Do suburbans use a lot of gas?
Yes, Suburbans are known to have relatively high fuel consumption compared to many other vehicles on the road. As large, heavy-duty SUVs, Suburbans are designed for hauling and towing, which requires powerful engines that tend to be less fuel-efficient.
Understanding Suburban Fuel Efficiency
The Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV that has been in production since the 1930s. It is one of the largest and most capable SUVs on the market, with seating for up to nine passengers and the ability to tow heavy loads. However, this size and capability comes at a cost in terms of fuel economy.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average fuel economy for a 2-wheel drive Suburban is 15 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. For a 4-wheel drive model, the ratings drop to 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway.
These figures are significantly lower than many smaller SUVs, crossovers, and even some full-size pickup trucks. For comparison, a Ford Explorer has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, while a Ford F-150 pickup can achieve up to 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.p>
Factors Affecting Suburban Fuel Consumption
There are several key factors that contribute to the Suburban's relatively high fuel usage:
- Size and Weight: The Suburban is a massive vehicle, measuring over 17 feet long and weighing between 5,500 and 6,000 pounds. Larger, heavier vehicles require more energy to accelerate and maintain speed, resulting in lower fuel efficiency.li>
- Engine Power: To handle the Suburban's size and weight, as well as its towing and hauling capabilities, it is equipped with a powerful V8 engine. While this provides ample performance, V8 engines tend to be less fuel-efficient than smaller, more efficient engines found in many other SUVs.
- Aerodynamics: The Suburban's boxy, upright design is not optimized for aerodynamics, which can negatively impact fuel economy at higher speeds. More streamlined vehicle shapes tend to be more fuel-efficient.li>
It's important to note that actual fuel consumption can vary depending on driving conditions, driving style, and other factors. Owners who prioritize fuel efficiency may be able to achieve slightly better real-world mileage than the EPA estimates.
Improving Suburban Fuel Economy
While the Suburban's fuel efficiency is not its strongest suit, there are some steps owners can take to help improve its gas mileage:
- Choose the Right Engine: Opting for the smaller, more efficient engine options (if available) can provide a modest boost in fuel economy compared to the larger, more powerful V8 engines.
- Drive Conservatively: Avoiding aggressive acceleration, maintaining steady speeds, and minimizing unnecessary idling can all help improve the Suburban's real-world fuel efficiency.
- Use Fuel-Saving Features: Features like cylinder deactivation, which can shut off some cylinders under light load conditions, can help improve fuel economy in certain driving situations.
- Consider Alternatives: For those who don't require the Suburban's full-size capabilities, a smaller SUV or crossover may be a more fuel-efficient option.
While the Suburban's fuel consumption is higher than many other vehicles, it remains a popular choice for those who need its combination of size, power, and capability. By understanding the factors that impact its fuel efficiency, Suburban owners can make informed decisions to help maximize their vehicle's gas mileage.
