19 MPG combined won’t win any fuel economy awards, but it’s the reality for the 2017 Chevrolet Suburban C1500 2WD with the 5.3L V8, a reliable SUV designed for hauling families, cargo, and trailers, not sipping fuel. This truck’s primary mission is straightforward: move a lot of people and their stuff, wherever they need to go. The fuel economy is simply a cost of doing business, accepted by those who prioritize capability and space above all else. They’re buying a tool, and like any tool, it has specific operational costs.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2017 Suburban at 16 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, where the Suburban’s considerable weight and large engine demand more fuel to get moving from a standstill. The highway figure is more palatable, thanks to the engine’s ability to settle into a more efficient cruising mode and the 6-speed automatic transmission’s overdrive gears. However, even on the open road, aerodynamic limitations and sheer mass prevent it from achieving truly impressive fuel efficiency.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,300 for the 2017 Chevrolet Suburban C1500 2WD. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and assumes that 55% of driving is in the city and 45% is on the highway, using national average fuel prices. It is a useful point of comparison when evaluating the long-term operating costs of the Suburban against other vehicles, but individual costs will vary depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and actual miles driven. Many Suburban owners exceed the 15,000-mile baseline, especially those using it for long road trips or frequent towing.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a benchmark, real-world fuel economy for the 2017 Suburban can vary considerably based on driving conditions and habits. Drivers who frequently tow trailers, carry heavy loads, or accelerate aggressively will likely see fuel economy numbers below the EPA estimates. Conversely, those who drive conservatively on the highway and minimize city driving may be able to achieve figures closer to, or even slightly above, the EPA’s highway rating. Terrain also plays a significant role. Driving in hilly or mountainous areas will decrease fuel economy compared to flat terrain.

How it compares

Compared to other large SUVs, the 2017 Suburban’s fuel economy is generally in line with expectations. A 2017 Ford Expedition 2WD with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 is rated at 17 MPG combined, making it a slight improvement. However that engine requires premium fuel. The Nissan Armada, another competitor in this segment, comes in around 15 MPG combined for a similar year. The slightly smaller Chevrolet Tahoe, which shares much of its mechanical underpinnings with the Suburban, manages a similar 19 MPG combined. For buyers who need the Suburban’s extra cargo capacity and third-row legroom, the hit to fuel economy is viewed as an unavoidable compromise. See SUBURBAN MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The Suburban is a heavy vehicle, and hard acceleration burns a significant amount of fuel getting it up to speed. Smooth, gradual acceleration and anticipating stops can improve fuel economy, especially in city driving. Using cruise control on the highway can help maintain a consistent speed and optimize fuel consumption.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels, which can be found on the driver’s side doorjamb or in the owner’s manual. It’s a simple step that can make a noticeable difference over time.

Minimize idling. Letting the engine idle for extended periods wastes fuel, especially in a large engine like the 5.3L V8. If you’re waiting for someone or stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern starters and fuel injection systems are designed to handle frequent starts and stops without causing excessive wear.

Reduce cargo weight. The heavier the vehicle, the more fuel it consumes. Remove any unnecessary items from the Suburban to reduce its overall weight, particularly when not needing the extra cargo space. Hauling around unnecessary weight is like carrying extra passengers that don’t exist.

Consider using a fuel additive designed to clean fuel injectors. Over time, deposits can build up in the fuel injectors, reducing their efficiency and affecting fuel economy. Periodically using a fuel additive can help clean these deposits and restore optimal fuel flow. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using fuel additives.

For more fuel economy information, explore all Chevrolet fuel economy data.