EPA Fuel Economy: 19 MPG Combined

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban 5.3L V8 LT delivers an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 19 MPG, making it a reasonably efficient choice for a full-size three-row SUV in its class. With its powerful 5.3-liter V8 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, this model balances performance and capability while maintaining fuel efficiency that won’t drain your wallet at every fill-up. For drivers who need the space and towing capacity of a large SUV, the Suburban’s fuel economy represents a practical middle ground between raw power and consumption efficiency.

When evaluating the fuel economy of the 2022 Suburban LT, it’s important to consider the vehicle’s size, weight, and intended use. This full-size SUV accommodates up to nine passengers and offers substantial cargo space, which means you’re getting approximately 19 miles of travel per gallon of gasoline consumed. The 10-speed automatic transmission plays a key role in these numbers, automatically optimizing gear selection across various driving conditions to maintain efficiency without sacrificing the responsive performance that Chevy engineered into this model.

City vs Highway Performance

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban 5.3L V8 LT achieves 17 MPG in city driving and 22 MPG on the highway. This 5 MPG difference reflects typical patterns in large vehicles, where highway driving at steady speeds allows the engine to operate in its optimal efficiency range. City driving involves frequent acceleration, braking, and idling—conditions that require more fuel consumption regardless of vehicle size or engine type. The 22 MPG highway rating demonstrates that the Suburban performs particularly well on interstate travel and long-distance trips, where you’ll benefit most from the vehicle’s efficiency gains. If your driving consists primarily of highway commuting or frequent road trips, you can expect fuel economy closer to the 22 MPG figure. Conversely, urban drivers navigating congested streets and traffic lights should anticipate numbers trending toward the 17 MPG city rating.

Annual Fuel Cost

Based on the EPA estimates for the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban 5.3L V8 LT, here’s the annual fuel cost calculation using typical driving patterns:

Annual Fuel Cost Calculation:
Combined MPG: 19
Annual mileage: 15,000 miles
Fuel price per gallon: $3.50

Gallons needed annually: 15,000 miles ÷ 19 MPG = 789.47 gallons
Annual fuel cost: 789.47 gallons × $3.50 = $2,763.16

This calculation assumes average mixed driving conditions and uses a national average fuel price of $3.50 per gallon. Your actual costs may vary depending on your local fuel prices, driving habits, and the specific ratio of city versus highway driving you perform. Drivers who spend more time on highways may see slightly lower annual costs, while those primarily driving in city conditions may experience higher expenses.

Real-World MPG Expectations

While the EPA rates the 2022 Suburban LT at 19 MPG combined, real-world fuel economy can vary based on numerous factors. Most owners report actual figures ranging from 17 to 21 MPG depending on their driving patterns, maintenance habits, and driving conditions. Cold weather typically reduces fuel economy, as does aggressive acceleration and excessive idling. To achieve optimal fuel economy with the 5.3L V8 engine, maintain steady speeds on highways, avoid rapid acceleration when possible, and ensure your vehicle receives regular maintenance including tire pressure checks and engine tune-ups. Properly inflated tires alone can improve efficiency by up to 3 percent. Additionally, removing unnecessary weight from the vehicle and avoiding excessive roof rack drag can contribute to better fuel consumption numbers over time.

How It Compares

Comparing the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban 5.3L V8 LT to other full-size three-row SUVs reveals competitive fuel economy. The GMC Yukon, which shares the same 5.3L V8 engine and transmission, achieves nearly identical EPA estimates of 17 city and 22 highway MPG. The Ford Expedition with its 3.5L EcoBoost engine achieves 18 MPG combined, slightly lower than the Suburban despite a smaller displacement engine. The Toyota Sequoia with its 5.7L V8 typically achieves 18 MPG combined, making the Suburban’s 19 MPG rating slightly advantageous. When shopping in this vehicle class, the Suburban’s fuel economy stands as competitive within the segment.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

• Maintain Proper Tire Pressure: Check tire pressure monthly and keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI for optimal fuel economy.
• Use Regular Maintenance: Keep up with oil changes, air filter replacements, and engine tune-ups to ensure the 5.3L V8 operates efficiently.
• Avoid Excessive Idling: Turn off the engine if you’ll be parked for more than 30 seconds to conserve fuel.
• Accelerate Gradually: Smooth, gradual acceleration consumes less fuel than hard acceleration with the V8 engine.
• Plan Routes Efficiently: Combine trips and plan routes to minimize driving time and reduce overall fuel consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2022 Suburban 5.3L V8 LT?
The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban features a 31-gallon fuel tank capacity, allowing for extended driving range between fill-ups.

Does the 10-speed automatic transmission improve fuel economy?
Yes, the 10-speed automatic transmission helps optimize engine efficiency by selecting the appropriate gear for current driving conditions, contributing to the competitive 19 MPG combined rating.

Can I improve the fuel economy of my 2022 Suburban LT after purchase?
While the EPA ratings are fixed, you can improve your actual fuel economy through proper maintenance, maintaining correct tire pressure, and adopting fuel-efficient driving habits.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban 5.3L V8 LT provides practical fuel economy for drivers requiring full-size SUV capability. With 19 MPG combined, this vehicle offers reasonable efficiency for its class, particularly on highway driving where it achieves 22 MPG.