The Toyota Sienna is known for its spaciousness and family-friendly features. But what about its fuel economy? This article delves into real-world MPG results for a 2002 Toyota Sienna, exploring its efficiency at various speeds and driving conditions.
With 217,000 miles on the odometer, this Sienna consistently achieves around 24 mpg at a steady 70 mph and 26 mpg at 65 mph. But a recent trip to Mexico provided a unique opportunity to test its fuel efficiency at a consistent 50 mph.
Mexican speed limits and unexpected tire issues forced a slower pace for an 840-mile journey back to the US border. The initial 169 miles, which included challenging road conditions averaging 25 mph for two hours, still yielded 24 mpg.
The next leg of the trip covered 387 miles and required 43.12 liters (11.39 gallons) of fuel, resulting in an impressive 33.97 mpg at a steady ~50 mph. This demonstrates the Sienna’s potential for excellent fuel economy at lower speeds.
The final 286 miles, including 70 minutes of idling in border traffic, consumed 10.37 gallons, resulting in 27.58 mpg. While lower than the previous leg, this figure still reflects decent fuel efficiency considering the extended idle time.
The total trip mileage came to 30.92 mpg. It’s difficult to estimate the fuel consumed while idling at the border crossing, but it likely impacted the overall MPG. While a half gallon or a full gallon loss is possible, it’s a variable that can’t be precisely calculated.
After returning to the US, a $25 tire balancing service resolved previous vibration issues experienced at speeds above 50 mph.
This real-world experience showcases the impact of speed and driving conditions on the Toyota Sienna’s MPG. While consistent highway speeds around 50 mph yielded the highest fuel efficiency, the Sienna maintained respectable MPG even with challenging roads and extended idling periods. This data provides valuable insights for Sienna owners seeking to maximize their fuel economy.
