What is the gas mileage on a 1982 Toyota pickup?
In short, the gas mileage of a 1982 Toyota Pickup generally falls in the low- to mid-20s mpg range, with two‑wheel-drive versions typically higher than four‑wheel‑drive variants. The exact figure depends on engine, transmission, gearing, and overall condition.
In more detail, the 1982 model year offered several configurations of engines and drivetrains. Most early pickups used carbureted inline-four engines in roughly the 2.0 to 2.4-liter range, paired with either a manual or an automatic transmission. Two-wheel-drive (2WD) trucks usually deliver higher fuel economy than four-wheel-drive (4WD) models, especially on highway driving. Real-world mileage varies widely based on maintenance, tire setup, load, and driving style. The following guide provides typical ranges reported by enthusiasts and reflects era-era data where available.
Engine and drivetrain options in 1982
Two-wheel-drive versus four-wheel-drive configurations have the biggest impact on economy. Here’s how those common setups typically translate to mpg.
Two-wheel drive vs four-wheel drive
Below is a quick guide to typical MPG ranges by drivetrain configuration for the 1982 model year. These are approximate ranges based on common engine sizes and transmissions of the era and real-world driving reported by owners.
- 2WD with 2.0–2.4 L inline-four engines (usually carbureted) and a standard manual or optional automatic transmission: approximately 18–28 mpg combined; highway mileage often in the mid- to high-20s depending on gearing and tires.
- 4WD with similar engines: generally about 15–24 mpg combined; highway mileage tends to be lower, typically in the low-to-mid 20s due to added drivetrain drag and weight.
- Notes: Some trucks used varying axle gear ratios and configurations; automatic transmissions typically yield slightly lower mpg than manuals in this era.
These figures are rough guidelines rather than official, EPA-certified numbers. The EPA did publish ratings for some 1980s pickups, but the results varied by engine and drivetrain, and real-world conditions often differ significantly from the published figures.
How to compare and interpret historical MPG
Because there wasn’t a single standard for all 1982 Toyota Pickups, the best way to gauge mpg is to identify the exact engine and drivetrain configuration and compare against period data or owner logs. If you’re evaluating a restoration or a used truck, the current engine (carbureted vs. any fuel-injection upgrade) and maintenance history will influence economy more than model-year labels alone.
For historical reference, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains a database of older vehicles. Check fueleconomy.gov for archival estimates and notes on vintage Toyota pickups to put any claimed numbers into context. Actual mileage in daily driving will almost always differ from test-cycle numbers and depend on upkeep and driving conditions.
Tips to maximize fuel economy today
Owners of classic pickups can pursue modest gains in efficiency without modern electronics by focusing on fundamentals that still matter in older designs.
- Keep the engine properly tuned: fresh spark plugs, correct timing, clean carburetor or properly functioning fuel system.
- Maintain correct air-fuel mixtures and avoid heavy modifications that increase weight or drag.
- Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure and use tires with low rolling resistance when possible.
- Plan efficient trips and minimize idling; remove unnecessary load to reduce ballast.
These practices can yield small but meaningful improvements in real-world fuel economy for a vintage Toyota Pickup.
Summary
In sum, the 1982 Toyota Pickup’s mileage depends heavily on engine choice, drivetrain (2WD vs 4WD), and condition. Real-world ranges typically sit in the high teens to upper 20s mpg, with 2WD configurations generally delivering better numbers than 4WD. For precise data, identify your exact configuration and consult period EPA data or owner-reported logs, and use fueleconomy.gov as a historical reference point.
