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1500 Denali vs. 2500HD Denali Differences

JRaschke11

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JRaschke11 Enthusiast

JRaschke11

Posted
Posted

I am considering switching from my 2015 1500 Denali 6.2 to a 2016 2500HD Denali Duramax. I am trying to figure out some of the key differences. I know the powertrain will be completely different. I am mostly thinking of the features and accessories.

 

I know the 2500HD doesn't have magnetic ride, which I will miss.

 

The GMC website says the 2016 has projector headlights with HID bulbs. That sounds nice. Not sure if it would be better or worse than the LEDs in the new 1500s, but if they are true HIDs they will be better than the halogens we have in the 2015s.

 

Remote locking tailgate.

 

Wireless charging and upgraded radio system.

 

Is there anything else major that you lose or gain between the two trucks?

 

The closest dealership is almost 100 miles away so an in-person comparison is not really feasible.

SMiller Senior Enthusiast

SMiller

Posted
Posted

The headlights are the same as what is on your '15 Danali as the '16 HD are just a carryover, I expect we will see the new headlights used on then for '17.

 

You will definitely want to test drive the HD as it is night and day different then the 1/2ton.

 

You will really like the power steering on the HD as it has a lot of assist on the '16's making it steer very easy in parking lots which is nice with the heavy truck.

JRaschke11 Enthusiast

JRaschke11

Posted
  • Author
Posted

The headlights are the same as what is on your '15 Danali as the '16 HD are just a carryover, I expect we will see the new headlights used on then for '17.

 

You will definitely want to test drive the HD as it is night and day different then the 1/2ton.

 

You will really like the power steering on the HD as it has a lot of assist on the '16's making it steer very easy in parking lots which is nice with the heavy truck.

 

I agree it's mostly a carryover. However they definitely could not legally advertise "HID bulbs" if that part didn't change. The 2015 1500 Denali has standard cheap halogen LL bulbs. I know it's not the new LED bulbs but something had to change.

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FishinJ Enthusiast

FishinJ

Posted
Posted

I test drove my 1500 right after driving a 2500 Dmax and that made my decision easy. Since my boat is not real heavy I did not need a diesel but if I do go bigger I would get one. 2500 HD trucks drive like a rock no matter what brand unless you get some weight in the bed. The 6.2 is a lot more peppy unless you delete and tune the Dmax. As far as I know, you can only get the 2500 in a 6'6" bed so it will be a little longer.

redwngr Senior Enthusiast

redwngr

Posted
Posted

I am considering switching from my 2015 1500 Denali 6.2 to a 2016 2500HD Denali Duramax. I am trying to figure out some of the key differences. I know the powertrain will be completely different. I am mostly thinking of the features and accessories.

 

I know the 2500HD doesn't have magnetic ride, which I will miss.

 

The GMC website says the 2016 has projector headlights with HID bulbs. That sounds nice. Not sure if it would be better or worse than the LEDs in the new 1500s, but if they are true HIDs they will be better than the halogens we have in the 2015s.

 

Remote locking tailgate.

 

Wireless charging and upgraded radio system.

 

Is there anything else major that you lose or gain between the two trucks?

 

The closest dealership is almost 100 miles away so an in-person comparison is not really feasible.

They both have the remote locking tailgate.

 

They both have the K4C wireless charging.

 

If you want any of the driver alert/assist options, availability is different.

 

Airbags are different.

 

Headlights and fogs are different.

 

Rooflamp option on 2500.
If you tow, you can't get tow mirrors on a 1500. (you may be able to mod it yourself or have dealer - but it'll cost a lot more)
Drivetrain as posted above.
Drivetrain, frame and brakes.

 

There's probably more.

 

You can compare here:

 

http://www.gmfleetorderguide.com/NASApp/domestic/proddesc.jsp?year=2016&regionID=1&divisionID=2&type=0&vehicleID=18908&section=oi_def&page=3&butID=3

TxTruckMan Senior Enthusiast

TxTruckMan

Posted
Posted

I'd wait until next year if you go with a 2500 HD. That's when the HD's get their new powertrains - probably new grill to match the 1500s too.

 

And yes, the 2016 HDs now have HIDs even though they look the same. It's been confirmed by other members in other threads.

O_J_Simpson Senior Enthusiast

O_J_Simpson

Posted
Posted

 

 

The closest dealership is almost 100 miles away so an in-person comparison is not really feasible.

So you are saying a 90 minute drive is not worth researching your 65k purchase?

JRaschke11 Enthusiast

JRaschke11

Posted
  • Author
Posted

So you are saying a 90 minute drive is not worth researching your 65k purchase?

 

When I get more serious of course. But that is what a forum is for. I can research here before I make the trek.

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