I’m Extremely Disappointed With My 2024 Toyota Tundra Gas Mileage, It’s Not What They Advertised, I Traded My Tacoma For This

So, is the 2024 Toyota Tundra good on gas? Does the Tundra get the fuel mileage that Toyota advertises it will get?  

According to Mark Siggy on the Toyota Tundra Owners Facebook page, his Tundra only gets an average of 15.6 mpg city/highway. Should Mark be getting better than this, or is it typical of the iForce Max engine?

Mark says, "I have a 2024 Toyota Tundra iForce Max Limited in Blueprint. I have been extremely disappointed with the gas mileage so far, and it is not nearly what they advertise." 

Picture Mark, who traded in his Toyota Tacoma pickup, for a 2024 Tundra truck. He looked at the Tundra window sticker that said the mpg is 17/23 city/highway mpg and 19 combined mpg. 

However, 6,300 miles in, he's only getting 15.6 combined mpg. He's disappointed with the advertised mpg because he's not getting anywhere close to that. Now, he's questioning what was advertised by Toyota. 

What Does Toyota Say?  

Before Mark explains more about his truck, what does Toyota say the Tundra truck mpg should be?

Toyota says that the Toyota Tundra gas mileage varies slightly by configuration. 

"And how many miles per gallon does the 2024 Toyota Tundra get? So you know what to expect on all your drives, here are the maximum 2024 Toyota Tundra mpg ratings for each available trim level."

• Toyota Tundra SR – 18 city mpg / 23 highway mpg
• Toyota Tundra SR5 – 18 city mpg / 23 highway mpg
• Toyota Tundra Limited – 18 city mpg / 23 highway mpg
• Toyota Tundra Platinum – 18 city mpg / 23 highway mpg
• Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition – 18 city mpg / 23 highway mpg
• Toyota Tundra Pro – 18 city mpg / 20 highway mpg
• Toyota Tundra Capstone – 19 city mpg / 22 highway mpg

Note: These are EPA estimates. These are not real world miles per gallon numbers.

Mark's Tundra Fuel Mileage is only 15.6 mpg

Mark continues, "Now, I will say I am only at about 6,300 miles. I have not had the 10K service/oil change done yet.  I have a hard tonneau cover and factory 265/60/20 tires, and I drive in ECO mode 95% of the time. 50/50 highway and rural roads."  

"Most of the winter, I have seen between 14.5 and 16 mpg. The total average on the truck at this point is 15.6.  I traded in my Tacoma for this, which religiously got about 17-18 city or highway." 

"I'm wondering what anyone else's experience is and if it does truly get better. I am really hoping so. I'm stuck with this gas mileage! Otherwise, I love the truck!"

What are other Tundra iForce Max owners saying?

George Kerchner - "I have the same truck and color, nearing 10K miles. I live in MD and drive a lot in the suburbs, averaging 18 mpg in sport mode. The highway is 21 - 22 mpg. There is definitely a break-in period. My mpg was much lower 5K miles ago."

David Romero, an All-Star contributor, says, "Once winter blend fuels are switched over to regular fuel, you will see a couple more miles per gallon. I wouldn't wait till 10k to change oil, especially if you are not driving 20 minutes a day to work; the short stop-and-go driving introduces a lot of moisture into oil, especially during the winter months."

Top contributor Graeme Jones says, "Eco mode gets worse mileage than the other two modes. I get 19.5 on average, with a 76-mile round trip mostly freeway. I got 14 mpg on a 250-mile trip yesterday, towing about 4000 lbs. Mine is a 23 hybrid with 20,000 miles."

Matt Grimes - "I have the EXACT same truck. A little over 22k. 4x4. I get 16.1-16.2. 87 octane. If I buy better gas, I don't get better mileage. I have tried every mode. I prefer sport mode. Normal mileage seems to be slightly better than eco mileage. I do not know why."

TJ Pariseau - "I have the same truck, a '24 1794 iForce Max with TRD (also in blueprint) with the same size tires. In the summer, I get a solid 20 mpg in mixed driving. 17 in winter."

"Use Comfort mode, not Economy. Also, use cruise control any time you're not in stop-and-go traffic. It will keep RPMs to a minimum and reduce the amount of turbo usage, maximizing MPG. Switch to Sport when driving in hilly areas."

Here's a breakdown of factors to consider regarding the Tundra's gas mileage:

Tundra EPA Estimates:

• Standard i-FORCE Engine: The standard i-FORCE engine (a 3.5L twin-turbo V6) is estimated to get 18 city/23 highway mpg. 
•  i-FORCE MAX Hybrid: The i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain (a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor) is estimated to get 20 city/24 highway mpg.

Factors Affecting MPG:

Several factors can influence real-world fuel economy, including:

• Driving Style: Aggressive acceleration and speeding will reduce fuel efficiency. 
• Towing: Towing a heavy load significantly lowers fuel economy. 
• Terrain: Driving in hilly or mountainous areas can impact MPG. 
• Temperature: Cold weather can reduce fuel economy. 
• Tires and Wheels: Larger tires and wheels can negatively affect fuel economy. 
• Weight: The weight of the vehicle and its cargo can impact fuel economy. 
• Lift Kits: Lifting the truck and installing larger tires can also negatively impact fuel economy. 

Tips for Improving Fuel Economy:

• Maintain Proper Tire Pressure: Under-inflated tires can reduce fuel efficiency. 
• Keep the Truck Clean: A clean truck has less drag and can improve fuel economy. 
• Avoid Unnecessary Weight: Remove any unnecessary items from the truck bed or inside the cabin.
• Drive Smoothly: Avoid sudden acceleration and braking. 
• Use Eco Mode: If your Tundra has an eco mode, use it for more fuel-efficient driving. 
• Consider a Hybrid: If fuel economy is a top priority, the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain may be a better option. 

Conclusion and Questions For Tundra Owners

While the 2024 Toyota Tundra is known for its power and capability, its gas mileage is often a point of discussion, with some owners finding it disappointing. The Tundra's EPA-estimated fuel economy ranges from 18 to 23 mpg, depending on the trim and engine configuration. However, like Mark found out, real-world fuel mileage can be considerably less. 

It's Your Turn

Your input is crucial to our discussion. What is your Tundra's fuel mileage? How do you improve your truck's fuel mileage? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Check out my 2024 Toyota Tundra story: My 2024 Toyota Tundra Hybrid With 10K Miles Is Sitting At the Dealer With Engine Failure, Needless To Say I Regret My Purchase

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl