Yukon Xl Denali Vs Sierra Denali

ChrisNJ · September 3, 2007

I just got the wife a Yukon XL Denali, I have owned a Sierra Denali since March. I am impressed with both, but more so with the Yukon, it is just amazing. I'm thinking the 6.2-6sp and the drivetrain was designed for the Yukon/Escalade and the Sierra just 'got' the same thing without much thought or engineering. And maybe mine just has some issues, but her trans is better, rides better, and feels like it has more power. It even upshifts to early, like mine, but doesn't fall flat on it's face like mine at 1200rpm. It also doesn't downshift hard into 3rd (or 2nd?) like mine. Maybe its the weight difference? Can I ask the dealer to plug in her computer stuff into mine? Don't know if ya can? Anyone know what suspension codes mine vs. hers has? I bet VMax knows. I'm getting hers, ooopss can't she has autoride, can't do that, can I? Don't get me wrong, I love my Sierra denali, but driving hers is just THAT Much better! I put hers in 4th, just from habit when I drive mine on our back county roads, and it feels like I'm driving the old 8.1, mine doesn't. I know I'm weird, but what the he((.

svensk · September 3, 2007

Dude, the Sierra Denali should be waaaaaaaay faster than the Yuk denali. Something obviously isn't what it should be with yours. There's a guy on here who pulled a 14.7 1/4 mile STOCK!

As far has how it "feels" and everything the Sierra is still a truck and is going to act like one. BTW- imo the Sierra denali is much better looking don't get rid of it!

omegafiler · September 3, 2007

I'd swing by the dealer and have 'em update your PCM (under warranty). Just takes a few minutes. I'm sure they've made some updates/fixes since you bought it.

ChrisNJ · September 3, 2007

I should have better explained, hers feels more torquey at 1-3Krpm, I don't know which one is faster and don't care. Yes, mine would probably beat hers in a drag race, but I don't think I've drag raced anyhting in about 20years. I do care about the better torque feel though. Hers feels more responsive, which we both fully enjoyed with the 8.1's we had. Mine falls flat on it's face by upshifting to early all the time and is annoying. Hers appears to upshift just as early but doesn't fall on it's face. I was thinking the same thing about the pcm update as hers was done at delivery a few weeks ago, and mines due for it's fist oil change and tire rotation next week at the dealer. Also, if I could just change from a Z60 to Z59 (don't know the actual numbers) suspension to get a little softer ride for a few hundred bucks, I would. My sierra will not be sold untill 75-100Kmi (or a 7.0L comes out!).

Dans Denali · September 3, 2007

I agree 100%, I also have one of each and her YD gets almost 2 mpg better and is faster while being #300 heavier. The 4:10 gears hurt the truck.

Dan

svensk · September 3, 2007

Yeah, it really sounds like a PCM update type situation. When you go in and have that checked out come back and let us know how that went.

caddycruiser · September 5, 2007

Odd thing with the power, but it very much could be a computer thing--ask the dealer.

As for the ride/handling, both your truck and her Yukon have computer controlled shocks and similar tuning, BUT you must remember, the Yukon is heavier and has a completely different rear coil suspension--it's naturally going to be more settled and more absorbant. This is versus the truck with a much lighter rear and leaf springs, which makes it bouncier but more suited to bed loads.

Both have the "Denali" suspension tuning, just a few different components, and are never going to be the same...just similar.

ChrisNJ · September 5, 2007

I'm pretty sure my sierra denali doesn't have autoride or computer controlled shocks, the yukon xl does for sure. I will look under it tomorrow.

side note: took one of my regional manager's out today around newark nj, very very bad bad roads, he's 55, he currently drives a caddy srx-v8. he says "i'm getting one of these!"

2nd side note: going to newark i have to take the dreaded rt 78 that used to give me headaches and backaches in my 2500. it was downright pleasurable. yes it is still stiff, but it handled the big problems very well. i don't think i would have even notice them at all in the yukon.

caddycruiser · September 5, 2007

I'm pretty sure my sierra denali doesn't have autoride or computer controlled shocks, the yukon xl does for sure. I will look under it tomorrow.

Yeah, actually, on second thought, I guess not (or at least pretty sure). It has the High-Performance suspension package, and should still be tuned "Denali" in feel, but is never going to be like the SUV version overall because of the weight and rear end differences.

Still sounds like you're thrilled though, so great choice--always re-affirmed when you give someone a ride and they "want one" afterwards too.

ChrisNJ · September 6, 2007

Yeah, it really sounds like a PCM update type situation. When you go in and have that checked out come back and let us know how that went.

I just got back from the dealer. The tech drove with me and agreed the upshifting to early was an issue. I couldn't repeat the clunk very well, but he felt the 25mph aggresive downshift and agreed it could be a problem. He did some checking and found that there is a bulletin on my upshifting early problem, and it was something about pedal position, etc..., and that they know about it but don't have a solutioin yet. The bulletin also wanted the tech to do some extensive testing with line pressures, computer hookup, etc.. in which i would have to leave it for but couldn't today. It's going back in next week. At least I'm satisfied for know that they will attempt to solve this issue.

The tech was very knowledgeable and i was satisfied that he will do his best to help me. he also said that sometimes there are things that gm will let him do special for tests. i guess that's the price ya pay for getting the first of something, but i'm ok with it, as long as it gets resolved.