The $2,695 Question: Do I Really Want The 6.2L?

camcamaro1991 · April 12, 2016

Mr. AndrewGS, last words of wisdom, most dealers have on site fuel tanks, they fill those tanks with low octane fuel typically 87-89,

1. I know we discussed octane tolerance but if you get in a 6.2 and filled up with lower octane fuel it will hold the engine back from "max performance", keep that in mind. Ensure the engine & trans are at normal operating temp, it can seem quite different when cold. (try tow haul mode, try the manual shifting, duplicate the conditions to keep it a fair comparison.

2. 8 speed transmission does take some to time to learn your driving style and make shift corrections ( 5.3/6.2 both engines when paired to the 8 speed ), don't expect it to shift as desired on a brand new vehicle. (there's a few TSB about 8 speed, low mile shifting complaints)

3. Enjoy, either engine will offer better fuel economy and more power than the previous Vortec engines.

GMC-AT · April 12, 2016

6.2 Don't look back, once you get a 6.2 you'll never drive a 5.3 again.... trust me. All these 5.3 guys just don't get it, gas mileage is very similar like EPA states 1 mpg for the same optioned truck.

+1 ... I had both.. i had a 2014 with 5.3 ... then the same truck 2016 6.2 - the new truck get the same, if not better MPG.

TJay74 · April 13, 2016

i've had two 5.3 trucks (2001 Chevy and a 2010 GMC Sierra) and two trucks with the 6.2 engine (2014 Sierra and 2016 Sierra). Hands down the 6.2l wins each and everytime. As said, research has proven time and time again that even the 5.3 should be running 89 at the minimum and it actually runs better on 91. The dealer filled my 2016 up with 87 octane gas, truck ran like absolute garbage, you could hear the detonation when driving alongside the concrete retaining walls. Once I got down to 1/2 a tank I did the calculations and filled it up with 100 octane until I got it to the 93 octane point.

If the OP is leasing I highly doubt he will tune it, so the "get the 5.3 and tune it" option is off of the table. The difference from 87 to 91 is about $.40, the tank is a 22g tank. That is a difference roughly of $9 per tank from 87 to 91. If you get a tank every week that is $470 extra per year in fuel costs for the 6.2l.

Personally that isn't that much, heck every vehicle we have owned now for the last 8 years has to use premium so it doesn't bother us.

BBRU · April 13, 2016

LOL these 6.2 guys crack me up.

I compare this to a Jeep: Rubicon or Sport? Which one would you get? I'm going to guess most of you say Rubicon and don't look back....

If you're saying the 5.3 is as fun to drive, then you'd be sadly mistaken. I own the 6.2 and have driven the 5.3, me personally, I'll never downgrade since owning the larger motor. Sounds more like "somebody" didn't want to pony up the extra cabbage for a loaded out 6.2...........

As the original poster stated, it's only $40 a month for a higher optioned, better resale value (yes I know he's leasing), and more fun to drive truck with better all around capabilities, I say why not. In my opinion, if $40 is going to make you or break you monetarily, one has no business buying a truck of that caliber in the first place. As for the original poster, buy what makes you happy and take all of our opinions strictly for what they are.....opinions. Good luck with your purchase and I hope you get the truck you're looking for.

Scooter Scott · April 13, 2016

If you're saying the 5.3 is as fun to drive, then you'd be sadly mistaken. I own the 6.2 and have driven the 5.3, me personally, I'll never downgrade since owning the larger motor. Sounds more like "somebody" didn't want to pony up the extra cabbage for a loaded out 6.2...........

Pony up for what? Buying a higher trim level truck than I want with a bigger motor than I need so I can fit in with your pretentious club? Thanks but no thanks. I'll happily use my LT trimmed 5.3 and keep my extra $10k. If I want to "pony up" I'll get the Duramax.

CRApex · April 13, 2016

Pony up for what? Buying a higher trim level truck than I want with a bigger motor than I need so I can fit in with your pretentious club? Thanks but no thanks. I'll happily use my LT trimmed 5.3 and keep my extra $10k. If I want to "pony up" I'll get the Duramax.

"Pony up to a Duramax" Apples and Oranges, completely different trucks. I think you would be hard pressed to find anyone that would be deciding between a 1500 5.3 and an HD Duramax. I just traded my 2015 3500 Duramax for my 2016 Denali 6.2... The Duramax is great and tows awesome but the 6.2 will destroy the DMax empty. I gave up the plowing duties and got tired of the rougher ride, figured the 6.2 would be a nice transition. Don't get me wrong, love the Dmax and still feel its the best diesel option despite the fact it has gone unchanged since 2011. The new version might tempt me to go back..

Scooter Scott · April 13, 2016

"Pony up to a Duramax" Apples and Oranges, completely different trucks. I think you would be hard pressed to find anyone that would be deciding between a 1500 5.3 and an HD Duramax. I just traded my 2015 3500 Duramax for my 2016 Denali 6.2... The Duramax is great and tows awesome but the 6.2 will destroy the DMax empty. I gave up the plowing duties and got tired of the rougher ride, figured the 6.2 would be a nice transition. Don't get me wrong, love the Dmax and still feel its the best diesel option despite the fact it has gone unchanged since 2011. The new version might tempt me to go back..

Thank you for a sensible response. I appreciate that. I personally don't like all of the creature comforts that is offered in the higher trim levels. I like the lower trimmed models better. So if I am spending extra coin just to get a bigger motor, might as well get a bigger motor with an Allison transmission in it and call it a day. Just my 2 cents...

CRApex · April 13, 2016

Thank you for a sensible response. I appreciate that. I personally don't like all of the creature comforts that is offered in the higher trim levels. I like the lower trimmed models better. So if I am spending extra coin just to get a bigger motor, might as well get a bigger motor with an Allison transmission in it and call it a day. Just my 2 cents...

Makes sense..5.3 is a great motor and will get the job done just fine.

G Mcpherson · April 13, 2016

Well,Hopefully you will post a Photo of what you decide on! Decision Made?

BBRU · April 13, 2016

Pony up for what? Buying a higher trim level truck than I want with a bigger motor than I need so I can fit in with your pretentious club? Thanks but no thanks. I'll happily use my LT trimmed 5.3 and keep my extra $10k. If I want to "pony up" I'll get the Duramax.

Z

Pretentious club.......LOL, it was merely my recommendation to a person already looking at a LTZ with a 5.3.... There is a reason the 6.2 is a 2600.00 option and not 10,000. Better towing capabilities than a 5.3, without having to buy a diesel at a 1/4 of the price for a diesel. To each his own, I prefer my 6.2 for my needs. It meets and exceeds the things I need it to do and I don't have to worry about all the emissions headaches and increased maintenance cost of owning a diesel.

camcamaro1991 · April 13, 2016

Thank you for a sensible response. I appreciate that. I personally don't like all of the creature comforts that is offered in the higher trim levels. I like the lower trimmed models better. So if I am spending extra coin just to get a bigger motor, might as well get a bigger motor with an Allison transmission in it and call it a day. Just my 2 cents...

The OP asked is the 6.2 worth the extra coin, the answer is yes! its clear you don't see the value in the 6.2 also includes the 9.76 rear end and Bose noise cancelling technology.

You are not comparing apples to apples when talking about a gas vs diesel so your point is moot, diesel requires 2500-3500 trucks & higher increased cost of ownership, and DEF.

Most of us have stated we owned 5.3 and now the 6.2, nobody said the 5.3 is crap or it can't tow, but quoted straight from the OP "SPG smiles per gallon " is much higher with the 6.2.

Z

Pretentious club.......LOL, it was merely my recommendation to a person already looking at a LTZ with a 5.3.... There is a reason the 6.2 is a 2600.00 option and not 10,000. Better towing capabilities than a 5.3, without having to buy a diesel at a 1/4 of the price for a diesel. To each his own, I prefer my 6.2 for my needs. It meets and exceeds the things I need it to do and I don't have to worry about all the emissions headaches and increased maintenance cost of owning a diesel.

Agreed, cost of ownership for diesel's are much higher and don't yield the MPG like the older non-emissions trucks did from 04-07, Don't worry BBRU some pony up some can't.

OP

lastly both 5.3 and 6.2 ping at 87-89 when trying to achieve max performance. I just broke my engine in using low grade dealership quality fuel at 3,000-5,000 rpm's, it knocked at first, then the lower octane table stepped in and dialed back the timing and everything is good.

'00SonomaZQ8 · April 13, 2016

After looking at residuals on the different trucks and comparing payments I might actually end up with a Sierra Denali. I can get a 6.2L Denali for like $40 less per month than a similarly equipped 5.3L LTZ, before any dealer-level discounts anyways. If these numbers hold true for the rest of the year I'd be stupid not to get the 6.2L Denali.

mjdxtreme · April 14, 2016

When I went looking I test drove both the 5.3 and the 6.2. Obviously once I drove the 6.2 I had to have it over the 5.3. The power was way better in my opinion. I could really feel the difference while it down shifted to merge into highway traffic. The 6.2 had much better get up and go. If you are planning on getting the 5.3 don't drive the 6.2 as it may change your mind like it did mine. I have no regrets on getting the 6.2 and I'm sure you won't as well.