Ford Explorer vs Chevrolet Suburban
The Ford Explorer is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 28 mpg combined versus 23 mpg for the Chevrolet Suburban, a 5 mpg advantage and costs about $1,050 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Ford Explorer leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Ford Explorer
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 102 configurations
2015–2026
Chevrolet Suburban
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 72 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Ford Explorer | Chevrolet Suburban |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 28 mpg ✓ | 23 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 27 mpg ✓ | 21 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 29 mpg ✓ | 27 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,200 ✓ | $3,250 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 322 g/mi ✓ | 437 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; FFV, SIDI; Stop-Start | 3.0, SIDI, SIDI; Stop-Start, SIDI; FFV |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S10), Automatic 10-spd, Automatic (S6) | Automatic 10-spd, Automatic 6-spd |
| Drivetrains | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive | 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular, Gasoline or E85 | Diesel, Regular, Premium |
| EPA class | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 102 | 72 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Explorer vs Suburban: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Ford Explorer or the Chevrolet Suburban?
The Ford Explorer is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 28 mpg combined versus 23 mpg for the Chevrolet Suburban, a 5 mpg advantage and costs about $1,050 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Ford Explorer runs about $2,200 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $3,250 for the Chevrolet Suburban — a difference of roughly $1,050 per year.
What engines do the Explorer and Suburban offer?
Ford Explorer: SIDI, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; FFV, SIDI; Stop-Start. Chevrolet Suburban: 3.0, SIDI, SIDI; Stop-Start, SIDI; FFV.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Ford Explorer and the Chevrolet Suburban as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More Explorer comparisons
Comparison id: ford-explorer-vs-chevrolet-suburban