Third Denali just arrived

[wu6fiend]

Took delivery of our new 2016 Yukon Denali. We've had two previous models (2005 and 2009).

 

Our 2009 was in mint condition with really low miles, but we couldn't resist the new model, particularly with the various incentives in effect.

 

Our 2016 was a factory order that the original buyer backed out of. Amazingly, it is spec'd exactly as if I had ordered it: 22" wheels, HUD, rear bench, power steps, sunroof, no rear DVD system, and in Summit White.

 

After a very short time (less than 100 km) to form my opinions, I can offer the following with regard to a comparison to the previous generation.

 

-interior is a night and day improvement. The soft touch materials, real wood and metal trim really bring this vehicle into the luxury realm.

 

-amazingly quiet, by far quieter than the previous model. I could always hear the wind rustling above the windshield and upper door frames on the 2009, and little creaks from the body. Nothing at all in the 2016. Must be that double glass, and different door design I was reading about.

 

-I wish there was an option to delete the third row seat on the 2016 altogether, because when the seats are folded, the load floor is not level, but instead slopes upward. For those of us that never, ever use the third row, I would like to have deleted it altogether, and gain a flat floor, a small weight reduction, and perhaps even a small credit on the purchase price. We removed the third rows on the 2005 and 2009 and never used them, not once.

 

-its a really sharp looking truck, particularly the nose and the wheels

 

-I miss the wood trim on the steering wheel of the 2009, and the large tray in its center console

 

-the "wave your foot to open the rear lift gate" is a nice touch, as is the one touch to lock/unlock the doors too.

 

-Fob is large and well made

 

-tons and tons of menus and settings. I have lots of reading ahead of me.

 

Anyway, I'm thrilled with this new truck!

[DAY11]

I'm pretty sure you can remove the back row. I was shopping Tahoes and research on here revealed how to remove the seats and the lower seat frame and brackets. You I'll probably want to get a rear hatch carpet liner or rubber liner as it will leave areas with no Carpet.

 

The article was for manual folding seats but again I bet it can be done.

 

Found the info. Create an account to see pics.

 

http://tahoeforum.com/showthread.php?t=530833

[wu6fiend]

Its highly unlikely I would go to the time and trouble of removing the third row, I just wish there was an option to delete it altogether when building a vehicle. I know at least one owner on the Cadillac forum did it, and had a piece of plywood cut to fill the big cavity in the floor left by the seat removal.

 

On an unrelated note, I had the rear cargo mat left over from the 2009, and it fits the new Denali perfectly. The cargo net in the 2016 is useful, as it stops cargo from falling out of the rear, when the lift gate opens, due to the rearward slope of the floor with the seats folded.

 

I also discovered the chrome exhaust extension for the 2007-2014 will not fit the 2015-newer model, as the exhaust pipe on the new model is significantly bigger. Took the part back, and they ordered the correct part, which I picked up today.

 

Lots of interesting features: I had the hill hold feature activate on the way home, and also the forward collision warning come on yesterday (although I was no where near the car in front of me; I will have to see about adjusting the sensitivity of that).

 

Amazingly, incredibly quiet. Quietest vehicle I've driven in recent memory. The only other one as quiet was a rental Buick Lucerne we had on our honeymoon (I really liked that car, too).

 

This is a really, really nice vehicle.