Allen- I happen to have a marketing brochure for Mobil-1 which suggests every grade of Mobil-1 has additives to reduce oil consumption, and the high mileage version has even higher dose of the additives. I could not find on-line version of the info. Anyway, I tentatively conclude that the higher quality version of synthetic oils have additives to reduce oil consumption. The cheaper off-brand you are using, I just do not know if it's up to snuff.
Toyota Synthetic oil is produced by Esso I believe? If your in the area of a Toyota dealer check it out. Hal
Allen- Here is a product comparison link showing what I was trying to say, that the Mobil-1 is supposed to be very good at reducing oil loss. Mobil USA | Car Engine Oils | Product Comparison Chart