Is Your New Tundra Getting The EPA Rated Gas Mileage?
Jason | Aug 08, 2007 | Comments 88
We recently received an email from a new Tundra owner who wasn’t getting the mileage stated on the sticker. Basically, this person said that “I drive mostly on the highway, but I’m not getting the 18 mpg listed on the sticker. Instead, I’m getting about 15.5 mpg.”
We haven’t heard back from this person yet, but we sent them an email with the following ideas. We figured it might be useful to someone else so we copied it here…
1) Calculate the mileage manually — sometimes the automatic system is inaccurate. We’ve found that minutes spent idling at the dealership (before you owned it) will throw the computer-calculated mileage off substantially, especially for the first few tanks of gas.
2) New engines need at least 1k miles to break-in properly, but it may take as much as 5k miles before you get the best mileage.
3) Have you added any aftermarket wheels or tires, or maybe a camper or other high profile item to your truck? Any of these things could be hurting your mileage. Surprisingly, even a set of tires can drop 1 or 2 mpg if they have aggressive tread.
4) The engine control module (ECM) adapts to the driver’s style to provide the best performance and fuel economy. If you have another driver in the family, their style could be drastically different. Even if this other driver isn’t “hot rodding” the truck, the drastic difference can trick the ECM to switch into “programming” mode every time you switch drivers. I can’t imagine this would result in such a big difference between EPA and actual, but it is possible.
5) How much of your driving is on the highway? Even if you drive 90% of the time on the highway, the other 10% of the time you drive in the city can lower your overall mileage as much as 1 mpg.
6) Finally, if none of the above seem plausible, your truck may be one of a few Tundras that simply doesn’t achieve the stated mileage. Just like some trucks do better than the sticker, some trucks do worse. Your dealer can try to fix this be re-flashing the ECM, or maybe updating the truck’s software. Either of these will fix the problem.
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I bought a new tundra in Alberta, Canada.
After several tanks I figured out that the computer derived calculation from liters/ 100 km to mpg is based on US gallons. Canadian(imperial gallons are larger) There are 3.79 L to 1 US gallon and 4.54 L to 1 Imperial gallon. Some what confusing and I would have thought tundras shipped to Canada would have their computer software configured to Imperial gallons. I will ask my dealer if it can be changed. I currently get 15 mpg (US)city and up to 22 mpg highway if I keep my speed at or below 60 mph. The truck has 3500 miles on it.
Fascinating comment — had no idea an “Imperial Gallon” even existed!
Obviously, neither did anyone at Toyota…great comment!
I bought my tundra in Feb of ‘07 and since then I’ve put 5k miles on and I’ve gotten up to 22.2 MPG on the highway and 18 in the city. I have 5.7 V8, Double Cab, limited.
Awesome — glad to hear the truck is doing so well for you.
I’ve had my 07 tundra 5.7 V8 for 10 days now. I picked it up with 5 miles on the od. It had a full tank of gas. At 272 miles the gas light came on. So what’s that mean, I get about 15-20 more miles? So then I’m getting about 11 miles per gallon! That is all city driving. I just had about 40 hwy miles and I’m still not impressed. I will be contacting the dealership Monday. Maybe they need to check the computer? I am not an aggressive driver. In fact, I am being particularly careful not to gun it, brake hard, etc. until I get at least 1k miles.
Any thoughts?
Thanks
dS
On a brand-new truck, the engine computer is in “learn” mode. That means it is probably running your fuel mixture a little rich until it determines exactly how to manage your fuel use.
Second, not only is your engine in learn mode, but your transmission is too. It may be shifting in a less than economic fashion until the engine computer tells it to do otherwise.
I hate to say it, but you’re dealership probably won’t be able to help you. Once you’ve got a few miles (500-1000) on it and the computer has programmed itself, your mileage should improve. If you’re still getting bad mileage after that, you definitely should bring it in.
Ive had my Tundra for 2 months now and have close to 20k miles on it… i drive alot for my job. After my first 1k miles I reset my gas economy od and have let it accumulate for the past 2 months over a hundred tanks of gas. Sadly my average mpg is 15.5 aswell. This is my only complaint against this otherwise awesome truck. Im currently looking for aftermarket products to increase my fuel economy that doesnt sacrafice the quiet engine.
I’m actually getting well above the rated MPG of 14/18.
I’m at 17.5/24.1 and been driving it normally (60-65mph hwy, some burst to 80-90 to pass etc).
Break it in as directed in the manual.
Take it easy on take offs from dead stops.
For the first 4-5000 miles the truck averaged 19+ on the highway and around 17 in town. When it hit about 5k the mileage fell off significantly. It’s now approaching 10k and manually or via onboard computer the mileage is averaging 15.7. Best highway I’ve seen has been 18.2 over 250 miles at 70-75 mph in rolling country. Dealer says everything is normal, and can’t explain the mileage drop after 5k miles. Personally I think it’s the transmission, it wants to downshift at the slightest increase in load, and doesn’t want to upshift quickly when the load drops. When this thing downshifts, usually to 4th, the mileage drops to below 8 mpg at 70. Dealer seems to think this is normal too. But I havn’t had an outfit hunt gears this much since a chrysler minivan several years ago. Otherwise I love the thing. Maybe the best overall truck I’ve ever owned.
Bob, your experience makes sense. The engine has “broken in” and the mileage has stabilized into a fairly normal range. Most full-size truck owners experience about the same mileage (regardless of what they may say).
However, if you want to try something(and if your dealer will co-operate), the dealership can “flash” the engine control module (ECM). This will put the truck back in “learn” mode. It might lower your mileage in the short term (the first 100-200 miles after the flash), but it might also re-calibrate the engine’s fuel management system and improve your mileage.
There are no problems with trying this, but it might not help either. Like I said, it might be worth a shot.
I looked at your comments on the 5.7 fuel mileage issue (normal do’s and don’ts) If the other Tundra owner is experiencing what I am I could understand his complaint. I recently sold 2003 4.7 Access Cab Tundra and got a 5.7 Double Cab Tundra. The power is just ok (Did a 0 – 60 run with 20 ft Haulmark car trailer with both trucks very little difference) but the fuel mileage is hard to live with. I regularly got 22 mpg in the So Cal freeway system at 80 mph and the best mileage was a 545 mi run to Phoenix on one 24 gal tank (22.7 mpg awesome) with the 03. I have just over 1k on the new Tundra and I drive it like a little girl and have never got better then 15 mpg and average 13.5. The 15-mpg tank was after I installed Borla Duel exhaust (same as the 4.7) and was all freeway miles, 60 mph w cruse, no air, and I folded the outside mirrors for the entire trip. This thing really drinks the fuel. I am not sure what I am going to do next. The worst mpg it got was 11 mpg all city driving (my 32 ft 454 Motorhome get 12 mpg no matter where I drive it). As you can see I am, to say the least, disappointed. I will take any suggestions
Specs
2007 Double Cab Limited
5.7 w/ 6 sp Auto 2 wheel drive
20 in Factory wheels and tires
Dan — first of all, your MPG numbers on your old truck are out of this world. I’ve never seen or heard of a truck that averaged 22mpg at 80mpg — it’s phenomenal. I doubt you’ll ever own a truck that gets that kind of mileage again.
As for the new Tundra, keep in mind that the engine may still be “breaking in” since it has less than 5k miles.
For a suggestion, I try talking to the local dealer and asking them if you can get a data recorder put on your truck. They can use the data to make sure all your truck’s sensors are working properly — for instance, a poorly calibrated or bad quality O2 sensor can single-handedly tube your gas mileage without triggering any codes.
Hope that helps, and good luck.
I just owned a 07 4×4 5.7 doublecab Tundra, It just have over 1200 miles. When I filled the tank it showed the driving range to be 373 miles meaning to say it will average 14.3 mpg. After driving to 1/2 of the tank, after driving 150 miles, it consumed 1/2 gas in the tank averaging about 11.3 mpg. Does anybody have similar experience?
I purchased my 2007 5.7 double cab Tundra in March 07. When the vehicle came in I was a little concerned with the 5.7 but the salesman assured me that the 5.7 has better resale value than the 4.7 and that the mileage difference between the two was minimal. After the first week with my free tank of gas with my purchase I noticed the poor gas mileage. After a couple of weeks, I went back to the dealer and explained to them that there is no way I am getting anywhere close to the estimated 18 miles per gallon. Their comment was I had to break the truck in… 16000 kms later I am getting 10 miles per gallon…. I know it’s winter and gas consumption is higher but…… I went back to the dealer and they want me to bring the truck in when the weater is perfect – no rain or snow – so they can do proper tests!!!!!! I am tired of the excuses; I am not getting anywhere. I feel I need to take this matter up with Toyota directly. Any comments/suggestions. I’ve owned several Toyotas and never had any problems but now that I do have a problem they are not being very helpful
Manuel — take a look at this post:
http://www.tundraheadquarters......questions/
It should explain why 1/2 a tank on the gauge doesn’t correspond with 1/2 a tank in real numbers.
Franco — to your first point about the 4.7 v. the 5.7, there’s not much of a difference (at least in terms of fuel economy). The 5.7’s extra gear gets you nearly the same level of fuel economy. Take a look at the EPA rating and you’ll see for yourself.
As for you current experience, take a look at comments 10 and 12. The data recorder is first, the reset is 2nd. I don’t know where in the world you are, but the weather would have to be pretty awful to justify 10mpg (I’m thinking arctic circle). Tell your dealer you want this fixed NOW because it’s costing you money. Check out the following post for tips:
http://www.tundraheadquarters......em-solved/
I bought a 2007 Tundra Double cab 4×2 5.7L July of 07 I got close to 30,000 miles on it so far. I only drive hwy miles and maybe a couple mies in the city but i average 20.7 – 22.2mpg cruising at a speed of 76 mph. I did this every week for four months straight and got the same result. Love the truck, change the oil religiously. All stock engine but getting Cai and K&N filter to see if anything changes.
Eddie – awesome man. That’s good mileage.
I have a 2007 tundra 5.7 2wd double cabit has 3400miles on it. I dont drive it in town very much.The mileage has been anywhere from 15.6 to 22.3 the last time i was dealer the guy said to turn the tracksion contorl off. So i did, ive only drove it 132.4 miles that way but at 60 mph it used 5.6 gal gas 23.6 mpg I am very happy with the truck. Iam getting ready put a gebson exhuast and a afe air box on it.Hope it dont hurt the mpg. Marty McAlister
I have a 2007 tundra 5.7 2wd double cab it has 3400miles on it. I dont drive it in town very much.The mileage has been anywhere from 15.6 to 22.3 the last time i was dealer the guy said to turn the tracksion contorl off. So i did, ive only drove it 132.4 miles that way but at 60 mph it used 5.6 gal gas 23.6 mpg I am very happy with the truck. Iam getting ready put a gebson exhuast and a afe air box on it.Hope it dont hurt the mpg. Marty McAlister
[...] 10.7 mpg. WTFFFF Is Your New Tundra Getting The EPA Rated Gas Mileage? | tundraheadquarters.com lotta good reading here and it answers a lotta questions which everyone allready knows the answers [...]
I have an ‘07 DC 5.7L which I purchased in August of ‘07. I have similar issues as the other commentors, but this one in particular: When filling up – even at empty – I am only able to fill up to 16.0 – 16.4 gallons, instead of the 26 gallons according to the manual. I called my dealership about this issue; they advised me I have a smaller tank and not the 26 gal tank. (Does that even exist?) Is this possibly an issue with the ECM or other electrical component which needs repair/replacement? Or is it possible I actually am retaining nearly 10 gallons of reserve gas when my gauge reads “empty”? Any thoughts? I also average about 13 mpg…
Quinn – take a look at this post for the answer to your question.
http://www.tundraheadquarters......questions/
There’s nothing wrong with your truck…it’s just the sending unit is cheap.
I have a 4wd crew max purchased in June of 07 and has 21,000 miles. Some weeks all highway miles then others all city. On the highway I get 18-20 depending on head winds, and fuel. Thats right fuel! I own a construction company and we did an internal study and found that we get 2 mpg better with Shell fuel than BP. This covers vehicles from all the major manufacturers with varying age.
My two pennies.
The New Tundra,mileage figures from Toyota are way out.No one i’ve talked to has better than 17mpg combined,yet toyota claims higher.It was the same with my fist Tundra,,never got better than 18mpg.It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure your mileage will drop with the new truck,when it is heavier,has more HP.,and has a bigger drag aero wise.The Best i’ve heard is from the Ram ISB-6 Cummins with the Edge.22 mpg
I have a 2007 Tundra Double cab 4×4 with the 5.7 Engine. On the hwy I can achieve the 18 mpg, but there is no way in the world I can ever get the estimated 14 mpg city. It is actually more like 10 mpg city. Thats fine though beacuse I had a Ford 4×4 extra cab that got 11 mpg on the highway and did not have near the power the Tundra does.
My 07 4.7 2WD Reg Cab with undercover gets 21 mpg highway, easy, at 60 – 70 mph. Love it. 15 mpg city. 11 mpg towing 6000 lbs of boat and trailer.
I Have A 2007 Tundra double cab 5.7L w/ 4.30 rearaxle and flowmaster exhaust and only get 13.5 miles to the gallon in the city. 14.5 to15.0 on the freeway at about 80 to 85 mph the truck has 5500 miles on it now but it is Not no 15 to 18 like the dealer said it whould. if any person can help me to get that it whould be Great thanks
Dave – Your gas mileage is normal for 80-85 mph. The EPA ratings on the sticker were determined at 65 mph. There’s quite a bit of difference in drag between 65 and 85. While some claim to get 18mpg at 80mph, that’s the exception, not the rule.
I have 35,000 miles on my 07 Crewmax Limited. I use an AFE and Borla Pro XS complete duels. I’m avg 20 – 22mpg doing 60. I got on one trip at 55mph my avg was 24.7. This is on flat land florida. I use the regular street tires 18″ duellers that came with the truck. I haven’t seen 22mpg at 80mph. Not even 20mpg especially on rolling hills. To work one way is 28 miles with 25 of them interstate. The last 3 miles is 4 lane road at 55mph with two red lights within 1/4 to 1/2 mile of each other. I get better mpg if I keep my windows up and a/c on. But it’s summer so all 5 windows are down and sunroof opened.
2008 Tundra Double Cab 2wd 4.7l – Huntsville, AL
I just went over 3400 miles. My commute is 20.4 miles one way with two stops along the way. I’ll average about 50 mph, so that is pretty optimal to achieve good mileage. My mileage has gradually improved from 17.8 to 19.2. I installed a K&N drop in air filter after a couple weeks. (not the $300 cold air intake, just a replacement filter) I run premium in it, because in the past I’ve found it to be worth about 10% better mileage, for less than 10% additional cost. My best tankful was 20.3.
I’m happy with it. My 2000 Nissan Frontier V6 4×4 was only good for 20 mpg under just the right circumstances, and this is a lot more truck.
2007 Tundra SR5 Double Cab 4wd 5.7l – Chase BC Ca
I have 7000 mi on my Tundra which I imported to BC from Texas. Mileage really depends on my driving habits and I watch the “instant” mileage indicator when I am concerned. Often I see useage of less than 10 l/100 km and on average have been averaging 15.6 I/100 km. I’ll leave it to the math freaks to do the US conversion. It is OK for me. By the way, hauling a trailer up a steep hill I have also noticed useage of 80 to 90 l/100km.
My observation is that the gas guage is not right. My truck has a 100 l tank but when the empty light goes on I can only get 70 l into the tank. I feel the Toyota engineers did this on purpose so that us owners do not run below the 1/4 full mark. Relax, if you wanted good mileage you would have bought a Prius.
I live in Wyoming and have about 10,000 miles on my 2008 Tundra. I had been averaging around 19 mpg on state highways with the speed limit of 65 mph. I did drive the speed limit. I was not impressed with the BFG Rugged Terrain tires that came on the truck. My truck even had a TRD package that says it is for Off-Road (Why put tires on a truck that can not put up with what people (at least in the western states) buy the truck for? Anyhow, I put some Cooper SRT tires on it ( pretty aggressive) that were 5 mm wider and 5% taller, my mileage dropped to 13-14 mpg. I get really good traction now, but WOW I never thought it would make that much difference. Next time I will pick something in the middle.
my 07 bought at 22k miles in dec o7 is only getting about 9 mpg. Its 5.7 4×4 double and I am in alaska {not sure where truck came from]. It seems to get 11 on highway. Or 250 miles per tank. Is something wrong here??
Dano from alaska I feel for you. I live in Ottawa Canada and when winter hits my mileage goes way down. I’ve been back and fourth at the dealer and they’re no help. I have a 07 tundra 4×4 5.7L . When I got my truck the first week I new I was in trouble . On a full tank of gas I got 320 km . I went back to the dealer after a week and their answer was “I have to break it in” and this was in the summer last year. It took 30,000km for my truck to finally reach about 500km on a full tank that was this summer. We are back in winter again and I’m back at 320 to 350km on a full tank . This is all city driving . I had a 02 4.7 tundra 4×4 and I always got about 500km on a full tank summer or winter . It doesn’t matter how much I complain, this truck was built for Florida and not Canada . I have to say that I do get better gas mileage on the hwy.
My sticker states 16-20mpg. I get from 17-23mpg. It depends on how you drive and good ole flat land florida. When it’s cold it maintains just around 20-21mpg. I’m sure the winter blend gas isn’t great for the engine. I did avg in the mountains of WV 17.7mpg at 70 mph. I have 49,000 miles on mine. Bought my crewmax in July 07. Also for 4×4’s your truck is heavier so mpg will go down. It shouldn’t be that low Dano and Franco.
Dano and Franco – I’ve always said that winter fuel was to blame, but that’s not the case. Here are nice posts from the Star Tribune and Car Talk that explain why your fuel economy drops.
http://www.cartalk.com/content.....ch/01.html
http://www.startribune.com/cars/11354696.html
I just bought a 2008 tundra crew cab 4×4. love the truck, hate the mileage.14mpg.I took one trip to colorado when it was new and got around 17 but recently only 14.the truck has 3500 miles on it now.I’ve purchaced an after market modual to put on it.Should I take it to my dealer before installing the modual or what do you think?RW
I have 15,000 miles on my 07 Texas built Tundra. The mpg is just below the lowest stated on the sales sticker. The transmission shifting is not smooth when in motion and decel to acceleration. There is hesitation. I have talked with the dealer about this every time I have service. They say they check the system and all codes are in normal operating range. After reading this list of problems it is evident there is a basic problem somewhere in the transmission.
I have owned 4 new toyota vehicles, all Japan built and experienced little or no problems with them except for lack of power and a head gasket problem on the 6 cylinder model.
MY TUNDRA IS A GOOD LOOKING TRUCK AND I LIKE IT.
Rick – The mileage is lower than it should be right now because of the winter. Cold engines run rich, and it takes much longer for a cold engine to warm up in the winter time. I’d guess that you’ll be back at 17mpg in the springtime.
Ed – Your dealer should check the torque converter.
I purchased an ‘07 5.7 liter CrewMax 4×4 in May ‘08 from the dealer which had 6K miles on it. Not sure how it was driven the first 6k, but I’m not hard on vehicles, though I do like to clip down the road. I like to quad, camp and I tow trailers. I have a cargo trailer that holds my quad, both weighing only about 1,200 lbs total, towing this combo I average between 9.5 and 12.2 mpg. I also have a toyhauler, which is 5,000 lbs dry, and can hold up to another 6,000 lbs, for a total weight of 11,000 lbs. I believe the tow rating on the 5.7 is for 10,500 lbs. I have never had mine loaded beyond 8,000 lbs, however, my mileage dropped to between 5.3 mpg to 8.2 mpg. No I haven’t tried ot have the EMC reflashed as suggested or the software updated, and I do have BFG all terrain tires on this truck, but doesn’t the mileage seem a bit low? My average in town not towing is between 11.3 mpg and 12.6 mpg, hwy my best has been 18.7, but average 15.7 mpg. I check my mileage every tank manually. Love this truck, but hate the mileage… I previously had an ‘02 tundra 4.7 4×4 which didn’t do any better… So I guess I knew what I was in for…
A state trooper pulled me over in TX in the Tundra and started asking me about the mileage. I told him I’m easily pulling 17 MPG on the freeway and I was hauling a motorcycle and additional cargo at an average speed of 75. He wanted to trade his 05 but was concerned about gas mileage. I really have no complaints with the ratings on mine and the gauges are calculating accurately. Driving hard and sitting in traffic I still get no less than 13.7 MPG on a tank. I would say your average of 15.7 is accurate for a combo of highway and city because that’s about what I typically get doing the same.
Alan hate to tell you that you have 2 strikes against you if you’re trying to get mpg’s. First you have a 4×4. Added weight and drag of the 4×4 will reduce your mpgs and second All Terrain Tires. Those aren’t for highway mileage. I’ll give you my mpg’s runs anywhere from 19-23mpg. I have 18″ rims and use Bridgestone Duellers street tires. I have a Crewmax Limited 4×2. If I do 60 mph I can get 21-22mpg. 55 mph I can get from 20-23mpg. I have reached 24.7mpg on a 300 mile trip doing 55mph in a 70mph zone. I have over 50,000 miles on mine and most of it is Interstate driving. Also living in flatland Florida helps.
I’m running the same factory tires as Mickey and I give them credit. They have held up well and I’m not buying tires just for the looks nor plan to go off-road much where it is warranted to get All-Terrains. If it means spending more for a tire that costs more due to fuel consumption – I’d pass unless I really had a purpose.
I have a 08 tundra double cab 4 x4 with 17000 miles on it.The last four weeks starting in mid Feb it was getting 10mpg. I took it to a toyota dealer to see what was wrong (they found nothing).When I pull a 16ft flatbed trailer it gets 8mpg.Has anybody had this problem and how do i fix it. Tire are original.
Joe – Winter driving is part of it. Engines take longer to heat up in the winter, and until they reach operating temp they burn more fuel (the ECM intentionally runs rich to compensate for cold fuel). If your drivers are short (say 30 mins or less), and the engine never gets warmed up (it can take 15-30 mins to reach full temp, depending on how cold it is outside), you’ll get bad mileage. Did the truck get good mileage before? If so, it’s either the winter or something wrong with the ECM. My money is on the cold, but you can always ask the dealership to flash your ECM. Sometimes that helps.
For Tundra Owners in Canada/Alaska:
I saw a big drop in fuel economy on my 2008 DC 5.7 during the winter months in Northern Canada(18mpg-15mpg), But got back 2mpg when i changed to 0-20 synthetic oil. Also got another 1mpg with my TRD intake.
Blair – Thanks for the info.
How to save mileage at 95 mph? i normaly use cruise at that speed.
I recently purchased a 2009 tundra 5.7 liter. The truck is nice. The salesman said it should get better mileage than the sticker. So far I am not impressed. I only have 250 miles on it. My old truck was a 2000 silverado 5.3 and I could get 18 no matter how I drove it. If it doesn’t get better I will be upset. I had my silverado from day 1 with 20 miles it got the same mileage. I have been working on trucks and cars for18 years now so I am well versed in how an internal combustion engine works. I know they say it has more power but if I don’t “hot rod ” it should do better.
Thomas only 250 miles on it. Give it a chance to break in. A little early to try for mpg’s. You will get better mpg’s shortly. I get from 20 – 23mpg on my 07 Crewmax with a 5.7 engine.
Thomas – I agree with Mickey. Give it 1000 miles or so to “break-in” – you’ll see better mileage and better performance once everything is seated.
I have an 08 tundra limited with the 5.7, got 19k miles and get terrible mileage expecally when towing a trailer which I do allot and I only get 8MPG? whats up? is there any computer chip that can be purchased to improve fuel economy? what brand and can i install it myself. I also have a towing package, should I turn off the towing package when on the hightway for long periods?
Merlin – If you’re getting 8mpg while towing that’s one thing (it’s low, but it’s certainly possible for a big enough load at a high enough speed). However, if you’re getting 8 mpg empty that’s a problem. Are you computing the mileage yourself or using the trip computer? That’s where I would start. Then I would look at my tires (are you using oversized tires, are they under-pressure, etc.), air resistance (do you have a topper, a lift kit, etc.), and then finally I would ask my dealer to take a look.
You guys have to take in consideration elevation when trying to figure out your gas milege, the higher you are from sea level the worse the fuel milege your tundra will get, I run mobil 1 synthetic oil and k&n air filter i have a 4.7 litre 08 and get 550kms to 600kms on highway as long as im not pushing wind or in the mountains and remeber if you have a 4.7 your truck has 4 catalytic converters on it and a 5.7 has 5 catties plus a stock muffler, when your truck is off warranty look for a complete exaust system (no catties) cold air intake and a power mod that will let your truck run properly with the performance parts on it I use to own deisels and thats what i had to do my 07 6 litre powerstroke and it got 25 mpg.
I have a 08 tundra dbl cab 5.7 4×4 tow package 4.30 gear . When the truck was new “BROKE IN BUT WITH FACTORY OIL” I could get 17.5 to 19 mpg on trips running 72 mph. After my first oil change best mpg was 15-17 on trips,it has slowly worked its way down to 14-15 on trips. I installed a trd cold air box and syn. oil no change! I see on the oil cap it reads for best econemy use 0-15 or 0-20 could this posibly be the issue? I find it hard to believe but maybee. All of my oil has been 5-20 or 10-30 if I cannot regain my mpg this truck is down the road! also I am on my third radio. Like the truck but need help THANKS
Hi everyone I’m intreagued about how the 5.7 tundras are trying to make good mileage but they don’t. I’ve had mine for 2 years now and the worst for city but I will give it credit for hwy driving . I have had a Toyota for !5 years and I stood by them for ever . But they made a mistake with their gas mileage for city on the 5.7 . If I had lots of money I would go and fight them but I don’t. So for that I’m going to a Chev! It’s too bad ‘cuz I’ve been a loyal costumer for so long…. I’ve changed my radio 2 times already……
Chris you have a 4×4… That added weight and drag won’t get you great mpg’s. Getting 17+ on trips at 72mph is great. Try doing 55mph while on the road and see how it increases. If you want mpg’s you have to do lower RPM’s period. Your weight of your truck is probably over 7,000lbs. Also if you are using all terrains tires with that 4×4 is a killer too. You need street tires to get max mpg’s.
Anonymous EPA states what your truck can get. They gave me a rating of 16 city 20 hwy on my 07 Crewmax Limited 4×2. I get over 20mpg’s on the hwy. This is done by doing 55mph with the 5.7 and 6 speed tranny. I avg between 19-23mpg depending on my driving. It also depends if you have a 4×4, all terrain tires, flat land Florida is where I’m at, and even the weather. So first of all you won’t win against the mpg’s and Toyota. EPA states it not Toyota so that’s a moot point. You state 5 years? That would put you in a 2005 Tundra. Those didn’t come with a 5.7 or a 6 speed tranny. Those were the 4.7 with a 5 speed tranny. That tranny and rear gear makes a big difference. Now you state you’re going to chevy from being a loyal customer… I’m raising the B/S flag on that statement. If that’s your main reason to run off then you shouldn’t own a truck. Oh by the way the stock radio you got is Delco. Made by Chevy. So you can put your stock in that, plus the govt. owned business.
MICKEY; Thanks for the comment, my 4×4 might have gone 7000lbs with all my gear plus my atv and small trailer. I took three trips with this combo in the first 5000 miles with it locked in at 72 mph never saw under 17 mpg with a high of 19 ! thats including mountains in CO. and Iowa – Nebraska corn fuel , but thats a topic for another blog. And yes stock Michelin tires. You bet I was very pleased with this, my point is once I changed my oil I lost mpg’s 2 to 3. Now I ‘m lucky to get 15 with perfect conditions and a tail wind. I never check milage in the city so my figures are strickly long hyw. runs. What P.O.s me is why was my truck capable of this milage for a short period of time and now its not? I have also tried 87-93 octain fuel with and without 10% ethanol , not much change. I will try the 0-20 oil that toyota recomends . I have a 600 mile trip in november so I will try again. I’m not quite ready to give up!
Chris from what I found out higher octane won’t change it. Synthetic oil is suppose to be better which is what I use. I do my maintenance at the dealer so I don’t know the weight but I do know it’s Castrol. I’m thinking maybe reset the computer by diconnecting the battery for 10 minutes so as to trick the maf sensor to think it’s new again just to see if it gets back your mpg’s. I’m sure Jason will chime in with a suggestion.
Chris – The recommended oil is definitely going to improve gas mileage, but I can’t imagine it will make that big of a difference. 0-20 is less viscous than 5-20, but not so much so that it would reduce efficiency by 10%. Could be a combination of things – a clogged air filter, low tire pressure, and more viscous oil might combine to drop your economy. Did you add any accessories that would increase drag? That might explain it as well.
Jason; I installed a TRD cold air box after my mpg’s dropped hoping to regain them. No accessories have been added , tire pres. has been checked now and then. I will make sure pressures are all up, filter is cleaned and oil is changed for my trip next month. The only drawback is Wisconsin temp in november could cost me some milage . Would the idea of diconecting the battery for 10 minutes reset anything? thanks for the help
Chris – The battery reset can’t hurt, but the cold weather might explain the drop. Did you see the post about that last week?
Well boys , I have been reading blogs so much my eyes have crossed. However I ran across somthing interesting, seems a guy had the same simtums I had with milage and very slight loss of power . His truck has 28000 miles, mine has 23000. He claimes he changed his fuel filter and the truck picked up 4 mpgs. I wonder? It sounds possible! Now I have a theory on tires . Can tires break in and get softer, as in more rolling resistance? Air pressures in my tires from factory 35 psi I checked them yesterday 35 front 32 rear . I put maxair in at 44psi I can feel a big improvment as the truck rolls. Like it used to.
I use 40psi to be exact. The more you put in the more I feel the road. The truck will ride harder. I’m due for the same thing in changing the fuel filter. Maybe mine will increase and I can try for 25mpg’s.
Chris – A clogged fuel filter could definitely hurt mileage. Older tires have higher rolling resistance because they have less tread…more of the tire is in contact with the road. Did the boost in PSI help the tire?
Yes , mpg increased with boost in psi. I also disconected the
battery for oprx. 1 hour. I drive country roads 30 miles to work, top
speed 65, 8 stop signs 2 slow zones at 45 and 6 miles through a town
with 5 stop lights. Not city driving but a fair share of stop and go
18.3 mpg on 2 fillups. Much better! Tomorrow 0-20 oil and filter
change and 600 mile trip this weekend . I think it will do quite well.
thanks again. Oh I did not change my fuel filter yet.
Chris I’m not sure if we have a changeable fuel filter. Like the Ford and Chevy I had, all 3 were on the driver’s side underneath the driver’s seat to the rear seat area. I haven’t seen where Toyota hides their’s. I do alot of highway driving. 28 miles to work. 1mile of 4 lane 65/55mph to interstate then 19 miles of interstate for at least 15miles of the 19miles at 70/55mph then the last 4 miles at 55/55mph. Then it’s on a 4 lane at 55/55mph for the last 8miles and on the last mile it becomes 40/40mph and 2 red lights. The second mph is what I do to get the max mph. I’m avg from 20-22mpg.
I own a 2008 Tundra with the 5.7 V8 with about 17,000 miles on it. It only gets between 15.5 and 16 MPG on the highway. I have the orginal tires on it. We also bought a 2010 tundra crew max 4.7 V8 it has about 5,000 miles on it. It is mainly a city driven truck but the gas mileage is between 14 and 15. We traded in a Highlander on the 2010 because the stated gas mileage for city was 18. Since we had to run premimum gas in it we thought that fuel cost would be a wash because the highland was only getting about 19 to 20 MPG. any suggestions to increase the fuel milage. Also you should bought a bigger fuel tank on these trucks. when towing you only get about 200 miles per tanks.
Duane I don’t know if this will help yours but it did mine. I utilize a AFE Stage II Cold Air Intake (CAI) that increase by 1.5mpg’s. I do use it in tandem with Borla Pro XS complete duels. With both I get about 2mpg’s increase. I also do at times 55mph on the interstate which I get over 23mpg. Keeping your RPM’s down, no lift, street tires vice all terrain tires, and don’t have a 4×4. I have over 75,000 miles on mine and did alot of experimenting when I did my road trips at different speeds and different octane gas. It’s hard to keep 20mpg in the city.
Well guys we all have the same problem here and we are all looking for a great fix,As for me i bought an 07 dc 2×2 with 19,000 on it, olny got 16 at best, so from some advice from other truck owners ,They suggest exhaust and upgrade to an cold air intake. So now im driving with a flowmaster and a air raid intake system and good grief now im getting 12 and 13 mpg. So im not sure what to do, Truck sound great, and i like the truck over all, But cant brag about gas at all. Stereo been replace 2 time now all under warrenty. Has any one done any upgrades and experienced this problem as well. Any comments helps thx.
Hoss – Ouch! The upgrades took you in the wrong direction…how long have you had them? Sometimes the engine computer needs time to adjust.
You also might consider reseting the engine computer – it could be that the engine has adapted to a new mode that isn’t particularly fuel efficient.
The other thought I have is that a 5.7 Tundra with an exhaust and an intake is fun to drive fast…that kills gas mileage. Any chance you’ve been putting your fit in it a little more than before?
Ditto Jason on the resetting the computer. Hoss as for the stereo it’s a Delco made by GM. Now go figure. Right now I’m getting 20.4mpg with this winter mixed gas. I ‘m doing the same as I do in the summer and was getting 22.5mpg. A lost of over 40 miles per tank.
Hey thanks for the reply guys ,and i have to admit the first day or two after the air raid intake install, the sound out of the intake when you put your foot into it sounds awesome i think im Nascar for awhile LOL.Anyway i do realize i need to give the truck time to adjust, as well as my 36,000 warrenty is very close and on this next service im going to have toyota check and let me know were i stand on it as well as by then i will have more time on the truck to see if the computer adjust for the up grades. Other than that my truck is all stock and for you guys with trailers. I have a 25 foot travel trailer and the tundra pulls real nice at 14 mpg never over 65 mph with the cruize control on and the 5.7 dose a nice job. Also real quick i did have the gas pedal stick a couple time right after i got the truck, Wow thats a trip when your not perpared. anyway it was a carpet issue for me ,took out the old and replace it with a rubber mat and never has done again.
Hoss – I knew it! Speed demon…
I bought a ‘07 Tundra TRD Limted crew w/ the 4.7L. I’ve had it about 6 months and on the highway im averaging 22.8 MPG and 17 in the city and pretty happy with with the milage. It has just under 29K. Been pretty happy with the truck so far. Only complaint is the bed hopping. Any suggestions about that? Any other guys on here with my year and engine any comments.
Thanks.
HEY JASON
YOU CAN BE HAPPY WITH YOUR 4.7 AND THE MILAGE, I HAVE THE 5.7 AND GET 14.5 CITY OR HIGHWAY, WEATHER I PULL MY TRAVEL TRAILER OR NOT ITS NEVER CHANGES. AS FAR AS THE BED HOPPING IV SEEN VIDEO ON THIS PROBLEM BUT NEVER HAD IT HAPPEN ON MINE SO FAR. I DO HAVE THE LONG BED AND DO NOT KNOW IF THAT MAKES A DIFFRENTS OR NOT. JUST REAL QUICK TOO I WAS TOLD IF I WOULD DO AFTER MARKET EXAHUST AND COLD AIR INTAKE THAT I WOULD SEE A DIFFRENTS IN MILAGE ,IF I KEPT MY FOOT OUT OF IT, WELL IT SOUNDS AWESOME AND RUNS AWESOME, BUT NO CHANGE IN MILAGE . TOYOTA DID A FULL CHECK UP THE LAST TIME IN AND SAID THEY CANT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE TRUCK. SO I LIVE WITH A AWESOME TRUCK WITH HORRABLE GAS MILAGE. WISH I HAD A FIX FOR YOUR BED BOUNCE,THATS GOT TO SUCK ON A ROAD AT HIGH SPEEDS.22.8 YOU SUCK JASON( LOL) just kidding bro thats great thanks for posting your comment.
Hoss – 14.5 isn’t the best, but it’s not that far outside of normal. Other things you can do: 1) Calculate the actual mileage yourself instead of relying on the computer. 2) Reset your engine computer (just unhook the battery for an hour) and clear the computer’s stored engine and shift point (maps). 3) Read this post: http://www.tundraheadquarters......ndras-mpg/
Jason
Thanks for the tip i have heard of reseting the computer like that before. It’s cool to read and hear other people with an interest with the same truck with diffrent things going with there truck. I get that most all tundra owners over all are happy with there truck, I live in Gilbert, Az and my wife and i drove to San Diago about 5 hours off driving and wow i can say its very comfortable ride and that in its self for me anyway makes up for the not so good mileage. Jason are you running michelin tires on your tundra? I am and going to be looking to get a set of tires soon,whats your choice of tire for your truck? Thanks again for your replys back.
Hoss – I’m not actually a Tundra owner. In fact, I’m not even a car owner right now! I’m in New York for work and have no need for a car. As far as brands of tires are concerned, I’m not convinced that it really matters. Instead, I would look at your typical use (sounds like a lot of highway) and buy the appropriate tire. The OEM tires are usually great in terms of fuel economy, noise, and long-term wear, but they’re usually weak off-road (unless you’ve got a TRD package). So, unless you find off-road traction lacking, buying the same brand, size, and model of tire your new truck came with is often a good choice.
Jason i think the michlin tire is my best buy, Im happy with the ones on there now, was just wondering what you had. New York wow never been there. Im a desert rat in Airzona, But the tundra truck does good here, thax for your commits HAPPY EASTER WEEK END.
Hoss – Thanks! NYC is a great place to visit – if for no other reason that to make you appreciate Arizona that much more!
I have a 2010 Tundra 5.7L. Bought new July 2009, we have horrible mileage since we bought it, I have had it at the dealership in October, February, April & most recently July 13,2010. They have reset computer twice, tires have been rotated, 2 oil changes (1 of which was synthetic) & still poor fuel mileage. I manually calculate mileage as I have a base truck. I have never gotten over 11mpg no trailer, when I add our 24 ft car hauler & a hotrod (under 1800 lbs) gas mileage dropped & fluctuates 5-7mpg. The dealership gave us some suggestions & we will follow it to see if it will help. His suggestion is to run 3 tanks of gas through it with 93 octane. I filled up on July 13 with the 93 octane & I’m writing down everywhere I’ve been & if it’s with or without a trailer. Any suggestions other than what the dealership has given us? They have put in a case # w/Toyota. Hopefully something will come about. The truck barely has 10270 on mileage 1 year later.
Dealership also told us to only use CHEVRON Or SHELL gas. No other brand. Luckily we have both here in Austin,Texas.
Hello there i finally reset the computer by talking the pos side of battier for one full hour. with my air raid intake, flowmaster, it went up from 12 mpg to 16mpg. But this took about 5000 miles, to see a change. Weather i am pulling my boat,or empty same milage, So 16 is what i get,So i drive with my foot into it and be happy with the milage,at least its 16 mpg instead of 12 so maybe try to reset your computer for at least one hour and give it some time to re program to your driving pattern. Nothing for sure but cant hurt to try. Nice chatting with you.
Snoopy – No idea. I would suggest doing exactly what you’re already doing – log every trip, every gallon of gas, dates, distances, etc. – that’s the best way to prove there’s a problem.
Hoss – That’s a good idea too.