The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban 2WD with the 6.2L V8 gets 16 MPG combined. While that number might shock some, it’s often accepted by those drawn to the Suburban’s appeal: unmatched passenger and cargo hauling capability paired with American V8 power. This isn’t a vehicle purchased for hypermiling. It’s a very large tool for specific and demanding tasks, useful for families with many children, frequent towing of large trailers, or anyone needing to transport a lot of gear comfortably. For these buyers, the Suburban is a necessity, and its fuel consumption is a cost of doing business.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the Suburban 6.2L 2WD are 14 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the engine’s considerable displacement and the vehicle’s heavy weight constantly fighting stop-and-go traffic. The highway number is comparatively better but still not impressive. The 10-speed automatic transmission tries to reduce the engine’s thirst by keeping it in the lower rev range at cruising speeds, but the Suburban’s aerodynamic profile limits any real gains. Anyone spending a significant amount of time in urban environments should consider the implications of that 14 MPG city rating. Meanwhile, those prioritizing long road trips will see slightly better, though still unremarkable, fuel consumption.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban 2WD 6.2L to be $3,600. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that fuel prices fluctuate significantly, and individual driving habits can alter this estimate, perhaps increasing the total depending on how heavy your foot is.

Real-world expectations

While EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy often differs. Aggressive driving, frequent towing, or even consistent headwinds can lower your MPG. Expect the 16 MPG combined rating to be a best-case scenario for many owners. In mixed driving, with occasional heavy loads or passengers, it’s reasonable to anticipate numbers closer to 14-15 MPG. Those who prioritize fuel economy can achieve the EPA numbers by adopting a conservative driving style and minimizing unnecessary cargo. SUBURBAN MPG across all years reveals that this area has had limited improvement across generations.

How it compares

The Suburban’s competitors face similar challenges when it comes to fuel economy. The Ford Expedition Max, with its 3.5L EcoBoost V6, achieves a slightly better 19 MPG combined based on EPA estimates, making it a good choice for fuel-conscious buyers with similar needs, although it lacks the visceral appeal of the Suburban’s V8. The GMC Yukon XL, essentially a mechanically identical twin to the Suburban, posts the same 16 MPG combined when equipped with the 6.2L V8. Even smaller, more modern three-row SUVs like the Toyota Grand Highlander max out at 27 MPG combined, illustrating the efficiency gap between body-on-frame vehicles and their lighter, unibody counterparts. These modern SUVs, however, don’t have the same towing and hauling capability. Ultimately, the Suburban buyer accepts the fuel penalty for the unparalleled space, towing capacity, and, in the case of the 6.2L V8, the added horsepower that are unavailable elsewhere in the market.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the Suburban 6.2L V8 isn’t known for its frugality, there are steps to reduce its thirst. Avoid aggressive acceleration. The 6.2L engine responds readily to throttle input, but each burst of power comes at a cost. Gentle acceleration and anticipating traffic flow will significantly reduce fuel consumption.

Tire pressure plays an important role in fuel efficiency. Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure listed on the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel.

Minimize unnecessary weight. The Suburban is already a heavy vehicle, so avoid carrying around items you don’t need. Every extra pound adds to the engine’s workload and reduces fuel economy. Remove cargo carriers and roof racks when not in use to improve aerodynamics.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a constant speed helps optimize fuel efficiency by minimizing unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. However, be mindful of terrain; using cruise control on hilly roads can sometimes decrease fuel economy as the transmission shifts frequently to maintain speed.

Consider the driving mode. While tempting to leave the Suburban in “Sport” mode, selecting the “Normal” or “Eco” mode will help save fuel. All Chevrolet fuel economy data often point to driving modes making a big difference to overall gas mileage, even with huge engines.