2018 GMC Denali or Tahoe RST

[jpcortese]

As I posted in another thread, my wife and I are looking at a new 2018 Denali or Tahoe RST. Can I get some guidance as to which way to go? RST's are hard to find and they seem to be priced similarly to the Denali, which are more available. Also, should I even consider a 6.2 or is the 5.3 engine adequate. My wife is indifferent and is leaving the decision up to me. Seems like there are more Tahoe's with the 5.3 available in my area and virtually no RST's (but plenty of Denali's).

 

[Stresst]

Denali all the way! IMO it looks better and past history shows the Denali has better resale. Don't get me wrong the RST is nice but imo I would jump on the Denali!

 

[Tahoe14]

You really need to go drive both and decide for yourself which one you like best.

 

[mandmlakeville]

Whichever way you go, go with the 6.2 for sure. You'll not only get a gutsy engine, you'll get 10 speeds instead of 6! I've had a 2015 and 2016 5.3 before switching up to a 2018 with 6.2/10 speed. Trust me, no comparison. The 10 speed is the most flawless shifting transmission I've ever driven. I also have a 2018 F-150 10-speed and it doesn't shift nearly as nice as the Denali. GM hit a home run with this combo.

 

[Stresst]

Whichever way you go, go with the 6.2 for sure. You'll not only get a gutsy engine, you'll get 10 speeds instead of 6! I've had a 2015 and 2016 5.3 before switching up to a 2018 with 6.2/10 speed. Trust me, no comparison. The 10 speed is the most flawless shifting transmission I've ever driven. I also have a 2018 F-150 10-speed and it doesn't shift nearly as nice as the Denali. GM hit a home run with this combo.

Fyi it's the same tranny. Believe it or not it was a collaboration between GM and Ford. I'm sure there are minor differences but its 99% identical. Buy a new Camaro or Escalade and get the same trans. Crazy, right?

 

[mandmlakeville]

Fyi it's the same tranny. Believe it or not it was a collaboration between GM and Ford. I'm sure there are minor differences but its 99% identical. Buy a new Camaro or Escalade and get the same trans. Crazy, right?

I know, but the tune is definitely not the same. The Ford clunks, bangs and searches for gears like there's way too many. The Yukon is silky smooth shifting at literally every speed and RPM. It's a dream in comparison. I'm sure a tuner would help the Ford a lot, but I'm too cheap

 

[PG01]

As I posted in another thread, my wife and I are looking at a new 2018 Denali or Tahoe RST. Can I get some guidance as to which way to go? RST's are hard to find and they seem to be priced similarly to the Denali, which are more available. Also, should I even consider a 6.2 or is the 5.3 engine adequate. My wife is indifferent and is leaving the decision up to me. Seems like there are more Tahoe's with the 5.3 available in my area and virtually no RST's (but plenty of Denali's).

If you are looking at an rst vs denali and main reason against one or the other is motor size.... rst can be had with bigger motor and may be a little bit cheaper than the denali, you’re gonna get more ‘luxury’ options than the chevy but it really just comes down to looks at that point.

 

[ncpepperman]

It looks to me that the Tahoe with the 6.2 is listed $500 higher than the Denali with same motor. If that is the case, the Denali wins on $$ alone plus, all the standard extras.

I'm still breaking in my '18 4wd Denali and couldn't be more pleased with the performance and gas mileage; the 10 speed being flawless. Not great mpg around town but 24+ on highway.

Personally , the styling of the Denali is superior to the Tahoe but, each to their own. Either choice, I believe you will be happy.

 

[mandmlakeville]

the Denali wins on $$ alone plus, all the standard extras.

Besides different exterior styling and branded headrests, there isn't really much in the Denali that isn't in the loaded RST, right? I came from a Suburban LTZ to a Denali Ultimate and (besides the powertrain upgrade) the only extra features I got were adaptive cruise and power running boards, both of which you can get on Chevy as well. Engine and trans being equal, it basically comes down to what you like to look at better unless I'm missing something.

 

[ncpepperman]

I do not believe the Tahoe in any package is available with cabin " Active Noise Cancellation". Many passengers have commented on how quiet it is. Again, each to their own when it comes to styling but however small the numbers, the Denali seems a more sensible choice with the included options.

As John originally posted, there are "virtually no RST's (but plenty of Denali's)." in his area and his wife is giving him the go ahead. Pick up the Denali and enjoy.............

 

[Tahoe14]

According to Chevy's website if it comes with a 6.2L then it will have" active noise cancellation".

 

[ncpepperman]

According to Chevy's website if it comes with a 6.2L then it will have" active noise cancellation".

I must have overlooked that. Irregardless, if Denalis are available in his area and Tahoe RSTs are not , it's a no brainier.

 

[CMoore711]

I must have overlooked that. Irregardless, if Denalis are available in his area and Tahoe RSTs are not , it's a no brainier.

Really?

What’s a $400 plane ticket plus a few hours of driving or a few extra hundred $ on shipping when you’re spending $70K+?!?!

For $70K+ I’m going to get exactly what I want regardless of the vehicles proximity to my location.

I’ve purchased my last 3 vehicles out of state and they’ve been very smooth transactions.

If no Tahoe RST’s in your area; test drive a maxed out Tahoe LTZ with the 5.3/6 speed. Then drive a Denali with the 6.2/10 speed and see which one feels better. That will decide your powertrain.

Then from there it’s pretty much just styling and preference of looks.

Denali = a bit more chrome trim maybe more “luxury” appalling.
Tahoe RST = more black and/or painted to match and less chrome.
Each have different style headlights and taillights.

Figure out which one has the looks/styling you prefer.

 

[wa3cuj]

I'm still breaking in my '18 4wd Denali and couldn't be more pleased with the performance and gas mileage; the 10 speed being flawless. Not great mpg around town but 24+ on highway.

Is your highway mileage a calculated value or what you are seeing on the display? I have been tracking my mileage since the day I drove it off the lot and have compared each tank full against what the display shows. I have found the display to be generally 2 or more mpg higher than the actual values. I drove from Central PA to Philadelphia and back yesterday and my display showed 23.6 mpg, but I am willing to bet that I didn't get much over 19.5. I only have 4300 miles on my 2018 and am hoping that the mileage might improve slightly yet.(That always seemed to happen around 5000 miles on all of my Lexus SUV's that I have owned.)

 

[RickDA]

I’ve owned both a 2015 Denali 4WD w/22”s and 2017 Tahoe LT 2WD w/ 20”s.

The 6.2L is the game changer. If you need it , then pay up!

My wife was the same way. Let the decision up to me. I went 6.2 Denali the first time, but after the lease was up, we moved to a nicely loaded 5.3 LT. I loved the 6.2, but $300 more per month payment in the end wasn’t worth it to me.

Plus the 22” tires wear much faster than the 20”. And the ride is not as forgiving, even with the magnetic ride suspension.

If money is no object, then get the Denali , otherwise save the money. I don’t miss the Denali that much.

 

[ncpepperman]

Is your highway mileage a calculated value or what you are seeing on the display? I have been tracking my mileage since the day I drove it off the lot and have compared each tank full against what the display shows. I have found the display to be generally 2 or more mpg higher than the actual values. I drove from Central PA to Philadelphia and back yesterday and my display showed 23.6 mpg, but I am willing to bet that I didn't get much over 19.5. I only have 4300 miles on my 2018 and am hoping that the mileage might improve slightly yet.(That always seemed to happen around 5000 miles on all of my Lexus SUV's that I have owned.)

Both calculated and displayed are very close within 1/10 or so. Mine is just hitting 5000 and there has been an improvement since the first tankful . Around town is more like 16 mpg, average speed 30 mph. Post your calculated mpg from your trip next time if you are able.

 

[TopGunMaverick]

The Denali is considered “Luxury” regardless of the fact it shares almost identical specs as the RST. Your resale will definitely be higher with the Denali and you can always go with the Ultimate Black Package to fit it out in the styling of the RST. IMO Denali all the way. The badging alone makes me “feel” like it’s more special. I have a lot of friends in the limo biz with LTZ Suburbans and they are all jealous of my Black/Black Denali

 

[jpcortese]

I’ve owned both a 2015 Denali 4WD w/22”s and 2017 Tahoe LT 2WD w/ 20”s.

The 6.2L is the game changer. If you need it , then pay up!

My wife was the same way. Let the decision up to me. I went 6.2 Denali the first time, but after the lease was up, we moved to a nicely loaded 5.3 LT. I loved the 6.2, but $300 more per month payment in the end wasn’t worth it to me.

Plus the 22” tires wear much faster than the 20”. And the ride is not as forgiving, even with the magnetic ride suspension.

If money is no object, then get the Denali , otherwise save the money. I don’t miss the Denali that much.

I have to sort this whole thing out with my wife. After a lot of thought, my wife told me she likes the looks of the Tahoe Premier better than the Yukon Denali. Questions for you. Is the 5.3 a dog compared to the 6.2 in the Denali? We saw the Premier with the RST package but it only had the 5.3. However it was priced about $8,000 less than the Denali. How would you compare the two?

 

[ncpepperman]

You and your wife need to drive both vehicles and she needs to be happy with the final choice .....

 

[Coronado126]

While I do agree the Yukon looks better in the back, I really like, IMO, the more aggressive front end of the RST. I do like the taillights on the Yukons more though...