Denali 1500 vs SLT 1500, need some clarification

[frosty1_4me]

Hi,

 

I'm on the hunt for a new truck. My 2002 SLT is starting to rust out and i'm tired of the battle with a 2 wheel drive in the great white north. So, I've been pondering another SLT (2011 or 2012, I just can't bring myself to buy new). However, it seems that Denali's are everywhere and SLT's are few and far between.

 

My main reason that I want the SLT is that I would like a fairly loaded truck but I want the 5.3L engine. Given that 90% of the time I'm just driving around without towing anything, I would like something with better fuel milage. This is is where my confusion is coming from.

 

I hear conflicting stories from owners and salesman of course on the gas milage. Obviously the owners say they don't get the milage that is stated which I can agree with, but others are saying the difference in gas milage between the 6.2L and 5.3L is neglagable.

 

Another point I'm unsure of is, there is claims that the Denali does not pull as much as the 5.3L. My thoughts is that could depend on the rearend in the truck.

 

One last thing, I've been told the Denali has galvanized body panels so they don't rust out, but I can't find proof of that. I love my existing truck as mechanically it's been a rock, but the body is rusting out fast. I like to keep my trucks for 10+ years, but the rust always gets them first.

 

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

Cheers!

 

 

[diggerdan11]

Well you need to remember that the Denali is AWD and not a conventional 4WD system, so the MPG can be a little less.

 

A Sierra with the 5.3L is rated at 15/21 with the 6.2L its 13/18. The Denali is rated 12/18. In the real world I bet you can get closer to 20 in the Denali and closer to 23 in the 5.3L. Its all about how you drive

 

As far as towing goes the Denali is rated at 9,300 lbs. Max towing on a regular truck is 10,400 but I am pretty sure that would be with the addition of the max trailering pack with the 6.2L. Im pretty sure the towing capacity on the Denali is more than a regualr 5.3L

[nickvrebel]

All GM vehicles with metal panels are galvanized.

 

The biggest difference between the two will be that the Denali has available All Wheel Drive, whereas the SLT truck will have true 4wd with an Autotrac transfer case. There is other minor differences including some interior trim items, wheels, etc. but that's mostly a matter of preference. The AWD will not have a positive effect on fuel economy.

 

The Denali with a 6.2L will have a different, upgraded rearend, along with the extra power it should easily out pull the 5.3L SLT truck.

 

The 6.2L does get worse economy, how much worse is more of how hard you drive your truck. Around town stop and go it can be substantial, cruising on the highway it's more or less negligible.

All GM vehicles with metal panels are galvanized.

 

The biggest difference between the two will be that the Denali has available All Wheel Drive, whereas the SLT truck will have true 4wd with an Autotrac transfer case. There is other minor differences including some interior trim items, wheels, etc. but that's mostly a matter of preference. The AWD will not have a positive effect on fuel economy.

 

The Denali with a 6.2L will have a different, upgraded rearend, along with the extra power it should easily out pull the 5.3L SLT truck.

 

The 6.2L does get worse economy, how much worse is more of how hard you drive your truck. Around town stop and go it can be substantial, cruising on the highway it's more or less negligible.

 

As for towing capacity, my truck, 2009 5.3L 6 speed w/ 3.42 gears is rated for over 9,000 lbs (I think it's either 9,500 or 9,900), the difference is negligible.

[Bad Bowtie2]

Not ALL GMC Sierra Denalis are AWD, a 2WD can be an option too. All 6.2L's though, until this new 2K body style comes out.

 

The Denali is hard loaded. I think the few options are the AWD, Sunroof, color, and NAV.

[frosty1_4me]

Thanks for the responses, they are much appreicated.

 

I like the ideal of the AWD, but doesn't the Auto setting in the SLT pretty much do the same thing? Or is the 30% / 70% split in the AWD not exist in the SLT with the Auto set for the 4x4?

 

Now, the comment about "All GM vehicles with metal panels are galvanized." I would like more discussion around. When did this start becoming standard? My 2002 SLT does not have galvanized body panels, hense the rust through issue i'm experiencing. I was told by a salesman that only the Denali had galvanized body panels but since I could not find information about this and was looking at the more expenisive Denali, I discounted his comment as a sales tactic.

[Z45]

I was told by a salesman that only the Denali had galvanized body panels but since I could not find information about this and was looking at the more expenisive Denali, I discounted his comment as a sales tactic.

Yes, this is pure BS. All trucks use the same sheet metal, the Denali is not any different. They been using galvanized steel since 1988 but galvanized steel will still rust.

 

In 16,000 miles I average 16.4 mpg with my 6.2L awd Sierra Denali. The Denali is an SLT with extra features like 6.2L engine, All Wheel Drive, G80, Z60 high peformance suspension, 20-inch wheels (depends on model year if standard), body colored bumpers, aluminum lower suspension arms, only comes as crew cab, only available in certain colors, black and white make up about 90% of production.

 

AWD is usually intended for on-road use in inclement weather conditions, while operating smoothly on dry pavement by allowing for a difference in speed between the front and rear axles while turning. These systems are not selectable and do not have low range gearing for the transfer case.

 

There are two different categories of AWD systems. The first category is full-time AWD and thats what the Denali has. This type of transfer case delivers torque to the front and rear axles at all times. This ratio can vary depending on the system, but is usually about a 30/70% front to rear split but also can vary depending on traction conditions, up to 100% front or rear. The Denali Transfer Case is a Borg-Warner 4485 RPO NR3.

 

The Denali is not intended to be an off-road vehicle! Its basically the GMC version of the Escalade EXT.

[frosty1_4me]

Great post. Thanks!

 

That's the struggle I guess it ultimately comes down to. I would like the AWD, the suspension, 20-wheels, etc, etc, but I don't want the 6.2L.

[Z45]

+ the Denali gets 4-wheel disc brakes.

 

If you want a 5.3L then you have to wait and buy a 2014 Denali as it will be the base engine...

[scooby5121]

when i bought my 2008 3500HD it was shown to me it had two sheets of metal and plastic sandwiched between , so I could not get any threw rust.

they also called the sandwich metal sound deadening body panels. Ford also used the same sandwiched metals in 2008, but there metal was a couple thous thinner.

 

Scooby

 

They Showed me the metal as a sample. My friend was the salesman if that matters.

[SnakeEyeSS]

Yeah, the MPG on my Tahoe STINKS. I can barely cross 16 on the highway. I have mods that should increase MPG also. I have dune a full tune up and everything is in perfect working order, it still stinks.

 

Its the only vehicle I have ever owned that I could nit beat EPA ratings on

[TJay74]

The auto mode in the 4x4 models merely loads the clutches in the front system, once wheel slip is detected it locks the front diff instantly into 4x4 mode.

[frosty1_4me]

The auto mode in the 4x4 models merely loads the clutches in the front system, once wheel slip is detected it locks the front diff instantly into 4x4 mode.

 

From a person that has never had a 4x4, do you notice the differencial locking, or is it fairly smooth?

[TJay74]

I was told it should be smooth, I have never used it though on my truck. I just engage 4x4 when the weather dictates. It is suppossed to be a better way of driving for when you hit bad roads and dont have time to turn teh switch, the system is suppossed to react faster and help you maintain better control.

[elite0259]

From a person that has never had a 4x4, do you notice the differencial locking, or is it fairly smooth?

It's smooth, in the snow we had up here last year I put it in auto and floored it, it was fairly smooth, he only thing you notice is that the back of the truck hasn't suddenly made itself the front of the truck... And my 4WD system had almost 100k miles on it last year

[joshw1303]

4wd auto is awesome, I will always make sure my truck comes with it. I do alot of hwy driving to see family and we get crazy weather. Few weeks ago crazy down pour at night, couldn't see sh#t. Was driving 50mph on hwy with 4wd auto on. Could feel it engage alot. Water was over taking the hwy. Couldn't see 15 feet in front of me. Was driving blind :-!