If you own a Toyota Tacoma and you’ve ever looked at your MPG screen and thought:

“How in the fuck are people getting 24–28 mpg?”

You’re not alone.

A Tacoma is basically a brick with an engine, and yet Reddit is full of posts showing “25+ MPG” like it’s normal. So what’s real… and what’s just downhill flexing?

This blog breaks down real Tacoma MPG numbers, what actually affects fuel economy, and how you can squeeze better mileage without turning your truck into a boring Prius.

The Real Tacoma MPG Range (Based on Owners)

Here’s what most Tacoma owners in the thread reported:

Typical MPG Results (Real-World)

Conclusion: If you’re getting 14–17 MPG, you’re not broken.
You’re driving a Tacoma like a Tacoma.

Why Tacoma MPG Sucks (Even When You Drive Like a Grandpa)

Tacoma owners gave the same answer again and again:

1) The Go Pedal is the Biggest MPG Killer

Most people with “bad MPG” weren’t doing anything crazy… but the Tacoma punishes acceleration.

Reddit’s #1 advice:

• Accelerate slowly
• Keep RPM under 2,000–2,500
• Cruise around 1,500 RPM
• Avoid punching it from stops

One guy said it best:

“Try to accelerate SLOWLY.”

And another replied:

“That’s not difficult! The taco will fall flat on its face if you let it.”

Meaning: the truck naturally drives like a slow tank… and that’s how it saves fuel.

2) Tires = MPG Death (Especially Bigger / Aggressive)

This is probably the biggest reason people lose MPG.

What Tacoma Owners Confirmed:

• Stock-size tires = best MPG
• Bigger tires = worse MPG
• Aggressive off-road tires = worse MPG
• Heavy E-rated / 10-ply tires = worse MPG

Tire Setup vs MPG Impact (From the Thread)

One guy nailed it:

“I upgraded to some off-road tires… but I lost at least 2 miles a gallon.”

And the funniest truth:

“It’s smiles per gallon, not miles per gallon.”

3) Speed is the Silent MPG Killer (70+ = Goodbye Mileage)

Tacomas can get “good MPG”… but only at specific speeds.

Most owners said:

✅ 55–65 mph = great
❌ 70–80 mph = MPG collapses

One owner said:

“It’s fucking shocking how much better mpg I can get doing 60 vs 70.”

That 10 mph difference can change your MPG by 3–5 MPG easily.

Speed vs MPG Reality

4) Winter Gas + Cold Weather = Instant MPG Drop

This is a huge one people ignore.

In winter you get:

• winter fuel blend (less efficient)
• thicker fluids
• longer warm-up time
• more idling
• lower tire pressure

Owners reported drops like:

• 21 mpg summer → 16.5 winter
• 24 mpg warm → 14–16 mpg cold

One guy said it perfectly:

“Idling for long periods has a huge impact on MPG.”

And another reminded everyone:

“You’re driving a brick on wheels on winter gas mix.”

5) Short Trips = Worst MPG Possible

Tacomas hate short trips.

Even if you drive like a saint, short drives destroy mileage because:

• engine never reaches ideal temp
• transmission stays in inefficient behavior
• you’re stopping/starting constantly

One owner said:

“Super short trips are EXTREMELY inefficient in this truck.”

Example:

• 10–15 minutes highway = 20+ MPG
• 5 minute grocery run = 13–15 MPG

The “Fake MPG” Myth: Why People Post 28 MPG

Let’s be honest: a lot of Tacoma “MPG flexing” is misleading.

Here’s how people accidentally (or purposely) get insane MPG screenshots:

The MPG Flex Recipe:

• reset trip meter
• drive downhill
• cruise at 50–60 mph
• no traffic lights
• no stops
• no wind
• warm engine

Reddit even joked:

“Reset and take photo as you’re coasting down a hill bro.”

So yes, 27–28 MPG is possible… but it’s not a daily reality for most people.

Best Tacoma MPG Tips (That Actually Work)

If you want better MPG without ruining the truck, do these:

1) Drive Like You’re Carrying Soup

• Smooth acceleration
• Gentle braking
• Coast to lights
• Keep distance so you don’t stop constantly

Best quote from the thread:

“If you see it’s a red light 300ft down the road… why would you even be accelerating?”

2) Stay Under 65 MPH (Seriously)

If you want the biggest MPG improvement with zero cost:

✅ drive 60–65 instead of 75–80

It barely changes your arrival time but saves fuel big time.

3) Don’t Idle Like a Luxury SUV Owner

Remote start + warmup time destroys MPG.

If you idle for 5–10 minutes every morning, your MPG will look like trash no matter what.

4) Check Tire Pressure (Cold Air Drops PSI)

Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance.

Multiple owners said:

• PSI dropping in winter lowered MPG
• adding a couple PSI improved MPG slightly

Even a small bump like 30 → 32 PSI showed improvement for some people.

5) Reduce Weight + Drag (Tacoma Mods Aren’t Free)

Common MPG killers:

• bed rack
• steel bumpers
• winch
• skids
• sliders
• roof gear
• heavy coolers
• sand bags in bed

You can still run these (because they’re awesome), just understand:

Every mod you add is paid for at the pump.

Does a Tonneau Cover Actually Help MPG?

Many owners believe it helps 1–2 MPG.

But the truth is:

A tonneau cover helps the most when:

• you do highway driving
• you drive 60–70 mph regularly
• your bed is open and messy (air turbulence)

It helps the least when:

• you drive city / stop-and-go
• you accelerate hard
• you run heavy tires/lift

So yes… it can help.
But it won’t fix a lifted Tacoma on 33” mud terrains driven like a race truck.

The Honest Truth: The Tacoma MPG “Formula”

If you want the best chance at 20+ MPG, here’s the real recipe:

The 20+ MPG Checklist

✅ stock or stock-size tires
✅ no heavy bumpers/winch
✅ minimal bed weight
✅ highway driving
✅ steady speed 55–65
✅ smooth throttle
✅ little braking
✅ warm weather
✅ longer trips (15+ minutes)

If you fail 3–4 of those, your MPG will drop into the 15–18 zone fast.

Tacoma MPG Reality Check (Final Verdict)

If you’re getting:

14–17 MPG

Normal for:

• city driving
• winter
• short trips
• heavy tires
• mods

18–21 MPG

Normal for:

• mixed driving
• light throttle
• stock-ish setup

22–27 MPG

Possible but usually:

• highway only
• slow speeds
• flat roads
• warm weather
• no stops

10–13 MPG

Normal for:

• towing
• off-road
• sand
• big tires + heavy build

Best Quote of the Whole Thread

“If you want good MPG, don’t buy a truck.”

That’s the Tacoma lifestyle.

You didn’t buy it for efficiency.
You bought it because it’s reliable, tough, looks badass, and will probably outlive you.