19 MPG combined won’t top any fuel efficiency lists, but for the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban C1500 2WD with its 5.3L V8, it’s a figure its owners understand and accept. This isn’t a vehicle for saving gas; it’s a workhorse, a large family vehicle, and a tow vehicle ready for weekend trips. It prioritizes space, capability, and durability over fuel, and the buyers understand this.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates of 16 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway show where the Suburban performs best, and maybe where it’s used most. The city figure reflects the strain of stop-and-go traffic on a heavy, naturally aspirated V8, while the highway number shows the engine settling into a more efficient cruise enabled by the six-speed automatic transmission. The 23 MPG figure is achievable in steady highway driving, especially if avoiding aggressive acceleration, but real-world conditions like headwinds, passenger weight, and terrain will affect it.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,300 for the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban C1500 2WD. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. It’s a good way to budget, but individual results will vary depending on personal driving habits and local fuel costs. Consider this number an approximate cost of ownership, and adjust your own budget if your driving differs much from the averages used in the EPA’s testing.

Real-world expectations

The real-world fuel economy of the 2018 Suburban depends on how and where it’s driven, even though the EPA estimates provide a standard measure. Owners who mostly use their Suburban for short city trips and frequent towing can expect their MPG to be lower than the EPA’s 19 MPG combined rating. But those who spend most of their time on the open highway, driving conservatively and avoiding heavy loads, may see numbers closer to the 23 MPG highway estimate. Think about your driving to get a better MPG estimate.

How it compares

The 2018 Suburban’s fuel economy is similar to its competitors in its class. The Ford Expedition, equipped with its 3.5L EcoBoost V6, is rated at 17 MPG city and 23 MPG highway, netting 20 MPG combined. While the Suburban offers two-wheel drive, choosing four-wheel drive reduces fuel economy. See SUBURBAN MPG across all years to see how newer models compare. For shoppers that also want to look at other vehicles manufactured by this company, there’s all Chevrolet fuel economy data to explore. These full-size SUVs have comparable fuel economy, but their driving characteristics and other features are different for different buyers. The Nissan Armada, with its standard 5.6L V8, gets lower gas mileage, 14 MPG city and 19 MPG highway, but this is offset by a lower starting price. Ultimately the decision depends on a buyer’s individual needs, priorities, and budget.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Steady driving is important for maximizing gas mileage, considering the Suburban’s weight and engine size. Avoid fast acceleration and hard braking, since these actions greatly increase fuel use. Predict traffic and keep a constant speed when you can, especially on the highway.

Correct tire inflation can also noticeably improve fuel economy. Check your tires regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure on the doorjamb sticker. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more gas.

Removing extra weight inside the vehicle can help improve fuel mileage. Take out any items you don’t need, like extra tools, sports equipment, or other cargo that adds to the Suburban’s heavy weight.

Consider using cruise control on long highway drives to keep a constant speed and reduce changes in fuel use. Turn off cruise control when driving on hills, since the system may downshift a lot to keep speed, and that hurts fuel economy.

Regular maintenance, like oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug replacements, can make sure the engine runs efficiently. A well-maintained engine will provide better fuel economy and performance, and extend the life of the vehicle’s parts.