The Chevrolet Suburban has been a staple of the large SUV market for over 80 years. A favorite of large families that love to pack their gear in the back and hit the road, but how far can you go on a full tank?…What is the size of a chevy suburban gas tank?
The Chevy Suburban has a gas tank size of 28 gallons in base models and 31 gallons on premium trims.
A powerhouse in both interior capacity and towing, this article digs into how the gas tank size of the Suburban has changed over the years and how this has affected fuel economy.
Gas Tank Capacity by Model Year
- 2024: These Suburban models come with a 28-gallon tank for the standard version and 31-gallon option for higher trims.
- 2020-2023: 2020-2023 models offer a 28-gallon tank in base models and a 31-gallon tank in premium trims.
Fuel Tank Size by Year
| Year | Model Variations | Tank Capacity (gallons) |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Suburban Standard | 28 |
| 2024 | Suburban Premium Trims | 31 |
| 2023 | Suburban Standard | 28 |
| 2023 | Suburban Premium Trims | 31 |
| 2022 | Suburban Standard | 28 |
| 2022 | Suburban Premium Trims | 31 |
| 2021 | Suburban Standard | 28 |
| 2021 | Suburban Premium Trims | 31 |
| 2020 | Suburban All Models | 31 |
In 2020, all Suburban models were equipped with a 31-gallon tank, offering substantial fuel storage that supported long-range travels.
However, starting from 2021, Chevrolet introduced a differentiation in tank sizes between the standard and premium trims of the Suburban. The standard models received a smaller 28-gallon tank, while the premium trims retained the larger 31-gallon capacity.
Fuel Efficiency and Range
- 2024 Models: The 2024 Suburban with a 28-gallon tank averages 20 MPG, offering a range of approximately 560 miles. The 31-gallon variant, with the same MPG, extends the range to around 620 miles.
- 2020-2023 Models: The fuel efficiency for these models maintain an average of 20 MPG.
Gas Tank Size for Older Models
2010-2019
From 2010 to 2019, the Suburban maintained a consistent 31 gallon tank size across all models.
| Year | Model Variations | Tank Capacity (gallons) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Suburban All Models | 31 |
| 2018 | Suburban All Models | 31 |
| 2017 | Suburban All Models | 31 |
| 2016 | Suburban All Models | 31 |
| 2015 | Suburban All Models | 31 |
| 2014 | Suburban All Models | 31 |
| 2013 | Suburban All Models | 31 |
| 2012 | Suburban All Models | 31 |
| 2011 | Suburban All Models | 31 |
| 2010 | Suburban All Models | 31 |
A 31-gallon capacity is significant, catering to the vehicle’s primary usage for long-distance travel, heavy-duty tasks, and its popularity in regions where larger vehicles are favored.
The large tank size ensures that drivers can undertake considerable distances without the need for frequent refueling.
2000-2009
All models of the Suburban maintained a gas tank size of 31 gallons from 2000 to 2009.
| Year | Model Variations | Tank Capacity (gallons) |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Suburban All Models | 31 |
| 2008 | Suburban All Models | 31 |
| 2007 | Suburban All Models | 31 |
| 2006 | Suburban All Models | 31 |
| 2005 | Suburban All Models | 31 |
| 2004 | Suburban All Models | 31 |
| 2003 | Suburban All Models | 31 |
| 2002 | Suburban All Models | 31 |
| 2001 | Suburban All Models | 31 |
| 2000 | Suburban All Models | 31 |
During this period, there was an increased awareness of fuel consumption and environmental impact in the automotive industry.
This led to some advancements in engine technology and design modifications aimed at slightly improving fuel efficiency.
1990-1999
Throughout the 1990’s, the Suburban maintained a large gas tank size of 42 gallons across all models each year.
| Year | Model Variations | Tank Capacity (gallons) |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Suburban All Models | 42 |
| 1998 | Suburban All Models | 42 |
| 1997 | Suburban All Models | 42 |
| 1996 | Suburban All Models | 42 |
| 1995 | Suburban All Models | 42 |
| 1994 | Suburban All Models | 42 |
| 1993 | Suburban All Models | 42 |
| 1992 | Suburban All Models | 42 |
| 1991 | Suburban All Models | 42 |
| 1990 | Suburban All Models | 42 |
The 42-gallon tank size in Suburban models during the 1990’s played an important role in defining the vehicle’s appeal.
It catered to the needs of large families, businesses, and individuals who required a vehicle capable of long-distance travel without frequent stops for refueling.
This was especially important given the less fuel-efficient engines of the time, which resulted in lower MPG (miles per gallon) ratings compared to future models.
The large tank size was a response to the consumer demands of the era, where the Suburban was often used for towing, heavy-duty transportation, and extensive road trips.
The robust tank capacity ensured that the vehicle could handle these tasks with ease, providing reliability and convenience to its users.
1980-1989
During the 1980’s, the Chevy Suburban consistently featured a 40-gallon gas tank across all models each year.
| Year | Model Variations | Tank Capacity (gallons) |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Suburban All Models | 40 |
| 1988 | Suburban All Models | 40 |
| 1987 | Suburban All Models | 40 |
| 1986 | Suburban All Models | 40 |
| 1985 | Suburban All Models | 40 |
| 1984 | Suburban All Models | 40 |
| 1983 | Suburban All Models | 40 |
| 1982 | Suburban All Models | 40 |
| 1981 | Suburban All Models | 40 |
| 1980 | Suburban All Models | 40 |
The 40-gallon tank played an essential role in defining the Suburban’s use cases. It was a vehicle that appealed to a wide range of consumers. Everyone from large families requiring a dependable vehicle for long road trips to businesses needing a vehicle for towing.
The large tank capacity was crucial for these purposes, allowing for extended travel distances without the need for frequent refueling, which was particularly beneficial given the lower fuel efficiency standards of the time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has the Chevy Suburban’s tank size decreased in recent years?
Yes, the tank size has decreased from the 40-42 gallon range in the 80’s and 90’s to around 28-31 gallons in the latest models, reflecting improvements in fuel efficiency.
Are there different tank sizes within the same model year?
Yes, especially in recent years, base models often have smaller tanks compared to premium trims.
How does the tank size affect the vehicle’s range?
Larger tanks provide a longer driving range, reducing the frequency of refueling stops, especially important for long-distance travel.
Does the Chevy Suburban offer good fuel efficiency?
Modern Suburbans, despite their large size, offer reasonable fuel efficiency, averaging around 20 MPG, which is competitive for vehicles in its class.
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