Should I get the Denali?

ThePawnbroker · August 10, 2003

Hello everyone!

I'm in the market for an SUV and have narrowed it down to the Tahoe, Yukon, or Denali. By the time I load up the Tahoe/Yukon with the options I want, I am within about $3200 of the Denali. The differences are as follows (as far as I can tell).

1) The Denali has the 6.0L engine. A plus.

2) The Denali has the HD auto trans (over the trans that comes in the Tahoe/Yukon). Another plus.

3) The Denali has AWD. I don't know anything about this system. Is it as reliable?

4) The Denali comes standard with StabiliTrak. I don't really want this. Does this mean that I can't get a locking differential (G80) in the Denali? What differential does it come with?

5) I like the dash layout (cupholders/etc.) better in the Tahoe/Yukon. The Denali has covers over the cupholder and has an ashtray that takes up space. The Tahoe/Yukon has a little bit more usable space. I do like the console cover better in the Denali, you can rest your arm there instead of having a tray.

6) I like the front end look of the Denali but I don't like the body colored bumper or the body cladding on the side.

I think these are the only major differences. I would appreciate any info or opinions.

Thanks in advance!

Dave

BDBWTE · August 10, 2003

It's up to you really.. Get what makes you happy man. I learned this early on. don't settle and try to rationalize yourself to something less than you want within reason. You'll just end up hating yourself for it later. I like the Denali's myself and for the 6.0 option I would do it but I like the power and the ablitly to tow a toy or two. IMO

99-2door · August 10, 2003

I really like the Denali and think it is worth that much. But really it is what you like the best that is the best value. The Denali isn't for everyone, that's why they make different models and options. Get it exactly like you want then you will never regret an option.

Corey 68 · August 10, 2003

I have the Denali Pickup and I am SO glad I chose it over the standard truck. Pulling a loaded trailer is a pleasure w/ the AWS and so is parking spaces. The 325hp 6.0L p[ulls w/ ease (so well I almost forget I have a trailer behind me). I opted for the 6yr/100K mile warrenty for $1,500 more. Well worth the $$$ for insurance.

Is it worth the money??

WITHOUT A DOUBT!!

gtpark01 · August 10, 2003

Most off your decision will have to do with personal likes. A few differences are more objective than subjective.

You can get the 6.0 liter either way; do you need or want the extra power enough to give up atleast 2 mpg?

Do you ever go off road enough or pull hard enough to need the 4 wheel low range? The Denali does not have a low range.

Truckman031 · August 10, 2003

Most off your decision will have to do with personal likes. A few differences are more objective than subjective.

You can get the 6.0 liter either way; do you need or want the extra power enough to give up atleast 2 mpg?

Do you ever go off road enough or pull hard enough to need the 4 wheel low range? The Denali does not have a low range.

You can't get a 6.0 in a Tahoe/Yukon. It all comes down to what you want. If you think all the extras are worth $3,200, then go for it. BTW, the 5.3 has plenty of power if that's what your worried about.

ThePawnbroker · August 10, 2003

Thanks for all the info so far. I drove a 5.3L and it had quite a bit of power including low end torque. How is it towing? How reliable is the lighter duty trans compared to the one that comes with the 6.0? I know the 6.0 gets the same trans as the 8.1 so it must be fairly HD. Does anyone have any info on the AWD system that the Denali uses? I wish they just had an option to upgrade to the 6.0L and HD trans in the Tahoe. Unlike most people I guess, I would prefer to have the "plainer" look of the Tahoe/Yukon over the Denali body cladding etc. Like I said, I like the interior of the Tahoe better also. It really comes down to deciding if the 6.0L, Trans, and AWD is worth upgrading to. If it is, the $3,200 would be ok.

Thanks again,

Dave

Truckman031 · August 10, 2003

The transmission in the Tahoe is the 4l60-E, whereas the Yukon Denali has the 4l80-E. Both are good trannys overall. Some people have problems, some don't. The 5.3 tows well. It has horsepower which will get you up to speed fast, and torque to do the pulling. Since the 6.0 is a bigger engine, it will tow better, but use more gas. How much better? I don't know, since I've never driven a 6.0. From what I hear, it does do a good job.

SilveradoWV · August 11, 2003

Hmmm? Tough choice for sure. I myself couldnt be happier with my BASE Silverado, I traded in a ZR2 Blazer that was LOADED and had a sticker that was $8000 higher. So the more luxurious may not be what you really want if you are like me. Even though I havent driven a 6.0 IMO the only difference for a "normal" person between the 5.3 and 6.0 is braggin rights. The 5.3 and 4L60E should tow about anything you would want. Unless you have a really heavy camper or such which would need the 6.0, if so your vehicle would need a heavy duty suspension too and I am not sure how the suspension on the Denali is for towing something really heavy. What I am gettin at is if you are going to tow something that "requires" the 6.0 you would probably be better off with an HD suspension. If not the 5.3 would be fine. But if braggin rights and the extra is important to you the Denali would be the way to go I guess. Not sure if I helped or not! Dont get me wrong, the 6.0 is better than the 5.3 but the 5.3 is good. What I am trying to say is dont buy the denali just because the 6.0 if you really dont like other stuff about it!

ClipperSkipper · August 11, 2003

It all depends upon how much paper you want to carry.

Have a great one!

KMeloney · August 11, 2003

Unlike most people I guess, I would prefer to have the "plainer" look of the Tahoe/Yukon over the Denali body cladding etc. Like I said, I like the interior of the Tahoe better also. It really comes down to deciding if the 6.0L, Trans, and AWD is worth upgrading to. If it is, the $3,200 would be ok.

Dave -- I'd say unless you're going to be doing a LOT of towing, and OFTEN, then I'd start by getting the truck that LOOKS best to you (especially since it sounds like the Tahoe would do your towing just fine).

You're got to look at and be happy with your truck each day. If you tow with your truck a few times a year, will you be happy enough with your HD tranny those few times to forget about the looks of your truck the rest of the time? I wouldn't think so. And, again, it sounds as though a Yukon/Tahoe would serve your towing purposes while looking the way you want your truck to look.

I went through a similar thought process as you when looking for my SUV. I was between the Tahoe Z71 and Yukon (or maybe Denali). I decided that I DID like the front end of the GMCs, and especially the hole-grille of the Denali, but I didn't like the swooping body-cladding on the Denali nor the wheels on any of the GMCs. And while I was lead to believe that the interior was "nicer" across the board on the GMCs, it wasn't enough nicer to warrant the higher price tag AND enough to make me forget that I didn't like the wheels and body cladding.

I ended up getting the Tahoe Z71, and I love it. I've gone ahead and added a couple of pieces from the Danali and Escalade to make my truck even better looking to me, and the pieces add a custom touch without being over-the-top. I imagine that you, too, could add a few peices to a Yukon or Tahoe to make it exactly the way you'd like it -- and for less that $3200+, and without having to remove body molding and whatnot.

I don't think you can really go wrong with making a choice between those three trucks. But for me, if I were buying a new truck, I'd have to start out by having the truck look appealing to me everyday. If you don't, then you'll have a tough time enjoying much else about the truck, HD tranny or not.

Good luck!

-Kirk

FRW · August 11, 2003

I was faced with the same question. I like the monochromatic look and was very interested in the 6.0, but I didn't particularly like the AWD and the extra cost. I like being able to drive in 2W most of the time. I also like the 4low which I don't think you get in the Denali. My wife has a Landcruiser with AWD and I think it just adds extra parasitic drag on the engine most of the time. I ended up buying A Tahoe Z71. It is very nice truck and the few times I have towed with it(3700lbs boat and trailer) it did just fine.

ThePawnbroker · August 11, 2003

Thanks again for all the replies so far. From what I'm reading here and elswhere, the 5.3 puts out plenty of power for what I want. I guess I made a mistake by driving a Suburban with the 8.1. That was fun. If I could get that in the Tahoe I would do it in a heartbeat. Talk about overkill! I want the G80 locking differential and I don't think it comes in the Denali (I think it is incompatable with the stabilitrak?). It's also true that the AWD doesn't have 4 Wheel Low and that may come in handy every once in a while. Therefore, I'm going to go ahead and order an '04 Tahoe LT this week . Any more opinons let us know! By the way, where can I find a list of all the options available and what can be ordered with what etc? I've been to edmunds.com and kbb.com but is there somewhere that has better info?

Thanks,

Dave

Tucson_02Silverado · August 11, 2003

Sorry I didn't read that is was only the SUV's your interested in. You can get Quadrasteer in the Yukon XL/Suburban but only as a 2500 and with the 6.0L

Only get the Denali level if you want all those creature comforts. Remember you'll probably have this truck for a good period of time, so what make you comfortable on the road trips.

>>>>>>original post

Denali will give you a SLT grade interior plus Denali only console, 6.0L, AWD, Quadrasteer and a bit more towing capacity. So you'll have an SS but with Quadrasteer.

If you aren't going to be towing the little bit more weight the 6.0L can tow over the 5.3L, and don't need AWD, maybe don't want leather. The perfect all around would be 5.3L EXT Cab 2WD with Quadrasteer, if you want 4WD you can get it.