Denali 2022 vs. 2021????

Hey guys,

Just looking for any insight or thoughts on the 2021 vs. 2022 Yukon Denali's.

I just sold our 2017 Yukon Denali and the plan was to either order a 2023 and wait, or look for a 2022 with low miles. After looking at several different ones and reading up a bit. The question now is, how about a low mileage 2021?

It seems the the 2021's are "starting" to come down in price bit and you can actually find some okay deals.

I know the 2022 and up have the updated digital gauge cluster as well as the updated infotainment software but is it that much better then the 2021? And yes I do like the look of the gauge cluster in the 2022 vs. the 2021 but it's truly not a deal breaker for me.

Have there been any issues or woes with the 2021 as it was a new model year????

One plus for the 2021 is the rear entertainment system that actually works vs. the new version that from what I read is basically a joke. Now the RES is something my wife and I don't use much but it's nice to have available plus I think it helps a little come resale. That was one of the first questions that came up when the new buyer asked about our 2017......"Does it have the screen in the back for the kids?" Which I smiled and said yes it does!! LOL

I guess I'm just looking for any thoughts or advice with regard to a very well equipped 2022 vs. a completely loaded out 2021????

I wouldn't mind doing a 2023 but until things start changing, I don't know if I want to go down that road??? We have the ability to wait as we have an extra vehicle and don't "need" the new one anytime soon??

So in other words......help! LOL

Not to sound depressing, but if you buy 2021, specific serial numbers have issues with lifters almost guarranteed, check that before you buy so you know what you’re getting into. I do like the new cluster for sure! newer would more than likely have more warranty left.

pa31p said:

Not to sound depressing, but if you buy 2021, specific serial numbers have issues with lifters almost guarranteed, check that before you buy so you know what you’re getting into. I do like the new cluster for sure! newer would more than likely have more warranty left.

Click to expand...

That's great info!!

Big thanks on that. I assume if a guy gets the VIN, and you run it, it should tell if it's an affected one?

Any idea if production / build date helps narrow that down at all?

Check GM Authority 2021 lifter issues.

not a new issue for GM, 2021 seemed to be more prone (or GM received more media attention over it that year)

Not a oil specialist myself but I think running 12000 miles on an oil change don’t help the issue. Many 5.3’s and 6.2’s have gone 200K miles without a glitch. more frequent oil changes may be the answer in AFM/DFM equipped engines.

Our other rig is an MB with the OM642 engine. change oil every 4500 miles and has not been into a dealership once since new (2016), 75K miles now. It’s outfitted with an emission system that puts space shuttle technology to shame. except it don’t work. hence the more frequent oil changes to save it from self destruction.

pa31p said:

Check GM Authority 2021 lifter issues.

not a new issue for GM, 2021 seemed to be more prone (or GM received more media attention over it that year)

Not a oil specialist myself but I think running 12000 miles on an oil change don’t help the issue. Many 5.3’s and 6.2’s have gone 200K miles without a glitch. more frequent oil changes may be the answer in AFM/DFM equipped engines.

Our other rig is an MB with the OM642 engine. change oil every 4500 miles and has not been into a dealership once since new (2016), 75K miles now. It’s outfitted with an emission system that puts space shuttle technology to shame. except it don’t work. hence the more frequent oil changes to save it from self destruction.

Click to expand...

Well, changing oil is one thing that I have always been pretty religious about. Winter time, it's every 3000 to 3500 and summer time about 4500 and it's changed. It's cheap maintenance !!

pa31p said:

... if you buy 2021, specific serial numbers have issues with lifters almost guarranteed...

Click to expand...

Do you know where to find info on which VINs / serials are affected?

I couldn't find any info via search or on GM Authority.

• GM service update number: N212353840

The GM lifter problems seem to be most prevalent in the L84 5.3-V-8 and L87 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V-8 engines with build dates between September 2020 and March 2021.

(From GM Authority)

Haven’t looked but i’m sure on this forum there’s info on it.

It's best to assume any truck you find could have the lifter issue. There is plenty of documentation on the forum of '22's with lifter problems, and dealers confirming to the people posting here that they aren't the only '22 they've seen. Up to you if you want to take the small risk.

most of the lifter problems seemed to have occurred early on...had one dealer tell me if we hit 20k we should be good...who knows if that has any substance to it or not.

2021 pros - don't have to deal with the new google infotainment and 21s actually have a NAV system that works without a wifi plan...granted I'd rather use google maps on carplay/android auto over the GM system. you already mentioned the RSE and I agree, but if resale is more important than actually using it, I wouldn't list it as a pro or a con

2021 cons...first year build of a completely new design and cost...sure used prices are coming down, but are we talking 70% of MSRP?

I'd find a dealer that could order a 23 at sticker or less and go that route if I was going to be spending $70k+...as long as you aren't wanting to order a Yukon Denali Supremo XXXL diesel convertible hybrid in racing yellow with fire red interior factory lifted on 33s

my first thought when reading the original post is how does your state handle sales tax since you just sold the 2017 and most states allow for a sales tax credit offset with a trade in...and some states allow for the private sale to also offset the sales tax on a new vehicle but usually have limited timeframes when the offset is allowed (ie vehicle sold privately 45-60 days before or after the purchase of a vehicle)...or maybe sales tax is a non factor...

Lifter issue aside, I would highly suggest the 2021. The 2022 is a disappointment to say the least. I traded a 2020 Denali for a 2022 Denali because I loved the look of the digital gauge cluster, 15" color HUD and larger center stack screen. As Todayusay mentioned, the infotainment system doesn't work without a data plan and even with the data plan, it is garbage. You will be waiting a minute or 2 for your route to load when you can bring up the same Google map route in a matter of seconds. And, the infotainment in the 2021 is just as fast. I have also had issues with mysterious noises from poor build quality. 3 trips back to the dealer so far to have them tighten shrouds, flash the radio (presets kept moving around on their own) and more. Not the point of the post, so rant over.

The good news is that the 2021 is the new design and is a great looking vehicle. Friends have a 2021 and had 0 issues with more than 25k in 18 months. They went with the SLT and it is an excellent people hauler.