We’re no strangers to talking about pickup trucks on our auto guides, which is why we’re keeping the wheel rolling by adding the Toyota Tacoma to that list.
For this specific article, we’re going to be discussing the types of gas that you can and cannot use for the Toyota Tacoma pickup truck, which will be quite a worthwhile read for those looking to buy one.
If you’re also considering a full-size pickup truck, then we recommend checking out our gas type guide for the Toyota Tundra (toyota tundra gasoline type) as well. Otherwise, let’s start off by answering the general question below.
What kind of gas does a Toyota Tacoma take?
The Toyota Tacoma takes regular 87-octane unleaded gasoline for all generations and engines. It can also take premium gas with higher octane ratings, though no additional benefits will be gained other than more resistance to knocking.
After sifting through every single owner’s manual for each Toyota Tacoma model year, we’ve found that they all mention the same minimum requirement of 87-octane unleaded gasoline.
While the manuals also state that the use of fuel higher than 87-octane is possible, there is no mention of it actually being recommended, let alone, required for the Toyota Tacoma in order to improve its performance.
Thus, the next time you pull up to a gas station pump in your Toyota Tacoma, you don’t need to worry about spending a few cents more per gallon for premium gas, as the regular 87-octane will do the job just fine.
However, the types of fuel to be used for the Toyota Tacoma aren’t solely dependent on the octane rating alone, which is why we’ll be further discussing the use of different fuel blends and additives and whether or not they’re compatible with the Tacoma.
Toyota Tacoma Fuel Requirements Per Generation and Engine Option
All generations and engine options of the Toyota Tacoma require a minimum of 87-octane unleaded gasoline. Use of gasoline lower than 87-octane can result in engine knocking and potential engine damage.
1st-Generation Toyota Tacoma (N140/N150/N160/N170/N190) (1995 to 2004)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 2.4L 2RZ-FE Inline-4 (I4) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) or Higher |
| 2.7L 3RZ-FE Inline-4 (I4) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) or Higher |
| 3.4L 5VZ-FE V6 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) or Higher |
The 1st generation of the Toyota Tacoma was introduced under several different design codes (ranging from N140 to N190) back in 1995.
Branching out from the Toyota Pickup (or Hilux) of the 90s, the Toyota Tacoma is equipped with bigger and more powerful engines than its predecessor.
The 1st-gen Tacoma sports a 2.4-liter 2RZ-FE I4 as the base engine, while a 2.7-liter 3RZ-FE I4 is also available should you prefer something with a bit more power and a 4WD drivetrain.
However, the go-to engine for the 1st-gen Toyota Tacoma power-wise is undoubtedly the 3.4-liter V6 option.
Though the V6 is, as you’d expect, not as fuel-efficient as the two I4 engines, it’s still designed to run on regular 87-octane gas just like the rest of the options.
2nd-Generation Toyota Tacoma (N220/N240/N250/N260/N270) (2005 to 2015)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 2.7L 2TR-FE Inline-4 (I4) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) or Higher |
| 4.0L 1GR-FE V6 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) or Higher |
Throughout its 11-year production run, the 2nd-generation Toyota Tacoma has only ever used two different engines to move its 2-ton curb weight around.
Since its first model year in 2005, the 2nd-gen Tacoma made use of a then-new 2.7-liter “2TR-FE” I4 producing 165 hp, a direct replacement and slight improvement to the previous gen’s two I4 engines.
The older 3.4-liter V6 was also cast aside in favor of a bigger 4-liter 1GR-FE V6 that made 245 hp from the factory.
While you can definitely notice the gap in performance figures between the 2nd-gen Tacoma’s two engines, you’ll be happy to hear that they are both designed to run on regular 87-octane gas, making premium fuel not necessary.
3rd-Generation Toyota Tacoma (N300) (2016 to 2023/Present)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 2.7L 2TR-FE Inline-4 (I4) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) or Higher |
| 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) or Higher |
The 3rd-gen Toyota Tacoma was introduced in 2015 for the 2016 model year and is now the newest iteration of the Tacoma nameplate.
The previous-gen model’s 2.7-liter 2TR-FE I4 engine was carried over to the 3rd-gen Tacoma and became its standard option, while a new optional 3.5-liter 2GR-FKS V6 powerplant is the heart of higher trim levels (SR5, Limited, Trail, and TRD trims).
As with the older engines, both the 2.7-liter I4 and the 3.5-liter V6 of the 3rd-gen Tacoma are specified to run on regular 87-octane unleaded gasoline.
Despite other manufacturers recommending premium fuel to unlock the full potential of their V6 or V8-powered models, this does not apply to the Toyota Tacoma V6 in its stock/factory ECU tune.
Thus, the only way to actually get any sort of performance gains from using premium fuel on the V6 Tacoma is if you get a custom ECU tune for it.
Types of Gasoline/Fuel That Can Be Used in a Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma is recommended to be filled up with TOP TIER detergent gasoline (minimum of 87-octane) for its engine-cleaning benefits.
Other suitable types of fuel for the Toyota Tacoma include reformulated gasoline, E-10/E-15 (depending on model year), and MTBE blends of up to 15% only.
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline
TOP TIER gasoline has been a common staple in the most recommended fuel types by major automakers, and this is the same story for Toyota and its Tacoma pickup truck.
The Toyota Tacoma owner’s manual strongly recommends the use of TOP TIER gasoline because of its engine-cleaning detergent additives.
Thanks to such additives in TOP TIER gasoline, your vehicle’s engine is better protected against the accumulation of all sorts of debris, deposits, or gunk inside it.
As a result of a cleaner engine, optimum engine performance is to be expected (as long as proper maintenance is also regularly performed, of course).
There are currently over 60 fuel brands in North America that sell TOP TIER-formulated gasoline, and you can spot any of them by looking for the TOP TIER label on the gas pump, as illustrated below.
Reformulated Gasoline (RFG)
Aside from TOP TIER detergent gasoline, the use of low-emissions gasoline is also mentioned in the Toyota Tacoma owner’s manual, and this is where reformulated gasoline comes in.
Compared to conventional gasoline, reformulated gasoline (RFG) is considered a more modern type of fuel blend that’s designed to burn cleaner and reduce emissions.
The burning of conventional gasoline results in the emission of common air pollutants such as nitrogen oxide (NOX) and carbon monoxide (CO), but these are all kept to a minimum when using reformulated gasoline instead.
Because of reformulated gasoline’s environmental benefits, it’s recommended by the majority of automakers. Furthermore, it’s even mandated in places that have a higher concentration of air pollution and smog.
At the time of this writing, reformulated gasoline is estimated to make up over 30% of all types of gasoline sold in the US, making it a relatively common fuel type that’s compatible with tons of different vehicle models equipped with gasoline engines.
And as with other gasoline types, be sure to follow the minimum octane requirement for your vehicle, which is 87-octane in the Toyota Tacoma’s case.
Up to 10 or 15% Ethanol/Gasohol Blends (E-10/E-15)
The Toyota Tacoma owner’s manual states that the use of gasoline containing oxygenates such as ethanol is actually recommended for their cleaner-burning nature, though there is a set limit for how much ethanol you can use per model generation.
By looking through each Toyota Tacoma generation’s owner’s manual, we’ve found that 1st and 2nd-generation models (until 2014) are capable of using gasoline blended with ethanol (labeled as “gasohol” in some instances) of up to 10% content only (E-10).
For 2015 and newer models, which make up the entire production run of the 3rd-gen “N300” Toyota Tacoma, ethanol capability is bumped up to 15%, which means you can now use E-15 fuel blends.
Vehicles that are limited to only E-10 or E-15 will come equipped with the usual black gas cap, indicating that they should not be filled up with E-85/Flex-Fuel or any fuel that contains more than 15% ethanol content.
Up to 15% MTBE Blends (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether)
Another type of oxygenate that can be blended in the gasoline that you use for the Toyota Tacoma is methyl tertiary butyl ether, or “MTBE” for short.
MTBE is an oxygenate-based additive that has been used to naturally raise the octane rating of gasoline to achieve the required number before being sold at gas pumps.
However, most vehicles are limited to just 15% MTBE compatibility, and this is also true for the Toyota Tacoma.
Compared to ethanol, gasoline blended with MTBE is harder to come by, as the additive is actually already phased out in several states.
Thus, the use of MTBE-blended gasoline for the Toyota Tacoma is more of a last resort rather than an actual replacement for the other fuel types we’ve already stated above.
Types of Gasoline/Fuel to Avoid for the Toyota Tacoma
Avoid filling up the Toyota Tacoma with gasoline containing MMT, gasoline containing methanol, diesel or biodiesel fuel, and gasoline lower than 87-octane.
Gasoline Containing MMT (Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl)
If there is one additive that you shouldn’t add to the gasoline that you use for the Toyota Tacoma, it’ll definitely be MMT.
MMT has been used as an octane-boosting additive for decades, and while it may do the job of reducing engine knock quite well, it still brings several downsides that are just not worth the extra points in octane.
For starters, MMT is notorious for reducing the life of your spark plugs as well as causing damage to multiple fuel system components.
Then there’s also the environmental (and health) hazard of MMT making your vehicle’s emissions a lot more toxic, something that you and everyone else’s lungs around you would not be happy about.
Toyota also states that upon using MMT in the Tacoma, the “Malfunction Indicator Lamp” will be illuminated on its instrument cluster, which should be turned off via servicing at the dealership.
Gasoline Containing Methanol
The manufacturer does not recommend the use of gasoline that contains methanol for the Toyota Tacoma, as stated in its owner’s manual.
Methanol, also known as “wood alcohol”, has been used as a cheaper alternative type of fuel that produces cleaner emissions, though not every vehicle is built to take methanol in their fuel systems.
Methanol is also commonly used as a race fuel in motorsports applications, but unless you plan on racing with your Toyota Tacoma and equipping it with a methanol injection kit, the pickup truck’s stock fuel system will not be able to handle it.
If you were to still use any percentage of methanol in the Tacoma, then Toyota advises limiting it to no more than 5% content and that it should also contain cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors.
Diesel/Biodiesel
Ever since it first debuted back in 1995, the Toyota Tacoma was only released with gasoline engines.
This means that any sort of diesel or biodiesel fuel is completely off-limits for the Toyota Tacoma unless the manufacturer gives an official announcement that a diesel variant is in the works.
Accidentally putting diesel in a gasoline engine can clog your fuel system components and eventually cause your engine to seize if not remedied right away.
Just in case you do end up putting diesel in your gas-powered car, we recommended having it towed to the nearest mechanic to have it properly drained and repaired.
What will happen if I use the wrong gas type?
Using the wrong gas type for your car, such as using too low of an octane rating than what’s recommended, can result in engine knocking, reduced engine performance, and potential damage to the engine internals.
Toyota Tacoma Gas Mileage Per Generation
The Toyota Tacoma can achieve a combined gas mileage of 16 to 22 mpg (1st gen), 15 to 23 mpg (2nd gen), and 18 to 21 mpg (3rd gen) depending on the engine and drivetrain.
1st-Generation Toyota Tacoma (N140/N150/N160/N170/N190) (1995 to 2004)
| Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) | MPG (Combined) |
| 2.4L 2RZ-FE Inline-4 (I4) (2WD only) | 19 to 20 mpg | 22 to 26 mpg | 20 to 22 mpg |
| 2.7L 3RZ-FE Inline-4 (I4) (2WD) | 17 mpg | 20 to 22 mpg | 18 to 19 mpg |
| 2.7L 3RZ-FE Inline-4 (I4) (4WD) | 15 to 16 mpg | 19 to 20 mpg | 17 to 18 mpg |
| 3.4L 5VZ-FE V6 (2WD) | 15 to 17 mpg | 18 to 22 mpg | 16 to 19 mpg |
| 3.4L 5VZ-FE V6 (4WD) | 14 to 15 mpg | 17 to 18 mpg | 16 to 17 mpg |
2nd-Generation Toyota Tacoma (N220/N240/N250/N260/N270) (2005 to 2015)
| Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) | MPG (Combined) |
| 2.7L 2TR-FE Inline-4 (I4) (2WD) | 18 to 21 mpg | 24 to 26 mpg | 20 to 23 mpg |
| 2.7L 2TR-FE Inline-4 (I4) (4WD) | 17 to 18 mpg | 20 to 22 mpg | 18 to 19 mpg |
| 4.0L 1GR-FE V6 (2WD) | 14 to 17 mpg | 18 to 21 mpg | 16 to 19 mpg |
| 4.0L 1GR-FE V6 (4WD) | 14 to 16 mpg | 18 to 21 mpg | 15 to 18 mpg |
3rd-Generation Toyota Tacoma (N300) (2016 to 2023/Present)
| Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) | MPG (Combined) |
| 2.7L 2TR-FE Inline-4 (I4) (2WD) | 19 to 20 mpg | 23 mpg | 21 mpg |
| 2.7L 2TR-FE Inline-4 (I4) (4WD) | 19 mpg | 21 to 22 mpg | 20 mpg |
| 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6 (2WD) | 19 mpg | 24 mpg | 21 mpg |
| 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6 (4WD) | 17 to 18 mpg | 21 to 23 mpg | 18 to 20 mpg |
| 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6(TRD Off-Road Package/PRO) (4WD) | 17 mpg | 20 mpg | 18 mpg |
Toyota Tacoma Gas Tank Size/Capacity Per Generation
The Toyota Tacoma has a gas tank size of 15.1 to 18.5 gallons (1st gen), 21 to 21.1 gallons (2nd gen), and 21.1 gallons (3rd gen) depending on the engine and trim level.
| Toyota TacomaGeneration/Model Years | Engine/Trim Level | Gas Tank Size/Capacity (US Gallon/Liter) |
1st-Generation(N140/N150/N160/N170/N190)(1995 to 2004) | 2.4L I4 Regular Cab SB(1995 to 2000) | 15.1 gal (57.2 l) |
| 2.4L I4 Extended Cab SB(1995 to 2000) | 15.1 gal (57.2 l) | |
| 3.4L V6 Extended Cab SB(1995 to 2000) | 15.1 gal (57.2 l) | |
| 2.7L I4 Regular Cab SB(4WD)(1995 to 2000) | 18 gal (68.1 l) | |
| 2.7L I4 Extended Cab SB (4WD)(1995 to 2000) | 18 gal (68.1 l) | |
| 3.4L V6 Regular Cab SB(4WD)(1995 to 2000) | 18 gal (68.1 l) | |
| 3.4L V6 Extended Cab SB(4WD)(1995 to 2000) | 18 gal (68.1 l) | |
| All SR5 RWD Trims(1995 to 1998) | 15.1 gal (57.2 l) | |
| All SR5 4WD Trims(1995 to 1998) | 18 gal (68.1 l) | |
| 3.4L V6 Extended Cab SB(Limited) (4WD)(1998 to 2000) | 18 gal (68.1 l) | |
| All PreRunner Trims(1998 to 1999) | 18 gal (68.1 l) | |
| All 1999 Trims | 18 gal (68.1 l) | |
| All SR5 RWD Trims(2000) | 15.1 gal (57.2 l) | |
| All SR5 4WD Trims(2000) | 18 gal (68.1 l) | |
| All PreRunner Trims(2000) | 15.1 gal (57.2 l) | |
| All 2WD/RWD Trims(Except PreRunner)(2001 to 2004) | 15.8 gal (59.8 l) | |
| All 4WD Trims(2001 to 2004) | 18.5 gal (70 l) | |
| All PreRunner Trims(2001 to 2004) | 18.5 gal (70 l) | |
2nd-Generation(N220/N240/N250/N260/N270)(2005 to 2015) | 2.7L I4 Regular Cab Trims(2005 to 2010) | 21 gal (79.5 l) |
| 2.7L I4 Access Cab Trims(2005 to 2010) | 21 gal (79.5 l) | |
| 4.0L V6 Access Cab Trims(2005 to 2010) | 21 gal (79.5 l) | |
| 4.0L V6 Double Cab Trims(2005 to 2010) | 21 gal (79.5 l) | |
| All PreRunner Trims(2005 to 2010) | 21 gal (79.5 l) | |
| All X-Runner Trims(2005 to 2010) | 21 gal (79.5 l) | |
2.7L I4 Regular Cab Trims(2011 to 2014) | 21.1 gal (80 l) | |
| 2.7L I4 Access Cab Trims(2011 to 2015) | 21.1 gal (80 l) | |
| 2.7L I4 Double Cab Trims(2011 to 2015) | 21.1 gal (80 l) | |
| 4.0L V6 Access Cab Trims(2011 to 2015) | 21.1 gal (80 l) | |
| 4.0L V6 Double Cab Trims(2011 to 2015) | 21.1 gal (80 l) | |
| All PreRunner Trims(2011 to 2015) | 21.1 gal (80 l) | |
| All X-Runner Trims(2011 to 2013) | 21.1 gal (80 l) | |
| All TRD PRO Trims(2015) | 21.1 gal (80 l) | |
3rd-Generation(N300)(2016 to 2023/Present) | All SR Trims(Access Cab) | 21.1 gal (80 l) |
| All SR Trims(Double Cab) | 21.1 gal (80 l) | |
| All SR5 Trims(Access Cab) | 21.1 gal (80 l) | |
| All SR5 Trims(Access Cab) | 21.1 gal (80 l) | |
| All Limited Trims(Double Cab only) | 21.1 gal (80 l) | |
| All TRD Sport Trims(Access Cab) | 21.1 gal (80 l) | |
| All TRD Sport Trims(Double Cab) | 21.1 gal (80 l) | |
| All TRD Off-Road Trims(Access Cab) | 21.1 gal (80 l) | |
| All TRD Off-Road Trims(Double Cab) | 21.1 gal (80 l) | |
| All TRD PRO Trims(Double Cab only)(2017 to 2023/Present) | 21.1 gal (80 l) | |
| 3.5L V6 Trail Trim(Double Cab only)(2023/Present) | 21.1 gal (80 l) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
