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If you own a 2021 Toyota Tacoma 4×4 or plan to buy one, fuel economy matters. You want to know how far you can go on a tank of gas. You also want to know if the EPA numbers match real-world driving.
The short answer: A 2021 Tacoma 4×4 with the V6 engine gets about 18 city and 22 highway MPG Westbrook Toyota with the automatic transmission. The EPA rates it at 20 MPG combined. But real owners report getting a combined average of about 18 MPG Fuelly in mixed driving.
In this guide, I’ll break down everything about 2021 Tacoma 4×4 gas mileage. You’ll learn the official EPA ratings, what real owners actually get, and how to squeeze more miles out of every gallon.
Official EPA Fuel Economy Ratings
The EPA tests every new vehicle for fuel economy. These numbers give you a baseline. They help you compare trucks before you buy.
For the 2021 Toyota Tacoma 4×4 with the 3.5L V6 engine and automatic transmission:
- City: 18 MPG
- Highway: 22 MPG
- Combined: 20 MPG
If you choose the 6-speed manual transmission, the numbers drop to 17 city and 21 highway MPG Westbrook Toyota.
The manual uses more fuel because shifting patterns vary by driver. The automatic is tuned to maximize efficiency.
2021 Tacoma 4×4 Engine Options and MPG
The 2021 Tacoma comes with two engine choices. Your engine affects power and fuel economy.
3.5L V6 Engine
Most 4×4 Tacoma buyers choose the V6. It makes 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. This engine handles towing and highway passing with ease.
The V6 comes paired with either a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. The automatic is more common and gets slightly better MPG.
2.7L 4-Cylinder Engine
The base engine is a 2.7L four-cylinder. It makes 159 horsepower. This engine is available on some 4×4 models like the SR and SR5 trims.
With the 4-cylinder and 4×4, the EPA rates it at:
- City: 19 MPG
- Highway: 22 MPG
- Combined: 20 MPG
The 4-cylinder gets slightly better city MPG. But it struggles on hills and when towing. Most truck buyers prefer the V6 for its power, even if fuel economy is similar.
Real-World MPG: What Owners Actually Get
EPA numbers are tested in a lab. Real driving is different. Traffic, weather, and driving style all affect your actual MPG.
Based on data from 367 vehicles and over 32,000 fuel-ups, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma gets a combined average of about 18 MPG. Fuelly
Consumer Reports tested a four-wheel-drive V6 Tacoma and got 19 MPG overall. Consumer Reports Car and Driver found the Tacoma matched its EPA highway estimate of 23 MPG in their real-world fuel economy test. Car and Driver
Here’s what real owners report in different conditions:
- City driving only: 15-17 MPG
- Mixed city and highway: 17-19 MPG
- Highway cruising at 65-70 MPH: 20-22 MPG
- Highway at 75-80 MPH: 18-20 MPG
Speed matters. Driving faster than 70 MPH drops your fuel economy. Wind resistance increases with speed.
Factors That Affect Your Tacoma’s MPG
Your mileage will vary based on how and where you drive. Here are the biggest factors.
Driving Style
Aggressive driving kills fuel economy. Quick acceleration from stops burns extra gas. Hard braking wastes the energy you already used. Smooth, steady driving saves fuel. When accelerating from a stop, do so slowly. Flooring it is very demanding of the engine and consumes a lot of fuel. TACOMABEAST
Terrain
Hills and mountains use more fuel. Your engine works harder climbing grades. Off-road driving in 4WD mode also increases fuel consumption.
Tire Pressure and Type
Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, making your truck work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and keep it at the manufacturer-recommended level. Rick Hendrick Toyota
Aggressive off-road tires also hurt MPG. All-terrain tires can drop your mileage by 1-2 MPG compared to highway tires.
Cargo and Towing
Extra weight burns more fuel. A truck loaded with tools or gear uses more gas than an empty one. Towing a trailer can cut your MPG significantly.
Weather and Temperature
Cold weather reduces fuel economy. The engine takes longer to warm up. Winter fuel blends also contain less energy. Hot weather with AC running also drops MPG.
Lift Kits and Modifications
Many Tacoma owners lift their trucks. One owner reported their 2021 Tacoma was getting 20-22 MPG before modifications, but after installing a 2-inch lift with larger tires, they now get only 15-16 MPG at highway speeds. Torque News
The bigger tires are heavier and create more drag. The transmission may also shift differently, causing it to hunt for gears.
Fuel Tank Size and Driving Range
The 2021 Tacoma has a 21.1-gallon fuel tank. Car and Driver This is the same for all trims and cab configurations.
At the EPA-rated 20 MPG combined, a full tank gives you about 420 miles of range. In real-world driving at 18 MPG, expect around 380 miles per tank.
Many owners report getting 320-400 miles per fill-up depending on driving conditions. Some report reaching 400-450 miles on highway trips Tacoma Forum at moderate speeds.
The truck’s computer calculates “miles to empty” based on your recent driving. This number changes as it learns your habits. Don’t rely on it when the tank gets low.
How to Improve Your Tacoma’s Gas Mileage
You can boost your MPG with some simple habits and maintenance. These tips work for any vehicle but are especially helpful for trucks.
Drive Smoothly
Accelerate slowly from stops. Try to coast to stops rather than relying solely on braking. Coasting takes the stress off the engine and consumes little to no fuel. TACOMABEAST
Use Cruise Control
On highways, using cruise control helps maintain a constant speed and reduces fuel consumption by avoiding unnecessary speed fluctuations. Rick Hendrick Toyota
Keep Up with Maintenance
- Change oil at recommended intervals
- Replace air filters when dirty
- Check spark plugs at 60,000 miles
- Clean the mass airflow sensor
- Keep tires properly inflated
Reduce Weight and Drag
Remove unnecessary cargo from the bed. A tonneau cover over your truck bed reduces aerodynamic drag, which can improve your gas mileage, especially during highway driving. Rick Hendrick Toyota
Watch Your Speed
Fuel economy drops fast above 65 MPH. Every 5 MPH over 60 costs you about 7% more fuel. On road trips, slowing down from 80 to 70 MPH can add 30+ miles to your tank range.
Common Mistakes That Hurt MPG
Many Tacoma owners unknowingly hurt their fuel economy. Avoid these common errors.
- Using premium gas when regular works fine. The 2021 Tacoma is designed for 87 octane regular unleaded. Premium will not improve MPG or performance.
- Idling to warm up the engine. Modern trucks warm up faster when driven gently. Idling wastes gas, especially with large truck engines. Turn off your engine if you’re going to be stationary for more than a minute. Rick Hendrick Toyota
- Ignoring tire pressure. Low tires are the silent MPG killer. Check them monthly.
- Leaving 4WD engaged on dry pavement. Only use 4WD when needed. It creates extra drivetrain friction.
- Installing oversized tires without regearing. Larger tires change your effective gear ratio. The transmission works harder, and MPG drops. Some owners recommend changing the gear ratio if you’ve modified your truck. Torque News
- Expecting Prius numbers from a truck. The Tacoma is a capable off-road truck. It weighs over 4,000 pounds. Expect truck-like fuel economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the gas mileage of a 2021 Toyota Tacoma 4×4?
The EPA rates the 2021 Tacoma 4×4 V6 automatic at 18 city, 22 highway, and 20 combined MPG. Real owners typically see 17-19 MPG in mixed driving.
Does the V6 or 4-cylinder get better gas mileage?
They are very similar. The 4-cylinder gets about 1 MPG better in the city. But it has less power. Most buyers choose the V6 for better towing and passing ability.
How far can a 2021 Tacoma go on a full tank?
With the 21.1-gallon tank, expect 340-380 miles in mixed driving. Highway-only trips at moderate speed can reach 400-450 miles.
Will a lift kit affect my Tacoma’s MPG?
Yes. A 2-inch lift with larger tires typically drops MPG by 3-5 MPG. Some owners report going from 20 MPG down to 15 MPG after lifting.
Does the 2021 Tacoma require premium gas?
No. The 2021 Tacoma runs on regular 87 octane unleaded gasoline. Using premium will not improve performance or MPG.
Why is my Tacoma getting worse MPG than the EPA rating?
Common reasons include city driving, aggressive acceleration, low tire pressure, dirty air filters, cold weather, and aftermarket modifications like lifts or larger tires.
Does automatic or manual transmissions get better MPG?
The automatic gets 2 MPG better according to EPA ratings. The automatic is programmed to shift at optimal points for fuel economy.
How does the 2021 Tacoma compare to other midsize trucks for MPG?
The 2021 Tacoma’s fuel economy is average for its class. In testing, the Tacoma was 5 MPG less than the Honda Ridgeline and the diesel GMC Canyon on the highway. Car and Driver The Tacoma trades some efficiency for off-road capability and reliability.
Conclusion
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma 4×4 gets 18 city, 22 highway, and 20 combined MPG according to EPA testing. Real-world driving typically returns 17-19 MPG in mixed conditions.
This is average fuel economy for a midsize truck with four-wheel drive. The Tacoma is tough as nails and delivers impressive off-road prowess Consumer Reports, but trades some efficiency for that capability.
To get the best MPG from your Tacoma:
- Drive smoothly and avoid aggressive acceleration
- Keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure
- Stay on top of maintenance
- Use cruise control on highway trips
- Think carefully before lifting your truck or adding oversized tires
The Tacoma is not a fuel sipper. But with proper care and driving habits, you can maximize every gallon and enjoy years of reliable service from your truck.