On this blog, we conduct extensive research into the queries you may have about various automobiles. Today, we’ll look at the Toyota Tundra and see what kind of fuel it needs. To find the answer, we looked through all the Tundra’s owner’s manuals produced since 2000. Here is a quick answer to what we found:
All models of Toyota Tundra are tuned to use “regular” unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87. Having a fuel of more octane rating greater than 89 won’t affect much in its performance. Also, having an octane rating of fuel less than 87 is not recommended.
Using the right kind of fuel is essential to get the best performance of your car. However, this doesn’t tell the whole story. Below, we will detail what kind of fuel should and shouldn’t be used in Tundra. We would also tell you the mileage of different models and what engine they have right from 2000.
If you’re interested in seeing how the Tundra compares to other Toyota vehicles then check out this post covering the fuel types of the Toyota Highlander, Toyota Tacoma, or Toyota’s popular SUV the Sequoia.
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Fuel Requirements Based on Engine Type
2000 – 2006
The Toyota Tundra comes with a 4L V6 engine. Toyota also introduced a 4.7L V8 engine into pickups in their Tundra.
All Toyota Tundra engines are tuned to 87 octane “regular” gasoline. The octane rating is a measure of the fuel’s resistance to pre-ignition rather than its performance. Octane less than 87 is not recommended, and premium fuel with a more octane rating won’t help in performance much.
2007 – 2013
A 4.0-liter V6 with 270 horsepower, a 4.6-liter V8 with 310 horsepower, and a 5.7-liter V8 with 381 horsepower are available in the Toyota Tundra. The V8 Tundras come with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the V6 comes with a five-speed and both transmission types are considered quite reliable in the Tundra.
Rear-wheel drive is standard, with four-wheel drive (4WD) available on the V8s only. The octane rating is a measure of the fuel’s resistance to pre-ignition rather than its performance. Hence 87 octane rating “regular” gasoline is recommended for the vehicle.
2014 – 2018
The 2018 Tundra comes with two engines: a 4.6-liter V-8 with 310 horsepower and generates 327 pound-feet of torque, and the other engine has a 5.7-liter V-8 with 381 horsepower and generates 401 pound-feet of torque.
The single transmission option is a six-speed automatic transmission.87 octane rating of “regular” gasoline is recommended for the vehicle.
2018 – 2022
In the latest version of Tundra, all models are powered by a 5.7-liter V-8 which produces 381 HP and generates 401 lb-ft of torque. It’s connected to a six-speed automatic transmission, with RWD standard and 4WD optional.
All Toyota Tundra engines are tuned to 87 octane “regular” gasoline. (The octane rating measures the fuel’s resistance to pre-ignition rather than its performance.)
Increasing the octane level above the acceptable level does not affect engine performance or mileage. Other, factors including vehicle load, speed, traffic conditions, and weather, will have a much more significant impact on mileage. Any power or mileage differences will be insignificant.
The new Toyota Tundra in 2022 is expected to have a 5.7-liter V8 like the 300-Series Land Cruiser, and it is also expected to have a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6. It would also be available in the diesel variant.
Does The Toyota Tundra Require Premium Fuel?
When it comes to maintaining a vehicle, one of the common queries we often come across is about the type of fuel to use. So, does the Toyota Tundra require premium fuel?
Let’s directly answer that question:
The Toyota Tundra is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87. There’s no requirement or recommendation from Toyota to use premium gasoline for this full-size pickup truck. This applies to all Tundra models, regardless of the year or engine type, be it the base V6 or the more powerful V8 engines.
But, why doesn’t the Tundra need premium gas, and what’s the difference anyway?
Premium gasoline generally has a higher octane rating, usually 91 or higher. The primary advantage of higher octane fuel is its ability to resist ‘knocking’ or ‘pinging’ during combustion, which can occur when fuel prematurely ignites in one or more of your engine’s cylinders.
However, Toyota engineers have designed the Tundra’s engines to operate optimally with regular unleaded gasoline, balancing performance, efficiency, and affordability. That’s true not only for the Tundra but also for most other Toyota vehicles like the Corolla, Yaris, Camry, and Avalon to name a few.
Using premium fuel in a Tundra won’t damage the engine, but it also won’t enhance the truck’s performance, fuel efficiency, or the number of miles you can expect this vehilce to last. In other words, it’s an unnecessary expense.
What Type of Gasoline Tundra Can or Can’t Take?
There is a wide variety of gasoline available in the market. Let’s look at the types of gasoline and how they affect the performance of Tundra.
Reformulated Gasoline
Reformulated Gasoline is the gasoline that has been blended to burn cleaner than regular gasoline. This fuel minimizes the formation of ozone-deprecating pollutants, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides (NOX). It reduces smog formation and has fewer toxic pollutants.
The Clean Air Act (CAA) required RFG in some metropolitan regions with terrible air quality. Toyota recommends the use of Reformulated gasoline for all engines 4.6L and 5.7L for Reformulated gasoline is suitable for your Toyota Tundra and the environment.
Gasoline Recommended For Use
When you go to the gas station, you’ll usually see three types of fuel — ordinary, mid-grade, and premium – each with its own octane rating.
The octane rating is described as a measure of a fuel’s capacity to withstand engine knock and burn cleaner, with a higher-octane rating indicating that the fuel will burn more effectively and cleanly.
Regular 87-Octane, Mid-Grade 89-Octane, and Premium 91-Octane are the three categories of fuel that will be available at most petrol stations. The octane rating for premium fuel varies depending on the manufacturer.
It would be best if you only used unleaded gasoline. Selecting an octane rating of 87 (Research Octane Number 91) or higher is recommended. Engine knocking may occur if unleaded gasoline with an octane value of less than 87 is used. Engine damage can occur if the knocking continues.
In a minimal number of situations, difficulties with drivability can be traced back to the gasoline you’re using. If the problem with drivability persists, try switching to a different gasoline brand. Consult your Toyota dealer if this does not solve the problem.
Gasoline/Oxygenated Blends or E-85
Ethanol is an anti-knock additive or octane enhancer. Ethanol contributes to the efficiency of today’s higher compression engines. It also makes gasoline burn cleaner, better for the environment because it emits less carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides (“nox”).
Ethanol has a higher-octane rating than gasoline, resulting in more power and performance. Because of its high octane, Indianapolis 500 drivers frequently use E98 to fuel their race cars.
E-85 is a typical example of an ethanol and gasoline blend where 85% of ethanol is mixed with 15% regular gasoline. Cars using this mixture usually have lower miles per gallon but reach higher horsepower and torque numbers.
Toyota recommends the use of ethanol around 15 percent or less in gasoline.
Addition of Cleaning Agents
Toyota advises using fuel that contains cleaning chemicals.
Detergents are necessary because they keep sections of the fuel system clean and prevent excessive levels of carbon from forming in areas like injectors, feed valves, and fire chambers.
These are linked to severe issues: they can obstruct correct airflow, alter the fuel/air balance, reduce fuel economy, provide less fuel, and increase vehicle emissions.
Note: All petrol cars sold in the US have a minimum amount of cleaning agent additives.
Gasoline Containing MMT
Some gasoline contains MMT (Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl), which is an octane enhancing additive. Gasoline with MMT is prohibited in some cities of the US because it reduces emission system performance and sparks plug life.
Toyota does not recommend the use of gasoline containing MMT. If gasoline with MMT is added, then the malfunction indicator lamp on the instrument cluster may come on.
How Much Is The Gas Mileage Of Different Models Of Toyota Tundra?
2000-2006
Engine | City | Highway | Combined |
4 L (2WD) | 16 MPG | 20 MPG | 18 MPG |
4.7 L (2WD) | 14 MPG | 17 MPG | 15 MPG |
4.7L (2WD) | 14 MPG | 17 MPG | 15 MPG |
2007 – 2013
Certain reviewers have also criticized the gas mileage of Tundra. According to the EPA, the two-wheel-drive Tundra with the V6 gets 16/20 mpg city/highway, while the 4.6-liter model gets 15/20 mpg city/highway. The 5.7-liter V8 engine gets 14/19 mpg in the city and highway.
Engine | City | Highway | Combined |
4 L (2WD) | 16 MPG | 20 MPG | 18 MPG |
4.6 L (2WD) | 15 MPG | 20 MPG | 17 MPG |
5.7L (2WD) | 14 MPG | 19 MPG | 16 MPG |
5.7 L (4WD) FFV | 13 MPG | 18 MPG | 15 MPG |
4.6 L (4WD) | 14 MPG | 19 MPG | 16 MPG |
2014 – 2017
For the 2017 model, rear-drive trucks with the standard 4.6-liter V-8 were rated at 13/18 mpg city/highway, while four-wheel-drive trucks were rated at 14/18 mpg. The 5.7-liter engine was rated at 13/18 mpg for rear-drive vehicles and 13/17 mpg for models with four-wheel drive.
Engine | City | Highway | Combined |
4.6 L (2WD) | 13 MPG | 18 MPG | 15 MPG |
5.7 L (4WD) | 13 MPG | 17 MPG | 15 MPG |
5.7L (2WD) | 13 MPG | 18 MPG | 15 MPG |
5.7 L (4WD) FFV | 13 MPG | 17 MPG | 15 MPG |
4.6 L (4WD) | 14 MPG | 18 MPG | 16 MPG |
2018 – 2021
EPA ratings for the 2021 Tundra are 13 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway, regardless of drivetrain. These numbers of trail rivals with smaller engines are also terrible compared to V8-powered competitors.
Engine | City | Highway | Combined |
5.7 L (2WD) | 13 MPG | 18 MPG | 15 MPG |
5.7 L (4WD) | 13 MPG | 17 MPG | 13 MPG |
You can learn more about the gas mileage in the 2022 Tundra by checking out this video:
What If The Engine Makes A Knocking Noise?
According to the Toyota Tundra owner’s manual, hearing a knocking sound while accelerating or driving up a hill is typical. However, if the knocking sound persists, it is recommended that you see a Toyota dealer.
It may be primarily due to the fuel you used. The fuel could have a low octane rating, which could cause harm to your car.
Knocking sound in your vehicle could be because of the following factors:
- Wrong fuel in your Tundra
- Carbon deposit in combustion chamber
- Incorrect spark plugs or wrong spark plugs gap
What Is The Tank Size Of Toyota Tundra?
2020 Toyota Tundra comes in two tank sizes. The standard fuel tank is size 26.4 gallons, and the large fuel tank is 38 gallons. 2014 – 2017 Toyota also comes with a massive 38 gallons fuel tank. While the previous models earlier than 2013 came with a fuel tank of 26.4 gallons.
The Tundra’s tank size is consistent with other similarly sized Toyota vehicles like the 4Runner which has a 23-gallon fuel tank and has similar fuel requirements to the Tundra.
But massive compared to compact options like the Yaris and its 11-gallon tank.
How Much Does It Cost To Fill Up The Toyota Tundra?
Filling up a 38 gallons massive tank of Tundra for models of 2014-2021 would cost you around 167 $ in Mississippi, with the highest fuel costing the state, while 107 $ in Texas, which is the cheapest state in the US.
While the 2018-2021 models have a small tank of 26.4 gallons, which can cost you around 74$ in Texas and 120$ in Mississippi.
The earlier previous models of 2013 will cost you 74$ in Texas, the cheapest US state for fuel, while around 120 $ in Mississippi, the most expensive state for fuel.
Closing Thoughts
All Tundra models from 2000 to the present day are optimized to operate on regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87. It’s important to note that using a fuel with an octane rating greater than 89 does not significantly enhance the Tundra’s performance.
Similarly, fuels with an octane rating of less than 87 are discouraged as they may not be suitable for your Tundra’s optimal functioning.
In addition to the fuel type, we also examined the mileage and engine types of different Tundra models, providing you with a more comprehensive overview. Just like you need to know your Tundra’s wheel size before upgrading your rims, choosing the correct fuel and understanding the fuel consumption of your specific model is critical.
We hope this blog post has answered all your queries about the fuel requirements for the Toyota Tundra. Make sure to keep in tune with our blog for more in-depth analysis and helpful tips to get the most out of your automobile.
Sources
- Gas Mileage of 2003 Tundra
- State Gas Price Average
- 2017 Toyota Tundra Owner’s manual
- 2021 Toyota Tundra Owner’s manual
- 2019 Toyota Tundra Owner’s manual
Hi! My name is Stefan; I’m the owner and lead writer at TheDriverAdviser.com.
I’m an active writer on this blog myself, as well as a novice car mechanic. For the really technical stuff, I find writers with experience as a mechanic or who have studied mechanical engineering.
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