Ride quality Denali vs. SLT

[Eric1]

This is a pretty specific scenario I'm looking for help with, but hoping some experts on here are familiar with some of these details.  I was previously in a 2017 Sierra Denali and currently in a 2020 Ram 1500 Big Horn.  I thought the Denali had a nicer ride so looking to switch back to GMC and/or Chevy. I like the redesign so looking to go 2019 or newer and going back to a Denali may not be in the cards right now based on price, which is where my concern and questions come in.  

 

How would ride quality compare between a 2017 Denali and a 2019 SLT?  I know they switched to Adaptive Ride Control in the Denali in 2019, but curious if the SLT got any suspension upgrade for 2019+. Did the SLT get the magnetic ride control?

 

Looking at 2019 or 2020, is there any suspension differences between the SLT and a Silverado High Country? 

 

Any owners who have been in both a Ram Big Horn and Sierra SLT, how would you compare the ride quality?

 

Looking for ride comfort so suspension questions are all focused on that. Appreciate any thoughts anyone has. Thanks!

Edited September 26, 2022 by Eric1

[redwngr]

Tire size also matters.

18"s will have more sidewall than 20"s which will have more sidewall than 22". 

I had a 16 SLT that cam on 20'a and bought 18" takeoffs for winter use -- convinced me of the sidewall benefit.

On current truck (21 denali) 18's were not an option, but a different set of 18's for winter tires again verified my preference for the ride of the 18's.

 

Air pressure also matters.

The pressures recommended on the doorpost are for the tires size it was born with, when operating and the maximum loads it is rated for.

Tire load vs pressure tables will confirm that at lower wheel/axle loading levels the recommended pressure will be lower...

 

 

Adaptive Ride Control is an available option on 1500 High country. 

I'm not positive which year they started making it available.  For sure '21's can have it; perhaps became available with new series in '19?

 

2021 order guide entry applies to 1500 High country

Z45

Suspension, Adaptive Ride Control 1 - Required and only available with (PDM) High Country Deluxe, (RVA) 22" x 9" polished aluminum wheels or 22" LPO wheels.

 

IMO, the 22" tires cancel out some of the benefit of the ARC option.

 

Different seats are gonna matter -- making comparison between models and brands more difficult. Lots of threads about seat differences between trims and between K2 / T1 variations.

New frame for the new style starting in 2019 is also gonna impact ride vs the K2 trucks. 

 

I drove a 2500 for several years between the 16SLT and 21Denali so haven't driven them back-to-back.  

Edited September 27, 2022 by redwngr

[Bamacommander]

I traded in my 2019 Ram Bighorn ( new body style) for a 2021 Denali. The Denali has a slightly better ride then the Ram. I don’t know how much of a difference the ride in the SLT would be.

[Robby James]

My Ram has coil springs and my Silverado has leafs, both half ton pickups the Ram is much smoother ride but a very low tow rating.

I had a 2017 Silverado LTZ crew cab that was very comfy but I think the seats were better than my 2020.........sorry not much to offer, except tow packages and as mentioned above tire sidewall can make a huge difference going from 19" to 22" tires will make a huge difference.

[TNTSierra]

The Denali will ride way better than an SLT. The SLT has Rancho shocks with X31 package. Then a normal shock for the non x31 version.  If at all possible get the Denali. Or switch out the stock shocks for Bilsteins. The adaptive ride is a huge improvement.  2020 and above High Country also have adaptive ride control. My 2019 didn't. I missed out on it. 

 

I also have driven a camaro with both a sport shock and one with Magnetic Ride Control. Similar setup and the ride is very noticeable 

 

Good luck 

[KARNUT]

This like most things is personal preference. I recently rode in two new Rams. The TRX and one with air ride. I have to agree with most reviews I’ve read. Ram ride quality is the best. If I was buying the upper models I spend the extra coin for the TRX. My number one was performance. I usually bought mid grade packages did modifications to my taste. A feat that’s getting harder to accomplish these days.  

Edited October 12, 2022 by KARNUT

[RedLT]

Not sure the difference between 2021 Silverado LT vs 2021 Silverado RST Z71 other than the Rancho shocks but the LT ride seemed more bouncy when going over dips compared to the Z71. I like the ride of the Z71 better.