General Thoughts on 2014's vs. 2015's

Gottsmoney · May 8, 2015

Hey guys! I just registered for the site as I'm thinking of buying a 2014 or 2015 Silverado or Sierra (likely a Denali) within the next year or so.

I've got a 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT that just hit 100,000 a few weeks ago (attached picture). I love the truck and get compliments on it all the time but with it getting up there in age and over the 100k mark I'm starting to have some general upkeep and repairs that have to be completed and are adding up. I've never had new car warranties as my taste in vehicles often exceeds my budget and I therefore usually buy used over new, however Cadillac parts are cheap!

I'm looking forward to the next few months and seeing what you guys experiences are with your trucks. I'd like to have something as close to my Escalade in terms of ride quality and comfort and that is what draws me to the Denali. I love the idea of magnetic ride control being available in the 2015's. However, is the ride that much better than the 2014 Denalis that don't have it? Also, has anyone compared the ride of the Denali to the High Country?

My truck isn't used for towing or hauling anything more than a few bags of golf clubs, a couple coolers, or a bed from one house to another but I love the power of my 6.2L that I have now.

So basically my questions for you guys are:

1. How is the ride quality of the 2015 Denali vs. the 2014 Denali and how do both compare to the SLT?

2. Is the 6.2L worth the extra cost new and for fuel vs. the 5.3L if I'm not towing?

3. What are some other informative things to know what these trucks?

Btw I've driven a 2014 High Country with the 5.3L and 22's last summer and I was mildly disappointed with the power compared to my current 6.2L.

Just in case anyone is curious I've been off automotive forums for much of the past few years but I spent a lot of time on Camaro forums from 2006-2011ish. Past vehicles include:

2001 S10 Xtreme (Black)

1998 Camaro Z28 (Red)

2002 Camaro SS (Black)

1998 Silverado Z71 (Red - Winter truck borrowed from my dad in college)

2004 Cadillac CTS-V (Black)

And my current truck: 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT (Black)

I've been looking over the "post your 2014+ Silverado/Sierra" topic over the past couple nights (only on page 125 of 200+ haha) and some of you guys have some awesome trucks!

jamin87ss · May 8, 2015

I wouldn't worry about a 6.2 unless u tow, buy a later model 14 if u do, I love my A/T

steelcity · May 8, 2015

Your Caddy has coil springs in the back. You'll miss them. Denali's have leaf springs.

Your Caddy has lounge chairs for front seats. Denali's seats are smaller and harder.

Gottsmoney · May 8, 2015

Your Caddy has coil springs in the back. You'll miss them. Denali's have leaf springs.

Your Caddy has lounge chairs for front seats. Denali's seats are smaller and harder.

Both the 2014 and 2015's have leaf springs on the Denali? Didn't know if the 2015's might be more like my truck.

I know I need to get out there and drive a few trucks but I'm thinking I want to wait until later this summer or fall before I make the move to up my monthly payment.

SouthernSilveradoGuy85 · May 8, 2015

Well if your current truck has coils in the rear then that just means it's setup more like an SUV which lowers the towing capacity. A truck will have leaf springs rather it's a Denali or basic work truck because it's an actual truck. It's for better payload and towing. Your Escalade EXT and the Avalanche I honestly thought had leaf springs since they're more of a truck than an SUV but I guess I assumed wrong.

You may miss the ride, but these new trucks ride great in my opinion. The ride is the same between the 2 years unless you get a '15 with magnetic ride control. Just remember the smaller the sidewall the rougher the ride. If you don't tow then there's no point in a 6.2, especially since it's in high demand and you'll have a hard time finding one you completely like. The 5.3 is plenty strong in my opinion, but I've also went way up in power since my last truck and I haven't had a chance to drive a 6.2. If you really want a 6.2 then fine, but I wouldn't let a 5.3 be a deal breaker. Think about it like this, if you found the perfect truck except it was the 5.3 would you walk or still get it? I'm stubburn so I know what I want and maybe you're the same, but I'm also the type that I won't buy something just so I can say I have it.

Habs · May 8, 2015

I was dead set on the 6.2L. Once I got into one with the 5.3L, I never considered the 6.2 again. Just make sure you get the 3.42 gears with the 5.3. Unless you're doing MAJOR towing, the 6.2 is pointless. And if you need it to tow, you're into 2500 territory anyway.

hurricanoday · May 8, 2015

I drove both motors and went with the 6.2, though I tow it isn't that often. Is there even any mpg difference in the engines? I'm getting 20+ on the hwy with the 6.2 and I don't think the 5.3 get much better than that. You are paying more for the truck, but I would guess the resale value will be greater with the 6.2.

I would get the 6.2

Gottsmoney · May 8, 2015

I'm not dead set on the 6.2L I just know that is what I'm used to a don't want to see a 40 hp drop in power without some gains in mpg. I know the 6.2's come with the 8 speed instead of 6 speed to help with the mpg so I figured it wouldn't be any worse than my truck now that averages around 16 mpg in the summer and 15 mpg in the winter with a lot of highway miles.

Other than color (black or white diamond) the big things for me are ride quality, plenty of smooth power (don't want to feel like it struggles to make a pass on a two lane road), and wheels. I'll likely want chrome 22's but would be okay with the standard chrome 20's. I can always get wheels later, its a little more costly to swap engines or suspension haha.

Crf450r420 · May 8, 2015

2015 Denali comes with mag ride, so it will be the smoothest. All these trucks ride way better than the years before because of the stiff frame, it allows the suspension to do what it's designed for and control the ride. The 2015 6.2L comes with the 8 speed transmissions, so look up and see if people are having issue with it since it's new. The 3.23 is the new 3.42 axle with that 8 speed and the 3.42 takes the place of the 3.73 for max tow option allowing 12,000lbs of towing. The 5.3L is pretty much equal to your current 6.2L thanks to the direct injection. I spent a week in a rental last month with the new V6 and it's not that bad either.

SoonerDPT · May 8, 2015

Good luck making any truck as sharp as your Cadi. That is one good looking rig.

fondupot · May 8, 2015

I find my 5.3L does the job well for me enough. I dont ever tow. There are only a few instances where I wish I got the 6.2 like the 60mph to 80mph pull on the 5.3 is less than stellar. But that's a every once in a while occasion for me.

Coach Hill · May 8, 2015

I have a 14' Denali with the 6.2L. I drove both before I ordered my truck. My old truck was a 99 GMC with the 5.3 so comparing that truck with the new 5.3 is useless, but after driving both with the new engines my take on it is this. I'm averaging around 18 mpg lifetime with around 13k on the odometer. That's all types of driving (around town, highway, etc.) If I go on a lengthy freeway trip it gets around 20-21 depending on the highway. I don't think the 5.3 is going to get a LOT better than the 6.2 especially when you consider the power difference. In addition to the above, I have AFM disabled so my truck is NEVER in V4 mode. I just don't like the technology. After having the 6.2, I wouldn't even consider the 5.3. That's just my take obviously, but the power of 6.2 is what sold me. When you step on it, it just keeps pulling until you let up on it ( or until you reach the speed limiter )

I would guess that if you are used to the 6.2, the new 5.3 will not make you happy and you will regret getting it. My .02!

Clocked92 · May 8, 2015

I have a 2014 SLT All Terrain Sierra with the Z71 package. The truck is dead quiet and gets great mileage with the 5.3. I don't tow much at all either, just my seadoo during the summer and that barely counts haha. I may move up to a bigger boat in the future but I have no fears with the 5.3 since I'm not going through mountains.

The Z71 does right a bit stiffer than the non Z71 trucks thats for sure. If you are looking for a smooth ride, I'd stay away from a Z71.

P-Funk · May 8, 2015

Between the '14 and '15 Denali, go with the '15 as it has Magnetic Ride. I went with the 6.2L because you don't sacrifice hardly any mileage and you can never have too much power.

My $.02

Gottsmoney · May 8, 2015

Good luck making any truck as sharp as your Cadi. That is one good looking rig.

Thanks man! That picture was taken after my brother had spent a few days detailing her with some Adam's products. She's hard to keep even semi close to that clean on a regular basis even though I try.

I have a 14' Denali with the 6.2L. I drove both before I ordered my truck. My old truck was a 99 GMC with the 5.3 so comparing that truck with the new 5.3 is useless, but after driving both with the new engines my take on it is this. I'm averaging around 18 mpg lifetime with around 13k on the odometer. That's all types of driving (around town, highway, etc.) If I go on a lengthy freeway trip it gets around 20-21 depending on the highway. I don't think the 5.3 is going to get a LOT better than the 6.2 especially when you consider the power difference. In addition to the above, I have AFM disabled so my truck is NEVER in V4 mode. I just don't like the technology. After having the 6.2, I wouldn't even consider the 5.3. That's just my take obviously, but the power of 6.2 is what sold me. When you step on it, it just keeps pulling until you let up on it ( or until you reach the speed limiter )

I would guess that if you are used to the 6.2, the new 5.3 will not make you happy and you will regret getting it. My .02!

Yeah I kind of experienced that in comparison to the 5.3 High Country I drove last year. The power was there but when I was merging on the ramp onto the highway it was a noticeable difference compared to my truck. Of course I would likely get used to the 5.3 but if I'm not gaining any mpg it sounds like 6.2 would be the way to go.

Between the '14 and '15 Denali, go with the '15 as it has Magnetic Ride. I went with the 6.2L because you don't sacrifice hardly any mileage and you can never have too much power.

My $.02

Have any of you guys with a 2014 drove a 2015 or vice versa? I suppose it would be more likely a 2015 owner test drove a 2014 prior to purchasing yours but kinda looking to see if anyone has driven both for a direct comparison.