New member looking at 2010+ Yukon XL Denali

Been a GM fan most of my life, owned quite a few...current DD is an 02 Envoy nearing 300K miles and since we sold the Sienna, having kids I would like to get the travel room back. I looked at the Tahoe but the extra room of the XL is much more usable.

I do tow on occasion and when the Envoy has 5K behind it you definitely know it...the 4:10 helps....but would likely load the Yukon with a 6-7K trailer at times.

I’m focusing on a 2014 to 2016, but not sure how the 2010-2014 models compare. I didn’t think the 6.2 would return decent mileage but seems that 18-21 is attainable on the hwy at 60.correct me if I’m wrong.

I like the features of the 2014, especially the 2016.....would like to stay under $30K and more realistically $15-25K, and under 80K miles..but depends on mileage and condition. I realize I’m not going to find a 40K mile 2016 Denali for $20K.

Am I looking at problems with the direct injection?

Any issues with dod or the 6-speed?

Does the 2015 have any issues being a re-design?

I have time to search so just getting all my ducks in a row, basically after knowledge of what to look out for as far as any maintenance concerns or particular known issues.

All input and criticisms appreciated.

Hi Doug,

Well, you're searching across two generations. The K2s came out in 2015 and were updated soon after as 2015.5. The DI motors make more power and have proven to be more reliable and fuel-efficient compared with the previous generation, the GMT900s. However, they have issues with buffeting, the moonroof cannot be opened while driving nor closed while driving fast, and some driveline vibrations. No direct experience myself, just read about it on these forums.

You can get a K2 Denali as a 4x4 but the older GMT900 Denalis were AWD or RWD, no 4x4s with the 6.2. But, we have identified 24 2010 GMC Yukon XL SLTs with the 6.2 and true 4x4 and one with RWD. Pour over these forums, there's a ton of information to learn about them and their engines and such. Ask away, fellas are real helpful here.

Welcome to the forum btw!

I just picked up a 2012 Denali XL AWD that was pretty clean. Comfy vehicle.

We are one year into our 08 xl1500 awd denali and love the vehicle. purchased with 125,000 for $17k, Extremely clean with impeccable dealer maint history. we tow a 5k, lb TT and it tow's great! but you are looking at 8-9 mpg in hilly terrain or headwinds. 18 to 20 hwy and 12 city when not towing. if you are a cellphone family you will want the newer model to be able to bluetooth/connect your life into your vehicle. IMO, make maint history a priority! also check the hitch receiver area, you would like to find one that appears to have rarely towed, ie dusty under the cover, no polished steel inside the receiver and the electrical connector as new under the cover. like any vehicle, heavy towing is ******* everything, try to find a doctor/professional's denali xl that was pampered with documented dealer service, trans flushes, brake flushes. Ill try to post my service history to show how far people with "big incomes" go to "pamper/spend" on their vehicles. This is without a doubt the best vehicle i have ever owned in regard to comfort,space,safety. also divide the engine hours by the odometer mileage to determine your avg speed driven, the higher the avg speed the more hwy miles driven, our avg is 36 mph, i know your looking for low miles, but you dont want 80k miles at avg 18 mph which would identify alot of stop and go city traffic. These are just my opinions, bottom line is buying one of these beauties is fun, so test drive a bunch of them and eventually put one in your garage! Also welcome to arguably the best forum on the internet!

I've had an 07 Denali XL for over a year, and I love it. Plenty of room, particularly if you remove the third row seats, and insert them only when you need them for passengers. I often drive it around with my three 90+ lb. Shepherds in it, and there is still plenty of room for them, plus room for three passengers (captain's seats in the second row).

I tow an 1k trailer (I know, that is so light that it can hardly even be called a trailer), and the 6.2 doesn't even know that it exists.

My mileage has never gone above 16 on the highway, and is around 10 in the city, but I also have a performance tune and a heavy foot.

I don't think that you can go wrong with an XL, but as Swath and Thompso state, check it out in detail for maintenance records and potential signs of abuse, first, prior to purchase.

Good luck hunting!

swathdiver said:

Hi Doug,

Well, you're searching across two generations. The K2s came out in 2015 and were updated soon after as 2015.5. The DI motors make more power and have proven to be more reliable and fuel-efficient compared with the previous generation, the GMT900s. However, they have issues with buffeting, the moonroof cannot be opened while driving nor closed while driving fast, and some driveline vibrations. No direct experience myself, just read about it on these forums.

You can get a K2 Denali as a 4x4 but the older GMT900 Denalis were AWD or RWD, no 4x4s with the 6.2. But, we have identified 24 2010 GMC Yukon XL SLTs with the 6.2 and true 4x4 and one with RWD. Pour over these forums, there's a ton of information to learn about them and their engines and such. Ask away, fellas are real helpful here.

Welcome to the forum btw!

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I think James got confused there the buffeting issue is with the k2's 2015+, not the gmt800's

2010-2014 in this case would be my goal, if you are really wanting the k2 generation I would start with no less than 2016, 2015 is the year they made mid-year changes so lots of confusion out there by dealers (not-knowing) what they have or don't have, also you are going to run into issue's ordering parts for some things when the time comes down the road. I was kind of in the same boat a couple years ago but really didn't seek out the k2's simply because I really didn't like the design, turns out they have continued to have some issue's in the lineup which I am sure you can find out by just reading. I went with a 2012 because it's 5 years into the bodystyle usually by then most of the bugs are worked out, plenty of parts availability, just made sense. I would take your time, test drive some even if it's not "the one" so you get a feel of how one should drive/handle & how they shouldn't, take a flashlight get under the truck and look at stuff, dont be afraid to look farther away for what you want, several of the members went and got one several hours from home, I flew and then drove mine home 7 hours.

*I will add one thing you will find on almost all the gmt900's is the cracked dash, some are pretty minor. It shouldn't be a deal breaker it's just a cosmetic issue that has plagued the gmt900's, and if it's not cracked it probably will crack at some point.

Doubeleive said:

I think James got confused there the buffeting issue is with the k2's 2015+, not the gmt800's

Click to expand...

Huh? James said k2 2015+. No mention of the 800's

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

gooffeyguy said:

Huh? James said k2 2015+. No mention of the 800's

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

Click to expand...

Lol,even I screwed it up, I meant gmt900

I think the 2007-2014 body style is a solid performer. I have had the following:
2007 Denali XL 6.2 AWD
2009 Suburban LTZ 5.3 4WD
2008 Denali XL 6.2 AWD

Just purchased a 2013 Denali XL 6.2 AWD

Wife hated the Suburban because it didn’t have the power she was used to with the 6.2.

With 4 kids, we have grown to love our Urban Assault Vehicles. The extra space the XL/Suburban body gives is great for those family vacations.

Don’t tow much with them it when we have had to, they have handled it well.

I don’t think you will be disappointed if you go with a 2010-2014 version.