I currently own a 2005 Yukon XL 2500 and I'm looking to upgrade to a model post 2015 because of the more powerful engine options that began in 2015. I need the Yukon XL because we are two adults and five kids.
I'm also towing a Jayco 23MB which weighs about 6600 fully loaded.
Some background:
The problem I'm currently having with my 2005 is I have to continually keep shifting down to 2nd gear to climb hills and on some really long grades I might even need to shift to 1st gear for the last mile stretch. On my most recent outing, the car actually almost overheated twice and I had to pull off the road on a steep grade with my whole family in the car(two adults & five kids)...not fun!
What I'm Looking for:
In a perfect world, I'm looking for a two vehicle that fits all 7 of us and when I'm going up the steepest grades (Many of these are off the I-70 and I-80 in Utah and Colorado) and keep the vehicle at 60-65 mpg while at 3000 rpm. I don't need need to fly up the hill like a 2500 Duramax would, I just don't want to struggle up the hill. So all the research I've been doing shows the 2015 Yukon XL Denali with 460 lbs of torque might be able to deliver what I'm looking for.
Would a 2015 Denali do the trick or do I need to go newer and maybe get a 10 speed transmission?
I've looked briefly at the 2015 Lincoln Navigator as well but I've always been a GMC Yukon person and not sure I can make the switch even if reviews show the Navigator is a smoother ride and can tow slightly more than the Denali.
Also, I may upgrade trailers in future but don't foresee going over 8,000 lbs on any trailer I would ever purchase...I just don't want to be towing any bumper pull larger than that.
Would love any comments or insights.
Thanks!
I'm also towing a Jayco 23MB which weighs about 6600 fully loaded.
Some background:
The problem I'm currently having with my 2005 is I have to continually keep shifting down to 2nd gear to climb hills and on some really long grades I might even need to shift to 1st gear for the last mile stretch. On my most recent outing, the car actually almost overheated twice and I had to pull off the road on a steep grade with my whole family in the car(two adults & five kids)...not fun!
What I'm Looking for:
In a perfect world, I'm looking for a two vehicle that fits all 7 of us and when I'm going up the steepest grades (Many of these are off the I-70 and I-80 in Utah and Colorado) and keep the vehicle at 60-65 mpg while at 3000 rpm. I don't need need to fly up the hill like a 2500 Duramax would, I just don't want to struggle up the hill. So all the research I've been doing shows the 2015 Yukon XL Denali with 460 lbs of torque might be able to deliver what I'm looking for.
Would a 2015 Denali do the trick or do I need to go newer and maybe get a 10 speed transmission?
I've looked briefly at the 2015 Lincoln Navigator as well but I've always been a GMC Yukon person and not sure I can make the switch even if reviews show the Navigator is a smoother ride and can tow slightly more than the Denali.
Also, I may upgrade trailers in future but don't foresee going over 8,000 lbs on any trailer I would ever purchase...I just don't want to be towing any bumper pull larger than that.
Would love any comments or insights.
Thanks!