DecodedCars2005 Chevrolet Suburban
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr RWD /Ls/Lt
- Engines
- 5.3L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, FFV
- MPG (best)
- 15 combined · 14 city / 18 hwy
- Length
- 219.3 in
- Curb weight
- 4,947 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 9 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Chevrolet Suburban is a SUV - offered with a 5.3L 8-cyl engine and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 219 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 130-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,947 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 15 MPG combined (14 city / 18 highway), 10% worse than the 2005 SUV - average of 16.7 MPG, for an estimated $4,450 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 42 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr RWD /Ls/Lt | 219.3 in | 78.7 in | 74.8 in | 129.9 in | 65 / 66.1 in | 4,947 lb | 53/47 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suburban 1500 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -10% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Suburban 1500 2WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 18 / 15 | -17% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Suburban 1500 4WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 14 | -16% | $4,800 | 635 |
| Suburban 1500 AWD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 14 | -16% | $4,800 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Chevrolet Suburban under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Chevrolet Suburban (this car) | 15 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser | 13 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2005 Subaru Legacy/Outback | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Nissan Armada | 14 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche | 15 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Mercury Mountaineer | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Mercury Mariner | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Chevrolet Suburban.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2005 Chevrolet Suburban is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Chevrolet Suburban buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Service Brakes — 12 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Air Bags — 8 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Electrical System — 7 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 126,600 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Chevrolet Suburban. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Suburban years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Suburban | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Suburban | 23 | 225.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 18 |
| 2025 Suburban | 23 | 225.6 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 31 |
| 2024 Suburban | 23 | 225.6 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 45 |
| 2023 Suburban | 23 | 225.6 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 148 |
| 2022 Suburban | 23 | 225.6 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 124 |
| 2021 Suburban | 23 | 225.6 in | ★★★★★ | 12 | 203 |
| 2020 Suburban | 18 | 224.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 44 |
| 2019 Suburban | 18 | 224.4 in | Not rated | 3 | 78 |
| 2018 Suburban | 19 | 224.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 84 |
| 2017 Suburban | 19 | 224.4 in | Not rated | 5 | 142 |
| 2016 Suburban | 19 | 224.4 in | Not rated | 6 | 220 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →