Only getting 16 mpg

[captainkidd]

Just picked up my new 4Runner last week. EPA estimates are 17/21. I haven't had it 4WD once, yet I'm only averaging 15.6 MPG. I'm down to 1/4 tank, I've driven 250 miles, and I have an estimate of 100 miles to empty.

Granted, I do mostly city driving, but still, that's pretty bad. As a new owner, not sure if there is anything I can or should do. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[good_ol_boy]

what year, what engine size, auto or 5spd?

 

[captainkidd]

what year, what engine size, auto or 5spd?

2014, Automatic.

Not sure of engine size without getting the manual. It's the SR5 version.

 

[NoDak]

and another one

 

[captainkidd]

and another one

????

 

[good_ol_boy]

Ok, well.. yours has the 4.0 liter engine. that has roughly, 270hp. I've heard the same thing about the gas mileage sucking, especially with stop and go traffic as you say. I have a 94 3.0 liter v6 sr5 and i roughly get 18mpg city. Mine is an auto as well, lighter than yours and has a smaller engine. Honestly, I wouldn't fret.. the estimated mpg is exactly what it says, "estimated". The EPA has actually devalued the 2014 Toyota 4Runner somewhat, though. Fuel economy is down to 17 miles per gallon city, 22 miles per gallon highway, a loss of 1 mpg on the highway cycle. Bear in mind that those scores hold true for the rear-wheel-drive edition; with 4×4, it has actually been ranked at 17/21 mpg, another -1 mpg downer. That being said, 16mpg sounds about right.

Hope this helps!

 

[captainkidd]

Ok, well.. yours has the 4.0 liter engine. that has roughly, 270hp. I've heard the same thing about the gas mileage sucking, especially with stop and go traffic as you say. I have a 94 3.0 liter v6 sr5 and i roughly get 18mpg city. Mine is an auto as well, lighter than yours and has a smaller engine. Honestly, I wouldn't fret.. the estimated mpg is exactly what it says, "estimated". The EPA has actually devalued the 2014 Toyota 4Runner somewhat, though. Fuel economy is down to 17 miles per gallon city, 22 miles per gallon highway, a loss of 1 mpg on the highway cycle. Bear in mind that those scores hold true for the rear-wheel-drive edition; with 4×4, it has actually been ranked at 17/21 mpg, another -1 mpg downer. That being said, 16mpg sounds about right.

Hope this helps!

It does!

Thanks for your input. I just went from being an FJ Cruiser owner of 5 years to a 4Runner. So, I'm used to crappy mileage. Mentally, it's easier to take with the FJ as it only has a 19 gallon tank and always seemed to only take about 16 gallons, even when it was all the way to the "E".

 

[Y2KSR5]

I can't get below 16,5 even if I try. Mine has been in 4wd a lot this winter. Get 16.5-17.5 in the winter. Summer I got 19-21. If you are doing all city driving I could see getting your mileage in the winter.

 

[good_ol_boy]

It does!

Thanks for your input. I just went from being an FJ Cruiser owner of 5 years to a 4Runner. So, I'm used to crappy mileage. Mentally, it's easier to take with the FJ as it only has a 19 gallon tank and always seemed to only take about 16 gallons, even when it was all the way to the "E".

Right on, i totally understand. my buddy was in the same predicament… except, he had the opposite going on. he went from owning an FJ to a 4cyl, 4x4 tacoma hahaha. he was PLEASANTLY pleased with the mpg change, lol.

Unfortunately there isn't a lot you can do. Some say "COLD AIR INTAKE", i've done it and really don't see a difference. maybe you would?

Also, you could use Street Radial tires, Remove your roof rack, No exterior accessories, No un-useful supplies, Take the spare out, Remove running boards. That'll help.. but, then whats the point of even owning a SUV?

One more thing.. you could get an ultra gauge to monitor your mpg in real time! they have several things like it, if you don't wanna spend big bucks. check ebay or amazon.. don't fall for those "gas saving" clip-on mod's on there either, those are BS and run your mpg down tons!

ANYWHO,

Take it easy, man!

-TJ

 

[captainkidd]

I can't get below 16,5 even if I try. Mine has been in 4wd a lot this winter. Get 16.5-17.5 in the winter. Summer I got 19-21. If you are doing all city driving I could see getting your mileage in the winter.

Didn't the EPA drop some from the 13 to the 14?

I've got the roof rails, but nothing like the roof rack I had on my FJ's. No running boards. Only exterior accessory I bought was mud guards.

I do mostly city, but I've actually, come to think of it, done about 40 miles on the highway.

 

[good_ol_boy]

well, i'ill put my last 2 cents in & leave it at this...

AT LEAST, you aren't getting 6mpg like one guy on here who just bought a 4runner.

 

[eddiebx]

Just picked up my new 4Runner last week. EPA estimates are 17/21. I haven't had it 4WD once, yet I'm only averaging 15.6 MPG. I'm down to 1/4 tank, I've driven 250 miles, and I have an estimate of 100 miles to empty.

Granted, I do mostly city driving, but still, that's pretty bad. As a new owner, not sure if there is anything I can or should do. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

I wish I could get 15.6 MPG in the city, lol. Not trying to rain on your parade but REAL city driving with lots of stop and go is horrible on the gas mileage, I avg between 13-14 MPG with mostly city. If I am on my best behavior, I can barely hit 18 MPG travelling at a constant 65-70 MPH :tape:

 

[RainCityShecks]

Sounds right to me. I've gotten 16-18 city/hwy out of the shoot and now 12K later.

 

[ant-ny]

Agreed. I get about 18 mpg combined city/highway in my 2011 SR5 in the winter. In the summer, I goes up to 20-22. I have also been accused of driving like an old lady, so 16 city sounds about right to me. Plus, your truck is brand new. Let it break in a little and it may improve some.

 

[VoodooTitan]

You could try a fuel additive. I usually use Lucas Oil fuel additive on every other or every 3rd fill up. I haven't had any issues with it like gunking in the fuel lines or anything. I average 17.8mpg and I have a 2014 Trail Edition.

I also used the addivite when I had my Lancer Evolution X. The average range for my vehicle with high octane was 180 miles to the tank. With the additive on every other fill up, after about a month of use, the range was 270 per tank city and 320 highway. Granted it was a 5 speed, and I drove extremely conservatively. So, it may benefit you. In all honestly, it's like $8 for a large bottle and it's probably all relative. At the end of the month you may end up spending the same amount of money with the additive or just straight fuel. It could also give you piece of mind though that you're taking care of the fuel system, given the product actually works as reported and it doesn't cause any gunking or building and does in fact break up any potential carbon buildup on the rods. The only way to really know is to pull the head off after about 50,000 miles with monthly use.

 

[SV_Dude]

Finish off that tank of gas and calculate your mileage manually. Never trust the computer to be accurate on distance left and the current mileage. Also, some of these newer vehicles use computers to adjust the shift pattern of the auto tranny's based on how you drive. It may take a couple weeks for the vehicle to get optimum mileage.