Forum Discussion

KD4UPL's avatar
KD4UPL
Explorer
Jan 09, 2017

MPG for a 2500 Suburban?

With another baby on the way I'm thinking of upgrading our family sedan to a Suburban. I want to be able to use it for towing so I'm going to go for a 2500 model. I know mileage towing will be single digits and I'm fine with that.
What kind of mileage might I expect just hauling the family around as a daily driver?
If I get an early Sub with the 4 speed auto I think I'd like to have the 8.1L. Or, I may get a newer one with the 6.0 but it will have to have the 6 speed auto.
Either way, what kind of MPG are you getting just running around town or on the highway with no trailer and now big heavy payload?

Thanks,
Tow Vehicles
  • Jayco-noslide's avatar
    Jayco-noslide
    Explorer
    Jan 09, 2017
    I had 2 half-ton Chevy V-8 trucks as a daily driver and the overall average ran around 13. I expect a 2500 would be 1 or 2 lower. My little Chevy Sonic more than doubles that. Can't tow anything but I tow it.
  • Dadoffourgirls's avatar
    Dadoffourgirls
    Explorer
    Jan 09, 2017
    The 8.1 and 4.10 would be at least one and close to 2 mpg less than what Krobbe listed for the 3.73. Tires make a huge difference. I could pretty much count on 10 mpg (12 on all highway, posted speed limits), and 6-8 when towing.

    APT will be along to tell you how good the 6.0 and 6 speed is.
  • krobbe's avatar
    krobbe
    Explorer
    Jan 09, 2017
    Looking at Fuelly.com, the 6.0L 6speed will only gain about 1-2mpg mixed driving. Towing could be the same or worse for a heavy(6000 - 9000#) TT.
    It is so much more fun to press the go pedal(at speed) and actually go. :C

    Still thinking about one of these for daily driving?
  • Bionic_Man's avatar
    Bionic_Man
    Explorer
    Jan 09, 2017
    I had a 2003 2500 with the 8.1 for a year and about 13000 miles. Tracked all the fill ups. I did not tow a travel trailer with it, but did tow a 6500 pound boat.
  • krobbe's avatar
    krobbe
    Explorer
    Jan 09, 2017
    2003 Suburban 2500, 8.1L, 3.73 axle ratio, 4x4.
    12 - 14mpg highway.
    10 - 12mpg mixed driving.
    9 - 9.5 towing my TT across country.
    Worth every gallon of gas to tow with no worries.
    Not my daily driver.
  • whjco's avatar
    whjco
    Explorer
    Jan 09, 2017
    I had two 2500 Suburbans, one with a 350 and one with a 454. Towing a 11,500# enclosed car trailer, I got about 6 mpg. Normal driving, 10 - 12 mpg in town and about 13-15 mpg on the highway.
  • austingta's avatar
    austingta
    Explorer
    Jan 09, 2017
    You'll get about what a Silverado 2500 of those years does... 17 on the highway and 11 in town driving easy.

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