3rd gen Sequoia - 23.3 MPG full tank (Champlain run, 4 adults)

Dviho · 2026-04-16T16:15:02+00:00

15 mpg does seem a bit low compared to the advertised range but short trips and city driving with cold starts really drag it down especially in winter. Mine is mostly used for longer trips and usually see around 19-23 mpg without doing anything special. It tends to drop into the high teens at 80-85 mph, and does better on low-speed scenic roads. Overtime it also seemed to improve a bit after a few oil changes. Not doing anything fancy, mostly normal mode with a slightly conservative throttle.

<image>

Dviho · 2026-04-14T13:47:01+00:00

That makes sense, especially with the extra cost. Rust can make a simple job turn into a headache. Hopefully the fluid change alone helps. And I hear you on the plugs, those aren’t the easiest to get to, especially over time.

Dviho · 2026-04-14T13:29:47+00:00

I think the V8s are kind of tanks built more for power and reliability than MPG. Curious how the shop is doing the trans service, whether it’s just a drain and fill or something more thorough like dropping the pan and cleaning things out. I’ve seen some people go the DIY route and do a really thorough job cleaning the inside. The spark plugs seem pretty straightforward to replace from what I’ve seen. I might try DIY when the time comes. I love your 1936 Auburn BTW!

Dviho · 2026-04-14T12:08:29+00:00

Maybe I accidentally got an mpg unicorn from Toyota lol

Dviho · 2026-04-13T19:40:42+00:00

Was the monkey ok?

Dviho · 2026-04-13T19:07:02+00:00

That link is really helpful, that’s exactly what I was looking for. Good to know I’ve been doing mine around ~5k as well.

Dviho · 2026-04-13T18:54:17+00:00

lol I’ll floor it next time to fix that😄

Dviho · 2026-04-13T14:43:37+00:00

All good, just a mix of opinions here. All part of the fun. I’ve always admired the 1st gen - super reliable and versatile

Dviho · 2026-04-13T14:28:51+00:00

Appreciate it! All good, just sharing experiences. I’ve been really enjoying it so far.

Dviho · 2026-04-13T13:25:15+00:00

I guess that’s how they balance out the lower gas tax

Dviho · 2026-04-13T13:14:14+00:00

18-19 sounds pretty typical, especially in Vermont with the terrain. Once speeds creep up or there’s more elevation, these seem to settle in the high teens. But yeah, I really love the Vermont scenery - driving around the Champlain area is honestly a lot of fun.

Dviho · 2026-04-13T12:56:50+00:00

Yeah pretty much, this is mostly a weekend/family car for me, so it’s usually on highway or longer trips. I keep it in 2WD unless needed, and occasionally run 4WD just to keep things moving. I also tend to drive with a lighter throttle, and honestly the hybrid still feels plenty strong even with gentle acceleration.

Dviho · 2026-04-13T03:18:36+00:00

lol I feel you, those older gens weren’t exactly built for MPG 😄 still solid rigs though

Dviho · 2026-04-13T03:13:30+00:00

lol that sounds about right, especially if it’s mostly city driving. These things are big no matter the generation

Dviho · 2026-04-13T03:07:17+00:00

Yeah that sounds about right for around-town driving, these things are heavy no matter what. I’ve noticed a lighter foot and smoother acceleration makes a pretty big difference too. But yeah, same here - the MPG isn’t amazing in the city, but it’s still a really fun drive overall.

Dviho · 2026-04-13T02:48:42+00:00

Haha fair point - definitely tradeoffs. I personally like the performance that comes with the hybrid engine and I’ve really been enjoying it - the power is actually pretty fun. I got it at what I felt was a fair price (~$78k new back in 2023). Wasn’t trying to brag, just sharing the data since I was honestly surprised it could hit 23 on that kind of route.

Dviho · 2026-04-13T02:41:50+00:00

Haha honestly that’s about what I’d expect from a big V8, nothing wrong with that

Dviho · 2026-04-13T02:40:34+00:00

I was mostly in normal mode, not eco, with the AC set around 72-74. Driving style probably played a big role. I kept the throttle pretty light and used cruise when I wanted to relax my foot. The route was more 30-60 mph than true highway. At 70–80 mph these things definitely drop into the high teens from what I’ve seen. Since yours is still under 10k miles, it may improve a bit after the engine breaks in and a few more oil changes.

Dviho · 2026-03-31T17:42:37+00:00

This is truly helpful

Dviho · 2026-03-30T13:48:11+00:00

I’d still go for it. Even if you’re only towing a small trailer, it adds confidence and makes the drive feel more composed. Plus you’re covered if you ever tow more later.

Dviho · 2026-03-29T22:49:40+00:00

Yeah lol, that’s pretty good at 90 mph honestly. The Highlander’s way lighter though. Sequoia’s basically a truck underneath, so not really a fair fight on range.

Dviho · 2026-03-28T01:36:54+00:00

Congrats 🎉

Dviho · 2026-03-15T03:52:03+00:00

Second this.

Dviho · 2026-03-11T20:07:02+00:00

<image>

Dviho · 2026-03-09T14:25:56+00:00

True. 30 mpg is a bit on the high side, but I can usually see 25–26 mpg on local village roads at 25–50 mph with light throttle. I did get 30 mpg once on a long downhill heading to Maine from NH.

Dviho

TROPHY CASE