Those Who Moved From an '07-14 to '15+ generation... How Was It?

[Runfor5]

Curious to get owner thoughts for those who happened to move from the GMT900 platform ('07-14) up to the '15-'20 MY - what did you like better, or what was perhaps worse, in your view?
Have any maintenance or DIY repairs been easier or harder for you on the 15+ gen comparatively?
Did you hang onto your GMT900 truck or sell it, and if so why?
Are you happy you made the jump when you did or, if you could go back, would you have waited for the '21+ gen?

Thanks all!

 

[Doubeleive]

won't touch anything after 2020
but the k2's we have are so far pretty solid. thought they were kinda fugly at first but they grew on me.

 

[MobileHomie]

I went from an '06 Yukon XL Denali to '17 Yukon Denali.
The '06 was much easier for healight replacement, and air filters.
I had the collapsed lifter/ bent pushrod on the '17 with the 6.2L which prompted me to a cam and lifter replacement. The rear cargo area in the '17 sux ass, it is sloped down toward the back, I keep a length of rope back there to secure stuff on road trips, aggravates the shit out of me to lift the gate and have stuff slide out. That whole thing, 3rd row seats and all are coming out soon.
Overall I am very happy with both vehicles and enjoy driving the newer one and it gets much better fuel mileage. Sort of wished I kept the '06 but I sold it to our middle son. He prefers that for road trips with his family over his wife's '22 GMC Terrain

 

[Runfor5]

thought they were kinda fugly at first but they grew on me

Funny, I think they look better in current times! More squared-off looking if that makes sense, if I had to put a reason behind it.

 

[Runfor5]

I went from an '06 Yukon XL Denali to '17 Yukon Denali.
The '06 was much easier for healight replacement, and air filters.
I had the collapsed lifter/ bent pushrod on the '17 with the 6.2L which prompted me to a cam and lifter replacement. The rear cargo area in the '17 sux ass, it is sloped down toward the back, I keep a length of rope back there to secure stuff on road trips, aggravates the shit out of me to lift the gate and have stuff slide out. That whole thing, 3rd row seats and all are coming out soon.
Overall I am very happy with both vehicles and enjoy driving the newer one and it gets much better fuel mileage. Sort of wished I kept the '06 but I sold it to our middle son. He prefers that for road trips with his family over his wife's '22 GMC Terrain

Dam I had not come across the sloped cargo area thing before, that is odd. Good to know. Honestly in our '14 I feel like the space behind the rear seats is arguably pointless lol.

Did you do the cam/lifter job yourself on the '17? I ask because I've watched the below video before and it's quite the undertaking!

 

[K2 Kaiju]

The slight cargo slope isnt a problem - a hell of a lot better than the fold forward seats that had to be removed to get them out of the way - that shit sucked.
Pros: They are all faster and have better MPG. AA/carplay is the most advanced anything needs to be in a vehicle; once you get to stream your spotify while googling a map, all is well. There are much more storage cubbies including the unique one behind the screen, and the floor bin behind the 3rd row (which is much bigger on the burb btw). The dash is a soft touch material with "double stitching" that holds up remarkably well and of course doesnt crack. All the materials seem better actually. Buttons on radio/AC dont flake off.
Cons: Backup cam is worse. Halogen headlights are terrible. I liked the NAV on my 13 better, but AA is better than either OEM. Mirrors are smaller - too small. Finally, 2nd row cupholders are lacking with captians. Good news is all of these can be fixed with mods except BU cam. The K2s are the sweet spot IMO, and I have no desire to gamble on a T1 with all the issues they are dealing with...

 

[91RS]

The K2 has all of the problems the 900s have plus more of their own. I want to like the K2 because I like the way they look and the T1 is ugly and bloated with bad lines, but the quality gets worse with each body style. The biggest issue with the K2 is the ride quality. They’re very rough and these body style is prone to vibration issues at highway speeds if the tires aren’t perfect (read: buy nothing but Michelins). You’ll have better luck with 18” wheels and non-MagneRide suspension, but the 18”s look terrible and then you’re stuck with a lower trim level and a 5.3L. You can feel every imperfection on the road. My 2008 rides better than almost any K2 I’ve driven (and I’ve driven 100s of them since they came out and was the go-to for fixing the vibrations for years). The T1’s have much more plush ride, which is probably why people like them despite the massive amount of issues they have and the ugly looks. The other big issue I have with the K2 is they’re all boomy inside. From the pickups to the XL’s, they just get worse as the cabin size increases. Some are almost unnoticeable and some are very noticeable. The 15-16’s were the worst and had a bulletin about the roof but they all do it.

If you’re oblivious and can’t notice either of these issues, good for you. Many here tell me I’m crazy when I say these things but there are also plenty of people who do notice them. I am not planning to buy a K2 but of these issues. I have basically restored my 2008 with the intention of keeping it on the road for a long time to come because all the new stuff is just garbage that isn’t designed to last. If I do buy something else, it will very likely not be GM. I’ve been a GM fan since before I could drive but I’ve had enough, post bankruptcy GM sucks.

 

[MobileHomie]

Dam I had not come across the sloped cargo area thing before, that is odd. Good to know. Honestly in our '14 I feel like the space behind the rear seats is arguably pointless lol.

Did you do the cam/lifter job yourself on the '17? I ask because I've watched the below video before and it's quite the undertaking!

The fold down third row and the false floor behind it have a definite slope. I do like the hidden storage, perfect for a small rifle and some range ammo! I folded the third row down the day after I bought it and keep an icebox and other stuff back there. We have only one child left in the house so I like the cargo area more than the seating.
I did not do the cam and lifter swap myself. It is a daunting task and I don't have the shop space for the Yukon. I had a performance shop do the work, they pulled the engine and did it on the stand.

 

[CMoore711]

Here’s a different perspective to your question.

I owned and drove a 2015 Yukon XL Denali for 6 years 149K miles. It was totaled by a drunk driver. Wife was driving her ‘13 Escalade ESV Luxury coming up in 128K miles, she wanted a newer one. Despite me trying to convince her ‘13 is in great shape well maintained and has a lot more miles in it she got a ‘19 Escalade ESV Premium and I started driving the ‘13 Escalade ESV.

Having now been driving the ‘13 Escalade ESV for over a year there are only a couple things I miss about the ‘15.

1. Passive door entry handles. Enables you to unlock and open the doors by simply having the key fob in your pocket. Don’t have to hit the unlock button on the key fob.

2. Push button start.

3. The 6.2L L86 in the K2XX is faster than the GMT900 6.2L L94.

4. The K2XX does get better mpg.

5. Bluetooth wireless audio streaming.

6. There are more USB and car charger ports in the K2XX over the GMT900.

Items 3, 4, and 5 above are fixable with mods if you’re willing to put that work and money into your vehicle.

That being said a lot of what @91RS mentions above is spot on.

The GMT900 platform definitely rides softer and smoother than the K2XX. It could use a little less sway but again upgraded sway bars solve this and I would recommend them for any model year full size GM SUV owner.

The seats are softer and more comfortable in the GMT900 over the K2XX.

I’ve been running on E85 since I’ve been driving the ‘13 ESV. Something the K2XX 6.2L is not able to do in stock form.

The bi-xenon HID headlights in the ‘13 Escalade are way better than the stock HID headlights in the K2XX Denali. But the K2XX Escalade Headlights are the absolute best. Even better than the ‘21+ Tahoe/Burb and Yukons.

The 6 speed in the GMT900’s is better than the 8 speed in the K2XX’s; Shifts smoother, not as clunky; But the 10 speed in the K2XX’s is leaps and bounds the best transmission available for the GM full size platform.

Just thought I’d throw in my observations and thoughts from a slightly different perspective than what you asked.

 

[pwtr02ss]

I have both. I drive my 08 avalanche daily, 100 miles a day to work and back (combined). I also have a 19 Yukon Denali that I bought new at the end of 18.
The seats are softer in the avalanche, I'm assuming because the rear traffic alert that's built into the Denali. The 10 speed and 6.2 combo is leaps and bounds above the 4 speed, 5.3 combo (even with ported heads and btr stage 2 truck cam).
The ride is similar. Both have 22s and both have Michelins. Getting a perfect balance on the tires is critical and it took 4 different shops before I found someone who takes the time to do it right.
All in all, they are both great vehicles. Both have their known possible problems and are about the same. I like the push button and the more refined interior on the k2 platform.

Given the age of the nnbs, I'd go for 18-20.

 

[fozzi58]

I concur with @CMoore711 and @pwtr02ss

I went from an 08 Avalanche to a 17 Burb. I liked that I got android auto, a nice screen, more features without having to buy and install a Pioneer head unit, like I did for Avy. Ride was more comfortable stock for stock on the Avy vs the Burb. I actually like the seats better in my Burb over the Avy - I feel the side bolster are more "sporty" and the Avy was more "couch-y" if that makes sense.

I had a broken valve in my Avy at 8800 miles but was promptly fixed. I have not had any of the issues people complain about in my Burb - no booming on the interior (roof issue), no lifter issues, no ride quality issues. My issues are mostly self inflicted wounds (E.G ****** 24" wheels with cheap tires, trying to replace factory headlights with a HID kit, etc).

I'm very happy with the K2 platform personally. I think it was overall an improvement over the 900, and the looks I thought was better.

 

[vcode]

Just went from a '10 Tahoe to a 19 Yukon XL. Ride is a bit better in the Yukon as is acceleration (5.3L 6 sp on both). Seats were a bit more comfortable on the Tahoe, but I am still finding the sweet spot. Despite what others may say, the Yukon is orders of magnitude quieter than the Tahoe. And I spent time playing with trim and stuff to get the Tahoe as quiet as I could. MPG's are actually a bit better on the Yukon. As to the floor in the rear, if you don't care about having a flat floor, that cargo tray/organizer is easily removable, lowering the load height similar to the older version. Going to do that on mine real soon. I probably would have kept the Tahoe for a few more years, but 14 years of midwest salt were finally catching up with it.

 

[Bult]

I drove a 98' Yukon for 14 years. Went to a 99' Suburban for the 3rd row of seating. 100% loved them both.
My husband recently bought a 2017 ppv Tahoe, to be my new daily driver. We looked at a lot of Tahoe & Yukons between 2007-2019 models. I didnt care for the body of the 2007-2014 and wasn't sure I wanted the bells and whistles of the 2015 and up. I was happy with my 99' Suburban.
A year ago we bought a 2016 Chevy Impalla ppv for our son. It's a fun little car to drive. So, we decided to look at some ppv Tahoes and liked the way they drove, better than the civilian models. My husband understands the mechanics of it, I just know what I do and don't like.
So, we found one with a clean body and decent mileage. Then my husband made some upgrades to it, for me. He wired in a nice center console, a new Kenwood DDX9907XR radio, upgraded seats to really nice leather upholstery and heating elements, lowered the stance a bit to have equal spacing around the tires, installed a 3rd row seat, got the cargo box for the back, installed a nice backup camera, added some badging...probably other things I don't know about.
It's a beautiful vehicle...added benefit of being the same as our State Troopers drive...which means I don't get crowded much, when I drive. As most aren't sure if I might be a state trooper ;-) There are three things that I don't love.
One is the way the back seats fold and the shape of the cargo box align, makes a slope going out the back hatch. It is just dumb. Horrible design flaw. Though the seats are very easy to fold and put up and that is nice. Everytime I get groceries, if I'm not really careful I have some fall out of the Tahoe when I lift the hatch. I need to research for a quality cargo net. Which seems like a hassel to use, but is a necessity.
The 2nd I hope in time I will get used to. The visibility when driving, to me, is awful. My 98' & 99' had amazing visibility. I see why the new ones have cameras, lane assist, etc...it feels like one great big 360° blind spot.
The 3rd is the drivers seat doesn't seem to adjust as high as I would like. I'm very short, with a very short torso & I feel like I need a booster seat. I also haven't figured out an optimal way to hold or rest my arms when driving. I could drive my last two cars for twelve hours with no fatigue. My shoulders and neck get sore, if driving more than an hour in this newer Tahoe.
It's very pretty. It's very different, from what I am used to. I hope to get used to it. If not, we kept my Suburban. My husband could take this one or I'm sure it would be an easy sale with all of our upgrades.

 

[tdebacker]

The K2 has all of the problems the 900s have plus more of their own. I want to like the K2 because I like the way they look and the T1 is ugly and bloated with bad lines, but the quality gets worse with each body style. The biggest issue with the K2 is the ride quality. They’re very rough and these body style is prone to vibration issues at highway speeds if the tires aren’t perfect (read: buy nothing but Michelins). You’ll have better luck with 18” wheels and non-MagneRide suspension, but the 18”s look terrible and then you’re stuck with a lower trim level and a 5.3L. You can feel every imperfection on the road. My 2008 rides better than almost any K2 I’ve driven (and I’ve driven 100s of them since they came out and was the go-to for fixing the vibrations for years). The T1’s have much more plush ride, which is probably why people like them despite the massive amount of issues they have and the ugly looks. The other big issue I have with the K2 is they’re all boomy inside. From the pickups to the XL’s, they just get worse as the cabin size increases. Some are almost unnoticeable and some are very noticeable. The 15-16’s were the worst and had a bulletin about the roof but they all do it.

I got a 2017 Suburban Premier and I don't have any highway shaking. I'm pretty sure it's in the factory torque converter. I upgraded mine with a Circle D one and it's been great.

Winter I run Bridgestone Blizzaks and summer I run Nittos (which I'd argue are more perfectly round than Michelins).

No vibration whatsoever.

 

[CaptainMurray]

I had a 2007 Tahoe with 250K miles no issues with engine or tranny. Traded for a 2020 Yukon. So far no issues with it either. The dealer did flush the tranny as a precaution to bad fluid from factory. I get 21.4 mpg on the last tank, a whole lot better than the 14 mpg on the 2007. It is quieter, smoother and the cool seats are nice in SC summer. I also pull a 5,000 lb boat with no issues. I did add the Motorola MA-1 adaptor so my phone connects wirelessly to the stock radio. I know this will be an issue with this comment, I did like the ability to remove the 3rd row seats.

 

[vcode]

I drove a 98' Yukon for 14 years. Went to a 99' Suburban for the 3rd row of seating. 100% loved them both.
My husband recently bought a 2017 ppv Tahoe, to be my new daily driver. We looked at a lot of Tahoe & Yukons between 2007-2019 models. I didnt care for the body of the 2007-2014 and wasn't sure I wanted the bells and whistles of the 2015 and up. I was happy with my 99' Suburban.
A year ago we bought a 2016 Chevy Impalla ppv for our son. It's a fun little car to drive. So, we decided to look at some ppv Tahoes and liked the way they drove, better than the civilian models. My husband understands the mechanics of it, I just know what I do and don't like.
So, we found one with a clean body and decent mileage. Then my husband made some upgrades to it, for me. He wired in a nice center console, a new Kenwood DDX9907XR radio, upgraded seats to really nice leather upholstery and heating elements, lowered the stance a bit to have equal spacing around the tires, installed a 3rd row seat, got the cargo box for the back, installed a nice backup camera, added some badging...probably other things I don't know about.
It's a beautiful vehicle...added benefit of being the same as our State Troopers drive...which means I don't get crowded much, when I drive. As most aren't sure if I might be a state trooper ;-) There are three things that I don't love.
One is the way the back seats fold and the shape of the cargo box align, makes a slope going out the back hatch. It is just dumb. Horrible design flaw. Though the seats are very easy to fold and put up and that is nice. Everytime I get groceries, if I'm not really careful I have some fall out of the Tahoe when I lift the hatch. I need to research for a quality cargo net. Which seems like a hassel to use, but is a necessity.
The 2nd I hope in time I will get used to. The visibility when driving, to me, is awful. My 98' & 99' had amazing visibility. I see why the new ones have cameras, lane assist, etc...it feels like one great big 360° blind spot.
The 3rd is the drivers seat doesn't seem to adjust as high as I would like. I'm very short, with a very short torso & I feel like I need a booster seat. I also haven't figured out an optimal way to hold or rest my arms when driving. I could drive my last two cars for twelve hours with no fatigue. My shoulders and neck get sore, if driving more than an hour in this newer Tahoe.
It's very pretty. It's very different, from what I am used to. I hope to get used to it. If not, we kept my Suburban. My husband could take this one or I'm sure it would be an easy sale with all of our upgrades.

You should be able to take out the cargo box and have a flat floor. They actually did this on later versions in LS trim (Custom trim?) and removed the rear seat. Might want to look into that. My wife is 4'-11" and has no problem finding a good seat position with the power pedals and tilt/tele steering wheel. Visibilty is as good as my 2010 and way better than the new models.

 

[91RS]

I will say, if you’re trading a GMT-900 Chevy or GMC SLT, there is probably much more to like about the K2 compared to coming from a Yukon Denali and especially an Escalade. I couldn’t own a 900 Chevy because the 5.3L is very underpowered, all the cheap rubber interior parts, and how noisy they are. And before anyone says it, yes, they are different. The Denali and Escalade have an acoustical insulation package (there’s a RPO code for it) that makes a massive difference and the later Escalades have dual-pane front windows that make a little more difference as long as all the window appliqués aren’t cracked letting air around them.

 

[Bult]

You should be able to take out the cargo box and have a flat floor. They actually did this on later versions in LS trim (Custom trim?) and removed the rear seat. Might want to look into that. My wife is 4'-11" and has no problem finding a good seat position with the power pedals and tilt/tele steering wheel. Visibilty is as good as my 2010 and way better than the new models.

Yes, the box and 3rd row seat can come out. We put them in. Defeats the purpose of having the 3rd row of seating, though I need more space for groceries, than just removing the box allows. I put the 3rd row of seats down for groceries. It's different. I'll hopefully adjust to it. My 98' Yukon didn't have a 3rd row of seats. So, plenty of cargo room. My 99' Suburban with 3rd row of seats, had an extra two feet of cargo room. As far as visibility, I have been spoiled with my last two cars. Most anything else I've ridden in through the years, I've noticed the limitation in visibility (all around the vehicle) compared to mine. It's very different. I've had about 20 years in the others, it's going to take some time mine does not have power pedals or a steering wheel that moves forward. We drove some that did. As this is a police model, it doesn't. The steering wheel can tilt up and down like any older car, but that is all.

 

[petethepug]

That’s so funny about the sloped cargo area. My neighbor had a Esky in that Gen and she must have lost 8 or 9 bottles of wine and vodka that rolled out onto her driveway.

They drank like they thought prohibition was starting up again.

 

[blackelky]

I actually thought about this the other day. I have a retrofit projector lights in the plans and switch out headunits for android auto to make the gmt900 more modern. 3.73 gear swap. Run the motor until lifters crap out than cam and lifter swap. We'll see what happens after that.