Hey everyone!

I am getting to the point where I am ready to fully build a rig. I have a 97 SR5 4x4 at the moment, and get pretty good MPG, but it is not built with steel bumpers, roof rack, drawers etc.. All of this extra weight is definitely going to harm MPG, which I agree I probably shouldn't care about since I will be building an overland rig; however, this is still going to be a daily driver. I'm considering upgrading to a 4th gen for many reasons, but still love the 3rd gen!

Here is my question:

Between the 3rd gen V6, 4th gen V6 or 4th gen V8, which has the POTENTIAL for better MPG after being fully built? Please consider none of these options will be 2WD.

Thank you everyone in advanced for your response, and let's not turn this thread into a troll fest. I thought this could invite some fun discussion!

Throw the V8 right off the list - they are full-time 4WD.

I'd have to ask my dad to be sure (drives an '07 V6 4WD), but the mileage is pretty similar between the 3rd and 4th gen V6's. 4th gen engine makes more power and is more efficient, but has more to push around (size and weight).

-Charlie

They are all about the same, except for the V8. The 4th gens & 5th gens get slightly better MPG's but nothing impressive considering the V6's that Ford and other manufacturers are putting out nowadays.

3rd Gen's get poor mileage but that's not why we buy 'em anyway.

I hope you didn't pick a 4runner because you heard they got good gas millage.

My vote is for 4th gen V8's. Fully built they get the same or better mpg as the v6's. My V8 4th gen (35" tires) gets better mpg than my brother's similar FJ Cruiser (34" tires), and has a larger tank.

They will all suck fully built mpg-wise but the 4th gen V8 at least has the larger tank and has more power.

Which is what?

13 ish adjusted for the odo being off from the tires on 10min drives to and from work stop and go traffic.

I followed my brother to Moab and whenever we filled up I used less. It was great. I could get 15 or 16 on the interstate if I tried.

Edit: I just got 16 mpg going 80 on the interstate the entire trip.

I'm talking to like five girls on tinder rn and trying to figure out which one will be hottest when she's a granny.









Dude I'm happy when I get 15 mpg and mine is stock.

First of all, why do you care? Are you daily driving a "fully built" rig, or just trying to penny pinch when on long trips?
Second- from the MPG feedback so far, I'd say your best bet is a manual rig. You could have either in manual, but a 4th gen is gonna be much more involved, as they weren't made in manual.
You can manual swap the 4.7 V8, but I'm not sure if you could keep the full-time 4wd at that point.
I get over 18MPG consistently in my manual swapped '01 on 315/70R17 KO2's on 17x9 Level 8 MK6 wheels. Also swapped the always-spinning CV setup for Tacoma manual hubs. Supposedly that's good for a little MOG gain. I just don't want the CV's spinning 24/7.
If it's not your daily- 100% of me says go 4th gen V8.
If it's your daily- "settle" for a manual 3rd gen.

My 3rd gen is basically fully built. I would be broke if I daily drove it to work. I drove it for a weeks because my work corolla was down. I had to fill up EVERYDAY. Where as the corolla was every other day. Plus the cost is different. Even though two aren’t comparable. The 3rd gen is thirsty for gas.

4th gens get better gas mileage because dropping the kids off at soccer practice doesn't burn that much.

3rd Gen, Best Gen.

+ the chic's dig em.

I couldn't comment on the fully built part. That being said I own a 99 5 speed on 265/75s and get around 17-18 MPG on average. Never much better and only worse when off-road or pulling a trailer.

My wife now has a 5th gen but did have an 07 4.0 V6 that was stock. We averaged 21 MPG over the time we had it. Most of her trips were to work on highways. Some stop and go depending on traffic.

Overall the 4th gen had significantly more power, was smoother and got better MPG.

I decided to keep my 3rd gen when she moved up to a 5th gen because of three reasons. My 3rd is super clean for its year, it's better offroad in stock or somewhat stock condition and I love the manual.

If it were between a third gen auto and a 4g gen auto. Hands down a 4th gen

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I never did understand fixation with mpg. Whatever one you like more put the gas in it that it needs. Get a second cheap car with good mpg if that is what you feel you need. Most of us in 10 years are going to be driving electric cars anyways so I would keep what you will not be able to get in the future

I have a shit box Saturn for my work commute. Can't beat 42-44mpg


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