What is the fuel economy of a 3.5 l V6 Tacoma?
The fuel economy of Toyota’s Tacoma when equipped with the 3.5-liter V6 varies by year, cab configuration, drivetrain, and transmission. In recent model years, EPA estimates typically place 2WD versions around 20 mpg in the city, 23–24 mpg on the highway, and about 21–22 mpg combined; 4WD versions generally trail slightly, around 18–19 mpg city, 22–23 mpg highway, and 19–20 mpg combined.
To understand how these numbers apply to a specific truck, it helps to know which drivetrain and model year you’re considering. The 3.5L V6 (often paired with a 6-speed automatic in modern Tacomas) is the same family of engines Toyota uses across several pickup and SUV platforms, and minor year-to-year tweaks can influence the official ratings. This article breaks down the typical EPA figures by drivetrain, notes real-world factors that affect mileage, and offers tips to get the best possible efficiency.
Engine overview and drivetrain options
What powers the Tacoma’s 3.5L V6
The Tacoma uses a 3.5-liter V6 that is part of Toyota’s latest V6 lineup. In most recent generations, it delivers around 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque, with variable valve timing and direct injection on higher-trim variants. The engine is designed to balance strong on-road performance with reasonable fuel economy for a mid-size pickup.
Transmission choices and how they affect mpg
Most current Tacomas pair the 3.5L V6 with a 6-speed automatic transmission; some trims offer a manual option in earlier years, but automatic is the common configuration today. The transmission choice, along with 2WD vs. 4WD, is a primary driver of the EPA fuel-economy figures shoppers see for this truck.
EPA fuel economy by drivetrain
These ranges reflect EPA-estimated fuel economy for recent Tacomas equipped with the 3.5L V6 and a conventional automatic transmission. Specific numbers can vary by model year, cab configuration, bed length, and regional testing cycles.
- 2WD with automatic transmission: City about 19–20 mpg; highway about 23–24 mpg; combined about 21–22 mpg.
- 4WD with automatic transmission: City about 18–19 mpg; highway about 22–23 mpg; combined about 19–20 mpg.
In practice, many drivers of 2WD Tacomas report mileage near the upper end of the 21–22 mpg combined range under steady highway cruising, while 4WD models show more variation depending on terrain, towing, and payload.
Real-world factors that influence mileage
EPA estimates provide a baseline, but real-world mileage for a 3.5L V6 Tacoma can be affected by several factors, including payload, towing, terrain, driving style, wheel-and-tire setup, and maintenance history. Stop-and-go city driving typically lowers mpg relative to a steady highway cruise, and heavy loads or aggressive acceleration can further reduce efficiency.
Tips to maximize fuel economy
Simple changes can help you squeeze more miles out of every gallon in a 3.5L V6 Tacoma. Below are practical steps that work across model years and configurations.
- Maintain proper tire pressure and alignment to reduce rolling resistance and improve handling.
- Remove unnecessary weight and aerodynamic drag (roof racks, carriers, etc.) when not in use.
- Use cruise control on highways when appropriate to maintain steady speeds.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, including spark plugs, air filters, and oil changes.
- Avoid aggressive acceleration and high-speed driving; smooth throttle performance saves fuel.
With these practices, drivers can often approach the higher end of the typical EPA ranges for their configuration without sacrificing safety or performance.
Summary
The 3.5 L V6 Tacoma offers solid performance with fuel-economy figures that vary mainly by drivetrain. In current models, 2WD Tacomas commonly achieve around 21–22 mpg combined, while 4WD versions tend to hover around 19–20 mpg combined. Real-world mileage depends on how you drive, the load you carry, and the conditions you encounter. For the most accurate numbers, check the EPA ratings for your exact model year and configuration, and consider your typical usage to estimate what you’ll actually see at the pump.
For reference, consult official EPA fuel-economy data and Toyota’s spec sheets for the precise numbers on the exact build you’re considering. The figures above reflect typical ranges for recent 3.5L V6 Tacomas and are intended to guide expectations rather than guarantee mileage.
