Gas prices are on the rise again across America, with some vehicles faring better than others due to their fuel economy. There’s another factor in the different costs people can expect to pay at the pump, however, and that’s the size of one’s gas tank. While larger gas tanks can keep you on the road longer, they also cause significantly more pain at the pump. That’s especially true regarding the 2022 Toyota Tundra, as its enormous gas tank can empty its owners’ wallets far more quickly than many other trucks.

A look at the 2022 Toyota Tundra’s fuel economy ratings

Like many pickups, the Toyota Tundra doesn’t score great ratings when it comes to the question of fuel economy. According to Edmunds, the truck generally gets only 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, for a combined estimated 20 mpg. 

Interestingly, that estimated fuel economy is better than the number Toyota originally provided, according to Consumer Reports, which noted that the Toyota Tundra 4WD was expected to get 19 mpg overall. Consumer Reports took a “wait and see” attitude when judging the truck’s fuel efficiency, but one thing is for sure: high gas prices mean that Toyota Tundra owners will be paying a pretty penny at the pump, no matter what.

Some Toyota Tundra trims have an extra-large fuel tank capacity

So, just how large can a Toyota Tundra gas tank be? The answer is a whopping 32.2 gallons. To put that in perspective, that’s nearly three times the size of the gas tank found in the 2022 Honda Civic. Think about it: with gas prices currently hovering close to a national average of $4 per gallon, according to AAA, a Tundra owner with certain trims can expect to pay $128 to fill their tank.

As AutoPadre explains, the Tundra trims that come with this especially large gas tank include mainly those trims at the high end of the Tundra lineup. For example, all builds of the 1794 Crew Edition and all types of the Limited and Platinum Crew Max come with a 32.2-gallon tank. 

So, when it comes to the perks you get when you go for the top-of-the-line Tundras, it’s not just a question of visual appeal. You also get a lot more fuel capacity, which has its advantages, as long as the price at the pump doesn’t scare you away.

Some Tundra trims have a smaller gas tank

If you don’t want to have to pay quite so much money all at once when you stop at the gas station, you have some other Toyota Tundra trim options available to prevent that from happening. 

The Tundra SR trims, for example, are more bare-bones versions of their upscale siblings. Their lower price means they also have less power than other Tundra trims. However, most of these trucks come with one possible advantage for anyone looking to keep costs reasonable at the pump: they come with a fuel tank capacity of 22.5 gallons. Certain SR5 trims, such as the 4WD Double Cab with a 6.5-ft bed and the 4WD Crew Max with a 5.5-ft bed, also come with this smaller fuel tank. 

In all, it’s important to remember that fuel economy is only part of the story regarding what you can expect to pay at the pump. If you’re aiming to fill your tank, that tank’s size will significantly impact how much you end up spending when you need gas.