GMC Suburban 1500 4WD
12 MPG The 1997 GMC Suburban 1500 4WD is EPA-rated at 12 MPG combined (11 city / 15 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 1250 gallons, $4000 a year in fuel, or $0.267 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1992–1997 run it averages 12.3 MPG, essentially flat across 6 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.208 | $2083 | $3125 | $4167 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.250 | $2500 | $3750 | $5000 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.267 | $2667 | $4000 | $5333 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.292 | $2917 | $4375 | $5833 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.333 | $3333 | $5000 | $6667 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.375 | $3750 | $5625 | $7500 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.417 | $4167 | $6250 | $8333 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 12 MPG | 11 | 15 | $5200 | 741 | 1 |
| 1996 | 13 MPG | 11 | 16 | $4800 | 684 | 1 |
| 1995 | 12 MPG | 11 | 14 | $5200 | 741 | 1 |
| 1994 | 13 MPG | 11 | 14 | $4800 | 684 | 1 |
| 1993 | 12 MPG | 11 | 15 | $5200 | 741 | 1 |
| 1992 | 12 MPG | 11 | 15 | $5200 | 741 | 1 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 43 special purpose vehicles models tracked here, the GMC Suburban 1500 4WD ranks 42 on current figures, against a class average of 17.7 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: GMC Suburban 1500 2WD (14), Toyota Land Cruiser Wagon 4WD (14), Dodge Dakota Cab Chassis 2WD (14.5), GMC Jimmy 4WD (15), Isuzu Trooper (15).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 741 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 11.1 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the GMC Suburban 1500 4WD get?
The 1997 GMC Suburban 1500 4WD is rated at 12 MPG combined by the EPA — 11 city and 15 highway. Across all 6 model years in the database it averages 12.3 MPG, ranging from 12 to 13 depending on year and trim.
How much does a GMC Suburban 1500 4WD cost in fuel per year?
At 12 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 1250 gallons — roughly $4000 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.267 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1997 model is $5200.
Has the GMC Suburban 1500 4WD become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 12 MPG today against 12 in 1992 — essentially flat across 6 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the GMC Suburban 1500 4WD efficient for its class?
It ranks 42 of 43 in the Special Purpose Vehicles class on current figures, against a class average of 17.7 MPG. That is 5.7 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.