What to do? Denali or SLT?

motobri · December 19, 2014

Since white & silver aren't available in 1500 Denali, I searched leftover 14's and found one w/ 4x4, 6.2 SR, & all else I need for $50k plus T&L, shipped to me. Problem is, I drove the 15 w/ the 8 speed and mag ride. The shifting is definitely instant on kickdown-way faster than my 2011 Denali. Didn't notice mag ride really.

So, I'm torn between the 14 & forgoing the 8 speed or ordering a loaded max tow 15 SLT in my color, only losing the minor cosmetics & mag ride. I like to level my trucks w/ drop shackles so thinking mag ride isn't that crucial, since I read you mess it up when you mod it. Price s/b about the same. Is there anything else important Denali provides?

Also, can the 6 speed be tuned to shift faster? How different are the actual transmissions?

2017SierraSLT · December 19, 2014

I tuned the 6L80E in my Sierra with the Diablosport Intune, firming up the shifts, and increasing the shift point RPM. The tune transformed it. It doesn't act stupid, or slow at all now. I'm much happier with it. I have also heard great things about the 8 speed.

Flying Tomatoes · December 19, 2014

I came from a 13 denali to the 14 SLT. You can get everything from the old Denali on the new SLT so unless you really want the active lane assist and the fancier seat stitching, save a few bucks and get a loaded up 6.2 SLT.

Cliff14Denali · December 19, 2014

I feel if you are buying a new truck why not get it with everything in it......just my 2 cents.

EXSlider400 · December 19, 2014

You did not mention gear ratios...or if would be towing.

I went from loaded SLT to Loaded Denali.

Not to much difference.

Leather on shift handle, chrome console handle (I think this was different), painted bumpers that get rock chips, Nappa leather, different gauge cluster, grill, rims. .more looks from others.

I don't think anyone has leveled or lifted a magna ride 15 Denali yet, the 15 may try to lift up rear to put the truck back to oem angle? I had an air ride Tahoe but it had separate positioning sensors on rear so I don't really know.

If you go off road and break any parts of the magna ride...well I am sure shocks are cheaper...

Zebrafive · December 19, 2014

For the same $$$, I'd buy the 2015 SLT

Harry-Nips · December 19, 2014

Most of the differences with the Denali are all cosmetic... rim design, painted bumpers, aluminum door sills, digital dash, "Denali" in the seats & steering wheel, leather vs. plastic on the gear selector. I decided to order a loaded SLT with Max Tow package in blue mostly because of the bigger diff. However, if ordering one today I would probably go with the 8 speed and magnetic ride, or else wait a year or two and hope those carry down to the SLT as well.

I can't stress enough how awesome the 6.2L is.

ChrisNJ · December 19, 2014

the '14 6.2-6sp is hands down fantastic compared to the '11 version. the '14 downshifts and upshifts when you expect/want it too, I love it. can't comment on the new 8sp.

My '11 was a Denali, my '14 is SLT.

redwngr · December 19, 2014

I came from a 13 denali to the 14 SLT. You can get everything from the old Denali on the new SLT so unless you really want the active lane assist and the fancier seat stitching, save a few bucks and get a loaded up 6.2 SLT.

Active lane assist is not available on a 1500 pickups.

Lane departure warning is an available as part of the Driver Alert Package.

On Denali pickup:

Y65 Driver Alert Package, includes Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, and Safety Alert Seat

On SLT:

Y65 Driver Alert Package, includes Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Safety Alert Seat and (UD5) Front and Rear Park Assist

Requires (KB6) heated and cooled driver and front passenger seating, (AN3) front bucket seats and (H3A), (H3B) or (H3C) interior trim. Not available with (GAT) All-Terrain Package.