The 2023 Chevrolet Suburban 2WD with the 5.3L V8 gets 17 MPG combined. This number reflects the Suburban’s purpose: hauling families, gear, and lots of cargo. People choose this vehicle for its immense capability and space. The fuel economy is part of the cost.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Suburban 2WD 5.3L at 15 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. The city figures reflect urban driving’s stop-and-go nature, where the Suburban’s considerable weight affects mileage. The highway number shows the engine can cruise efficiently at a consistent speed. The 10-speed automatic transmission also helps. Those 20 MPG are achievable with restrained driving. Aggressive acceleration or speeds above 70 mph will decrease that number.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban 2WD 5.3L at $2,600. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using the national average fuel price. This cost can change with fuel prices, driving habits, and city versus highway driving percentages. Drivers in congested urban areas should expect to spend more than the EPA estimate. Those who drive mostly highway miles might see a slightly lower annual fuel bill. Owners can track their fuel spending for better insight.

Real-world expectations

Don’t expect to match the EPA numbers exactly. Expect slightly lower figures, especially if your Suburban is frequently loaded or used for towing. The 5.3L V8 needs to work hard to move the Suburban’s weight, increasing fuel consumption.

Maintain correct tire pressures and consider low rolling resistance tires, and ensure your Suburban is properly maintained. Check out SUBURBAN MPG across all years.

How it compares

The Suburban’s fuel economy is typical for a large SUV. The Ford Expedition 2WD with its 3.5L EcoBoost V6 is rated at 17 MPG combined, matching the Suburban, and potentially offering better real-world performance because of its turbocharged engine’s low-end torque. The Nissan Armada, with its 5.6L V8, gets 16 MPG combined. The GMC Yukon XL Denali, with the 6.2L V8, sees fuel economy drop to 16 MPG combined.

These comparisons are important to the Suburban buyer because they show that fuel economy is a compromise in this vehicle class. The choice comes down to which compromises – power, space, features, or fuel cost – best fits their needs.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Accelerate gently. The 5.3L V8 responds well, but hard acceleration wastes fuel. Anticipate traffic and accelerate smoothly to maintain momentum. Quick acceleration hurts fuel economy in a vehicle this size.

Use cruise control on the highway when possible. Consistent speed improves fuel economy and reduces driver fatigue on long trips. Avoid abrupt speed changes and let the cruise control manage inclines.

Minimize idling. The 5.3L V8 uses a lot of fuel when idling. If you expect to stop for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. This is especially important in cities where idling is common.

Keep up with scheduled maintenance. A properly maintained engine is more efficient. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug replacements. A well-tuned engine delivers better performance and fuel economy.

Remove unnecessary weight from the vehicle. Extra cargo adds to the Suburban’s weight, requiring the engine to work harder and use more fuel. Removing unneeded items can slightly increase fuel efficiency, so remove clutter.

Learn more by taking a look at all Chevrolet fuel economy data.