Suburban 2500 or Yukon XL Denali?

Replacing a 2005 Yukon XL 1500 w/ 5.3 3.42 2WD that has been wife's DD and our TV that is used to pull 28ft 7Klb TT 6-8 times per year typically only a couple hours each way with no real mountains, also loaded with 3 kids, a dog and gear. I added a Tru Cool 40K trans cooler, Powerstop K36 HD brakes pads/rotors, 10 ply tires, and use a WD hitch. It tows OK but works hard going up any grades and will wind 2nd gear up to close to 4K RPM's - but temps stay OK, no super long grades typically.

Considering:

2007 Suburban 2500 w/ 6.0L and 4spd trans & 3.73 4WD, or

2009 Yukon Xl Deanli w/ 6.2L and 6 spd trans & 3.42 2WD

Leaning towards the Denali since it will be mainly a DD for the wife, but want to make sure it tows fine too. I'm thinking with the 6.2 and 6 spd trans (I'll add the Tru Cool again) I should be fine. If i was towing more often I would definitely go for the 2500, but prefer the Denali for daily use.

Thoughts?

The 6.2 with the 6 speed would be my choice

2001 Yukon SLT
2012 Yukon Denali XL
2011 Yukon Denali RIP 5/20/18

7K loaded trailer and with family and stuff in the tow vehicle she's probably overloaded or right at the limits. 2WD Denali will have the 9.5" semi-floating rear axle (AXN) so that is good for durability.


The 2007 2500 with the 3.73 gear has a max trailer weight of 7,700 pounds for 2WD and 7,500 pounds for 4WD version and both still have a GCWR of 14,000 pounds, same as the 1500s. From 2008 the 2500s have the larger 6L90 transmission with bigger u-joints, they are towing beasts. These are rated for 9,600/9,300/16,000 pounds with a 3.73 gear and the 6-speed.

The 2007 2500 with 4.10s is rated for 9,700/9,500/16,000.

I don't have any specs for the 2009 2WD Denali. The 2010 2WD Yukon XL Denalis are rated for a 7,600 pound towing capacity.

Denali

In your case I would go with the Denali. It will handle your trailer well with the mods you have planned. But more importantly, for the 90% of the time you're not towing, you'll appreciate the better ride of the half ton platform and the extra power/better mpg of the 6.2.

The L96/LY6 6.0 is not underpowered, but it's certainly not quick when pushing around 6k lbs (the empty weight of the 2500), even with the 6L90E. Not to mention mine has trouble hitting 16mpg on the freeway, especially if I'm going above 65mph.

In your case I would go with the Denali. In addition to what others have stated, you're going to pay a premium for the 2500 solely due to availability. Also, with the Denali being 2WD you could easily regear to 3.73 to assist a bit with towing but not kill gas mileage for DD.

While I currently own a 2500 (albeit with the L96 6L90E combo), i previously had a 2008 Sierra Denali AWD with the 6.2L 6L80E and 3.42s.... that was a fun truck! It towed max capacity very easily too, but I didn't do that on the regular. Comparing that to my current truck, I think you'll be happier with the Denali over the 2500 with the 4spd trans

Yup, go with the Denali for all the reasons stated.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I’m on the opposite end of the spectrum here. My vote is a 08+ 2500 Burb/XL. Would the Denali do it? Sure. But personally I like the safety net provided by the 2500’s larger brakes, better suspension and heavier frame. With kids, dogs and all the stuff they have to bring the weight adds up. Why toe the line with the 1/2 ton when you could have safety room with the 3/4? This is why I searched the country for my 09 2500 Burb. I don’t tow but maybe 10-12 times a year but I’d rather be prepared than be “that guy”.

Also doesn’t the Denali require 93 octane? That’s a daily hit to the wallet even if it gets 1-2 better mpg than the 6.0.

I own a 2008 2500 Suburban and a 2009 '09 Sierra Denali. The Denali pickup is the same powertrain as the SUVs.

Given those two specific choices, I'd probably go with the Denali, because the six speed is a game-changer. If you're willing/able to look at 2008 and newer 2500 SUVs, then I would choose that hands-down, every day.

Yes, finding a good 2500 Suburban/Yukon XL will be a challenge, but it'll be worth it. Yukon XL Denalis are a dime a dozen, but I'd rather have the upgraded everything that the 2500 trucks offer. It's not just a "beefed up" Suburban. Beneath the body, the 2500 trucks share almost no common components with the half-ton trucks. And my 2500 rides just as well as any half-ton.

Follow up - thanks for the feedback, you all expressed exactly where I am at considering these specific options, and at the end of the day it also helps confirm that my preference is a 2008 + 2500 because my family's safety is the first consideration, and I don' have a NEED until the summer - but they are hard to find.

But...

I damn near bought this Denali, for reasons stated and specifically because the 2009 has the L9H motor with AFM hardware, but not programmed so always OFF, and this one is super clean and really NICE, and I think it would serve our purposes. The dealer is out of the area and from my initial call mentioned they would pay to fly me in to pick it up (Bay Area to SoCal). I did get my in-laws to see it in person and confirm condition, but the dealer couldn't produce their 150 point inspection report, they'd put on 4 new LIONHART tires which appear to be lower quality, (30K warranty), and then they added $990 to their final full price sales offer that I was sent - WTF. When I politely declined the $990 "Accessories" charge they refused to pay for my flight - and it was still a full ask offer, so at that point I walked.

Anyone know when the integrated trailer brake control makes its appearance in the 2500's? Not a huge deal but a nice to have IMO.

Thanks again for the feedback, I've learned a lot form this forum.