Representative photo — may show another model year
SUV
2012 Chevrolet Suburban
Independent review & score by Carivo
Price Range
$35,200–$41,700
Fuel Economy10 MPG
Seating8 passengers
CategorySUV
Est. Annual Fuel$5,250/yr
The 2012 Chevrolet Suburban scores 6.4/10 at Carivo, ranking #2417 of 2454 suvs and an estimated $5,250/year fuel cost.
Scored by Carivo·Updated: September 8, 2026·How we score →
Key Specifications — 2012 Chevrolet Suburban
Seating Capacity
8 passengers
Body Style
SUV
Base Price
$35,200–$41,700
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban
Our scoring places the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban at 6.4/10 overall, which translates to a Fair rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.5/10, while Value at 5.8/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. Buyers should review the score breakdown carefully and consider higher-rated alternatives before committing.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.4/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 7.5/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.1/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 5.9/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $35,200–$41,700, 10 MPG, seating 8, the Chevrolet Suburban sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The value score of 5.8/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 14 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: Based on our scoring, the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban underperforms its segment peers across multiple dimensions. Unless there's a specific reason it fits your situation — price, a particular trim's features, or availability — there are better-scored alternatives at similar price points worth considering first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among SUVs
The 2012 Chevrolet Suburban ranks #2417 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 2% of the segment. Its 6.4/10 overall score is 1 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $35,200 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $36,079.
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Suburban Year Should You Buy?
Across the Suburban model years we've scored, the 2012 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Below-average reliability data — factor in potential repair and maintenance costs
Value-for-money is a weak point; comparable alternatives offer more for the price
Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
Infotainment and tech features feel dated compared to newer rivals in this segment
Fuel economy at 10 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
Common Questions — 2012 Chevrolet Suburban
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban reliable?
We rate the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban's reliability 6.4/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban worth buying?
It scores 6.4/10 overall, ranking #2417 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 2% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2012 Chevrolet Suburban cost?
The 2012 Chevrolet Suburban starts at $35,200 and ranges up to $41,700 across trims (MSRP when new). At 10 MPG, expect roughly $5,250/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Suburban years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Suburban years we've rated are 2015 (6.8/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.4/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
Owner Essentials — Chevrolet Suburban
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Similar SUV to Consider
Other suvs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Representative photo — may show another model year
