The Toyota Corolla. It’s practically synonymous with reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability. For generations, it’s been a go-to choice for commuters, families, and anyone looking for a dependable car. If you’re considering a 2017 Corolla, or already own one, understanding its fuel tank capacity is crucial for planning your trips and budgeting for fuel costs. This article will provide a comprehensive look at the fuel tank size of the 2017 Toyota Corolla, exploring its different trims and related fuel economy aspects.
Understanding the 2017 Toyota Corolla Fuel Tank Capacity
The 2017 Toyota Corolla boasts a fuel tank capacity designed for practicality and efficiency. Across all its trim levels (L, LE, LE Eco, XLE, SE, and XSE), the 2017 Toyota Corolla features a consistent fuel tank capacity of 13.2 gallons. This uniformity simplifies fuel planning, regardless of the specific trim you choose.
This capacity strikes a balance, allowing for a reasonable driving range without adding unnecessary weight to the vehicle, which would negatively impact fuel economy. It’s a key factor in the Corolla’s appeal as a budget-friendly and efficient vehicle.
Fuel Economy Across Different 2017 Corolla Trims
While the fuel tank capacity remains constant, the actual driving range you’ll get from a full tank varies based on the specific trim level and your driving habits. The EPA estimates for fuel economy differ slightly across the trims, primarily due to variations in engine tuning and features designed to enhance efficiency.
The Base L and LE Trims
The base L and LE trims of the 2017 Corolla offer a solid balance of performance and fuel economy. These trims are typically equipped with a standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. The EPA estimates for these trims are approximately 28 miles per gallon in the city and 36 miles per gallon on the highway.
This translates to a potential driving range of roughly 369.6 miles on a full tank (13.2 gallons * 28 mpg) in city driving and approximately 475.2 miles (13.2 gallons * 36 mpg) on the highway. Of course, real-world driving conditions, such as traffic, terrain, and driving style, can affect these numbers.
The Efficient LE Eco Trim
The LE Eco trim is specifically engineered for maximizing fuel efficiency. It features a tweaked version of the 1.8-liter engine and other enhancements aimed at reducing fuel consumption.
The LE Eco achieves an EPA estimated fuel economy of 30 miles per gallon in the city and 40 miles per gallon on the highway. Some models even offer a slight improvement, reaching up to 42 mpg on the highway. This superior fuel efficiency allows the LE Eco to travel further on the same 13.2-gallon tank.
Expect a potential range of approximately 396 miles in the city and a remarkable 528 miles on the highway. The LE Eco is an excellent choice for drivers prioritizing fuel conservation.
The Sporty SE and Premium XLE/XSE Trims
The SE, XLE, and XSE trims offer a sportier driving experience and additional features. While they utilize the same 1.8-liter engine, their fuel economy is slightly different compared to the LE Eco, primarily due to different weight distribution and tire sizes.
The EPA estimates for these trims generally fall around 28 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway. This translates to a range similar to the L and LE trims, around 369.6 miles in the city and 462 miles on the highway. While these trims prioritize features and performance over maximum fuel efficiency, they still provide respectable gas mileage.
Factors Affecting Your 2017 Corolla’s Fuel Economy
Several factors can significantly influence the actual fuel economy you experience in your 2017 Corolla. Understanding these factors can help you optimize your driving habits and maintain your vehicle to achieve the best possible mileage.
Driving Habits
Your driving habits play a crucial role in determining fuel economy. Aggressive acceleration, hard braking, and speeding consume more fuel. Maintaining a consistent speed, avoiding unnecessary acceleration, and anticipating traffic conditions can significantly improve your mileage.
Regularly monitor your driving habits and consciously strive for smoother, more efficient driving techniques. Small changes can add up to significant fuel savings over time.
Vehicle Maintenance
Proper vehicle maintenance is essential for optimal fuel economy. Regularly scheduled maintenance, such as oil changes, air filter replacements, and tire rotations, ensures that your engine runs efficiently and that your tires have the correct pressure.
Neglecting maintenance can lead to decreased performance and increased fuel consumption. A well-maintained Corolla will consistently deliver better mileage.
Tire Pressure
Maintaining the correct tire pressure is crucial for both safety and fuel economy. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel.
Check your tire pressure regularly, ideally every week, and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the sticker inside your driver’s side doorjamb. Proper tire inflation can improve fuel economy by up to 3%.
Road Conditions and Terrain
Road conditions and terrain significantly impact fuel economy. Driving on hilly or mountainous roads requires more power, leading to increased fuel consumption. Stop-and-go traffic also reduces fuel economy as the engine constantly accelerates and decelerates.
Minimize driving in congested areas and plan routes that avoid steep hills whenever possible.
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions can also affect fuel economy. Cold weather can reduce fuel efficiency as the engine takes longer to warm up, and the use of heating systems increases fuel consumption. Additionally, strong winds can create aerodynamic drag, requiring more power to maintain speed.
Extreme heat and the use of air conditioning can also impact fuel economy, although often to a lesser extent than cold weather.
Fuel Type
While the 2017 Toyota Corolla is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane), using a higher-octane fuel will not improve its fuel economy. The engine is not designed to take advantage of the higher octane, so you’ll be wasting money without seeing any benefit.
Stick to the recommended fuel type to optimize performance and avoid unnecessary expenses.
Maximizing Your 2017 Corolla’s Driving Range
Given the 13.2-gallon fuel tank capacity of the 2017 Toyota Corolla, combined with its respectable fuel economy, there are several ways you can maximize your driving range between fill-ups.
Plan Your Routes
Planning your routes ahead of time can help you avoid traffic congestion, construction zones, and hilly terrain. Using navigation apps to identify the most efficient route can save you time and fuel.
Drive Smoothly
Smooth, consistent driving is key to maximizing fuel economy. Avoid aggressive acceleration, hard braking, and excessive idling. Maintain a steady speed and anticipate traffic conditions to minimize unnecessary acceleration and deceleration.
Maintain Your Vehicle
Regularly maintain your 2017 Corolla according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This includes oil changes, air filter replacements, tire rotations, and other scheduled services. A well-maintained vehicle will run more efficiently and deliver better fuel economy.
Check Tire Pressure
Ensure that your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them as needed.
Reduce Weight
Excess weight in your vehicle can reduce fuel economy. Remove any unnecessary items from your trunk or cargo area. The lighter your vehicle, the less fuel it will consume.
Use Cruise Control
When driving on the highway, use cruise control to maintain a consistent speed. This can help you avoid unintentional acceleration and improve fuel economy.
Avoid Idling
Avoid idling your engine for extended periods. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, it’s generally more fuel-efficient to turn off the engine. Restarting the engine consumes less fuel than idling.
Conclusion: The Practicality of the 2017 Toyota Corolla’s Fuel Tank
In conclusion, the 2017 Toyota Corolla’s 13.2-gallon fuel tank capacity is a testament to its practicality and efficiency. While the tank size remains consistent across all trims, the actual driving range varies depending on the specific model and your driving habits. By understanding the factors that influence fuel economy and adopting efficient driving techniques, you can maximize the distance you travel on a single tank. The Corolla, with its thoughtful design and focus on fuel efficiency, continues to be a smart choice for drivers seeking a reliable and economical vehicle. Whether you prioritize fuel conservation with the LE Eco or enjoy the sporty features of the SE or XSE, the 2017 Corolla offers a balanced combination of performance and efficiency that makes it a standout in its class.
What is the exact fuel tank capacity of a 2017 Toyota Corolla?
The 2017 Toyota Corolla has a fuel tank capacity of 13.2 gallons. This applies to all trim levels of the 2017 Corolla, including the L, LE, SE, XLE, and XSE models. Knowing this capacity allows drivers to accurately estimate their driving range between fill-ups and helps in budgeting for fuel costs.
It’s important to remember that the usable fuel capacity might be slightly less than 13.2 gallons. Manufacturers often include a small reserve to ensure the fuel pump remains submerged and to prevent running the tank completely dry, which can damage the fuel system. Therefore, you might not be able to pump a full 13.2 gallons into the tank even when the fuel gauge reads empty.
How far can a 2017 Toyota Corolla travel on a full tank of gas?
The estimated driving range of a 2017 Toyota Corolla on a full tank varies depending on the specific model and driving conditions. Generally, the 2017 Corolla boasts excellent fuel efficiency, with EPA estimates ranging from 28 MPG in the city to 36 MPG on the highway. Therefore, a rough calculation suggests a range of approximately 369.6 to 475.2 miles on a single tank.
However, these are just estimates. Actual mileage may differ significantly based on factors such as driving style, road conditions, and the use of air conditioning or heating. Aggressive driving, heavy traffic, and extreme weather conditions can all reduce fuel economy and, consequently, the distance you can travel on a full tank.
Does the 2017 Toyota Corolla’s fuel tank capacity vary by trim level?
No, the fuel tank capacity of the 2017 Toyota Corolla does not vary based on the trim level. Regardless of whether you have the base L model or the more equipped XSE version, the fuel tank capacity remains consistently at 13.2 gallons. This standardization simplifies fuel-related calculations and considerations for all 2017 Corolla owners.
This uniformity in fuel tank size across different trims reflects Toyota’s design philosophy for this model year. The focus was on providing a consistent and reliable fuel experience for all Corolla drivers, irrespective of the specific features and options they chose for their vehicle. This consistency extends to fuel efficiency as well, though slight variations in MPG might exist due to minor differences in weight or equipment.
What type of fuel is recommended for a 2017 Toyota Corolla?
The 2017 Toyota Corolla is designed to run optimally on regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87. Using higher octane fuel is not necessary and will not improve performance or fuel efficiency. Toyota specifically recommends sticking to the manufacturer’s recommendation for the best results and to avoid any potential issues.
Employing the suggested fuel grade is crucial for upholding the engine’s efficiency and longevity. Employing fuel with a higher octane rating than necessary provides no advantages and may be a needless expenditure. Always consult your owner’s manual for the most precise and current fuel guidelines for your particular vehicle.
How can I improve the fuel efficiency of my 2017 Toyota Corolla?
Several factors can affect the fuel efficiency of your 2017 Toyota Corolla. Maintaining proper tire inflation, ensuring your vehicle is properly maintained with regular oil changes and tune-ups, and avoiding aggressive driving habits like rapid acceleration and hard braking can significantly improve your MPG. Reducing unnecessary weight in the vehicle can also make a difference.
Other strategies include planning your routes to avoid heavy traffic, using cruise control on the highway to maintain a consistent speed, and minimizing idling. Combining errands into a single trip can also help reduce fuel consumption. By implementing these practices, you can maximize the distance you get from each tank of gas in your 2017 Corolla.
What are some common issues related to the fuel system in a 2017 Toyota Corolla?
While generally reliable, the 2017 Toyota Corolla, like any vehicle, can experience issues related to its fuel system. Common problems include a failing fuel pump, clogged fuel filter, faulty fuel injectors, or a malfunctioning fuel cap. These issues can lead to reduced fuel efficiency, difficulty starting, or a rough-running engine.
Another potential problem can be a malfunctioning fuel pressure regulator, which can cause the engine to run too rich or too lean. It’s essential to address any suspected fuel system issues promptly to prevent further damage and ensure optimal performance. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are key to preventing major problems and keeping your 2017 Corolla running smoothly.
How do I know if my 2017 Toyota Corolla’s fuel system needs maintenance or repair?
Several warning signs can indicate that your 2017 Toyota Corolla’s fuel system requires attention. These include a noticeable decrease in fuel efficiency, difficulty starting the engine, a rough idle, stalling, or the presence of a fuel smell. The check engine light may also illuminate, indicating a problem with the fuel system or related components.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Ignoring these issues can lead to more serious problems and potentially costly repairs. Early diagnosis and timely maintenance are vital for maintaining the health and efficiency of your Corolla’s fuel system.