Sierra Lt3 Vs Denali? -- On The Fence!

[piscator]

I need to replace my Silverado Ext Cab and have narrowed my search to two trucks. I'm really on the fence!

 

I'm not doing much building these days, so this truck will mostly be a 'daily driver' hauling two daughters, bicycles, kayaks, boat gear, wife's tag sale stuff, etc.

 

I also tow a medium size boat, run long highway trips up through Maine, and, go 'off-road' far enough (mostly logging roads) to get to my favorite fishing spots.

 

I wasn't necessarily looking for a 'luxury truck' but here's what turned up:

 

2006 Sierra Crew Cab LT, 5.3, 4x4, Grey Leather, Sunroof, auto fold mirrors, all the toys. I don't think there's an option they left out.

 

2005 Denali Crew Cab, 5.3, AWD, Cashmere Leather, Sunroof, Denali Interior, all the toys.

 

Both trucks have under 30,000 miles and are essentially the same price.

 

Questions:

 

Does the Denali have 'trailing arm' suspension like the Avalanche? If so, is there a significant difference in ride quality? (It will be a few days before I can try the Denali)

 

AWD Denali, is it worth the penalty in gas mileage?

 

Do the front seat backs on these trucks fully recline? I forgot to check and the seller's a 'fur piece' away

 

Which would you choose?

 

Thanks very much, I'm getting real close!

 

piscator

[BuckFeverZ]

I vote for the Sierra SLE3

[huero626]

I would go for the Sierra Denali.

[Porter_]

denali. should have a better resale value, if nothing else.

[sierrawhite160]

denali

[ajcain79]

I vote for the SLE3 mainly for the 4x4 option. I'm not a fan of the AWD.

 

.03

[svensk]

denali's all have 6.0L engines.

 

I vote for the SLE if it's a 4x4 since you do off-roading.

[punmax]

Denali

[66nova]

Denali

[piscator]

Thanks Guys!

 

'Old habits die hard' and I'm so used to the 4x4 that I'm just not sure about the Denali.

 

Svensk,

 

denali's all have 6.0L engines.

 

Thanks for that! The listing said 5.3!

 

The Denali is 120 miles away, so I haven't been down to see it yet. Based on my phone conversation and photos, it's obvious the Denali and the Sierra are in equally fine condition.

 

I like the 5.3 engine in my Silverado and I'm concerned about the gas mileage with the Denali.

 

I'm surprised at seeing so many Denali votes, I really expected most folks here to prefer the Sierra.

 

O.K. I gotta think hard on this!!

 

Thanks for the help!

 

piscator

[MarkD]

Stupid question? Does the Denali have 4 wheel steering? If not, what year did that stop.

[Bostonsfavson]

Stupid question? Does the Denali have 4 wheel steering? If not, what year did that stop.

 

I'm pretty sure that MY 2004 was the last time QS was offered as an option.

[66nova]

Stupid question? Does the Denali have 4 wheel steering? If not, what year did that stop.

 

I was wondering the same thing. I couldn't remember what year they stopped.

[Scotty-B]

Close Will. The 4WS was never an option on the Denali. It was a standard feature for the Denali starting in 2002 with the last year for it being in 2004. Chevy made it an option for the 1500HD crew cab in 2005 and that was the last it was seen. Too bad. Here's another vote for the Denali though.

[Bowtie2Sierra]

I vote for the SLE3 Sierra