Better MPG for a 03 V8 4runner

[mannydantyla]

My 4runner I bought three days ago is so far getting 13.5 mpg in the city (slow traffic, lots of stop lights, many short drives, overall the worst driving condition for fuel economy). I have yet to put enough miles on it to add anything to the fuel tank, but when I do I can do the math manually.

I have the v8 4x4 (stock tires, 1" spacer lift in front) so I knew it would be bad but I was hoping it would be better than the Jeep it's replacing! It's almost as bad as my old '83 Chevy K20 and that beast had a 5.7L engine! I got 17mpg on the highway in that thing, with a manually tranny and no overdrive.

Before buying, I think I remember reading somewhere that Toyota recommends 91 octane for these engines. Is that true? And I doubt that the dealership would have put 91 octane in it, so maybe that is not helping my MPGs. Right?

 

[94toy22re]

I've done oil filled and fracking work and getting in and out of some of those some sites a real 4x4 is going to be needed, so buying a used 4runner is perfect for those situations!

 

[cloud]

My 4runner I bought three days ago is so far getting 13.5 mpg in the city (slow traffic, lots of stop lights, many short drives, overall the worst driving condition for fuel economy). I have yet to put enough miles on it to add anything to the fuel tank, but when I do I can do the math manually.

I have the v8 4x4 (stock tires, 1" spacer lift in front) so I knew it would be bad but I was hoping it would be better than the Jeep it's replacing! It's almost as bad as my old '83 Chevy K20 and that beast had a 5.7L engine! I got 17mpg on the highway in that thing, with a manually tranny and no overdrive.

Before buying, I think I remember reading somewhere that Toyota recommends 91 octane for these engines. Is that true? And I doubt that the dealership would have put 91 octane in it, so maybe that is not helping my MPGs. Right?

Check your gas cap, mine was crap and leaking vapors. I get about 2mpg better with the new cap. I have a full 3" lift and 200lbs of armor and I get 18mpg when I drive 50-55mph driving 80 drops me down to 13. I run 31.5" tires, pretty close to stock. I've replaced most of my engine peripherals so maybe you are getting some friction from ancient bearings.

Sent from my XT1710-02 using Tapatalk

 

[iowabadger]

I too purchased a 03 v8 w/250K miles a few months ago and really surprised by the mpg. Will take some manual calculations in the coming weeks to see what the official numbers are. Since this thread is 3 years old has anybody improved their mpg substantially?
This is our family's 3rd 4runner.
thanks

 

[Montego Murph]

I will admit that I'm not pleased about the MPG either. I realize it's a big V8 powering a heavy and unaerodynamic truck, however I was hoping for better than 14-15 City on a completely stock and gently driven truck. In the winter, that drops down to 12.

I have tried all the magic bullets... removing that odd airbox filter, new O2 sensors, synthetic lube everywhere... nothing helps.

And there's always someone who says "if you care so much about MPG, buy a Prius." I don't think there's anything wrong with wanting your vehicle to operate as efficiently as possible.