fuel consumption

Is time not a factor for you? Note the Toyota recommended intervals are always mileage or months, whichever comes first. For example, my Canadian schedule says 8000 kms or 6 months. It's invariably the months that comes first for me, at maybe 4000~5000 kms, and the drained oil looks like this:


(Worth noting: checking the oil on the dipstick, the above oil will still look very clean. It's only when you get a larger volume in a container that it looks so dark. Also, this is a detergent oil doing it's job, keeping particulate in suspension. Still, food for thought.)

For comparison, the new oil (in both cases Toyota 0W20):

 

...

Interesting photo of the used oil. The oil on my dipstick is always clear- sometimes, it's too clear to get a good read. I figured that the rest of the oil was just as clear, but now I know better.

 

There are a few ways to tell when to change the oil. Looking at it doesn't reveal much unless there is a catastrophic problem like coolant leaking into your oil or a bearing that went to lunch. The oil can change color just from the heat of the engine activating the additives. The best time to change can depend on where you drive, when you drive, how hard the car is driven, how long, how good your motor is, etc... Best way is to start with an oil analysis.

BTW I learned many things reading at bobistheoilguy.com.

Pixel XL ?

 

sounds like you're fine.

 

Not sure. For the US Toyota says 0W20, and nothing but. Regardless if you're in Alaska or Texas. Then For Australia, it shows pretty much the entire gamut of oil weights. Personally I take any guidelines with some skepticism. Considering your location, I'd speculated 5W30, year 'round?

The Australian guideline: