2011 Yukon Denali vs 2011 Yukon/2011 Tahoe

[TaylorK]

So I am currently in the market for a new suv. I am from Texas and we get virtually no snow but a lot of rain that creates mud. I like the Denali because of the nicer interior and bigger motor, but what I don't like/am unsure is the awd system on it. Does the all wheel drive suck in mud and water? I know it's good on dirt roads and street. Should I go with 5.3 Tahoe/ Yukon or 6.2 Yukon Denali? Keep in mind I will really never be towing, and will very rarely have heavy loads in the trunk. I have also heard of a 2009 Chevy Tahoe 6.2 but I could find any. If any one has a tahoe like this or knows someone who is selling please post a link. Thanks

 

[ISU-152]

Buy what you like my friend. I'd be fine with a mini van but drive the hoes. Denali sounds nice

 

[PatDTN]

My 5.3 Flex fuel Tahoe is fine for driving. I do think 6.2 would provide more torque to support its reluctance to downshift better.

I'd be curious to know differences between the Denali and my LTZ.

 

[M3kanic]

I have owned a 2010 tahoe and now a 2010 denali xl. The Denali gets about 2-3 mpg better. Also the standard equipment is way better for the denali. But there is the price difference. The awd seems really good. I have had no problems in the upstate new York winter.

 

[t.stimpson]

denali is professional grade, nuff said

 

[davidl13]

I have a 2012 Denali with AWD here in Montana where snow and mud and every extreme condition exists... The AWD has been awesome... Got me out of some crazy spots and the 6.2 is much better than the anemic 5.3..

awd drives better, no clunking when engaged and making turns....

 

[davidl13]

Ok, I learned something today... Some of the AWD came with a limited slip rear option and some did not.. Mine did (G80 code in glove box) .. So I imagine that contributes greatly to my capabilities...

Not all Denali AWD systems are equal

Make sure yours has a G80 code (limited slip rear differential) on the sticker in the glove box

 

[petergriffen]

The Denali shouldn't get better mileage than the Tahoe?

 

[M3kanic]

The Denali shouldn't get better mileage than the Tahoe?

Your right I don't think it should but I do in mine. I don't have to floor it everywhere I go. The power difference is night and day. The Tahoe I had averaged about 13.5 and the Denali gets 15. And the Tahoe had 3.08 final drive where as my Denali has 3.42. That may make the difference but I always had my right foot down in the Tahoe.

 

[kchawaii]

Just weighing in on the mpg discussion. Keep in mind most of my driving is city, I live in Hawaii so you could say none of my driving is highway. This is what I've been averaging-
2007 Sierra Denali 6.2 2wd -13.3mpg
2009 Tahoe 5.3 2wd - 16.2mpg
2007 Yukon Denali 6.2 awd - 12.2 mpg

Haven't put a lot of miles on the Yukon yet, I've only had it about 3 months now. The truck and Tahoe I've had for years though. I can't imagine any of the optional motors getting better mpgs than the 5.3, I've owned a few trucks with it. Should also point out the 6.2's don't have AFM, at least in 07.

I do love the power of the 6.2 over the 5.3, and I like the feel of the awd on the Yukon, I just don't like thinking about when it will start to have problems. Glad my truck doesn't have it. I think I just confused you more.

Good luck

 

[M3kanic]

When I had my old 2002 suburban in Hawaii I only got 10 to 13 mpg. And like he said there is no highway mpg there. Also I averaged less than 10k miles per year while I lived there so you don't drive nearly as much. I have owned my Yukon XL Denali for 9 months and put over 25k miles on it so far.

 

[Gurrzt]

I own a Denali that is 2 RWD, I'm sure you can find one on a lot somewhere. For the vehicles you mention, and considering the weight, the 6.2L is the way to go.

 

[mike1944]

I bought my 2010 Denali new when I lived in Southern California. Figured the resale value with AWD would be better but doubted I would need it.

Then I got caught in the snow/ice in Yosemite - pulled right out when others were slipping and sliding around; went down a dirt road in Northern California National Forest - pulled right through the mud and muck and a couple of streams; caught in the snow/ice in Yellowstone - same result.

Now I live in beautiful Oregon. It snows up here. AWD worth it to me. Would not be without it.

My driving is almost 100% highway and the meter tells me I'm getting plus or minus 17 MPG.

52k miles and no repairs. Love all the toys. At my age I need those heated/cooled seats, and that heated steering wheel is great!

6.2 is worth every penny when you are pulling into highway traffic.