New vehicle recommendations

[Themadangler]

First post I beileve but long time lurker. Current vehicle: 2014 suburbal lt 2wd. 104,000. It wasnt a daily driver bit a 3 vehicle. Used primarily for road trips and hauling the family/extended family around. Recently became my wifes daily driver( no more company car) Shes ready to upgrade to a newer 21,22,or 23 full size. Either surburban, escalade or yukon xl denali. My question for the group is which do you recommend and why? Which engine should I look to have/avoid and why? Ive noticed that many of is CPO vehicles ive seen online are missing steering lock and parking sensors, whats that all about? Covid suppy issues still? Heard about engine issues with 22's I believe, is that 5.3 liter only? I hate the active fuel management on the current and assume its still a feature on newer vehicles as well. Just looking for some guidance as we plan to keep the new vehicle about 10 years also. Any help or guidance is greatly appreciated.

 

[pa31p]

Hey, XL or short body choice just depends on how bog a family or if you have a hobby that requires long body style.

I’d buy a 6.2L if it did not require premium gas and to get it you’re into the higher trim levels. not avail on SLE or SLT or Tahoe lower trims.

Both gas engines are pretty similair in design. like anything you’ll find issues, most prone was 2021.

Diesel 3.0L not as much power but better fuel economy. revised version on the way possibly for the Yukon and no DFM/AFM

Some items are deferred install items, like seat cooling fans, park sensors ect. most of it will be installed soon as supply chain is catching up.

DFM still installed on 5.3 and 6.2 still sucks the big one. you may find the odd one out there without it as for a short time they build them without it in 21 and 22
But…Range technology close to having the DFM disabler for 22 and 23 models. yippiaajyeee

 

[tom3]

The premium gas is a concern, but I do run at least mid grade in our 5.3 and Sams Club usually has premium for the same price as mid grade - so I fill up there when I'm in the neighborhood.

 

[01dailey]

I have the 2021 Yukon Denali 4x4 6.2L and love it. I've been a bit nervous reading about all of the issues with these vehicles, especially the Active Fuel Management, but in over two years I haven't had a single problem or complaint with mine and my local dealership treats me right. I'm keeping my fingers crossed though. As far as the 6.2L engine and the cost of premium gas, I'm retired and no longer commute to work every day. I don't drive as much as I used to, but when I do, I'm going to enjoy it. I love the performance of the 6.2

If I'm not mistaken, these four vehicles you mention come out of the same plant and are almost identical with slightly different body style/trim and inside detail. Same engine choices, transmission, etc. Same chassis ? Buy which ever one that appeals to you or that fits your budget. Keep in mind that the other auto manufacturers have lots of issues too.

 

[Themadangler]

Hey, XL or short body choice just depends on how bog a family or if you have a hobby that requires long body style.

I’d buy a 6.2L if it did not require premium gas and to get it you’re into the higher trim levels. not avail on SLE or SLT or Tahoe lower trims.

Both gas engines are pretty similair in design. like anything you’ll find issues, most prone was 2021.

Diesel 3.0L not as much power but better fuel economy. revised version on the way possibly for the Yukon and no DFM/AFM

Some items are deferred install items, like seat cooling fans, park sensors ect. most of it will be installed soon as supply chain is catching up.

DFM still installed on 5.3 and 6.2 still sucks the big one. you may find the odd one out there without it as for a short time they build them without it in 21 and 22
But…Range technology close to having the DFM disabler for 22 and 23 models. yippiaajyeee

Thank you for the feedback. Definitely want the longer length subruban/xl version. Didn't consider the diesel or realize premium was the recommended gas for the 6.2. More to think about.

 

[dancastro]

The engine problems you reference are with lifters on the 21's

 

[Trey Hardy]

I see so many horror story’s with the new rigs I’d personally be scared to own anything over a 14-15 as 07-15 had enough issues on their own!
But even with their issues my 07 has over 300,000 miles and is still trucking
But see posts every day of 21-22s with
8-10,000 miles if even with blown motors and other issues but mainly the lifters from what I’ve seen
But if you got the money a good ole DOD delete would solve that issue

I just couldn’t fathom spending the money on one to put even more money in it just so it wouldn’t blow up on itself

 

[DuraYuk]

I see so many horror story’s with the new rigs I’d personally be scared to own anything over a 14-15 as 07-15 had enough issues on their own!
But even with their issues my 07 has over 300,000 miles and is still trucking
But see posts every day of 21-22s with
8-10,000 miles if even with blown motors and other issues but mainly the lifters from what I’ve seen
But if you got the money a good ole DOD delete would solve that issue

I just couldn’t fathom spending the money on one to put even more money in it just so it wouldn’t blow up on itself

You must not be paying attention to the other sub forums. The 21+ have way less issues and is largely dead.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Get the longer body version (Suburban or Yukon XL), and you will not regret it.

 

[WalleyeMikeIII]

Watched this video yesterday, guy drove 4 Silverado's that were pretty similarly equipped w/ all four of the offered engines 2.4L turbo 4 cyl, 5.3l V8, 3.0L DuraMax, and 6.2L V8.

Which Silverado Engine Is Best? Let's Find Out!

Is not very scientific, but interesting to see his reaction.

I had the 5.3 in my 2013 and never really complained; until I got the 6.2 in my 2022 Denali...lets just say its pretty fun.

Premium is the one thing I find a bit annoying, but fortunately, Costco is 0.5mi from where I work, so I just fill it up there...their premium usually runs about $0.20/gal more than the regular at the rest of the stations in town.

It's worth it for the smile factor for me...if Fuel Economy is your #1, get the Duramax. I know 2 guys who have Silverados, one with the 5.3, the other w/ the 6.2; their highway MPG's are about 0.75-1 MPG different; in town are almost identical.

I have gotten as high as 22MPG for a road trip if I keep it sane, if am on an interstate where the traffic is moving 75-80mph, its pretty steady at 18.x.

As for Escalade vs Denali vs Suburban...just do your homework...

I ended up on the Denali, as it was a bit more bang for the buck, without breaking the bank on the Escalade. Also, maybe ask your insurance agent about costs to insure each; Escalade was about 2x what the Denali is for me...your mileage may vary. Here is a motor trend article from 2021 saying the Denali is the "Value Play"

2021 GMC Yukon Denali Interior Materials and Craftsmanship

Does the price jump from Chevy Tahoe to GMC Yukon Denali make sense, or should you really spring for a Cadillac Escalade?

www.motortrend.com

There is a thread on here where there was quite a discussion about the differences in the Suburban and the Yukon. There are definitely some hidden things in there that are not obvious. Ex: Fog Lights not on the Suburban, Suburban does not have laminated front door glass (quietness), interior differences, inclusion of 3 years of connected services on the GMC, 1 month on the chevy, etc...

See Here --> https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/threads/real-differences-between-yukon-and-tahoe.138591/

 

[Themadangler]

Watched this video yesterday, guy drove 4 Silverado's that were pretty similarly equipped w/ all four of the offered engines 2.4L turbo 4 cyl, 5.3l V8, 3.0L DuraMax, and 6.2L V8.

Which Silverado Engine Is Best? Let's Find Out!

Is not very scientific, but interesting to see his reaction.

I had the 5.3 in my 2013 and never really complained; until I got the 6.2 in my 2022 Denali...lets just say its pretty fun.

Premium is the one thing I find a bit annoying, but fortunately, Costco is 0.5mi from where I work, so I just fill it up there...their premium usually runs about $0.20/gal more than the regular at the rest of the stations in town.

It's worth it for the smile factor for me...if Fuel Economy is your #1, get the Duramax. I know 2 guys who have Silverados, one with the 5.3, the other w/ the 6.2; their highway MPG's are about 0.75-1 MPG different; in town are almost identical.

I have gotten as high as 22MPG for a road trip if I keep it sane, if am on an interstate where the traffic is moving 75-80mph, its pretty steady at 18.x.

As for Escalade vs Denali vs Suburban...just do your homework...

I ended up on the Denali, as it was a bit more bang for the buck, without breaking the bank on the Escalade. Also, maybe ask your insurance agent about costs to insure each; Escalade was about 2x what the Denali is for me...your mileage may vary. Here is a motor trend article from 2021 saying the Denali is the "Value Play"

2021 GMC Yukon Denali Interior Materials and Craftsmanship

Does the price jump from Chevy Tahoe to GMC Yukon Denali make sense, or should you really spring for a Cadillac Escalade?

www.motortrend.com

There is a thread on here where there was quite a discussion about the differences in the Suburban and the Yukon. There are definitely some hidden things in there that are not obvious. Ex: Fog Lights not on the Suburban, Suburban does not have laminated front door glass (quietness), interior differences, inclusion of 3 years of connected services on the GMC, 1 month on the chevy, etc...

See Here --> https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/threads/real-differences-between-yukon-and-tahoe.138591/

Thanks for all the info. Ill take a look.

 

[steiny93]

The vehicles you listed are basically the same with different features and controls. My wife has owned all of those choices in both sizes over the last 25 years.

Most recently she bought a Denali XL DMax, her reasons:
- doesn't like the Escalade controls
- doesn't like the mileage of the 6.2
- really likes the long range of the diesel (we also have the ram ecoDiesel; similar mileage and range, she doesn't like putting in fuel)
- wanted rear heat/cooled seats with buckets
- wanted the flush mounted head unit

Her DMax was in GMC jail with a bad turbo for a few weeks, they had her in a different Yukon. So we were driving the diesel and the gaser back and forth a fair amount as GMC jail pulled her truck back in a couple times to fix the issue.

My reactions:
- When you own the DMax it seems plenty, when you get into a gaser they are a lot more responsive (but still a bus)
- The non denali suspension is very wobbly (but still a bus)
- The gasers don't get mileage; 180 mile trip which we do multiple times a month (hockey games at the same venue, hyper familiar trip). The DMax normally gets mid to upper twenties (with aftermarket off-road tires); the loaned Yukon did 12.5mpg; then a week later it did 12.9mpg; both numbers at the pump (but everyone says they get 20mpg).

 

[Themadangler]

The vehicles you listed are basically the same with different features and controls. My wife has owned all of those choices in both sizes over the last 25 years.

Most recently she bought a Denali XL DMax, her reasons:
- doesn't like the Escalade controls
- doesn't like the mileage of the 6.2
- really likes the long range of the diesel (we also have the ram ecoDiesel; similar mileage and range, she doesn't like putting in fuel)
- wanted rear heat/cooled seats with buckets
- wanted the flush mounted head unit

Her DMax was in GMC jail with a bad turbo for a few weeks, they had her in a different Yukon. So we were driving the diesel and the gaser back and forth a fair amount as GMC jail pulled her truck back in a couple times to fix the issue.

My reactions:
- When you own the DMax it seems plenty, when you get into a gaser they are a lot more responsive (but still a bus)
- The non denali suspension is very wobbly (but still a bus)
- The gasers don't get mileage; 180 mile trip which we do multiple times a month (hockey games at the same venue, hyper familiar trip). The DMax normally gets mid to upper twenties (with aftermarket off-road tires); the loaned Yukon did 12.5mpg; then a week later it did 12.9mpg; both numbers at the pump (but everyone says they get 20mpg).

I appreciate your feedback. Ive never owned a diesel but worry about diesel prices at the pump. Any other diesel engine concerns other rhan that turbo? Im leaning towards the yukon xl denali with 6.2, but will consider a 5.3 suburban also as thats the current vehicle and we had no issues with it.

 

[Saltydog]

We have a 21' Yukon 4x4 with a 5.3 with about 21k miles. So far nothing significant has been an issue. MPG for day-to-day usage is approximately 12.5-14.5 mpg on highway trips I see about 22-25 mpg. we always run 87 in without issue, I find the power to be sufficient, but if I had my way it would have 6.2

As far as which of the trio to purchase? That it will be tough, for us we knew we wanted the short version so that it would fit in the garage and with 21+ models the interior room is vastly bigger than the previous generation.

Initially, I was trying to find a Tahoe RST in white, but I had two deals not work out, then I finally got to see the Yukon in person and the wife preferred the styling over the Tahoe.

I like all three of the GM's but if I could order one to my spec? It would be Yukon Denali, mostly for the dash and screen layout, much cleaner and you still have physical controls for everything.

 

[steiny93]

I appreciate your feedback. Ive never owned a diesel but worry about diesel prices at the pump. Any other diesel engine concerns other rhan that turbo? Im leaning towards the yukon xl denali with 6.2, but will consider a 5.3 suburban also as thats the current vehicle and we had no issues with it.

The turbo issue is rare, the dealer (larger northern dealer with many locations) has only seen this 1 turbo have issue, and none in the pickups. I wouldn't be concerned about that topic.

The price at the pump is a math problem. Basically, if the price is within 25% you are breaking even in the diesel when empty. If you are pulling it's closer to 45%. Keep in mind the 6.2 desires premium vs the 5.3 which is chill with 87.

Basically, if we assume the diesel does 25% better mpg empty and 45% better mpg towing (it's more like 30% and 50% but you gotta pay for DEF):
- Driving empty: $4 diesel with $3 gas, you are breaking even, $3.01 gas and the diesel is winning, $4.01 diesel and the gas is winning.
- Towing: $4 diesel with $2.20 gas, you are breaking even, $2.21 gas and the diesel is winning, $4.01 diesel and the gas is winning.

This DMax is very happy doing regen's in town (using DEF to self clean the exhaust); my ecoDiesel isn't nearly as forgiving. Zero issues with regen's when it's driving 100% in town (20 block trip back and forth to work; all < 30 mph) even in cold weather (-30F). The ecoDiesel will get upset and require a 5-7 mile trip on the interstate to get happy again every say 3 months, DMax does more frequent quicker regen's; no issues while in town operation.

 

[tjs3922]

We have a 21' Yukon 4x4 with a 5.3 with about 21k miles. So far nothing significant has been an issue. MPG for day-to-day usage is approximately 12.5-14.5 mpg on highway trips I see about 22-25 mpg. we always run 87 in without issue, I find the power to be sufficient, but if I had my way it would have 6.2

As far as which of the trio to purchase? That it will be tough, for us we knew we wanted the short version so that it would fit in the garage and with 21+ models the interior room is vastly bigger than the previous generation.

Initially, I was trying to find a Tahoe RST in white, but I had two deals not work out, then I finally got to see the Yukon in person and the wife preferred the styling over the Tahoe.

I like all three of the GM's but if I could order one to my spec? It would be Yukon Denali, mostly for the dash and screen layout, much cleaner and you still have physical controls for everything.

I have a 21 Yukon 6.2 and a recent 23 suburban 6.2

I traded in a 21 Suburban RST with 5.3 for my 23 Suburban. I have to tell you in my actual life experience the 5.3 is just fine. The acceleration difference is not that noticeable to me. The MPG is very noticeable, went from 18-19 on the 5.3 to 13-15 on my 6.2. Just my two cents.

 

[Themadangler]

The vehicles you listed are basically the same with different features and controls. My wife has owned all of those choices in both sizes over the last 25 years.

Most recently she bought a Denali XL DMax, her reasons:
- doesn't like the Escalade controls
- doesn't like the mileage of the 6.2
- really likes the long range of the diesel (we also have the ram ecoDiesel; similar mileage and range, she doesn't like putting in fuel)
- wanted rear heat/cooled seats with buckets
- wanted the flush mounted head unit

Her DMax was in GMC jail with a bad turbo for a few weeks, they had her in a different Yukon. So we were driving the diesel and the gaser back and forth a fair amount as GMC jail pulled her truck back in a couple times to fix the issue.

My reactions:
- When you own the DMax it seems plenty, when you get into a gaser they are a lot more responsive (but still a bus)
- The non denali suspension is very wobbly (but still a bus)
- The gasers don't get mileage; 180 mile trip which we do multiple times a month (hockey games at the same venue, hyper familiar trip). The DMax normally gets mid to upper twenties (with aftermarket off-road tires); the loaned Yukon did 12.5mpg; then a week later it did 12.9mpg; both numbers at the pump (but everyone says they get 20mpg).

I appreciate your feedback. Ive never owned a diesel but worry about diesel prices at the pump. Any other diesel engine concerns other rhan that turbo? Im leaning towards the yukon xl denali with 6.2, but will consider a 5.3 suburban also as thats the current vehicle and we had no issues with it

I have a 21 Yukon 6.2 and a recent 23 suburban 6.2

I traded in a 21 Suburban RST with 5.3 for my 23 Suburban. I have to tell you in my actual life experience the 5.3 is just fine. The acceleration difference is not that noticeable to me. The MPG is very noticeable, went from 18-19 on the 5.3 to 13-15 on my 6.2. Just my two cents.

Thanks for the info. If i could get a denali 5.3, id be happy. But no such luck.

 

[GoNoGo]

Driven the 2022 5.3L suburban and thought it was a smidgeon underpowered. Never is a long time but I'd never own one.. and besides can't get the 5.3 in the High Country trim anyway.

I currently drive both a 2023 6.2L Suburban High Country and a 2023 Suburban Duramax High Country.

6.2L Suburban has a tad better get-up and GO from a dead stop, or rolling start.. if that's your thing, I live in the country so mostly useless for me and I don't tow with my Suburban's

Duramax Suburban is great, love it, will prolly order a 2024 Duramax High Country when the new Lz0 engine that comes in them next year and trade in my gas burner.

Diesel was $4.30 a gallon yesterday at Kroger, premium gas was $3.90 meaning I'm currently saving money driving the Duramax and only filling up every 600 miles (vs 400 in the gasser)

 

[Doubeleive]

I would get a 2020 in the $40 to low 50's, it's already taken a $30-40k depreciation and will easily last 10 years, win win in my book

 

[R32driver]

We have a '21 yukon slt 4wd with a 5.3 and it consistently gets 17.5 mpg tank after tank like clockwork. Low grade fuel only and I personally think it has plenty of power, but also admittedly drive like a 80 year old lady headed to church most the time. My wife drives much more spiritedly than I and we more or less drive the yukon equally and that's what the mileage balances out at. Great vehicle so far other than the fuel pump control module going bad and nearly leaving us stranded. And with that owning one of these new models and reading about this that or the other going wrong that's just always kind of in the back of your mind. Sad but true.

Sometimes I really miss the 2011 suburban (also a 5.3) that we sold to get the '21. That was an EXCELLENT vehicle and there was never a worry about anything going wrong. It lost 1 belt tensioner (10 minute fix, 2 bolts and easy to get to) in the 10 years we had it and that was it. And they are one of the best looking models GM has ever come out with IMO. The new ones are really nice but the old ones are really awesome!