17 MPG combined. Frankly, nobody buys a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban 2WD with the 6.2L V8 expecting Prius-like efficiency. This is a full-size, body-on-frame SUV engineered for hauling lots of people and cargo with serious capability. The fuel economy is simply the cost for the Suburban’s considerable talents.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2WD 6.2L Suburban at 15 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. That city figure reflects the engine’s displacement and the vehicle’s considerable weight. Stop-and-go driving demands a lot of energy to repeatedly get this behemoth moving. The highway number, while not stellar, benefits from the 10-speed automatic transmission, which allows the engine to cruise at relatively low RPMs in the top gears. Owners who spend most of their time in urban environments will likely see numbers at or slightly below the EPA’s city estimate. Those prioritizing long highway journeys should be able to achieve the 20 MPG highway rating, maybe even exceed it with careful driving.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for this Suburban configuration at $3,400. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a blend of city and highway driving patterns and based on national average fuel prices. Actual fuel costs will vary depending on individual driving habits, local fuel prices, and the amount of city versus highway driving. Consider it a baseline to gauge the Suburban’s thirst against your own specific use case.

Real-world expectations

Owners report a wide range of real-world MPG depending on their specific usage and driving style. The 6.2L V8 is a strong engine that encourages drivers to use its power, so doing so will significantly impact fuel economy. Towing, even occasionally, will also have a major impact. Given the Suburban’s size, load capacity and mission, most owners understand and accept these compromises. They need the space, the towing capacity, and the passenger-carrying ability, and they are willing to pay for it at the pump. They likely researched all Chevrolet fuel economy data before settling on the Suburban. Those who prioritize fuel efficiency above all else aren’t in this vehicle segment to begin with.

How it compares

Competitors like the Ford Expedition Max offer comparable space and capability, but the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 in the Expedition Max Platinum achieves an EPA-estimated 17 MPG city and 23 MPG highway, a notable advantage on long trips. The Nissan Armada, with its standard 5.6L V8, is rated at 14 MPG city and 19 MPG highway, pretty similar to the Suburban. The base GMC Yukon XL, which the Suburban shares many components with, achieves similar fuel economy numbers with its smaller engine option. Note that the Yukon XL Denali offers the same 6.2L V8 and thus mirroring the SUBURBAN MPG across all years, available SUBURBAN MPG across all years, available. When cross-shopping these vehicles, buyers should carefully consider their specific needs and priorities, weighing fuel economy against factors like cargo space, towing capacity, and features.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The most impactful way to improve fuel economy in the 6.2L Suburban is to drive smoothly and avoid aggressive acceleration. The engine’s abundance of torque means it doesn’t need to be revved hard to deliver adequate performance. Gentle acceleration and anticipation of traffic flow can significantly reduce fuel consumption.

Regular maintenance is also important. Ensure the engine is properly tuned, tire pressures are correct, and the air filter is clean. These relatively simple steps ensure the engine is running at its optimal efficiency, extracting the most miles from each gallon of fuel and help keep costs down.

If you regularly tow or carry heavy loads, consider adjusting your driving style accordingly. Increased weight necessitates more throttle input, so plan ahead, maintain a safe following distance, and avoid sudden braking. Using cruise control on the highway can also help maintain a consistent speed and optimize fuel efficiency, even under load.

Minimize idling. The 6.2L V8 consumes a considerable amount of fuel while idling. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. This is especially important in urban environments, where idling time can quickly add up.

While tempting, avoid using premium fuel unless Chevrolet explicitly recommends it. The 6.2L V8 is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline, and using premium fuel will not noticeably improve performance or fuel economy. Spending more at the pump provides no tangible benefit.