The Toyota 4Runner is a popular SUV known for its reliability and off-road capabilities. But for those considering using it as a tow vehicle, especially for travel trailers, a crucial question arises: what kind of mileage can you expect, particularly compared to a larger truck like the Toyota Tundra? Having towed a Lance 1685 travel trailer for over 10,000 miles with both a 6-cylinder 4Runner and a V8 Tundra, we’ve gained valuable insights into the real-world fuel consumption of these vehicles. Let’s delve into a detailed comparison focusing on “Toyota Four Runner Mileage” in various conditions.
4Runner Gas Mileage While Towing: Real-World Observations
During our extensive towing experience with the 6-cylinder Toyota 4Runner, we consistently observed a gas mileage of around 10-11 mpg. This figure held true across diverse terrains, from challenging mountain passes in the west to the long stretches of the Midwest. While this mileage is typical for towing, it’s important to consider the 4Runner’s 22-gallon fuel tank.
This tank size translates to a range of approximately 200 miles between gas station stops when towing. For trips primarily in areas with frequent fuel stations, this might be perfectly acceptable. However, when venturing into remote regions, especially in the western United States where gas stations can be sparse, this range can become a limiting factor and requires careful trip planning around fuel availability to avoid range anxiety.
Tundra Fuel Mileage While Towing: The Impact of a Larger Engine and Tank
Switching to the Toyota Tundra with its V8 engine, we noticed a slightly different fuel consumption profile while towing the same Lance 1685 trailer. The Tundra averaged around 10.2 mpg during similar towing conditions. While seemingly close to the 4Runner’s mileage, the Tundra’s significant advantage lies in its much larger 38-gallon fuel tank.
This substantial fuel capacity nearly doubles the range between fill-ups, extending it to almost 400 miles. This difference is not just a matter of convenience; it becomes a significant advantage when traversing long distances where gas stations are few and far between. For extended towing journeys, the Tundra’s larger tank mitigates the need for frequent fuel stops, saving time and reducing stress, particularly in less developed areas.
The MPG Contrast: Daily Driving vs. Towing
The disparity in fuel economy between the 4Runner and Tundra becomes more pronounced when considering daily driving without towing. The 4Runner shines in fuel efficiency in everyday use, achieving 21-22 mpg when not burdened by a trailer. This makes it a more economical choice for daily commutes and errands.
In contrast, the Tundra, with its larger V8 engine, consumes considerably more fuel during daily driving, averaging around 15 mpg without towing. This difference in fuel economy is a crucial consideration for owners who use their vehicles for both towing and regular commuting. If daily fuel costs are a primary concern, the 4Runner offers a clear advantage in fuel savings during non-towing usage.
Towing Power and Its Relation to Fuel Consumption
Beyond just mileage figures, the power difference between the 4Runner’s V6 and the Tundra’s V8 engine impacts the overall towing experience and indirectly influences fuel consumption. The Tundra’s V8 provides noticeably more power, especially when accelerating or overtaking other vehicles while towing.
This added power translates to a more relaxed towing experience, as the engine doesn’t have to work as hard, particularly on inclines or in headwinds. While both vehicles achieved similar towing mileage in our experience, the Tundra’s ease of power delivery might contribute to slightly better fuel efficiency in demanding towing situations because it reaches and maintains speed with less effort compared to a V6 working harder.
Stability, Wind Resistance, and Fuel Efficiency
Another factor affecting fuel consumption, especially during towing, is vehicle stability and wind resistance. The heavier and wider Tundra exhibits greater stability compared to the 4Runner, particularly when encountering crosswinds or turbulence from passing semi-trucks.
The 4Runner, being lighter, is more susceptible to being buffeted by winds, which can require more steering corrections and potentially lead to increased fuel consumption as you compensate for the external forces. The Tundra’s inherent stability in windy conditions can contribute to a smoother, more consistent drive, potentially aiding in maintaining optimal fuel efficiency during towing by reducing unnecessary drag and adjustments.
Practical Cargo and Fuel Efficiency Considerations
The Tundra’s truck bed offers significant practical advantages for carrying cargo, especially bulky or dirty items, keeping them outside the cabin. This extra cargo capacity, and weight-carrying capability, can indirectly impact fuel efficiency compared to the 4Runner.
Overloading the 4Runner’s interior or roof rack to compensate for less cargo space can negatively affect its aerodynamics and increase weight, leading to decreased fuel mileage. The Tundra’s ability to handle more cargo in the bed, without compromising cabin space or significantly impacting aerodynamics, can be a subtle factor in maintaining better overall fuel efficiency when carrying gear for travel or camping.
Ground Clearance and Off-Road Mileage
While not directly mileage related in MPG terms, ground clearance plays a role in fuel consumption when considering off-road or unpaved roads. The Tundra offers slightly higher ground clearance (around 11 inches) compared to the 4Runner (9.6 inches).
While a small difference, this extra clearance can be beneficial on uneven terrain, reducing drag from underbrush or obstacles. Driving on rougher terrain inherently reduces fuel efficiency for both vehicles, but the Tundra’s higher clearance might allow for slightly less resistance and thus marginally better fuel economy in genuinely off-road conditions compared to a 4Runner that might encounter more undercarriage friction.
Conclusion: Balancing Mileage with Towing Needs
Ultimately, when considering “toyota four runner mileage” in the context of towing, it’s clear that while the 4Runner provides slightly better fuel economy when not towing and comparable mileage while towing a travel trailer of this size, the Tundra offers significant advantages in range due to its larger fuel tank and a more relaxed towing experience thanks to its more powerful engine.
The “better” choice depends heavily on individual needs and priorities. For those who prioritize daily driving fuel economy and primarily tow shorter distances or in areas with frequent gas stations, the 4Runner remains a capable and economical choice. However, for extended towing trips, especially through remote areas, or for those who value a more effortless towing experience and extended range, the Tundra presents a compelling alternative despite its lower MPG when not towing. Both are robust vehicles; the optimal selection hinges on striking the right balance between fuel consumption and towing demands.
