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After 4,400 Miles Road Trip, I’m Tired Of My 2024 Toyota Tacoma’s Tank Size Which Forces Me To Stop Every 200 Miles

A Recent outdoorsman shared his frustration with the surprisingly small-sized gas tank inside the 2024 Toyota Tacoma.

If you’re an outdoorsman considering the 2024 Toyota Tacoma, or a current owner of one, you may have noticed a heated conversation brewing online. One specific post in the Toyota Tacoma 4th Gen 2024+ Facebook group has ignited discussions about a key aspect of this truck which is its gas tank size. Kurt Cose, a member of the group, recently shared his frustration after embarking on an ambitious road trip.

I just did a 4,400-mile road trip, and I have two complaints,” Kurt wrote. “The 2024 Toyota Tacoma needs a bigger turbo and a bigger gas tank. It’s annoying when I’m stopping every 200 miles for gas. Let me be clear, I’m not complaining about the gas mileage. I’m complaining about the size of the tank they put in the truck.”

His post resonated with many, particularly those who love using their Tacoma for off-road adventures or lengthy road trips. For outdoor enthusiasts, a smaller gas tank can be a logistical nightmare. Whether you’re traversing backcountry roads or making your way through isolated trails, frequent stops at gas stations can disrupt the flow of an adventure, especially when gas stations aren’t always accessible.

After 4,400 Miles Road Trip, I’m Tired Of My 2024 Toyota Tacoma’s Tank Size Which Forces Me To Stop Every 200 MilesWhy Did Toyota Downsize the Gas Tank?

The 4th-generation Tacoma comes with an 18.2-gallon gas tank, a noticeable drop from the 21-gallon capacity in the 3rd generation. This decision has sparked widespread confusion and criticism. Why would Toyota reduce the tank size, especially for a vehicle so popular among off-road enthusiasts and long-haul adventurers?

One likely explanation is weight reduction. Smaller tanks weigh less, which can improve fuel efficiency slightly and align with the industry’s broader push towards meeting stricter emissions regulations. Additionally, Toyota likely wanted to optimize the Tacoma’s new platform for overall performance, but it seems this decision came at the expense of practicality for long-distance travelers.

This trade-off hasn’t gone unnoticed. Dan Conger chimed in on Kurt’s post, sharing his recent experience: “We took my wife’s TRD Pro to Tahoe last weekend, and I was shocked at how terrible the range on a single tank is. My Tundra TRD Pro has 450 miles on a single tank vs. the 250 on the Tacoma. How are we supposed to go on longer off-road adventures with such a small range?”

It’s worth noting that Dan’s Tacoma was modified with larger tires and a roof rack, which do impact fuel efficiency. Even so, his point highlights a growing frustration among Tacoma fans who expected more from the latest iteration of their beloved truck.

Michael Tumbow added his voice to the chorus of criticism: “The smaller tank was really a wrong call by Toyota. The larger and normal-size 21-gallon tank would really have been welcomed on this pickup and seriously does not add that much more weight. It is the biggest single complaint I have about this pickup.”

Why This Frustration Matters to You

If you’re someone who values efficiency and practicality on long drives or off-road trips, this conversation is crucial. Toyota’s decision to shrink the tank could directly impact how often you need to stop which is a significant factor for those exploring remote areas where gas stations are few and far between.

Moreover, understanding this issue now can help you make an informed decision if you’re considering purchasing a 2024 Tacoma. For those already driving one, it might even inspire creative solutions, such as carrying extra fuel or planning routes more strategically to accommodate the shorter range.

This debate also serves as a reminder of how important community feedback is. Owners’ voices often influence manufacturers to make changes in subsequent models. By joining the conversation, you’re not just airing frustrations, you’re contributing to potential improvements in the future.

The Outdoorsman’s Dilemma

The outdoors beckons with promises of adventure, but that promise is hindered when a smaller gas tank limits your range. For the typical outdoor enthusiast, someone who thrives on venturing deep into uncharted territories, this design choice feels like a step backward.

The frustration shared by Kurt, Dan, Michael, and others underscores the gap between Toyota’s engineering decisions and the needs of its core Tacoma audience. While the 4th-gen Tacoma brings improvements like better suspension and an updated powertrain, it’s clear that a larger tank would have elevated its appeal among the off-road crowd.

What’s Your Take?

As Toyota Tacoma owners and enthusiasts, your voice matters. What do you think of the new gas tank size? Have you experienced similar frustrations on road trips or off-road adventures?

Harutiun Hareyan is reporting Toyota news at Torque News. His automotive interests and vast experience test-riding new cars give his stories a sense of authenticity and unique insights. Follow Harutiun on Twitter at @HareyanHarutiun for daily Toyota, Tesla, and other car brand news.

Comments

Dave (not verified)    January 10, 2025 - 5:03PM

18 gal tank and you are only getting 200 miles per tank? I don't think so. My 24 Taco gets 25 on the highway. You have bigger issues than the size if the tank!

Ollie (not verified)    January 10, 2025 - 8:24PM

In reply to by Dave (not verified)

Well the article stated that they were towing. With any vehicle you're going to be losing fuel economy when towing. How much you lose depends on the size and aerodynamics of the load or trailer not too mention extra fuel required for accelerating with the extra weight and drag.

Howard Thrift (not verified)    January 10, 2025 - 5:07PM

Could be worse imagine stopping every hundred miles to recharge and wait hours if it was an EV.

Jon Mason (not verified)    January 10, 2025 - 8:57PM

Looks like the only way is to install a large tank in the bed with a pump so you can carry 100 gallons or more. The additional weight will diffently reduce your mpg but now you can go 500 miles away from a gas station and make it back.

Mark (not verified)    January 11, 2025 - 1:12AM

2000% agree on tank size! Different vehicle so together, had a little Daewoo car that got 31 mpg, but the take was still so small that I had to fill up every 2 days or run out of gas - which I did a few times.

Eugene (not verified)    January 11, 2025 - 1:17AM

Wait a minute! The guy isn't frustrated at only getting 11 mpg in a pickup truck, when the average Hellcat still gets roughly 20 mpg, depending on how it's driven?!

Back in 1996, my mom and I drove from Mauston, WI out to someplace in eastern Kansas. We had a 1986 Dodge Ram D100 pickup, with a 318 motor. The engine had a carburetor, not fuel injection. We drove interstate most of the way there. I later calculated our fuel mileage to be 15 mpg on that trip. That was with a mid 80s pickup, with a V8 in it. And in addition, consider a semi truck. Fully loaded at 80k pounds, they still get around 7 mpg. So if this guy is only getting 11 mpg in his brand new Tacoma, there's a serious problem with that engine, NOT the tank size.

Dave (not verified)    January 11, 2025 - 6:20AM

This is not true unless you are hauling a trailer. My 2018 tacoma trd sport 4x4 gets 22 mpg from Seattle to Spokane. It has a 19 gallon tank. A V6 with 278 HP . I get 400 miles on a tank on flat ground to Portland and beyond easy. Your truck has a problem if you get 250 miles per tank or you stop to fill up at a quarter tank left. Simple math. Even at 15 mpg you can get over 250 miles per tank. You're losing mpg somewhere. But I do agree with the point trying to be made. It is a truck after all. Why not a 22 or even 25 gallon tank? THAT would be awesome.

Skip (not verified)    January 11, 2025 - 6:47AM

Excuse me, 200 miles to an 18.2 gallon tank. That's less than 11 mpg. My Hemi 5.7 gets better gas mileage than that, what a POS.

Jose A Colon (not verified)    January 11, 2025 - 7:48AM

Simple.
The industry is pushing EV.
EV's limited range is a turn off for off-road.
Quick fix, lint ICE range.

Alain Deschenes (not verified)    January 11, 2025 - 7:53AM

It’s true the toyota tacoma trd pro 2024 has a too much small gas tank. I even check under the pickup truck to see the size of it. I called the dealer for this matter and told them it was a motorcycle gas tank.

Bob (not verified)    January 11, 2025 - 8:46AM

Try doing it in an FJ. The part of the taco (4Runner) they shortened is where the gas tank is so they shortened the tank and made it even smaller. When I’m pulling my camper on the highway, I barely get 100 miles before the fuel light comes on and it’s far worse than that where the speed limits are 85! Fortunately, it’s easy to carry extra gas when off-roading or going somewhere that’s 100 miles from the nearest gas station.

KD (not verified)    January 11, 2025 - 9:13AM

In theory if the truck actually got even 18 mpg you would get well over 300 per tank which is respectable. But yes, Toyota missed the mark in this one.

Brian (not verified)    January 11, 2025 - 9:20AM

How do you go from 450 on a 21 gallon tank to 250 down to 18.2gallons when at 20 miles mpg you would be down to 390 miles for the 18 gallon tank? do the math.

Collector (not verified)    January 11, 2025 - 10:12AM

With the new generation Tacoma you will be saving a lot of fuel when the transmission grenades itself….

fred womack (not verified)    January 11, 2025 - 10:34AM

I agree with the small tank problem. As a life long Silverado guy with a v8 ,I'm used to driving 8 hours on 1 tank, from ft stewart ga to Nashville Tennessee..ok it was 26 gallons.. but still.
the ford explorer v6 limited we have easy runs 365+on 18 gallons. As a new 2024 toyota tacoma trd pro sport 4x4 owner I've been very unhappy with my 245-265 mileage monthly driving from north Alabama to southeast Georgia.
freaky wish I had caught this problem sooner. I would have purchased differently..ie the
tundra.
wake up toyota

Ben (not verified)    January 11, 2025 - 10:53AM

Very vague in the type of driving and tire size. Is it off-road with a lot of idling? Is he pulling a trailer? The fuel mileage he’s getting is similar to an article written about towing capabilities when pulling a 4400lb trailer long distance.

This is really anecdotal and useless.

Richard Johnson (not verified)    January 11, 2025 - 12:30PM

Enjoy your Fords guys. To compare a Maverick to a Tacoma is ludicrous. My friend went on and on about expectations before he bought one. He gave me a ride the first day he bought it, little plastic parts were coming off dash as he bragged. Within a few months he was wanting to sell it to me for $20k when they were selling for $28 k. No thank you. Toyotas have never been known for good gas mileage but after owning them since 1978, that’s all I found wrong with them. So, if 60 more miles for 3 more gallons on a long trip is going cause a choice of purchase. What might be considered, is how much gas and time wasted going back to the ford dealership every few years to buy another one at a hugh loss in resale.

Tyler (not verified)    January 11, 2025 - 12:33PM

What you really ought to be tired of is the shit-tier audio system and forced dashboard speaker centric sound staging.

You know, something that WILL actually affect the resale value once people realize you only hear half the radio.