I believe the 5A/T that rolled out in 03 gets much better mpg (14-17 I've read). I have the older 4A/T (98-02) and I'm happy to get 15mpg but honestly I get around 12-13mpg. Definitely a pig but the interior refinements are well worth it like p nut quotes. In comparison to my 4runner (03) the interior is much larger so it feels better for the occupants. The extra room and comfort definitely makes it well worth it for me.

I have stock GY A/T tires so that probably doesn't help w/ the rolling resistance. Compounded by the stock roof rack probably eats away a good 1mpg or more due to wind resistance.

If this was my primary car I would absolutely go bonkers on the mpg pain but since this is my recreational vehicle I look at it as a "perk" vehicle to have. This truck will never see any hardcore trails so it fits the bill on what I plan to do with it. I've got the 4runner for the hardcore stuff!