Would You Drive This? 28mpg full sized SUV

We now live in a world where giant SUVs can achieve 28 miles per gallon of diesel.

The inline-6 is the only acceptable format for 6 cylinder diesel engines, and Chevrolet has installed one displacing 3 liters in their new Suburban and Tahoe. Like always, these full sized truck-based SUVs can tow 4+ tons, tackle some off road obstacles, carry 7-8 people in relative comfort, and rack of hundreds of thousands of miles. Now they can save a lot of cash at the pump - even over some smaller, less capable alternatives.

The new Tahoe diesel is now rated at 21 city/28 highway. The new Suburban diesel is rated at 21 city/27 highway.
For reference, the much smaller Nissan Murano is rated at 20 city/28 highway; the Jeep Cherokee at 19 city/26 highway.

This massive improvement in efficiency is achieved via the aforementioned 6 cylinder turbodiesel combined with a 10 speed automatic and an adjustable air ride suspension - which can lift the entire truck for higher ground clearance, and lower the truck to cut down on wind resistance underneath the vehicle at highway speeds.

No gimmicky hybrid powertrains. No expensive electric motors. No horrible CVTs.

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As a rule, big, honkin' sport utility vehicles usually aren't that efficient. With curb weights greater than a main battle tank and the aerodynamics of a mountainside, you simply cannot expect Toyota Prius-rivaling economy. But proving you absolutely can teach an old dog new tricks, GM's latest crop of SUVs with the Duramax straight-six diesel delivers some shocking figures.

EPA certification for two-wheel-drive versions of both the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban are in, GM announced Wednesday. The Tahoe is officially rated at 21 miles per gallon in the city, 28 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined. Chevy's larger Suburban is only slightly less efficient, returning an estimated 27 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg combined. Around town, it should deliver the same score of 21. That is damn impressive fuel economy for what are basically dinosaurs -- comfortable and refined road-going reptiles, that is. Even better, because of the way diesels are tested by the EPA, it's likely the real-world fuel economy these vehicles deliver will be even better.

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CNET

3.0L inline-6 diesel/Chevy Suburban High Country


Chevy Suburban High Country

Chevy Tahoe High Country:

Chevy Tahoe High Country:

Inline 6 cylinder Duramax diesel engine:




Would you drive a diesel powered full sized SUV?

The Tahoe and Suburban are available now. Ford is no doubt working to install their V6 diesel in the Expedition as fast as they can as well. Rumor is that the new Jeep Grand Wagoneer will offer a diesel option.