Your 2022 Toyota 4Runner gets 17 MPG combined (16 city, 19 highway) with its 4.0-liter engine. While this SUV wasn't designed for fuel efficiency, several practical changes can help you squeeze out better gas mileage.
Remove Extra Weight and Accessories
The biggest fuel economy gains come from reducing what your truck carries. Remove roof racks, cargo boxes, and other accessories when you're not using them. A roof rack alone can noticeably drag down your MPG. One real-world test showed the 4Runner achieved nearly 19 MPG on the highway even with a roof rack installed, suggesting removal could push you closer to 20 MPG under ideal conditions.
Check Your Tire Pressure
Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and force your engine to work harder. Check your tire pressure monthly and inflate to the manufacturer's recommended PSI (found on the driver's door jamb). Proper tire pressure can improve fuel economy by 1 to 3 percent.
Drive Smoothly on the Highway
Your 4Runner performs better on highways (19 MPG) than in the city (16 MPG). Aggressive acceleration and frequent speed changes waste fuel. Maintain steady speeds and accelerate gradually. Highway cruising at consistent speeds lets your engine run efficiently.
Maintain Your Vehicle
Keep up with regular maintenance: oil changes, air filter replacements, and engine tune-ups. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. A clogged air filter forces your engine to work harder and burns more fuel.
Plan Your Routes
Combine trips to reduce overall driving. City driving drops your MPG to 16, so fewer city miles means better overall fuel economy. Plan errands efficiently and avoid unnecessary idling.
Realistic Expectations
Your 4Runner is a large SUV designed for capability, not fuel efficiency. Even with these improvements, you're unlikely to exceed 20 MPG. Focus on the changes that deliver the most impact: removing roof racks and unnecessary cargo, maintaining proper tire pressure, and driving smoothly on highways.
Tracking your actual fuel economy helps identify which changes work best for your driving style. Tools like Sidekick help monitor your real-world costs and show how driving habits affect your bottom line.