2015 Denali 1500 - 22"/20" vs 18"

crushNchowda · August 27, 2015

I wonder how a Denali is so specific. My SLT has every option offered on a truck. No it doesn't say Denali on my seats, steering wheel or grill, but Denali doesn't really mean loaded. I was looking at two the other day and they were missing a few options. I agree they come with the magniride suspension and a different Guage cluster but that's all really.

Gauge cluster, factory sprayed bed liner, suspension, better leather = denali specific

additionally - if you include the grill, emblems, stitching, unique wheels (although I think some you can order and put on a regular truck) - those things are all different too but more aesthetic than an actual option/add-on

Like I said - I don't give a s**t about any of that really either, which is why I spent $1600 less and got my loaded up All Terrain.

SMiller · August 27, 2015

What you say and what has been proven are two entirely different things...

Tyler

In the flawed test comparing 16's and 22's, try it again with 20's and 22's using the same width and height...

Bowtie Larry · August 28, 2015

I just picked up an LTZ CC short bed with 22"wheels and must say that the gas mileage doesn't seem to be affected by them, I did notice that on the Window sticker it showed them to be aluminum and perhaps that helps a bit with the overall weight of the wheel/tire package, just my 02 cents

Bushx · August 28, 2015

The weight difference is negligible. OK so one weighs 90 lbs and one weighs 75. That's 60 lbs difference on a 5000 lb vehicle. It's like taking my 8 year old granddaughter along for the ride. Oh better not take her, it'll cut down on my mileage!!!

It would be a granddaughter and a friend. Adding 1 lb to tire / rim is about equal to 2 lbs of static weight in the vehicle. Makes a difference on lighter sporty cars, less so on 5000 lb truck I do agree.

hurricanoday · August 28, 2015

Denali def isn't just a few cosmetic things, but that isn't the point of the thread. I went from the denali 20s to upgraded 22 wheels and the mpg is still the same. As another post says I am still getting 22+ on the hwy and averaging about 18mpg with the 6.2, which is basically the same as before. Those are real world numbers so I don't care about someones daughter or taking her friend and all that "static weight". If you guys want I can take a poo before I leave for work in the morning and report back on the mpg increase?

The ride is also better imo, the truck isn't so floaty if that makes sense. I wish it had a firm button like my old Sierra Denali

Def don't take a loss on the wheels, but to not buy a nice new Denali that you want because of the wheels would be a mistake. As others have said you can trade them on cl or what ever. Look of the 22s is worth it 18s would look horrible

crushNchowda · August 28, 2015

Denali def isn't just a few cosmetic things, but that isn't the point of the thread. I went from the denali 20s to upgraded 22 wheels and the mpg is still the same. As another post says I am still getting 22+ on the hwy and averaging about 18mpg with the 6.2, which is basically the same as before. Those are real world numbers so I don't care about someones daughter or taking her friend and all that "static weight". If you guys want I can take a poo before I leave for work in the morning and report back on the mpg increase?

The ride is also better imo, the truck isn't so floaty if that makes sense. I wish it had a firm button like my old Sierra Denali

Def don't take a loss on the wheels, but to not buy a nice new Denali that you want because of the wheels would be a mistake. As others have said you can trade them on cl or what ever. Look of the 22s is worth it 18s would look horrible

With the manga ride suspension you're not going to notice the difference in ride comfort as much as you would on a regular suspension or especially a Z71 suspension.

The comments about unsprung weight and loss of performance are 100% accurate, you may not feel it so much In 5500 lb vehicle, but take a Camaro SS on 20"s to the track and run it then swap it out for 17"s w/ the same compound rubber and you will find a measurable difference - probably .2 off your previous time.

Def should get a credit for the wheels- as I mentioned earlier in the thread I was debating pulling the trigger on a black Denali vs. my black all terrain- both CC, both 4x4, both 6.2, both loaded- only thing the Denali had over the AT was the factory liner, trailer brake control (don't need), and lane departure crap. The dealer knocked the price down -$2500 for taking off the 22"s on the Denali and putting on 20"s (no "up charge" on the 20"s either- just a reduction in overall price for losing the 22"s- and why not? They'll put 'em on another truck and mark up) balance difference between the 2 trucks when both equipped w/ 20"s was $1650 and I went w/ the AT.

In truth that's not a big delta and I actually can see to many people the extra $1650 for the Denali being totally worth it. But if you don't like huge rims, IMO the AT 20"s > than Denali 20"s, the AT grill> than Denali grill (I actually hate the Denali grill), I dislike the magnaride because I want to swap out the shocks for bilstein 5100s and raise the back an inch get some AT tires- more difficult/costly w/ magnaride- BUT the magnaride absolutely gives the best ride of all the trucks.

TxTruckMan · August 28, 2015

Here are all of the unique Denali features:

Magnetic Suspension - awesome

Front Grill - cosmetic

Unique wheels - cosmetic

All Digital Cluster - cool, but cosmetic

12-way seats - non-Denali is 10-way adjustable - big whoop

Unique Denali stitching - cosmetic

Burnished Gold Aluminum Trim - cosmetic

Dark wood colored plastic trim - cosmetic

Denali emblems - cosmetic

Spray-in bed liner is not Denali unique

No better leather in Denali

TxTruckMan · August 28, 2015

And I agree that the difference between 22" and 20" ride will be negligible - especially with mag ride. Fuel Economy may suffer by 1/4 to 1/2 mpg at most. There is slightly more rotational mass further out on the wheel. It's not the absolute mass of the tire WRT the truck, but the radius at which it's located which amplifies the effort required to accelerate the tire. Same thing with the price of tires - maybe a $100-$150 per set every 3-4 years. All worth it for the styling and looks of the Denali in my opinion.

savaytse66 · August 28, 2015

And I agree that the difference between 22" and 20" ride will be negligible - especially with mag ride. Fuel Economy may suffer by 1/4 to 1/2 mpg at most. There is slightly more rotational mass further out on the wheel. It's not the absolute mass of the tire WRT the truck, but the radius at which it's located which amplifies the effort required to accelerate the tire. Same thing with the price of tires - maybe a $100-$150 per set every 3-4 years. All worth it for the styling and looks of the Denali in my opinion.

As I called around for price of tires, I am finding that I am forced to agree, despite my initial concerns. The price difference between the 20 and 22 is just not significant. However, I still stand behind the fact that is is not worth a $3,000 upgrade to ME from 20s to 22s.

Surge-214 · August 28, 2015

Was just about to say that when the time comes to buy new tires(in 2-4 years) the price isnt that much of a difference between 22s and 20s. Prices will also go down 2-4 years from now as well for those sizes.

I understand everyone has different taste and preference but it would drive me crazy seeing the 07+ Escalades with the ugly 18s when the 22s just made you look twice and say damn thats a nice SUV.

Go with the 22s on the Denali, my only regret is not getting the 22s for my SLT before I signed the paperwork. Oh well maybe next time....

Ryan698 · August 30, 2015

18s can look ****ing killer on out trucks id consider them... That's what I'm probably going to do

Just get a nice tire and right offset will look killer be different

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Rawyzf · August 31, 2015

18s can look ****ing killer on out trucks id consider them... That's what I'm probably going to do

Just get a nice tire and right offset will look killer be different

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Agree 100%, that's a great look. 18 or 20 with a zero offset is just about perfect on these trucks. If I were to start over, I'd go 18s with +0 and 33x12.5.

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Ryan698 · August 31, 2015

Agree 100%, that's a great look. 18 or 20 with a zero offset is just about perfect on these trucks. If I were to start over, I'd go 18s with +0 and 33x12.5.

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I'm probably going to do a - 12 offset with a 5.00 back space that's what the wheels in the picture are and they look awesome...

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Rawyzf · August 31, 2015

I'm probably going to do a - 12 offset with a 5.00 back space that's what the wheels in the picture are and they look awesome...

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I'm at -12 technically with 1.5" spacers. I think 0 is better cause you're less likely to rub with just a level. Negative offsets leads to rubbing unless you lift.

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