You’d think a new turbocharged hybrid truck with two fewer cylinders would easily beat an old V8, but it’s not that simple.
Browsing the First Gen Tundra Facebook group and I came across a relatively recent The Fast Lane Truck video shared where they pitted the first and second generation Toyota Tundras with naturally aspirated V8 engines against the newest third gen 2024 Toyota Tundra with a supposedly more efficient Turbo V6.
While, predictably, the newest Tundra demolished the other two in a drag race, it wasn’t the same story at the pump.
Here’s their entertaining speed and efficiency test video below.
Here are the three trucks they tested,
- 2006 Toyota Tundra Double Cab 4×4 with a 4.7 L V8 with 245 HP and 315 lb-ft.
- 2008 Toyota Tundra TRD with 5.7L V8 with 381 HP and 401 lb-ft
- 2024 Toyota Tundra Crew Max with 3.4L V6 Turbo Hybrid with a combined 389 hp and 583 lb-ft.
Their real world MPG challenge entailed filling up at a local Sinclair gas station, driving 35 miles to their racetrack/test facility, drag racing, and driving back.
After topping off again, they’d calculate their respective MPGs.
The fastest, brand spanking new Tundra took 4.571 gallons for a 15.3 MPG result.
The second to the fastest 2008 Tundra fared the worst and took 4.93 gallons netting a 14.18 MPG result.
But the oldest Tundra, after the trip to the strip and back, only needed 4.06 gallons winning the MPG test with a 17.2 MPG result, nearly a 2 MPG win over the newest Tundra.
But, how?
While the newest Tundra has the smaller, more technologically advanced engine, it weighs more, upwards of 5,860 pounds when fully kitted out.
The nearly 20 year old, first gen Tundra, on the other hand, is a lot smaller and a feather weight in comparison at around 4,100 pounds, a 1760 pound difference.
The gradual size growth is endemic across the automotive industry, so that’s no surprise.
All that weight isn’t for nothing as the newer Tundras can do more, capable of towing upwards of 12,000 pounds whereas the first gen Tundra can only tow up to 7,100 pounds.
So, the next time you’re at a stop light and see a new, fangled Toyota Tundra, don’t assume that it gets significantly better MPG compared to an older one.
Because, despite all the technological advancements under the hood, it’s still got to lug around nearly 3 tons empty.
Lopping off two cylinders, putting a hybrid battery, and using turbos can only do so much.
Upgrading to a newer Tundra, don’t be surprised if you’re paying more at the pump.
