From The Drive · Byron Hurd · · 1m
GM V8 SUVs Still at 2009 Gas Mileage
GM's V8 SUVs match 2009 fuel economy despite 17 years of progress.
In brief
GM's V8 SUVs match 2009 fuel economy despite 17 years of progress. GM's most efficient gasoline-powered full-size SUVs maintain 17 mpg from 2009 to 2025, unchanged in 17 years. Originally reported by The Drive.
GM V8 SUVs
GM's most efficient gasoline-powered full-size SUVs get 17 mpg, same as 2009 model year.
17-Year Stagnation
GM's full-size triplets (Chevy Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon) maintain 17 mpg with 5.3-liter V8 engines.
Truck Improvement
GM's full-size pickups improved from 18 mpg to 20 mpg in 17 years using smaller engines.
Hybrid Comparison
Toyota Prius improved from 50 to 57 mpg in 17 years, a 14% gain versus GM's 11%.
SUV Regression
GM's big SUVs dropped from 19 mpg to 17 mpg after 2021, with no improvement since.
New V8 Engines
GM introduced Duramax I6 in 2021, but diesel efficiency lags due to current fuel prices.
The one thing
GM's most efficient gasoline-powered full-size SUVs maintain 17 mpg from 2009 to 2025, unchanged in 17 years.
