2012 Chevrolet Tahoe 1500 2WD MPG & Specs — Real-World vs EPA, All Trims
Fuel grade varies by trim — see the breakdown below.
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe 1500 2WD good on gas?
At up to 17 MPG combined, the 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe 1500 2WD is worse than average for a Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD — that class averages about 18.8 MPG across 1,619 EPA-tested versions, so it's on the thirsty side for its size.
Real-world MPG vs the EPA number
The EPA figures above come from a standardized dynamometer test, not the open road — real-world MPG typically runs a bit lower depending on your driving, climate and terrain. That's true of every car on this site, old or new.
EPA updated its fuel-economy equations again for model year 2017 — mostly affecting hybrids and turbocharged engines — and recalculated 2011-2016 ratings to match, in some cases 1-2 MPG lower. The number above already reflects that update.
For its most efficient trim, the EPA estimates about $3,650 a year in fuel (15,000 miles) — roughly $304 a month.
2012 Chevrolet Tahoe 1500 2WD trims & fuel economy
| Trim (engine / transmission) | Fuel | MPG | Fuel/yr (today's price) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, RWD | FLEX-FUEL | 17 | $3,650 |
2012 Chevrolet Tahoe 1500 2WD specs
What the EPA test-car listings record for this model year — every combination sold is a row in the trims table above.
| Engine options | 5.3L 8-cyl |
| Transmission | Automatic 6-spd |
| Drive type | RWD |
| EPA body class | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD |
| Fuel | Flex-fuel |
Other years of the Chevrolet Tahoe 1500 2WD
Similar cars (Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD)
Cars that take premium · Cheapest cars to fuel · Where fuel grade depends on the trim · Fuel guides
1 trim(s) · EPA FuelEconomy.gov data retrieved 2026-07-24 · fuel prices AAA national average as of 2026-07-05.