Owners of the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban K1500 4WD with the 5.3L V8 get around 16 MPG combined. You don’t buy a Suburban to sip fuel like a hybrid. You buy it for its large interior, its ability to comfortably haul eight passengers and their gear, and its strong towing capacity. Fuel economy, while important, is secondary to these core strengths.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates this specific Suburban configuration at 14 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. The large difference shows the impact of stop-and-go driving on a vehicle weighing nearly three tons. The 6-speed automatic transmission, while functional, isn’t as efficient as the 8-speed or 10-speed units in newer trucks and SUVs. Highway mileage is good for such a large vehicle and driving at a steady speed helps. Acceleration quickly decreases fuel efficiency.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban K1500 4WD 5.3L 8-cyl at $2,750. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and national average fuel prices at the time of calculation. Actual fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the ratio of city versus highway miles driven. If you tow frequently or drive a lot in congested areas, expect to exceed this estimate.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standard estimate, real-world fuel economy for this Suburban varies. Drivers who focus on fuel efficiency and do mostly highway driving can get close to the 21 MPG highway figure. Commuters stuck in stop-and-go traffic will likely see numbers closer to, or below, the 14 MPG city estimate. Towing, especially heavy loads, will negatively impact fuel economy, potentially dropping it into the single digits. The size and weight of the Suburban are constant factors against fuel efficiency, regardless of driving style. See all all Chevrolet fuel economy data on our site. Reviewing the SUBURBAN MPG across all years is worth doing.

How it compares

The 2020 Suburban’s fuel economy is similar to other full-size SUVs of the time. A similarly equipped 2020 Ford Expedition 4×4 with a turbocharged 3.5L V6 gets a slightly better 19 MPG combined. The Nissan Armada, with its 5.6L V8, typically gets around 15-16 MPG combined, like the Suburban. The GMC Yukon XL, the Suburban’s twin, has nearly identical fuel economy numbers. For Suburban buyers, the Expedition’s slightly better numbers might be tempting, but the V6’s sound and feel are very different from the classic V8. Many Suburban buyers prefer the tested torque of the 5.3L V8, even with a slight fuel economy penalty.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use cruise control on the highway to maintain a consistent speed. Minimizing acceleration and deceleration, and thinking ahead about traffic flow, help improve fuel efficiency. The Suburban’s weight and shape mean that even small changes in driving habits can make a difference over time.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, lowering fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended PSI; look for the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Avoid aggressive driving. Hard acceleration and sudden braking waste fuel. The Suburban’s V8 is tempting to floor, but doing so often will greatly reduce your MPG. Instead, accelerate smoothly and gradually.

Reduce weight. Carrying extra cargo adds to the vehicle’s weight, requiring more energy to move. Remove any unneeded items from the vehicle to lighten the load and improve fuel economy a little bit.

Consider a less aggressive tire tread. Off-road tires can improve traction in some situations, but they also increase rolling resistance on roads. Choosing a tire with a less aggressive tread can improve fuel economy without hurting normal driving performance.