Which would you get???

[johnrunner89]

Hey guys, considering a new 2016 Denali. Just don't know if it's worth dropping the extra few thousand on a 2500hd 6.6 duramax or go with a 6.2l. Wth out considering price so much, which would you guys recommend to get? I would RARELY tow with it. And if I do tow it will be way under 6.2l max weight. As far as everyday driving, comfort and drive enjoyment and reliability, which would you guys go with if price didn't matter. Love to hear the Opinions, thanks.

[Tim O'Brien]

I wish I had gone with the 2500 but couldn't justify needing it for anything, going to wait a few years and upgrade again.

 

I really only use my truck for kayaks and camping so diesel wasn't really necessary. I haven't drove the 2500 either so don't know if it rides any different, so far I'm liking the ride in my 2015 1500 5.3l over my 2006 1500 4.3l, I put a K&N intake on it and I haven't had issues getting out in front of people, more comfortable on long trips too.

 

You should go test drive a couple, really is all about how you like it since it will be your truck.

[hurricanoday]

I haven't drove a new durmax but I did drive a couple of 12/13s when I was looking for trucks (they wanted 50k) and that is how I ended up buying my 15 Denali 1500 new. No way I would ever have a 2500 as my "family" truck. It drove like a tank compared to my 15 and while the torque was nice the 6.2 8sp is really a nice engine combo. From turning in parking lots and trying to park to hitting bumps on the road, the 1500 Denali just blows it out of the water for comfort/ride. 2500 ride quality was horrible

 

Unless there is a significant change in the 2500s the 1500 is the way to go especially if you don't plan on towing When I first got my 15 it felt huge compared to my 04 Denali I'm sure the 2500 would be like driving a semi.

 

You want a work truck that will tow the whole world then the durmax is the way to go. You want a truck that will tow the world while having luxury then the durmax is an option. You want a truck that rides like a Caddy that can still tow 9k then the 1500 is the way to go.

[O_J_Simpson]

Ride & decide.

[dave07]

Definitely get the Denali. My dad's Duramax felt like my 2013 Mustang when hitting bumps. You get that bobble head feeling on a jointed highway. My 2015 LT rides very nice.

[johnrunner89]

Yea, when I went to the 2500 section of this forum the top thread was about a guy with a new 16' Denali 2500hd and how bad the ride quality is. That didn't give me the warmest feeling, as I would greatly enjoy a comfortable daily driver. The magnetic ride suspension with a 6.2l on the 1500 series seems like a sweet combo. I'll probably go test drive both later this week.

[muddkatt]

Test drive both like you mentioned and then try to decide. I owned one 2500 and that was years ago. The ride was harsh when it was unloaded. In an ideal world, GM would offer the diesel in a 1500.

[Ridersfan]

Does it bug you to not have the newest/latest/greatest? Rumor has it that in 2017, the Duramax is going to have it's specs tweaked for more HP & TQ

[Doobs41378]

I hear the 2500 runs like the work truck it was made to be...I would go with the 1500 Denali myself.

[Daryl LBZ]

I would go with the 1500

[ShotgunZ71]

I had a 2014 Silverado 1500 that I really enjoyed and it did everything I needed it to. Once I bought a camper, I traded it on a 2015 Silverado 2500HD with the Duramax/Allison combo. My camper is near 8000 lbs empty/dry, so I felt more comfortable getting an HD. The engine isn't so much the issue, it's the transmission, as well as the handling when towing a load that heavy. We tow the camper around 8-10 times a year, from the beaches to the mountains and all in between. The ride of the 2500HD when empty is quite a bit better than those from even a few years ago. Honestly, it's probably as smooth or smoother than most 1500s from just a few years ago. I keep all my tires at 60 psi unless towing, as that helps also.

[SMiller]

A simple test drive will tell you the answer, totally different driving experiences!

[2016 chevy 6.2]

I have a 2016 1500 6.2l and I love it it has all the power u need I had a 5.3l and I'm here to tell you I'll never go back to 5.3l

 

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[SouthpawHD]

I just got ride of my 1500 GMC for a 2500 Silvy. The 2500 rides like a truck, like a heavy-duty truck, no doubt about it. And you know what? I like it. I believe that's how they are supposed to ride, it's the trade off for the extra carrying/towing capacity.

 

The 1500s ride like Caddys, they are great! If you are NOT towing much, or NOT towing near the capacities of a 1500, get a 1500 simply for the ride quality.

 

If you plan on towing, towing heavy, and towing a lot, get a 2500.

[mmjsport]

I have never minded the "truck" feel. New trucks are getting more like cars these days. Which is good for some. Riding in my buddies turbo diesel felt great. I don't mind the stiffer ride. I love the size of the 2500. Looks like a true truck. Looking at my 1500 it looks small to me.