Chevrolet Suburban vs BMW X5
The BMW X5 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 27 mpg combined versus 23 mpg for the Chevrolet Suburban, a 4 mpg advantage and costs about $350 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the BMW X5 leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Chevrolet Suburban
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 72 configurations
2015–2027
BMW X5
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 61 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Chevrolet Suburban | BMW X5 |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 23 mpg | 27 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 21 mpg | 24 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 27 mpg | 31 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $3,250 | $2,900 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 437 g/mi | 130 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | 3.0, SIDI, SIDI; Stop-Start, SIDI; FFV | SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI |
| Transmissions | Automatic 10-spd, Automatic 6-spd | Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrains | 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Diesel, Regular, Premium | Premium, Premium and Electricity, Diesel |
| EPA class | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 72 | 61 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Suburban vs X5: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Chevrolet Suburban or the BMW X5?
The BMW X5 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 27 mpg combined versus 23 mpg for the Chevrolet Suburban, a 4 mpg advantage and costs about $350 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the BMW X5 runs about $2,900 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $3,250 for the Chevrolet Suburban — a difference of roughly $350 per year.
What engines do the Suburban and X5 offer?
Chevrolet Suburban: 3.0, SIDI, SIDI; Stop-Start, SIDI; FFV. BMW X5: SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Chevrolet Suburban and the BMW X5 as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
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