The 2019 Chevrolet Suburban K1500 4WD with the 5.3L V8 gets 16 MPG combined. Let’s be honest: Nobody buys this truck expecting Prius-rivaling efficiency. People buy the Suburban precisely because it’s *not* a Prius. They buy it because they need to haul eight people, tow a boat, and handle snowy conditions, all while ensconced in American steel and leather. Fuel economy is a consideration, sure, but passenger space and towing capacity are more important. This K1500 variant delivers that functionality; the fuel consumption is simply the price of admission.

City and highway performance

The EPA rates this Suburban at 14 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. Those numbers are fairly representative of what you’ll see in the real world if you drive normally. The 5.3L V8 is a proven workhorse, but it needs gasoline to move almost three tons of SUV. The six-speed automatic transmission balances acceleration with fuel economy, but it’s still working hard to manage all that mass. Highway MPG benefits from the engine running at cruising speed, but city driving exposes the thirsty nature of a large-displacement, naturally aspirated engine.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban K1500 4WD to be $2,750. This calculation assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway. It also uses the national average fuel price at the time of calculation, which, of course, fluctuates. This figure is a useful benchmark for comparing the Suburban’s running costs with other vehicles, but your actual expenses may vary depending on your driving habits and the price of gasoline in your area.

Real-world expectations

Do not expect to consistently achieve 21 MPG in real-world highway driving, especially if you frequently encounter hills or strong headwinds. Towing will dramatically reduce fuel economy, potentially dropping it into the single digits. City mileage will also suffer in stop-and-go traffic, particularly with a heavy foot on the accelerator. Consistent, judicious driving is the key to achieving numbers close to the EPA estimates. Those who frequently use the Suburban for its intended purposes, hauling people and things, will likely see numbers closer to the combined 16 MPG figure, or even slightly lower. The
SUBURBAN MPG across all years indicates the range of possible results.

How it compares

The 2019 Ford Expedition 4×4, a direct competitor, achieves a slightly better 19 MPG combined with its 3.5L EcoBoost V6. Even the Nissan Armada, often criticized for its fuel thirst, manages a comparable 15 MPG combined in 4WD form. The GMC Yukon Denali, with its larger 6.2L V8, gets almost identical fuel economy at 16 MPG combined. These differences are noticeable, but typically not a deciding factor for Suburban buyers. They are more concerned with reliability, interior space, and towing capacity. This is also why many will consider all all Chevrolet fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is your friend. The 5.3L V8 delivers plenty of torque at low RPMs, so there’s no need to floor the accelerator pedal to get up to speed. Avoid aggressive acceleration, as this will burn fuel quickly. Plan your routes and avoid unnecessary idling.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tires regularly and inflate them to the pressure specified on the door jamb for optimal efficiency and tire life.

Minimize aerodynamic drag. Remove roof racks or cargo carriers when they’re not in use. These accessories increase wind resistance and significantly reduce fuel economy at highway speeds. Towing has the biggest impact of all, especially at higher speeds.

Keep up with routine maintenance. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance will ensure that your engine is running efficiently. A well-maintained engine is a fuel-efficient engine.

Consider using cruise control on long highway drives. Cruise control helps to maintain a steady speed, which can improve fuel economy compared to constantly adjusting the throttle yourself. However, avoid using cruise control in hilly terrain, as the transmission may downshift frequently, negating any potential fuel savings. The Suburban’s Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) system is most effective at steady speeds with minimal throttle input.