Chevrolet Suburban
Fuel economy, running costs and specs by model year
The Chevrolet Suburban appears in this database in 5 model years, from 2016 to 2020, offered with gasoline power. Combined economy ranges from 16 to 19 MPG across those years, with annual fuel costs of $3,400 to $5,000 at 15,000 miles.
Fuel economy by year
| Year | Combined | Annual fuel | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 18-19 MPG | $3,400-$3,600 | 4 |
| 2017 | 18-19 MPG | $3,400-$3,600 | 4 |
| 2018 | 18-19 MPG | $3,400-$3,600 | 4 |
| 2019 | 16-18 MPG | $3,600-$5,000 | 6 |
| 2020 | 16-18 MPG | $3,600-$5,000 | 6 |
How it compares
Against the average standard sport utility vehicle 2wd in this dataset (about 19 MPG), the Suburban sits roughly 2 MPG below that mark on average, making it a thirstier-than-average choice for its class.
Five-year fuel cost
Fuelling a Suburban for five years at the EPA's 15,000-mile basis costs roughly $17,000 to $25,000, averaging about $21,000 across the versions here. That is the energy bill alone — it excludes insurance, maintenance and depreciation, which for most owners together exceed what goes into the tank.
The range within the range
Economy across the Suburban varies by about 3 MPG between its most and least frugal versions, which run on gasoline. Engine size, turbocharging, drivetrain and even wheel size explain most of that gap, so when you shop a used Suburban check which version you are looking at before comparing its running cost to another car.
How it changed over time
Between 2016 and 2020 the Suburban's average combined economy slipped from about 18 to 17 MPG. Redesigns, new engines and added hybrid or electric versions are usually what move the number, so the year you choose can matter as much as the model.
Best year for fuel economy
The 2018 Suburban has the strongest average combined economy in this database at about 18 MPG, while the 2019 is the lowest at about 17 MPG. If running cost is your priority, that is the year to target on the used market; later years may add equipment or safety features instead.
2020 Suburban at a glance
| Version | Engine | Fuel | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suburban C1500 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Gasoline | 18 MPG |
| Suburban C1500 2WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | Gasoline | 17 MPG |
| Suburban K1500 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Gasoline | 16 MPG |
| Suburban K1500 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | Gasoline | 16 MPG |
Use the comparison tool to set the Suburban against a rival, or go back to all Chevrolet models.