17 MPG combined is what you’ll get when you choose a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban C1500 2WD with the 6.2L V8. This vehicle isn’t bought for saving money on gas; it’s bought for its unmatched passenger and cargo capacity, its towing ability, and its American combination of comfort and capability. The fuel economy is simply what it costs to have that level of utility.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates of 14 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway show what the Suburban is like to drive. In town, the big V8 and the heavy weight require a lot of fuel to get moving and stay moving in stop-and-go traffic. The highway number, however, is fairly good, thanks to the 10-speed automatic transmission’s ability to keep the engine running at lower RPMs when cruising. While 23 MPG isn’t going to set any records, it allows for decent range on long road trips, which is common for Suburban owners hauling families and gear.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates that the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban C1500 2WD with the 6.2L V8 will be approximately $3,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. It’s a large number, and it shows the reality of owning a large, powerful SUV. Buyers considering this Suburban should include this cost in their budget along with insurance, maintenance, and other ownership expenses. Of course, real-world fuel prices change, and your actual costs may be different.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates give you a starting point, real-world fuel economy will depend a lot on how you drive and the conditions. Frequent towing, fast acceleration, and heavy city driving will all lower the MPG numbers. On the other hand, easy highway driving, using cruise control, and reducing extra weight in the vehicle will help you get numbers closer to the EPA estimates. Don’t expect big improvements, though; physics says that moving this much weight requires a lot of energy.

How it compares

Compared to its competitors, the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban C1500 2WD 6.2L’s fuel economy is about where you’d expect. A similarly equipped GMC Yukon XL Denali, which has the same engine and transmission, gets almost the same MPG numbers. The Ford Expedition Max with its 3.5L EcoBoost V6 technically gets slightly better EPA numbers, around 17 MPG city and 23 MPG highway, but many owners say that difference gets smaller in real-world use, especially when towing. The Nissan Armada, with its 5.6L V8, is a little lower, around 13 city and 18 highway. This comparison is important because Suburban buyers often think about these other options, focusing on space and ability but also thinking about the long-term cost of ownership. Compare all Chevrolet fuel economy data against other Chevrolet vehicles.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 6.2L V8 works best with smooth driving. Avoid fast acceleration and braking, as these use a lot of fuel. Accelerating gently and gradually will let the engine work more efficiently, especially in the city.

Keep your tires inflated properly. Tires that don’t have enough air increase rolling resistance, which affects fuel economy. Check your tire pressure often, and inflate them to the recommended PSI listed on the doorjamb sticker.

Reduce extra weight in the vehicle. The less weight the engine has to move, the less fuel it will use. Take out any items you don’t need from the cargo area.

Use cruise control on the highway when you can. Keeping a constant speed reduces unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, which can improve fuel economy, even with the big V8. Watch the road and anticipate traffic, even with cruise control on.

See the SUBURBAN MPG across all years to see trends over time. By looking at past data, you can get a better idea of the long-term fuel costs of owning a Suburban.