RPM for best MPG?

Newly purchased 2015 Tacoma TRD Off-Road... : ) I've been reviewing the forum for a few weeks and learned a great deal. Thank you, excellent site. Probably an obvious answer, but:

My Taco doesn't have a MPG calculator. Engines tend to have a RPM sweet spot for best MPG. Wondering what RPM range to drive for best MPG? Example: Auto transmission and driving city in 3rd keeps the RPMs around 2000-2500. Is this better for MPG than Drive, which tends to stay in a higher gear at less RPMs?

Thanks much,
Chroo945

 

Keep it under 2,000 RPM's and remember people don't buy trucks for the gas mileage. If gas mileage is that a big a deal for you, you should have bought something else. I drive all around town only and get 16.

 

Thanks for the quick reply Unchained 5150. Love the truck and not expecting miracles, just checking to see where I can maximize fuel economy.

 

Honestly really can't, an exhaust won't do it. An aftermarket Cold Air Intake won't do it

 

Sounds as though the truck knows best when it comes to the most efficient RPM. Thanks again for your feedback... : )

 

I agree with the above poster. Trying to keep RPMs 2k and I get over 18 mpg in the city with 265/75 DuraTracs. Driving fast gets 16. On a road trip, probably 21 or so.

 

I find that anything under 2000 and my truck is not accelerating after about 45 MPH. The more crap I add to it the higher that number climbs. My magic number seems to be 2100 for MPG and MPH.

 

I noticed when I hover between 65-70 mph on the highway I'm at 2000 rpms and I get around 20-21 mpg. At 75 mph, 2300 rpms, I get around 18 mpg.

 

Congrats on the Tacoma!

No secret/magic RPM. All about driving habits and driving conditions. Generally speaking, the further/quicker you push the gas pedal to the floor, the more fuel you are using.

Try not to use your brakes. The harder you have to brake, the more gas you wasted getting from point A to point B.

In my manual transmission, I often opt for a lower gear, higher rpm, less pressure on the gas pedal. For example, 2nd gear at 2,500 RPM and lightly on gas pedal vs. 3rd gear 1,800 RPM and firmly pressing gas pedal.
YMMV....I'm a fan of the skinny pedal on the right anyway

 

Get a scan gauge or a obd reader and a old phone with an app.
Seeing your instant mileage helps to figure it out.
Driving style is a big part of getting better mpgs.
The wife has to have her foot on one peddle or the other all the time. I can get better mpg with my Tacoma than she can with her suby.

 

My old Ford Ranger 4.0lt auto worked out the best if driven close to max torque that is 80-85 % Engine had enough power and rpm and delivered good mileage. That is 20+ mph.
Try driving your Tacoma close to 80 % torque you might like it.
TOMB

 

Agree. I get roughly the same results, under the same conditions. 70 mph seems to be the threshold on most of these trucks for fuel economy. As soon as you start going over, mileage starts dropping off dramatically.

 

quoted from Blockhead :
I noticed when I hover between 65-70 mph on the highway I'm at 2000 rpms and I get around 20-21 mpg. At 75 mph, 2300 rpms, I get around 18 mpg.

Above is for the automatic. At 67-70mph my 6speed is turning about 2400 to 2450.

 

Thanks much for all your feedback, very helpful. This is a really terrific forum.

 

Scan Gauge 245/75/16 MS2 tires. 40 to 45 mph flat ground, in overdrive about 23.5 MPG.

 

Another vote for keeping it under 2,000 RPM

 

So, at 75 mph are you up over 3000 rpms? That would use a lot of gas I would think.

 

Scan Guage II is one way to 'kinda' tell, especially over time. I have one in each vehicle and find it very useful for other things. Like monitoring the trans temp, etc.

An analog vacuum gauge is the best way to know the answer to your question. Correlate max vac to RPM in a given gear. Of course in high gear on the open road you can then determine the RPM/MPH that makes the best cruise point.

 

The answer is 0 RPMs, Bob. Zero RPMs for the best MPG.

 

Keep the RPM low. Good slick tires would probably help too.