2023 Denali - looking to buy - what should I watch for at 42k miles?

[KMeloney]

Have you put the 6.2 in Sport mode like you have the 5.3??

Loving my '23 with 6.2.

 

[JKeller]

There is probably a real weight difference in the 2wd rental and the 4wd you test drove and trim can also make a weight difference. You also make a good point about the computer retarding timing for inadequate octane. I also agree that a 2wd rental may have different gearing than a 4wd vehicle. Just my opinion, but if you want a true side by side comparison, I think you need to test drive identical vehicles with the different engines.

 

[RST Dana]

There is probably a real weight difference in the 2wd rental and the 4wd you test drove and trim can also make a weight difference. You also make a good point about the computer retarding timing for inadequate octane. I also agree that a 2wd rental may have different gearing than a 4wd vehicle. Just my opinion, but if you want a true side by side comparison, I think you need to test drive identical vehicles with the different engines.

Testing driving sounds good, but most dealers will not have the needed octane in the 6.2 fuel tank. You probably can still feel the launch difference or measure 0-60 or 30-80 times with several free apps.

 

[2024 White Tahoe]

There is probably a real weight difference in the 2wd rental and the 4wd you test drove and trim can also make a weight difference. You also make a good point about the computer retarding timing for inadequate octane. I also agree that a 2wd rental may have different gearing than a 4wd vehicle. Just my opinion, but if you want a true side by side comparison, I think you need to test drive identical vehicles with the different engines.

EDIT: These figures are for a 2024 Tahoe:


The curb weight for a 2WD Tahoe with the 5.3 engine is 5,473 pounds.
The curb weight for a 4WD Tahoe with the 5.3 engine is 5,661 pounds.
The curb weight for a 2WD Tahoe with the 6.2 engine is 5,647 pounds.
The curb weight for a 4WD Tahoe with the 6.2 engine is 5,845 pounds.

 

[tagexpcom]

I bought a used 2021 Yukon Denali in 2023 with 49K - were're up to 67K now and recall 'passed' / no trouble with engine. As far as what to watch for.... I was overwhelmed with the number of features! compared to my 2004 SRX. It took several hours to just understand the list.

And now, after a couple of years, I know what's wrong. For example, the driver side passenger door will not unlock by button. The other 3 doors work perfectly but not this one. It's not fatal but it's a small nit.
Another example - the side mirrors were damaged but I didn't notice that one was crooked compared to the other and it actually broke / had to be replaced after a couple of months. Not fatal but annoying. Another example, the 4WD low doesn't work like I expected - makes noises on tight turns / unexpectedly jerky / not really useful so far but 4WD hi works OK. **Many features on these rigs**

So... my advice would be to allow plenty of time to understand the feature list and to actually check things out so that you're 100% satisfied before writing the check. Also, leave room for some extra $ - for example, mine was missing a floor mat, added a trailer brake controller, added the auto-stop 'off' unit, etc.

BTW - Our main use is pulling a 6000lb trailer and not overheating on mountains / hot days and a bit of mild off-road. Overall rig has been EXCELLENT and we've feel like we make a great decision. And the odds of a good engine are still 95%+ - I'm not loosing sleep.

 

[JKeller]

Another example, the 4WD low doesn't work like I expected - makes noises on tight turns / unexpectedly jerky / not really useful so far but 4WD hi works OK.

For what it's worth, I've had 3 4WD Tahoes and 1 4wd F150 - all of them acted this way in 4 low. 4 low is meant for low traction situations where you need max torque. Be careful using it in situations with high traction as you can damage the system.

 

[tagexpcom]

For what it's worth, I've had 3 4WD Tahoes and 1 4wd F150 - all of them acted this way in 4 low. 4 low is meant for low traction situations where you need max torque. Be careful using it in situations with high traction as you can damage the system.

Yep, that's what I'm finding out. I pull a 5500lb trailer over my front lawn out to the street. I have a 'grass driveway' with 9" stone and those plastic grids with 1-2" dirt/grass on top. Slight uphill to the street.

Normally I just 2WD over the grass to the street but due to tons of rain, the left rear tire slipped in the grass->mud and I wasn't moving. Put in 4WD-Low and slipping (left rear) tire spun a bit -> 'clunky engage' -> more clunks -> general spinning / could not move forward and tore up the grass a bit more.

Put in 4WD-Hi and pulled right across the lawn to the street.

I don't understand 4WD-Low as it seemed (to the inexperienced! here) that it would be the preferred way to power forward at 2mph over a short distance with the trailer in tow.

 

[BacDoc]

There are plenty of YouTube videos on the performance difference between the 5.3 and 6.2.
Pretty sure none of them have data that shows the 5.3 is any faster and some have data that shows even better fuel economy with the 6.2.
I do know for towing the 6.2 gives you better performance as far as tow capacity.

 

[Bigburb3500]

Yep, that's what I'm finding out. I pull a 5500lb trailer over my front lawn out to the street. I have a 'grass driveway' with 9" stone and those plastic grids with 1-2" dirt/grass on top. Slight uphill to the street.
View attachment 473044

Normally I just 2WD over the grass to the street but due to tons of rain, the left rear tire slipped in the grass->mud and I wasn't moving. Put in 4WD-Low and slipping (left rear) tire spun a bit -> 'clunky engage' -> more clunks -> general spinning / could not move forward and tore up the grass a bit more.

Put in 4WD-Hi and pulled right across the lawn to the street.

I don't understand 4WD-Low as it seemed (to the inexperienced! here) that it would be the preferred way to power forward at 2mph over a short distance with the trailer in tow.

**Disclaimer** I’m not a professional off-roader but have done it a time or two. More than a dirt trail. Less than the Rubicon trail.

4-Low should be operated in a locked gear ratio too. I’ve used it twice in my Sub and I pull the gear lever all the way down and lock it into gear 1. IF I need it I will allow second.

My Land Cruiser has the ability to lock 1st or 2nd gear which is super helpful but the GM selector only locks out the highest gear. That might be the “cluck” you felt because 4-low gear changes have a ton of torque in them when shifting.

 

[JKeller]

There is an "auto" 4wd setting that would probably work well for what you describe. Pretty much the only time I throw my truck in 4 low is when I'm in mud. It also turns off traction control which is probably why you felt a wheel slipping like you describe.

 

[Yarbrr1]

2023 Denali with 42k miles - what should I watch out for?

6.2 is running strong and still has 18k left on the powertrain warranty - should i assume I'm safe?

I'm coming out of a 5.3 Tahoe with 110k miles, but all I have heard is the issues with the 6.2

Appreciate all replies - bring it on!

Very likely I pull the trigger on this one today - one minor accident and 1 owner.

I purchased a new ‘23 Tahoe w/the 6.2. Currently 43k miles, had the recall check done several months ago, and was told it passed. BTW I changed the oil to O/40 long before that, and have had no issues. The dealer service advisor told me that they had a failure vehicle with 48k and one with 7k. My nephew has a ‘23 Escalade with the 6.2 and it failed at 53K as he was driving on the interstate (was not fun). Like another member said check all the service records and (not sure if this makes a difference), but I change my oil at max 5k miles and sometimes sooner. This is my 2cd Tahoe, and I owned 2 Yukon XL’s - all with 5.3’s. I truly like this vehicle a lot, and my dealer has a “warranty forever” as long as I service it there, so I’m fortunate there. Tough decision for sure!

 

[Skywagon]

Ive had both. I didn't notice much in 6.2 vs 5.3 except when towing. The 6.2 is much more powerful when towing and will get to freeway speed much quicker. Normal daily driving...not much. Would I buy an older 6.2. No.

 

[LEsoftballdad]

The 5.3 is prone to lifter failures, which is what soured me on the 21 Sierra I owned. Having that issue at 5,000 miles made me sell it right away.

Did I hear the OP say that his 5.3 has more power when using E85?

 

[PA-WOODCHUCK]

BUY an extended warranty! We purchased our Yukon w/50K miles at dealer and more than paid for itself!

 

[NiamLeeSin]

BUY an extended warranty! We purchased our Yukon w/50K miles at dealer and more than paid for itself!

What warranty company and package did you buy?

 

[Jocko PDX]

I have a 2023 Denali 6.2. It runs perfect and passed the pico test. Frankly, I do not need or use the added power it came with it, I just thought it made it a more fun toy. I do pull a heavy boat with it through the Oregon mountains, but the 5.3 can do that just fine. How do I know this? I know because my 03 suburban has a 5.3 and has 303K miles on it and pulls it just fine.. If you are practical and care about the $ at all to me the 5.3 makes way more sense. The $ that you would save on 87 versus 92 gas is a lot over time. Also that super car oil that my 6.2now needs is very spendy.. But if the $ does not matter than go for it..