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2016 Denali or 2017 SLT?

DocHolliday01

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DocHolliday01 Enthusiast

DocHolliday01

Posted
Posted

I've been looking around for the last few weeks at Yukon XL's. I have been finding some decent deals on Denali's (around $58k with 20k-30k miles) but I have started to think maybe I should just get a new SLT. The 6.2/8spd combo is basically the only reason why I want a Denali. I haven't driven an SLT to see the difference in power but I did enjoy the Denali. Just trying to figure out what the better choice is as far as reliability goes. Any experience with used Denali's in the 30k mile range?

Those of you that were considering a Denali but ended up getting an SLE/SLT, do you regret it?

 

One other question....Locally we have 91 premium and E85/E10. Is 91 ok for the 6.2 or does it have to be 93?

 

Thanks for any opinions.

Bangback Enthusiast

Bangback

Posted
Posted

The new Tahoe RST has a 6.2 with a 10-speed as an option. I wonder if the Yukon is also getting the 10 speed treatment? Maybe the RST could be an option if you are only looking for the engine and trans upgrade? It won't be available on the Suburban though if you need the longer wheelbase.

seamus2154 Enthusiast

seamus2154

Posted
Posted

I went from the 5.3 to the Denali 6.2 ONLY for the motor. It was well worth it. It is truly the best part of the truck. I would give up many of these options for the 6.2, but they don't have that option only the Denali XL. So to answer your question get the Denali!! The '16 and '17 have apple car play and softer seats and the 6.2 gets better mileage and is more pleasurable to drive than the 5.3. The 8 speed makes towing much nicer than the 5.3 and 6 speed. I have the XL and it is a rocket ship that weighs 6000 lbs and gets 21 mpg. LOL

DocHolliday01 Enthusiast

DocHolliday01

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I went from the 5.3 to the Denali 6.2 ONLY for the motor. It was well worth it. It is truly the best part of the truck. I would give up many of these options for the 6.2, but they don't have that option only the Denali XL. So to answer your question get the Denali!! The '16 and '17 have apple car play and softer seats and the 6.2 gets better mileage and is more pleasurable to drive than the 5.3. The 8 speed makes towing much nicer than the 5.3 and 6 speed. I have the XL and it is a rocket ship that weighs 6000 lbs and gets 21 mpg. LOL

That's exactly what I was hoping to hear. Thanks for the reply.

seamus2154 Enthusiast

seamus2154

Posted
Posted

No Problem. No one loves a deal more than me, but I had owned two 5.3's in this new platform before this. That is how I found myself in the dealer again. I had a brand new Sierra loaded w/ the 5.3 6 speed and 3;42 gears. The trans drove me nuts and the lack of power, towing especially, was annoying. I am not saying the 5.3 has no power, it does, but you have to rev it more as I found my self flooring it all the time in frustration. Maybe a lack of midrange or not suited to my driving style. They had a certified Yukon Denali XL and man what an improvement in power and drivability. It just does it all easily. Has the 8 speed which is not perfect but is a big improvement over the 6 speed, especially towing. To my surprise the fuel mileage was actually better. Take note this is a heavier vehicle. So the 5.3 in this truck may even be worse than the pickup due to the extra weight.? I was fine going to the Yukon with a wife, kids, and dog lifestyle. I see some nice deals on suburbans and Yukons as they are plentiful, but i would never consider the 5.3 again. There is no downside except premium fuel, but mileage is a little better to offset that. Like I said I didnt need all the options but they are cool. I would give many up for the 6.2 though. Not everyone needs the power or torque for dropping kids off at school or highway driving, but for me and my style and needs it's 6.2 only.

mookdoc6 Senior Enthusiast

mookdoc6

Posted
Posted

People who know get the 6.2L I don't tow so I opted for 5.3L 8spd and perfectly fine....but man that 6.2L is SICK!

KARNUT Senior Enthusiast

KARNUT

Posted
Posted

If you have access to E-85 and not going up model, E-85 in the 5.3 gets real close to the 6.2 numbers. If buying premium is no problem and your buying the up model than the 6.2 is just a little more money. I could get E85 for less than reg gas and on trips I ran regular gas. I got the Texas package and saved a ton of money.

 

 

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seamus2154 Enthusiast

seamus2154

Posted
Posted

People who know get the 6.2L I don't tow so I opted for 5.3L 8spd and perfectly fine....but man that 6.2L is SICK!

 

That is the option I would have tried first. The 5.3 w/ the 8 speed is a hard find here in Florida, but I hear good things. I think the 8 speed would have solved my hate for the truck as the 6 speed was very annoying especially towing. But discovering the difference in the 6.2 was a lucky break, its impressive when you beat on it!

  • 2 months later...
mandals0810 Enthusiast

mandals0810

Posted
Posted
On 7/23/2017 at 8:09 AM, DocHolliday01 said:

I've been looking around for the last few weeks at Yukon XL's. I have been finding some decent deals on Denali's (around $58k with 20k-30k miles) but I have started to think maybe I should just get a new SLT. The 6.2/8spd combo is basically the only reason why I want a Denali. I haven't driven an SLT to see the difference in power but I did enjoy the Denali. Just trying to figure out what the better choice is as far as reliability goes. Any experience with used Denali's in the 30k mile range?

Those of you that were considering a Denali but ended up getting an SLE/SLT, do you regret it?

 

One other question....Locally we have 91 premium and E85/E10. Is 91 ok for the 6.2 or does it have to be 93?

 

Thanks for any opinions.

What did you end up deciding on?  And are you enjoying it?  

DocHolliday01 Enthusiast

DocHolliday01

Posted
  • Author
Posted
On 10/13/2017 at 4:43 AM, mandals0810 said:

What did you end up deciding on?  And are you enjoying it?  

mandals, we ended up getting a 16 Denali XL.  We bought an Iridium Metallic one with 22in wheels,  active cruise, rear DVD, power steps etc...Exactly what I was looking for.  It had a little over 25k miles on it.  I love it.  I didn't get the chance to test drive a 5.3 SLT but based on ours I don't think I would have liked the nearly 80hp/80ft. lbs of torque difference.  We drove about 8 hours to pick it up in Litchfield, MN. @ Davis Motors.  We had a fantastic experience with Davis Motors.  We arrived a little before noon, drove it to lunch went back and filled out the paperwork and were back on the road by about 430pm.  It averaged 22.5mpg's on the drive back home.  This replaced our POS '14 Explorer Sport(never again Ford).  

mandals0810 Enthusiast

mandals0810

Posted
Posted

I can’t decide between an 18 SLT premium or Denali.  Both have really great deals in my area right now....  but I’m also looking at a Mercedes GLC 43 AMG coupe.   I just don’t know.  LOL 

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