Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Tahoe MPG - Real World Numbers
This topic is for Suburban/Tahoe owners to share their actual MPG with others.
"Real World" Fuel Economy vs. EPA Estimates
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"Real World" Fuel Economy vs. EPA Estimates
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--jay
In general, if you have a lower ratio rear end (3.73 or 4.10), you will have better acceleration, a higher tow rating, and possibly lower fuel mileage. A higher ratio (e.g., 3.23) gives, in general, slower acceleration, lower tow rating, and higher 'highway' mileage. And most likely, downshifts won't occur as often with the 3.73 or 4.10.
Now, if that makes things straightforward, let me throw mud on it. GM makes a 4.8 and a 5.3 V-8 for the Tahoe (or used to). Most people who have bought the 4.8 did so for gas mileage, yet most people who have the 5.3 get better mileage. Real world says that people develop an expectation of performance and mash the gas pedal until they get it. So as a result, most people work the 4.8 to death and pay for it at the pump.
I suspect that if you coupled a 4.8 with a 4.10 or 3.73 and matched it with a 5.3 with a 3.23, the gas mileage and performance would be comparable. I tow with a 5.3 and a 3.73, but if I move to the fifth wheel, I would go for the 5.3 and a 4.10 because it would get better gas mileage and provide better performance (engine wouldn't be working as hard).
Additionally, most engines have a sweet spot for fuel economy. My Tahoe gets worse mileage at 55 towing (about 15), then it does at 60 or 65 (about 16-16.5). On the highway, no trailer, at 65 mph, I get over 20 mpg, but I can get 13 with a lot of in town driving.
Highway: 16 - 19 mpg (16-17 mpg with average speed of 65-75 mph and upwards of 18-19 mpg with average speeds of 55-65 mph
Has anyone tried an after market "Mass Ait Flow Sensor" for better mileage? Such as the Granatelli Calibrated Mass Airflow Sensor?
I have a 99 Tahoe (Old School).
Thanks
BTW, I get a terrible 10MPG
For highway we always get 18 to 19+. But its a trip of 350 miles at 65 to 70mph. Maybe one stop for a potty break for the kids. Otherwise constant speed, a few hills, no mountains.
If I take our Tahoe to work, I spend 20miles at 65mph (interstate) and 8 miles of city or stop/go traffic. Then I get about 16.
long constant cruising it the key to the better milage. Also check the tire pressure. I think 32 is recomened, I have ours at 34.
A 3.23:1 would be a lower ratio gearing, but synonymous with "higher gearing".
So in summary, the higher the ratio, the "lower" the gears
and vice versa. A high ratio gearing (low gears) is always good for heavy towing, but you pay a fuel penalty when not towing.
I'll have a good idea at the end of this week after going back and forth to work (90 mi. round trip).
Thanks
Nick
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Something is wrong with this picture. I have an '06 Suburban, 5.3L engine with 3.42 rear gears, and it will get 22 mpg on the highway at speeds under 65mp. Even a bit better at 55 mph. In city driving it averages about 16 mpg. I have checked these figures using both the DIC computer and by dividing miles driven by number of gallons of gas used. Your '07 should do as well and even better since you have the newer technology of being able to use less cylinders during highway travel.
With our 03 tahoe we typically get 18 to 19mpg on the highway. (5.3 E85 4x4 with third row.) We also get 16 to 18 highway when loaded for a camping weekend. 4 bikes on top, 2200lb camper, 3 kids, and enough stuff for a small country.
In town its a bit more like 14 to 15mpg.
With my dad's 04 Silverado (5.3 and 4x4) we average 19 to 20 mpg on a 1800 mile round trip to Montana and back (loaded for a fishing trip). almost exlcusive 70 to 75 mph. One or two tanks were in the 18mpg range, but others when we had a tail wind wee in the 21mpg range.
We did notice that we many times got better mpg without cruise control. We could gain alittle more speed on the down hills and tehn back of a taf more on the up hills.
Thanks
The Denali with the 6.2l engine comes in at 13/19.
If you are in the market for a 2007 Tahoe, Yukon, Suburban or Escalade make the trip out to Rosenberg, Texas ten minutes south of Sugar Land on 59 at 36 and go see them. I promise you will be pleased with his service. A real refreshing experience from a professional salesman. I have found that no other GM dealers in Southwest Houston are as professional.
I traded my '04 Discovery in on the Tahoe. I took delivery of the Tahoe on the 28th. The night before the check engine light came on. I figured it was an Oxy sensor so I took it in thinking that would be a quick fix before a gave it to the dealership as trade. Well it's still at Land Rover nine days later. The Chevy dealer is being patient, but Land Rover has also fixed left front axle whine at 65mph, brake booster for no brake feel. The Discovery had only 45K miles. I got rid of it before the warranty ran out! Hopefully, I can give it to the Chevy dealer tomorrow. By the way insurance on the Tahoe is $450 cheaper per year.
Thanks
Just a little FYI