16 MPG combined is the fuel economy for the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe 2WD with the 6.2L V8. This isn’t a Prius. It’s a large, body-on-frame SUV designed to haul people, tow trailers, and tackle demanding tasks. Fuel economy is less of a priority than capability, and the Tahoe 6.2L reflects that.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Tahoe 6.2L 2WD at 14 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. These figures show an engine working hard in urban stop-and-go traffic, then settling into a more relaxed cruise at highway speeds. The 10-speed automatic transmission tries to keep the engine in its most efficient range, subtly downshifting or upshifting to respond to driver input. Moving over 5,300 pounds requires energy, and that energy comes from gasoline.

Annual fuel cost

Owners of the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe 2WD 6.2L can expect to spend approximately $3,600 per year on fuel, according to the EPA. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and assumes current national average fuel prices. Individual spending will change based on driving habits, local fuel costs, and distances traveled, but $3,600 provides a benchmark when budgeting for the ownership costs of this full-size SUV.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, remember that real-world driving conditions can impact fuel economy. Aggressive acceleration, frequent towing, and consistent high-speed driving will all decrease those numbers. However, those who primarily use the Tahoe for longer highway trips and drive gently may find themselves closer to the 20 MPG highway estimate. Few owners are surprised to see lower numbers on the dash after a week of errands and carpool duty.

How it compares

The Tahoe 6.2L’s fuel economy is consistent with its competitors with similar powertrains. The Ford Expedition with its EcoBoost V6 can achieve slightly better figures, around 17 MPG combined in its 2WD configuration. If you compare the Tahoe’s 6.2L against the Nissan Armada’s 5.6L V8, the numbers are similar. Buyers who prioritize towing capacity, V8 rumble, and a strong feel are likely willing to sacrifice fuel economy. If you’re looking for something with better fuel efficiency numbers, you can check out all Chevrolet fuel economy data or research TAHOE MPG across all years to see if a different engine option might fare better for your use case.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the Tahoe 6.2L isn’t designed for ultimate fuel efficiency, adopting the right driving habits can make a noticeable difference. Avoid hard accelerations and brake smoothly to conserve fuel, and use cruise control on the highway to maintain a consistent speed. Anticipating traffic flow and maintaining a safe following distance will reduce the need for abrupt braking and improve your MPG numbers.

Check your tire pressure regularly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Look for the recommended tire pressure on the sticker inside your driver’s side doorjamb and keep your tires properly inflated.

Minimize idling. Letting the engine run unnecessarily consumes fuel without moving the vehicle. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern restarting systems are designed for quick and reliable startups, making it easy to save fuel in idling situations.

Remove unnecessary weight. The Tahoe 6.2L is already a heavy vehicle, so avoid carrying extra cargo that you don’t need. Clearing out unnecessary items from the interior and removing roof racks when not in use can improve fuel economy slightly.

Service the vehicle on time. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and air filter replacements, ensures that the engine is running optimally and efficiently. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule to keep your Tahoe 6.2L running in top condition and delivering its best possible fuel economy.