Getting ready to order a new Denali - Need some things cleared up

jackl4 · October 8, 2014

Hi everyone,

I really appreciate this forum and the contributors. This is my first post so please be gentle. LOL

I'm getting ready to order a 2015 Denali 1500 4WD Crew cab (5.3L V8). I'm a bit concerned over some issues and would like a dose of reality from you.

How extensive is the vibration issue? I read how many people are complaining about it. All the dealers I visit say they have never heard about it (maybe they are lying?). Should I really be concerned?
How bad are the headlights? Should I just plan on replacing the bulbs or is it not as bad as some are saying? Just like the vibration, the dealers are saying they never heard of the issue.
I'm considering getting a loaded up SLT instead of the Denali to save about $3k. I realize I won't get the magnetic suspension but struggling if it is worth is. Will I be giving up other things if I go with the SLT? Btw, one of the dealers said they can put the Denali grill in the SLT no problem.

Thanks in advance.

soltys · October 8, 2014

1. There are ones who have had the vibration issue but they're outnumbered by the perfect trucks substantially

2. The headlights aren't great, but they are by no means bad. I drive a lot of dark - no light highways and I don't have a problem with them. I brought the issue up with my dealer and while they currently have my truck for the week, they're installing a set of aftermarket lights free of charge for me to try and report back. They're using a couple of customers to report back real-world reactions to aftermarket bulbs as opposed to going straight to the HiD aftermarket.

3. I did the exact same thing in ordering an loaded SLT instead of the Denali. Interior wise, when it's loaded up with navi (which I didn't want so I didn't order), heated and cooled seats, sunroof option and the SLT Preferred option package, the main difference is the lack of "DENALI" in the headrests and the gauge cluster. Externally, I actually preferred the SLT because of the chrome bumpers. From experience with painted front bumpers on the trucks that get used liked a truck, the chrome holds out a better. Other then that, the grills a simply swap if you really want it, rims are a quick and easy swap and with the money saved, you can add other accessories that you may want.

Just my $0.02

newdude · October 8, 2014

3- You will be giving up the LCD instrument cluster and magnetic ride with an SLT.

2- My HD has projectors (all HD trucks have them). They are more focused over the regular reflector halogens. The fog lights make up for the focused beam for sure.

Stevens03 · October 8, 2014

My previous 2011 was nearly a Denali. Personally I wanted selectable 4x4 and wanted the max trailer package with the 3.73 gears. I too had the dealer put the Denali grill on upon purchase. I have a 2014 now and have zero vibration. It's as smooth as butter on a hot summer day. Save the money and order the truck with the options you must have. I don't know much about the new denali's yet, but I'd save the money and order an SLT personally unless AWD is a must have.

I will say this, the headlights on the Silverado are awesome. Best headlights I've EVER had on a truck and I've been a big fan of GMC over the Silverado until this model year.

Coach Hill · October 8, 2014

2014 1500 Denali 4x4 6.2 here.

1) Haven't had any vibration issues. Not saying it doesn't happen, but I haven't experienced it at all and have had the truck up around

90 several times.

2) I don't think the headlights are bad at all but, I've also never had a vehicle with HID lights so really don't have that comparison.

3) I toyed with the SLT idea myself, but ultimately didn't like the look as good as the Denali. Having said that, the Magnetic Ride

Control wasn't available when I got mine so the difference in price was not as large.

I love my truck. It is the nicest, most refined vehicle I have ever owned and I don't regret the purchase at all. Good Luck with your

decision!

bladz1454 · October 8, 2014

I dislike chrome so I went with the SLT All Terrain... every option except the cooled seated (didn't want them). My buddy has a new Denali and other than his gauge cluster mines feels exactly the same.

fondupot · October 8, 2014

I think the up charge on the Denali for the magnetic ride control would be worth it. Also, do yourself a favor and get the 6.2 with 8 Speed. That might require you to wait a little longer, but I think would be worth it.

jackl4 · October 9, 2014

Great feedback. Thanks guys.

Stevens03 · October 9, 2014

The 6.2 6-speed combo with 3.73 is a rocket ship and still gets decent mileage. My truck got consistently 16-18 mpg tooling around and 19-20mpg highway.

GMC-AT · October 9, 2014

keep in mind all these "problems" you read about represent about .001% of all owners. People don't generally come to internet forums to post joy.. generally the opposite.

My 2014 SLT is the nicest truck I have ever owned.. hands down.

Willc11 · October 9, 2014

14 Denali 6.2 2wd here...

I agree with Coach Hill

1) no issues with vibration at all.

2) the Denali headlights are ok. I had an Acadia Denali with HID's and a couple of Volkswagens with them. Guess I got spoiled. I plan on swapping out to the 15 yukon Denali HID's once some one can get me some part numbers.

3) never considered an SLT truck. I had an 11 Denali and went straight to my dealer once the order bank opened up for the 14. I am very curious about the magnetic shocks and the 6.2L/8sp combo.

Will

mawint · October 9, 2014

My previous 2011 was nearly a Denali. Personally I wanted selectable 4x4 and wanted the max trailer package with the 3.73 gears. I too had the dealer put the Denali grill on upon purchase. I have a 2014 now and have zero vibration. It's as smooth as butter on a hot summer day. Save the money and order the truck with the options you must have. I don't know much about the new denali's yet, but I'd save the money and order an SLT personally unless AWD is a must have.

I will say this, the headlights on the Silverado are awesome. Best headlights I've EVER had on a truck and I've been a big fan of GMC over the Silverado until this model year.

Denalis are no longer AWD.

Also this year I believe you can get the 6.2 with the 8 speed.

Isriam · October 9, 2014

i would never go to a slt from my denali. do yourself a favor for resale value and for never questioning and just buy it. also, get the 6.2 8 speed, don't buy the 5.3. you'll always question if you shoulda.

lights suck, but thats because i know what true HID's look like. they are drivable and gmc probably won't change anything about them. no vibration. dealers say they havent heard any of these issues including the seat movement so just ignore that. your seat will eventually start moving if you keep it raised high and back.

soltys · October 9, 2014

The one thing I don't like about the Denali now, is it's just another trim line. Before, it was a bunch of features that you couldn't get on the other trucks. AWD, Quadra-steer, even the 6.2 started out only in the Denali Now, with the option boxes checked, you can get a SLT with all the Denali options for less.