What is the best mileage for a Toyota Hilux?
In practical terms, the best mileage you can expect from a current Toyota Hilux is roughly 29–34 miles per gallon (US) or about 7.0–8.0 liters per 100 kilometers, with diesel 2WD highway cruising delivering the top figures. Petrol variants generally fall short of that band. There is no widely available Hilux hybrid as of 2025, so diesel engines remain the most economical option for most buyers. This article explains how mileage varies by variant and how to maximize efficiency.
Engine and drivetrain influence on fuel economy
Here is a quick snapshot of typical economy by configuration, acknowledging regional differences in engines and testing cycles.
- 2.4-liter turbo-diesel (GD-6), 2WD: commonly around 7.0–7.8 L/100 km (about 29–34 mpg US; ~40 UK mpg in favorable conditions).
- 2.8-liter turbo-diesel, 2WD: typically in the same ballpark on highway, often around 7.0–8.0 L/100 km (roughly 29–34 mpg US; ~36–40 UK mpg).
- 2.7-liter petrol, 4x2: generally higher consumption, about 9–10 L/100 km (roughly 24–26 mpg US; ~28–32 UK mpg).
- 4x4 variants (diesel or petrol): usually higher consumption due to extra drivetrain drag, often in the 8–9 L/100 km range (about 26–29 mpg US; ~30–34 UK mpg).
Note: Official figures are market-specific and based on test cycles such as WLTP or EPA; real-world driving often yields different results depending on load, terrain, and driving style.
Real-world performance and testing
Vehicle reviews and owner experiences show a wide spread between official ratings and real-world miles per gallon. Highway cruising with a light load and careful throttle can push Hilux mpg toward the upper end of the ranges above, while city driving with frequent starts and stops, heavy payloads, or rough terrain can push consumption higher. The absence of a hybrid option means buyers prioritizing mileage typically lean toward the higher-efficiency diesel variants and two-wheel-drive configurations.
Market availability, tuning, and equipment (like tires and gear ratios) also play a role, so it's important to check the exact figures for your country and for the specific pickup you are considering.
Ways to maximize Hilux fuel economy
The following tips summarize practical steps that can help you squeeze the best possible mileage from a Hilux, regardless of configuration.
- Choose a 2WD model and keep payload within recommended limits to minimize drivetrain drag.
- Maintain steady speeds on highways and use cruise control where appropriate to reduce throttle fluctuations.
- Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressures and use the lightest acceptable weight tires to reduce rolling resistance.
- Ensure timely maintenance: air filters, fuel injectors, and engine oil at recommended intervals can improve efficiency.
- Plan routes to avoid steep grades and heavy traffic when possible; consider load distribution to minimize energy losses.
Implementing these practices typically yields incremental gains but can add up over longer trips and daily use.
Summary
The Toyota Hilux offers its best real-world mileage in diesel, two-wheel-drive configurations, with typical highway figures around 7.0–8.0 L/100 km (roughly 29–34 mpg US; ~40 UK mpg). Petrol variants are less economical, and a dedicated hybrid Hilux is not widely available as of 2025. Real-world mileage depends on engine, drivetrain, load, driving style, and market-specific test cycles. By selecting a light, well-maintained 2WD diesel and following fuel-saving practices, drivers can maximize efficiency within the Hilux’s versatile, rugged design.
Can a Toyota last 500,000 miles?
In fact, Toyota is recognized as one of the most reliable automotive brands. How many miles will a Toyota last? The average lifespan for a Toyota vehicle is 200,000-250,000 miles. With proper care and maintenance, some Toyota models can last as long as 500,000 miles.
Which Toyota Hilux is the most fuel efficient?
Which Toyota Hilux model is the most fuel-efficient? The Toyota Hilux 2.4GD-6 Double Cab SR is notably fuel-efficient, consuming just 7.1 liters per 100km.
How many miles is a Hilux good for?
The estimated lifespan of a Toyota Hilux is 155,000 miles, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit.
What is the real mpg of the Hilux?
With official fuel economy figures of around 28mpg, the Hilux is on a par with rivals. Better news is that the 2.8-litre Invincible X averaged 35.0mpg in our scientific True MPG test.
