16 Yukon SLT....upgrade to a 19 Esky, or a 21 SLT/Denali?

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

RobV

TYF Newbie
Joined
Dec 13, 2018
Posts
20
Reaction score
15
Just curious from those who have had multiple models/model years. My 16 Yuke has a slight, but perceptible, vibration between 75-85 that bugs the $hit out of me. Oem rims, and 3 week old Michelin Premier LTX's. I've also never really cared for how she shifts. I also need about $2500 in paint work to my hood and roof.

SO.....found a 19 Esky with 20k miles, and also can get a 2021 SLT for the same price. Or just blow it all and get a 21 Denali. Im mainly going for ride quality I suppose....but I do like how big these new Yukons are.

Thoughts?
 

Koepp2637

TYF Newbie
Joined
Jul 15, 2021
Posts
20
Reaction score
24
Just curious from those who have had multiple models/model years. My 16 Yuke has a slight, but perceptible, vibration between 75-85 that bugs the $hit out of me. Oem rims, and 3 week old Michelin Premier LTX's. I've also never really cared for how she shifts. I also need about $2500 in paint work to my hood and roof.

SO.....found a 19 Esky with 20k miles, and also can get a 2021 SLT for the same price. Or just blow it all and get a 21 Denali. Im mainly going for ride quality I suppose....but I do like how big these new Yukons are.

Thoughts?
I had a 2015 LTZ with 22"/Michelin LTX tires and had the same issue. Small vibration at ~ 80mph on most roads. I did notice that some roads this issue was non-existent. When I switched to my 18"/Blizzak set issue went away. I related this to something with the rim/tire combination and the road.
 

ruise

Full Access Member
Joined
Nov 22, 2015
Posts
100
Reaction score
70
I had both a 2016 and 2018 Yukon SLT and loved them. I was going to order another SLT but there are so many more standard features on the 2021 Denali, so I chose the Denali. The ride on the Denali compared to both the 2016 and 2018 SLT is superior! I ordered mine with 20" wheels and love the ride. The suspension is remarkable.

I was looking for ride quality and quietness. The 2021 Denali has, so far, fulfilled these desires.
 

playadude

Member
Joined
Jul 30, 2017
Posts
32
Reaction score
19
Just curious from those who have had multiple models/model years. My 16 Yuke has a slight, but perceptible, vibration between 75-85 that bugs the $hit out of me. Oem rims, and 3 week old Michelin Premier LTX's. I've also never really cared for how she shifts. I also need about $2500 in paint work to my hood and roof.

SO.....found a 19 Esky with 20k miles, and also can get a 2021 SLT for the same price. Or just blow it all and get a 21 Denali. Im mainly going for ride quality I suppose....but I do like how big these new Yukons are.

Thoughts?
My vote is for the 2021 SLT. You are getting the advantage of the hundreds of millions of dollars GM invested to develop it. (And 1.4 billion they spent at the factory for it).

It's a completely different animal than the prior generation. The diesel and how it drives/ rides are the best parts. But the whole vehicle is amazing.

 

B520044

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 3, 2020
Posts
329
Reaction score
236
I had a 21 SLT and was never happy with the ride quality. So much so I upgraded to the AT4. The magnetic ride is much better. However, I do believe my SLT was never built quite right, so others may have a better experience.
I would go Denali, AT4 or Tahoe Premier.
 

Hobert

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 6, 2019
Posts
311
Reaction score
710
Location
Downers Grove, IL
I love the size and additional cargo height of the 2021's. I was thinking of waiting for one then decided with such a huge platform change to go with the 2019. I was not wanting the quality issues that always need to be worked out in year 1. At this point you are in the 2022 range, I say go for the 2022.
 

AngeloUCF

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 9, 2014
Posts
106
Reaction score
49
My primary complaint with Cadillacs is they use ****** touch controls on their dash and have up/down buttons for A/C controls instead of the rotary knob that's in the Tahoe/Yukon. It was enough to keep me from them, but I'm picky about ergonomics.
 
OP
OP
R

RobV

TYF Newbie
Joined
Dec 13, 2018
Posts
20
Reaction score
15
Thanks for all the replies. Today I’m wavering even more, lol. Found myself looking at new Denalis yesterday also.....but 80k....jeez. Then thought.....maybe I’ll just keep my truck.....get it road force balanced, new shocks, and a Diablo tuner, and call it good till the market rights itself. Who knows.....?!?
 

killjoy

TYF Newbie
Joined
Aug 2, 2011
Posts
20
Reaction score
12
'21 Escalade, easy. :)

Seriously, I would go with '21. I had a '16 Yukon and while I liked the truck, the '21s have so much new tech, I'd go that way for the same money.
 
OP
OP
R

RobV

TYF Newbie
Joined
Dec 13, 2018
Posts
20
Reaction score
15
'21 Escalade, easy. :)

Seriously, I would go with '21. I had a '16 Yukon and while I liked the truck, the '21s have so much new tech, I'd go that way for the same money.
Lol $120 for a new Esky, like what?????
 

Rdr854

Full Access Member
Joined
May 18, 2017
Posts
785
Reaction score
368
Location
Northern VA
I agree with @RobV. The prices are out of this world right now. Some dealers are charging (and getting) as much as $15K over MSRP. Until the inventory and pricing stabilize, it may be worthwhile to sit on the sidelines rather than overpay for a vehicle that keeps you woefully upside down in your financing.
 

Stbentoak

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 20, 2020
Posts
2,241
Reaction score
2,692
There ARE a few MSRP dealers out there... You just have to be very diligent...
 
OP
OP
R

RobV

TYF Newbie
Joined
Dec 13, 2018
Posts
20
Reaction score
15
I agree with @RobV. The prices are out of this world right now. Some dealers are charging (and getting) as much as $15K over MSRP. Until the inventory and pricing stabilize, it may be worthwhile to sit on the sidelines rather than overpay for a vehicle that keeps you woefully upside down in your financing.
That’s kinda why I’m leaning towards the 19 Esky......I think I’m gonna go drive one tmrw and see if it’s leaps and bounds different than my Yukon. I think there will be a difference since there’s a different suspension and tranny. We’ll see.
 

TheAgency

Member
Joined
Aug 6, 2014
Posts
87
Reaction score
32
Location
Minneapolis, MN
Coming from an early 2015 SLT to a 2021 Denali, the new trucks are leagues better. The increased size seems perfect without being too big, and while I'm sure the magnetic system helps compared to what I had in the SLT, the independent rear is so smooth.
 

ruise

Full Access Member
Joined
Nov 22, 2015
Posts
100
Reaction score
70
Coming from an early 2015 SLT to a 2021 Denali, the new trucks are leagues better. The increased size seems perfect without being too big, and while I'm sure the magnetic system helps compared to what I had in the SLT, the independent rear is so smooth.

I agree! I had both a 2016 and 2018 Yukon SLT (same generation as your 2015) and really enjoyed them both. But, this 2021 Denali is bigger, more luxurious (yet still utilitarian), smooooooth, and quiet. I love driving this vehicle. Roads that I drive that are full of potholes, uneven asphalt, etc. where I felt every bump in my SLT's are a breeze to drive with my new Denali. So much more enjoyable ride.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
137,676
Posts
1,989,239
Members
102,677
Latest member
V8Soulja423

Latest posts

Back
Top