Tahoe vs Yukon pricing and predicted reliability

[Tipsy McStagger]

I’m out looking at Yukon’s and Tahoe’s (mostly 2016 - 2018 model years) and have a couple of questions:

1- The JD Power reliability ratings for the Tahoe are consistently higher than the Yukon - in some years significantly higher. This really surprised me as I figured that these cousins would be almost the same. Is this BS or is there really a reliability gap between the two vehicles?

2- I’m seeing a lot of 2016/2017 with 60k to 90k miles in the $35k to $40k range where I live. I have my eye on two:

- 2017 Yukon SLT with 76k miles for $35k. Is in nice shape, minor accident reported (rear bumper) but other than that seemed fine when I test drove it.

- 2016 Tahoe LT with 50k miles for $37k. Is in really nice shape with no accidents reported. Heated rear captains seats and premium rims.

The top end of my budget was $35k but an extra $2k for a lower mileage vehicle seems like a good idea. My only real concern with the Tahoe is I would be financing a 6 year old vehicle for 5-6 more years and potentially having payments on a 10-12 year old vehicle. Thoughts?

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

 

[Doubeleive]

I can only assume the rated difference's is one is more popular than the other, under the skin they are identical.
make extra payments on the principal and you can pay it off much faster, lowering the principal lowers the interest and overall cost and it will be paid off quicker.
make a regular payment on the due date and then pay as much as you can on the principal the same day

 

[B-train]

Or, buy some time and wait for the market to correct to more realistic pricing. If what you have isn't nickel and diming you, just run it since it's paid for and make it 'pay you' so to speak.

 

[GoNoGo]

When I see the ratings and complaint numbers, (Tahoe low, Escalade high and Yukon in the middle) it makes me wonder if it's problems with the special features, or gadgets that are what their owners complaints are regarding, because Tahoe's are generally slightly more basic and the Escalade getting the kitchen sink, so to speak. Dunno ?

 

[Tipsy McStagger]

Thanks for the feedback.

I currently own a 2016 MB GLE-350 and my main reason for looking at the Tahoe/Yukon is to have more room when I pull my boat. The MB can handle the tow weight but we could use a little bit more space. Then again, I’ve never pulled the boat with the MB as it pretty much stays at my marina year round. I baby it quite a bit and have rented Uhaul pickups when I’ve needed to move it for service, etc.

It appears that used car prices are coming down but are still inflated. If vehicles like I mentioned are going to be cheaper later in the year then it may be best to wait. I’ve seen articles that say used cars may drop 10-20% in 2023 as new vehicle production ramps up and lots return to normal inventory levels.

I‘ve been to both Chevy and GMC dealers and no one had a good explanation for the discrepancy in reliability ratings. The reasoning that the extra features/gadgets on the Yukons is the reason for the decreased reliability is as good as anything that I’ve heard this far.

 

[GoNoGo]

I have some leg & back problems so can't spend more than 60 minutes riding in or driving the wifey's '15 GLE350, its cabin and seats are a little suffocating for my tastes... I even test drove a GLS-450 hoping it would meet my needs, but sadly no.

 

[Tipsy McStagger]

Do you mean ‘15 ML-350? They rebadged the ML to GLE in 2016 so that was its first model year. I love the ride and performance of my GLE but I‘m not all that big of a guy either.

Maybe the 8 speed transmission on the Yukon is a major reason for the reliability discrepancy? I don’t see that it was used for the Tahoe but maybe I’m mistaken?

 

[swathdiver]

I’m out looking at Yukon’s and Tahoe’s (mostly 2016 - 2018 model years) and have a couple of questions:

1- The JD Power reliability ratings for the Tahoe are consistently higher than the Yukon - in some years significantly higher. This really surprised me as I figured that these cousins would be almost the same. Is this BS or is there really a reliability gap between the two vehicles?

2- I’m seeing a lot of 2016/2017 with 60k to 90k miles in the $35k to $40k range where I live. I have my eye on two:

- 2017 Yukon SLT with 76k miles for $35k. Is in nice shape, minor accident reported (rear bumper) but other than that seemed fine when I test drove it.

- 2016 Tahoe LT with 50k miles for $37k. Is in really nice shape with no accidents reported. Heated rear captains seats and premium rims.

The top end of my budget was $35k but an extra $2k for a lower mileage vehicle seems like a good idea. My only real concern with the Tahoe is I would be financing a 6 year old vehicle for 5-6 more years and potentially having payments on a 10-12 year old vehicle. Thoughts?

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

Go for the low miles. The GMC owners may not be as "vocal" about reporting issues as the Chevy owners. If you look at the accident ratings on the IHHS website, the Chevys have worse ratings than the GMCs and I can really only attribute that to the kinds of people who drive them.

 

[GoNoGo]

Do you mean ‘15 ML-350? They rebadged the ML to GLE in 2016 so that was its first model year.

The "model W166" (ML-350/GLE-350) was built from 2011-2019, MB simply shuffled around some letters, ours are essentially the same

 

[Tipsy McStagger]

Yup, same vehicle just the badging changed for the 2016 model year.

 

[Tahoe14]

I agree with others, go for the lower mileage.

 

[Tipsy McStagger]

Thanks for all of the feedback - I’m traveling for work this week and will go see the 2016 Tahoe on Saturday if it’s still available.

I’m going to do some more digging to try and get a definitive answer to the Tahoe/Yukon reliability gap - if it actually exists at all.

 

[Tipsy McStagger]

So I still haven't pulled the trigger but both vehicles are still available. Only change is the Yukon dropped by $1000 to $34k:

- 2017 Yukon SLT with 76k miles for $34k. Is in nice shape, minor accident reported (rear bumper) but other than that seemed fine when I test drove it.

- 2016 Tahoe LT with 50k miles for $37k. Is in really nice shape with no accidents reported. Heated rear captains seats and premium rims.

I'm still leaning towards the Tahoe - does the price drop on the Yukon change anyone's mind???

 

[Tahoe14]

For me, it wouldn't make up for the mileage difference.

 

[SpyShops212]

GMC is better than the Chevy. I always felt the GMC was better insulated and the metal was better.

 

[K2 Kaiju]

When I see the ratings and complaint numbers, (Tahoe low, Escalade high and Yukon in the middle) it makes me wonder if it's problems with the special features, or gadgets that are what their owners complaints are regarding, because Tahoe's are generally slightly more basic and the Escalade getting the kitchen sink, so to speak. Dunno ?

This. They are the same truck built side by side in Arlington TX with different trim levels. Escalade>Denali>Premier>SLT>LT>SLE>LS. Lots of tech in upper trims can fail causing a lower reliability score; magnaride is an example - it fails a bit quicker, and costs 3-4 times as much to replace vs standard shocks/struts. One good thing about GMC and Chevy - much of the stuff in higher trims can be bolted right on lower trims. Eskies are a bit more unique, but the mirrors are an easy bolt-on mod everyone should have...

 

[GoNoGo]

.. the mirrors are an easy bolt-on mod everyone should have...

Hmm, I'm intrigued.. can you elaborate about what my high country Tahoe-Suburban's mirrors don't feature that the new Escalade mirrors would offer me ? I like bolt-on upgrades

 

[K2 Kaiju]

Hmm, I'm intrigued.. can you elaborate about what my high country Tahoe-Suburban's mirrors don't feature that the new Escalade mirrors would offer me ? I like bolt-on upgrades

It appears you may have a T2 (2021+), but for the K2s (15-20) the esky mirrors are much larger with plug n play function. Just the visibility alone is worth the upgrade...

 

[T Ford]

I think this is becasue of the large number of 8 speed transmissions in the 15-17 Denalis. Yukon quality is great, either are good.

 

[Bigkevschopshop]

I have owned 2 of the 3 triplets...

Food for thought. The 3 main issues on all 3 are the lifter failures, trans issues, and the mag ride... Once you take all 3 of those out of the equation, Its down right rugged across all 3. Lifter failure is a russian roulette, never know when its going to go pop, just keep clean oil in it, take care of it, maybe tune it out and fingers crossed. The trans issues, 6 speed kills converters, 8 speed just is clunky and shutters. Mag ride, well its its own thing, shocks fail stiff normally and you get wagon ride... There are tips for all 3 of these issues here on these forums. I honestly wouldnt be scared to buy either one of the vehicles you mentioned. So it comes down to features and how do you like the body style. Buying on price alone is one thing, but two comparable vehicles with close to same mileage and pricing.

I just bought my 17 Esky platinum for 37k in december 2023... Just food for thought. Those prices should be negotiable for sure these days.

The yukon and tahoe platforms share almost everything, the Escalade has different glass I think, and insulation package, there is trim around the door openings to cut down on wind noise etc.

Insurance on the Tahoe is cheaper than the other 2. 5.3 can run on regular unleaded, 6.2 is a premium *****.