Chevrolet Suburban vs Toyota 4Runner
The Chevrolet Suburban and Toyota 4Runner are evenly matched on fuel economy — both peak at 23 mpg combined — so the decision comes down to engine choice, drivetrain, and class.
Across 4 measured categories, the Toyota 4Runner leads in 3. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Chevrolet Suburban
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 72 configurations
2015–2026
Toyota 4Runner
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 42 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Chevrolet Suburban | Toyota 4Runner |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 21 mpg | 23 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 27 mpg ✓ | 26 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $3,250 | $2,650 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 437 g/mi | 380 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | 3.0, SIDI, SIDI; Stop-Start, SIDI; FFV | SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-Start, 4.0 |
| Transmissions | Automatic 10-spd, Automatic 6-spd | Automatic (S8), Automatic (S5) |
| Drivetrains | 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive | 4-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Diesel, Regular, Premium | Regular |
| EPA class | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 72 | 42 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Suburban vs 4Runner: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Chevrolet Suburban or the Toyota 4Runner?
The Chevrolet Suburban and Toyota 4Runner are evenly matched on fuel economy — both peak at 23 mpg combined — so the decision comes down to engine choice, drivetrain, and class.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Toyota 4Runner runs about $2,650 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $3,250 for the Chevrolet Suburban — a difference of roughly $600 per year.
What engines do the Suburban and 4Runner offer?
Chevrolet Suburban: 3.0, SIDI, SIDI; Stop-Start, SIDI; FFV. Toyota 4Runner: SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-Start, 4.0.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Chevrolet Suburban and the Toyota 4Runner as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More Suburban comparisons
Comparison id: chevrolet-suburban-vs-toyota-4runner