pressure regularly and inflate your tires to the recommended pressure.
Reduce Vehicle Weight
The more weight your vehicle carries, the more fuel it will use. To improve your gas mileage, try to reduce the amount of weight you carry in your 4Runner. This could mean removing unnecessary items from your trunk or roof rack, or even downsizing to a smaller vehicle if possible.
By following these tips, you can improve the gas mileage on your Toyota 4Runner and save money on fuel. Remember to drive responsibly and maintain your vehicle regularly to ensure optimal performance.
Future of Toyota 4Runner Fuel Efficiency
The Toyota 4Runner has been a popular SUV for many years. While it has many great features, fuel efficiency has not always been one of them. However, there is hope for the future of the 4Runner’s fuel efficiency.
According to a MotorBiscuit article published on January 22, 2023, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner SUV gets the same fuel economy as it did in 2022. However, there is hope for the 2024 4Runner. The upcoming 2024 Tacoma will be based on the same platform as the 4Runner, and it is expected to have a hybrid powertrain. This could mean that the 2025 4Runner may also have a hybrid powertrain, which would greatly improve its fuel efficiency.
In addition to a hybrid powertrain, there are other potential improvements that could increase the 4Runner’s fuel efficiency. For example, Toyota could make the 4Runner lighter by using more lightweight materials in its construction. They could also improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle to reduce drag and improve fuel economy.
Another potential improvement that could increase the 4Runner’s fuel efficiency is the use of a smaller engine. Currently, the 4Runner comes with a 4.0-liter V6 engine, which is powerful but not very fuel-efficient. Toyota could potentially use a smaller engine, such as a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, to improve the 4Runner’s fuel economy without sacrificing too much power.
Overall, while the current 2023 Toyota 4Runner may not have the best fuel economy, there is hope for the future. With the potential for a hybrid powertrain, lightweight construction, improved aerodynamics, and a smaller engine, the 4Runner’s fuel efficiency could greatly improve in the coming years.
Conclusion
Based on the search results and your own research, you have learned that the Toyota 4Runner gets average gas mileage compared to other 4-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicles. The 2022 Toyota 4Runner has an estimated combined MPG of 17, with 16 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway.
While the 2023 Toyota 4Runner has the same fuel economy as its predecessor, there is hope for the 2024 model year. It’s possible that Toyota will make improvements to increase the 4Runner’s gas mileage in the future.
If you’re in the market for a 4Runner and gas mileage is a concern, you may want to consider other SUVs that offer better fuel economy. However, if you prioritize off-road capabilities and a rugged, reliable vehicle, the 4Runner may still be the right choice for you.
It’s important to keep in mind that your actual gas mileage may vary depending on driving conditions, maintenance, and other factors. Regular maintenance, such as keeping tires properly inflated and getting regular oil changes, can help improve your vehicle’s gas mileage. Additionally, driving habits such as accelerating slowly and avoiding excessive idling can also help save fuel.
