23 MPG combined is a surprisingly respectable figure for the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban 2WD with the 3.0L Duramax diesel. This isn’t a compact crossover; it’s a full-size, body-on-frame SUV designed to haul families, cargo, and trailers. The fact that it sips fuel like a much smaller vehicle shows the efficiency of GM’s diesel engine and 10-speed automatic transmission.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the Suburban 2WD diesel break down to 21 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The highway number is particularly impressive and achievable on long road trips, where the Suburban excels. In the city, the stop-and-go nature of traffic will naturally reduce fuel economy, but the diesel’s low-end torque allows for relaxed driving and minimizes the need for aggressive acceleration. The 10-speed automatic helps keep the engine in its most efficient operating range.

The key is to avoid sharp acceleration and maintain a steady pace.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban 2WD diesel at $2,400. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price for diesel at the time of the EPA’s testing. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do, and the price of diesel in your area. But the $2,400 figure provides a useful benchmark for comparing the Suburban’s fuel costs to those of other vehicles.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a guideline, real-world fuel economy will always vary. Load the Suburban down with passengers and cargo, tow a trailer, or drive predominantly in stop-and-go traffic, and you can expect the MPG to drop. Regular maintenance, including tire inflation and oil changes, plays an important role in maximizing fuel efficiency. Many owners report achieving figures close to the EPA estimates, especially on long highway runs. It is important to understand how different driving conditions affect fuel consumption and adjusting your driving style accordingly.

How it compares

Compared to its gasoline-powered counterparts, the 2WD diesel Suburban offers a significant fuel economy advantage. The 5.3L V8 model achieves only 15 MPG city and 20 MPG highway. Even the smaller Tahoe with the same diesel engine manages only slightly better, at 21 city / 28 highway. Other large SUVs don’t even come close to the diesel Suburban’s efficiency. The Ford Expedition, regardless of engine or trim, struggles to break the 20 MPG combined mark.

For buyers who need the Suburban’s size and capabilities but are concerned about fuel costs, the diesel engine is the clear choice. Is it better to compromise with a smaller vehicle, or accept the SUBURBAN MPG across all years and its capability?

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key to saving fuel in the Suburban diesel. The engine’s abundance of low-end torque means you don’t need to mash the accelerator pedal to get up to speed. Ease into the throttle and let the transmission shift smoothly through the gears. This is particularly important in city driving, where frequent acceleration and deceleration can significantly reduce fuel economy. Drivers prioritizing fuel efficiency should monitor all Chevrolet fuel economy data.

Highway driving offers the best opportunity to maximize fuel economy. Maintain a steady speed and avoid aggressive lane changes or sudden braking. Using cruise control can help maintain an even pace and prevent unintentional speed fluctuations. Remember that higher speeds increase aerodynamic drag, which significantly affects fuel consumption.

Proper tire inflation is critical for optimal fuel efficiency. Check your tires regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure as indicated on the doorjamb sticker. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Even a small difference in tire pressure can impact fuel economy.

Avoid idling the engine unnecessarily. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern diesel engines are designed to restart quickly and easily, and idling consumes fuel without contributing to forward motion. This is especially important in cold weather, as diesel engines typically have longer warm-up times than gasoline engines and burn more fuel when cold.

Consider using the Suburban’s drive mode selector to optimize fuel efficiency. The “Normal” mode typically provides the best balance of performance and fuel economy, while the “Tow/Haul” mode is designed for towing and may reduce fuel economy. Some models may also offer an “Auto” mode that automatically adjusts the drivetrain settings based on driving conditions to prioritize efficiency.