Tundra driver looking To upgrade?

[INGMWETRUST]

Hey Guys, I'm new to the forum just looking for some opinions and advice.

I currently drive an 2007 tundra which I love but it's time to upgrade and the only trucks That are catching my attention are the GM twins.

I'm use to the tundras 5.7 torque monster so the 5.3 is out of question. I don't tow often and if I do it's nothing any truck won't handle

 

My two options are the 2016

GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 4x4 6.2L CC/Standard bed

 

Or the

GMC 2500 SLT 4x4 CC/Standard bed with the Duramax package

 

The reason that's an option is because the pricing is somewhat close to the 6.2L (obviously a few k more)

Would any of you advise me NOT to think about the 2500 because of maybe size, ride, or maintenance? Or because an updated Duramax is on the way?

That would be my first diesel so any info would help

I love the look of the 2500 but HATE the DEF tanks and ford and dodge are out of question

[SMiller]

I would drive the 6.0 2500HD before making your choice, all three are great trucks!

 

If you drive all three back to back you will know right then and there which one is for you.

[ember1205]

Had a 2011 Tundra CrewMax Platinum. I towed with it. Heavy. Always said that truck could pull a house off of its foundation... What it would really benefit from would be a fifth wheel and a tanker behind it. That thing sucked gas ridiculously.

 

I have a 5.3L with the 3.42 rear end, and do not long for the torque of the Tundra EVER. That giant rear end made the truck feel powerful, but it murdered your mileage.

 

Here's what you're going to miss - the full size roll-down back window and possibly the adjustable height headlamps. The GMC and Chevrolet are both more comfortable with cloth seats than the Tundra was with perforated leather.

[galliher_nc]

Hey Guys, I'm new to the forum just looking for some opinions and advice.

I currently drive an 2007 tundra which I love but it's time to upgrade and the only trucks That are catching my attention are the GM twins.

I'm use to the tundras 5.7 torque monster so the 5.3 is out of question. I don't tow often and if I do it's nothing any truck won't handle

 

My two options are the 2016

GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 4x4 6.2L CC/Standard bed

 

Or the

GMC 2500 SLT 4x4 CC/Standard bed with the Duramax package

 

The reason that's an option is because the pricing is somewhat close to the 6.2L (obviously a few k more)

Would any of you advise me NOT to think about the 2500 because of maybe size, ride, or maintenance? Or because an updated Duramax is on the way?

That would be my first diesel so any info would help

I love the look of the 2500 but HATE the DEF tanks and ford and dodge are out of question

I'd go 1500 6.2L if you're not towing often.

[INGMWETRUST]

Coming from the tundra 5.7

Is the 6.2 as powerful? I know the fuel mileage will be much better than the tundra. And the 5.3 is very sluggish IMO.

I'm just trying to see if anybody has been having a problems with the 6.2/8speed?

I somewhat have myself convinced not to think about the DURAMAX because it's to be updated in 2017 as well as I don't ever have a need to tow more than 10k pounds.

[galliher_nc]

Coming from the tundra 5.7

Is the 6.2 as powerful? I know the fuel mileage will be much better than the tundra. And the 5.3 is very sluggish IMO.

I'm just trying to see if anybody has been having a problems with the 6.2/8speed?

I somewhat have myself convinced not to think about the DURAMAX because it's to be updated in 2017 as well as I don't ever have a need to tow more than 10k pounds.

The 6.2L is a lot more powerful than the 5.7L iForce. The 6.2L is rated at 420 HP and 460 TQ. I haven't driven a Tundra/Sequoia in a while, so I can't comment on the seat of the pants feel, you'll have to drive one on your own and make up your mind.

 

There were a couple guys who had their 8 speeds replaced at under 5,000 miles. The bugs appear to be worked out now though. Mine is great, but I only have 860 miles on it right now.

[ember1205]

The 6.2L is a lot more powerful than the 5.7L iForce. The 6.2L is rated at 420 HP and 460 TQ. I haven't driven a Tundra/Sequoia in a while, so I can't comment on the seat of the pants feel, you'll have to drive one on your own and make up your mind.

 

There were a couple guys who had their 8 speeds replaced at under 5,000 miles. The bugs appear to be worked out now though. Mine is great, but I only have 860 miles on it right now.

 

Yes, the motor puts more power out. The Tundra's advantage was that giant rear end, though. Take the 5.3 and put the large rear end on it, and it will feel similar (and have as poor of mileage).

 

The ONE thing that I will say that the Tundra has over the GM performance-wise is that there is a direct and immediate output to the wheels from the input you give with your foot. I had a 500 lb sled in the bed of the Tundra one day and I hit the gas to pass someone. I honestly forgot the sled was even there and the truck took off so quickly, I was worried I was going to see the snowmobile doing somersaults behind me. NONE of the GM trucks react like that. And, it has nothing to do with the motors - it's the transmission tuning.

 

Many on here have reported using an aftermarket tune for the transmission and being much happier with how responsive the truck is. For me, I adjusted to how the truck drives. I personally won't run a V6 because they lack the torque that I need to pull heavier loads behind me periodically. But, I just can't see the value in paying for the 6.2 when the 5.3 does what I need.

 

if you buy a 5.3 with a 3.08 rear end, you'll get great mileage but it won't tow for crap. It's all about the configuration.

[tnchevy]

I test drove a few Tundras before I bought my silvy and I thought they seemed just as sluggish as the chevys. I still really wanted a Tundra but the horrible gas mileage and the high price changed my mind pretty quickly. Plus just like Ram I had trouble finding an ext cab with a bench seat.

[crushNchowda]

Tundra is not a "torque monster" its rated @ 401 lb/ft, while the 5.3 GM trucks are rated @ 383 - not a huge difference. Run E85 in the 5.3 and you'll be making 383hp and 416 lb/ft - as others have said, its the rear gearing which also results in bad mileage.

 

I have had a '14 GMC CC 5.3 w/ 3.42 gears and 6 speed auto it has plenty of grunt and when I wanted more I ran E85, the truck was totaled (had it 39,000 miles) and now I have a '15 6.2 w/ the 8 speed - I don't like either tranny but the 8 speed has a worse factory tune than the 6 speed. In general, GM motors are usually slightly underrated and have some power left on the table w/ a tune, while the trannies can be tuned to feel night and day different. The GM trucks are clearly engineered w/ comfort/quiestness/luxury etc. in mind and that is the reason for the "sloppy" or "laid back" programming in the TCM from the factory.

 

I will get my new truck tuned, since I have had other automatic GM vehicles w/ custom tunes ('07 silverado, '04 GTO, '08 G8) I know just how significant the difference can be.

There is NOTHING I like about the Tundra over the GM trucks other than the ability to outfit one for more offroad prowess from the factory, but if I was really going to go that route I'd either get a Ram Powerwagon or a Raptor and there is ZERO comparison between a TRD and those 2.

 

I don't see it possible to regret getting a GM truck over a Toyota @ this point in time.

[robvas]

The Tundra can come with the 4.10 and 4.30 gears, explains the power and the gas mileage.

 

You can get the 5.3 with the 3.73 gears in the Max Tow package on the GM trucks. You can run E85 in the 5.3 and get the mileage of the Tundra lol. The 6.2 will beat the Tundra 5.7 all day long, but you have to get the highest trim package in the GM trucks to get the big motor, so you're going to spend a lot of $ to do it.

[jamin87ss]

6.2 why even mess with the diesel and its headaches, doesn't make sense unless u tow alot

[Patch999]

I had a 2013 Tundra and when you hit the gas it went. I liked that about it, didn't like much else. I traded it off for a 2015 Sierra 5.3 slt Z71 4x4 and haven't regretted it. It rides so much better, the take off is not as aggressive but it will still go. The gas mileage is a huge difference. I took long trips in both and the best I ever got out of the Tundra was mid 17 per gallon. That last trip in the GMC was almost 21.

 

I also did my own oil changes with the Tundra and it was a mess. The cartridge filter was a pain to get out, so much so that the last time I did it, I couldn't get the filter out and had to just add new oil. I ordered a metal replacement cap, but traded it off. I haven't had to change the oil in the GMC yet, but hopefully it will be easier.

[robvas]

Engine/trans tune on the silverado will wake it up a bit

[crushNchowda]

Bottom line - until the F150 Raptor comes out the 6.2 GM trucks are the baddest/fastest 1/2 tons on the market right now.

 

Unless you're towing all the time or actually using the truck for legit work on a regular basis I wouldn't bother w/ an HD diesel - great trucks for sure, but super heavy and more maintenance for utility you more than likely won't use.

 

A tuned 6.2 GM 1/2 ton is pretty damn beastly and stock they are no slouch either - the acceleration is deceiving. You can also equip w/ max tow for shorter (taller numerically) rear gearing.

 

The pickup on the freeway from 50/60 up to the fuel cutoff is, in my opinion, a bit ridiculous for a mass produced 1/2 ton pickup...it pulls harder than mustangs from 7-8 years ago lol

[INGMWETRUST]

Are the tow mirrors a MUST with the 6.2 because I'm not a big fan of them?

 

We had an 2011 escalade with the 6.2/6speed, I loved the way it rode and had amazing power at any speed. Are the new ones comparable or MUCH better/refined?

 

Also is the ground clearance bearable on the Sierras? The tundra sits pretty high for being stock, the gmcs look somewhat too low?

 

I really hate how you can't get heated and cooled seats on the AT package.