Choosing the right vehicle for towing your travel trailer can be daunting. For years, the Toyota 4Runner has been a popular choice for its reliability and off-road capabilities. But when it comes to towing and fuel efficiency, how does the Toyota 4Runner mileage truly stack up, especially against a larger truck like the Toyota Tundra? We’ve towed our Lance 1685 travel trailer, weighing around 4800 lbs gross, over 10,000 miles with both a 6-cylinder Toyota 4Runner and a V8 Toyota Tundra. Here’s our firsthand experience comparing these two popular tow vehicles, focusing particularly on fuel consumption and overall performance.
We initially used our 2006 6-cylinder Toyota 4Runner for towing our travel trailer across diverse terrains, including challenging mountain passes in the west. For over 10,000 miles, it was a reliable and enjoyable experience. However, as our 4Runner reached its tenth year, we decided to replace it with a 2016 Toyota Tundra. This wasn’t because of dissatisfaction with the 4Runner’s towing ability, but simply due to our vehicle replacement cycle.
Toyota 4Runner towing a travel trailer to Chaco Canyon
All the way to Chaco Canyon! We made it!
Despite our positive experiences with both vehicles, there are notable differences, especially concerning fuel economy and towing dynamics. After putting 10,000 miles on the Tundra, mirroring our 4Runner experience, we’ve identified key distinctions in their performance as tow vehicles. Let’s delve into a detailed comparison of the pros and cons of using a 4Runner versus a Tundra for towing, with a special focus on what you can expect regarding Toyota Four Runner Mileage and its counterpart, the Tundra’s fuel consumption.
4Runner vs. Tundra: Towing Pros and Cons
Our comparison is based on real-world towing experiences, highlighting the practical differences we observed between the 4Runner and the Tundra.
1. Fuel Efficiency: MPG While Towing
When towing, the Toyota 4Runner mileage averaged around 10-11 mpg over 10,000 miles. Its 22-gallon fuel tank meant we were often looking for gas stations every 200 miles, especially on long journeys. In contrast, the Toyota Tundra, with its larger 38-gallon tank, has averaged around 10.2 mpg while towing. While the mpg is similar, the Tundra’s significantly larger tank extends the range to almost 400 miles between gas station stops. This difference is crucial, particularly when traveling through remote areas with fewer gas stations.
Toyota Tundra and 4Runner mileage comparison during a road trip
2. Fuel Efficiency: MPG Not Towing
The disparity in fuel economy becomes more pronounced when not towing. The 4Runner delivered a respectable 21-22 mpg in everyday driving. The Tundra, however, offers considerably less impressive mileage at around 15 mpg without a trailer. This is a significant difference to consider if the vehicle will also serve as a daily driver when not towing.
3. Engine Power and Acceleration
The V8 engine in the Tundra provides a noticeable power advantage over the 4Runner’s V6, especially when needing to accelerate quickly to pass other vehicles on the highway. The Tundra’s extra horsepower makes towing feel more effortless in situations requiring bursts of speed.
4. Towing Awareness and Handling
Towing with the 4Runner, we were always aware of the trailer behind us. With the Tundra, the larger size and greater stability meant we sometimes had to consciously remind ourselves that we were towing a trailer. The Tundra’s stability provides a more relaxed towing experience, reducing driver fatigue on long hauls.
Toyota Tundra towing a travel trailer with ease
5. Stability in Windy Conditions
Crosswinds and passing semi-trucks affected the 4Runner more noticeably than the Tundra. The Tundra’s heavier weight and wider stance provided superior stability in windy conditions, making for safer and less stressful driving, especially in strong crosswinds.
6. Cargo Space and Practicality
One of the significant advantages of the Tundra is its pickup truck bed. It offers a dedicated space to store dirty or smelly camping gear, keeping the interior of the vehicle clean and odor-free. This is a feature the 4Runner, as an SUV, simply cannot match.
Toyota Tundra bed loaded with camping gear
7. Hitch Compatibility
Both vehicles utilized the same Fastway E2 weight distribution hitch. We were able to easily adapt our existing hitch setup from the 4Runner to the Tundra, only needing a minor adjustment due to the Tundra’s higher bumper. This compatibility simplifies the transition if you are upgrading from a 4Runner to a Tundra.
8. Towing Strain and Vehicle Longevity
Despite the 4Runner’s factory tow package and adequate tow rating, there was always a slight concern about the long-term strain of towing near its maximum capacity. The Tundra, being a half-ton pickup, is inherently built for heavier loads, providing peace of mind regarding the vehicle’s durability when towing regularly.
Toyota 4Runner on a dirt road during a towing adventure
9. Purchase Price and Value
Interestingly, new Toyota 4Runners can be priced similarly to or even higher than a comparable Toyota Tundra. Considering the Tundra’s superior towing capabilities and additional features, it can represent better value, especially if towing is a primary concern. Our purchase of a slightly used Tundra at a discount further solidified its value proposition.
10. Tailgate Convenience
The Tundra’s tailgate provides a convenient and sturdy surface, perfect for picnics or as a work surface when camping or during roadside stops. This simple feature adds to the Tundra’s practicality for outdoor adventures.
Toyota Tundra tailgate used as a picnic table
11. Interior and Cargo Space
The Tundra crew cab offers significantly more interior space and overall cargo capacity compared to the 4Runner. The added bed space, especially with a bed liner and cover, provides ample room for bulky items, keeping the interior clutter-free.
Toyota Tundra with ample cargo space for outdoor gear
12. Ground Clearance and Off-Road Prowess
While both are capable off-road vehicles, the Tundra offers slightly higher ground clearance (around 11 inches vs. 9.6 inches for the 4Runner). Although the 4Runner might feel more nimble in tighter off-road situations, the Tundra’s increased clearance is beneficial for more challenging terrain.
Toyota Tundra and 4Runner towing travel trailer in mountainous region
Conclusion: Choosing Between 4Runner and Tundra for Towing
Ultimately, the “better” tow vehicle between the Toyota 4Runner and Toyota Tundra depends on individual needs and priorities. If Toyota Four Runner mileage is a primary concern and towing is occasional, the 4Runner remains a capable and fuel-efficient choice when not hauling. However, for frequent towing, especially longer distances or heavier loads, the Toyota Tundra offers significant advantages in stability, power, cargo space, and extended range due to its larger fuel tank, despite having similar towing mileage to the 4Runner.
Both the 4Runner and Tundra served us well for towing our travel trailer. The 4Runner was excellent for its time and purpose, proving you can tow effectively with a mid-size SUV. However, upgrading to the Tundra provided enhanced comfort, stability, and practicality for our towing needs. There’s no definitive right or wrong answer, and both vehicles represent solid choices depending on your specific towing requirements and daily driving habits.
What are your experiences towing with a Toyota 4Runner or Tundra? Share your thoughts and insights in the comments below!
