6.2 vs 5.3, Significant power difference?

[Ex Euro Driver]

Thinking about making the jump from Tahoe to Yukon and was curious if the power difference is noticeable?

 

[Denali2k8]

Short answer...Yes. 5.3L is around 300hp aprox, 6.2L is closer to 400hp. I just came from a 5.3L pickup to a Denali with the 6.2L and I can tell a difference when driving the two. Even with the SUV being heavier, it makes a difference. The 6 speed in the Denali versus the 5 speed in the Silverado also makes a difference. I am actually getting better mileage overall in the SUV also.

 

[MichaelSE]

Yes. The 5.3 won't make you smile when you stomp on it. The 6.2 will.

 

[Ex Euro Driver]

Sounds like it's a go.

 

[novemberr]

Never drove 5.3. Feel my 6.2 is not even powerful.

 

[jimlucier]

Traded a 4 speed 5.3L 2007 Suburban in on a 2017 8 speed 6.2L Yukon XL Denali. The difference is amazing. The 5.3 always struggled to pull my 4,600 lb boat; also had a hard time moving me and my 3 golf buddies up a slight incline. The 6.2 and 8 speed handles both without breaking a sweat. If you can afford the upgrade, I highly recommend the 6.2/8 speed. An added plus is a significant improvement in mileage (you do have to run premium in the 6.2).

 

[Chris T]

Love the 6.2 in my Yukon Denali shorty. Whenever and whatever you ask it to do, it does no problem. More speed mid-hill - check. Quick getaway at a light - check. Merge onto freeway - check. Or purr like a kitten - check. I test drove a few 5.3's and although I didn't compare them back to back, from everything I've read the 6.2 is the way to go if you can afford it and the premium. For premium, think of it this way: premium today is a at least a dollar or more cheaper than regular from recent times. Do the long term match too - might be a few hundred extra per year.

 

[SidewaystheSeven]

LOL! While I'd certainly like the extra displacement, I've never found my 5.3L Burb to be short on power. I pulled 6K+ lbs worth of trailer and car "loaded down" with 5 people from San Antonio to DFW at > posted speeds with no issues. Without a load I'm getting a solid 23MPG hwy @ 70MPH with just an intake, tune, and cutout. Unless you're getting a killer deal on the 6.2L, or you just want a newer vehicle, throw a few mods and a tune on that 5.3 and enjoy.

 

[peddler]

I road tested both the 5.3 and 6.2. Noticeable power difference between the 2. Gas mileage is rated as 1mpg difference. As far as burning premium, the owners manual states 91 octane. Do the math. You'll be surprised how few dollars the regular to premium difference represents.

 

[Big Mama]

Umm... yes and surprisingly no one mentioned the exhaust note. Even if their both stock exhaust the 6.2 sounds like a V8 should. HP rating much higher and torque numbers are same as HP.

 

[Contend997]

I did a 5.7 to a 6.2l swap in my 99 tahoe 4x4 and there is a lot of different things I can tell you getting like 18 city and 25 highway miles on average but the getup and go is huge

 

[iconyq]

to me they are completely different trucks. I had a 07 Denali XL 6.2, have a 2012 Denali XL 6.2 and bought my wife a 11 Z71 Tahoe. Pulling power, acceleration, exhaust notes - all different. I put 93 in both vehicles so mileage and $$ to fill is the same. After my 07 XL I would not go back to the 5.3...but once you get bit by the bug not sure you can.

 

[TAHOEBLACKONBLACK]

A 5.3 with a tune basically feels like the 6.2. My 5.3 has CAI, exhaust, tune and the Esky, nor Yukon can keep up.

 

[Ex Euro Driver]

A 5.3 with a tune basically feels like the 6.2. My 5.3 has CAI, exhaust, tune and the Esky, nor Yukon can keep up.

Driven both. My Tahoe 5.3 with CAI, exhaust and tune can't get anywhere close to the Yukon 6.2. There's no way those minimal mods magically produce 80+ horsepower.

 

[kpolloc1]

I had a 04 Denali with the 6.0. Intake, headers, flowmaster 50 series, superchip, throttle body spacer. Just got a 2012 with the 6.2 and it was a huge difference. I put a K&N and cat back big block 50 series flowmaster on it this week and it opened it up to a whole new level.