Buying 6.2 engine vs 5.3

[RevolutionLeast87]

I am looking to buy a SUV(gmc Yukon at4 or Chevy Tahoe z71)

With open NHTSA investigation, I don’t know if I should really buy 6.2 engine. Test drove both 6.2 and 5.3. 6.2 was definitely peppy to drive.

Looking for some words to put me at ease

 

[swathdiver]

Since emissions and CAFE standards were just rolled back to sane levels, you might consider waiting to see how the manufacturers respond to this. They may make changes immediately or wait for the next model year. My guess is that they will do away with cylinder deactivation and DEF for diesels right away.

 

[15burban]

While I really hope they get rid of all the cylinder deactivation bs I kind of doubt they will. There's still way too many people that believes it gives them a lot better gas mileage. And surprisingly to me, people really care about gas mileage in a 6000lb brick with a v8. Also gm would basically have to admit their system is a bogus system that has made their vehicles less reliable over the past 20 some years.

 

[RevolutionLeast87]

So, I would need this new car by June 2025( growing family). Is it good idea to wait until late April or early May and then decide based on how manufacturers react on CAFE program rollback?

If manufacturers don’t react to rollback quick, what would be best engine to buy in the current conditions?

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Yes, there have been issues with the 6.2 motors and AFM. But, it is a small percentage of all 6.2 motors out there on the road. I know, that doesn't matter if you are one of the few that encounters this issue

For a few thousand dollars, you can have the AFM deleted.

 

[RevolutionLeast87]

Does deleting AFM void the warranty from GM?

 

[DontTaseMeBro]

Does deleting AFM void the warranty from GM?

You can't have it deleted. Not on this generation. And yes, it would absolutely void your warranty if was possible. Best thing you can do(works and it's affordable) is to purchase an AFM disabler from Range or Carbyte.

 

[todayusay]

Just don't drive the 6.2.

Yes I'm kidding but kinda like keyless remote, how many of us would like to go back using a physical key to unlock the car door every time? If you didn't experience the 6.2 you'd be satisfied with the 5.3.

We are on our 4th Tahoe/Yukon of the current generation - 21 AT4 with 45k miles, 22 Z71 15k, 23 Z71 77k, and now on a 2024 Z71. All with the 5.3. Do we street race? No, but it has plenty of pep and there's never been a situation where I thought, man...wish I had more power. The only engine issue out of all of them was the 21 AT4, idler pulley had to be replaced. Over that same timeframe we've known several families get stranded driving 6.2s...but they all get fixed under warranty and haven't heard of any repeat issues.

I'd just get the 5.3 and call it a day and save some $$. If you think you can't drive one without a 6.2...just get the 6.2, buying one doesn't guarantee you issues, just raises the % slightly

 

[blanchard7684]

We are on our 4th Tahoe/Yukon of the current generation - 21 AT4 with 45k miles, 22 Z71 15k, 23 Z71 77k, and now on a 2024 Z71. All with the 5.3. Do we street race? No, but it has plenty of pep and there's never been a situation where I thought, man...wish I had more power. The only engine issue out of all of them was the 21 AT4, idler pulley had to be replaced. Over that same timeframe we've known several families get stranded driving 6.2s...but they all get fixed under warranty and haven't heard of any repeat issues.

That is great experience with the 5.3. Thanks for sharing.

I had same thinking going into getting a 2024 Suburban.

The 5.3 gets crapped on but it is fairly potent especially when paired with a 10 spd.

I didn't get a suburban to win races or set records with fuel mileage. I just needed a huge SUV that was going to have the least troublesome powertrain possible (a tough thing to find in the last decade or so).

 

[Vladimir2306]

In the current conditions, I would probably also think about whether to take 6.2 or not. But my 6.2 has been running without problems for 70 thousand miles.

 

[blkonblk]

I have a 23 yukon denali duramax and love it. Look into that option as well

 

[nomech]

I didn't know the issue was only on the 6.2s I thought the 5.3s also had the same issues. Interesting. I don't know why I thought that.

 

[CrashTestDummy]

I didn't know the issue was only on the 6.2s I thought the 5.3s also had the same issues. Interesting. I don't know why I thought that.

Yes, both 6.2 AND 5.3 have the issues. And simply disabling the AFM (DFM as it's called these days) doesn't eliminate the problem, as the parts are still in the engine. It seems a fair number of 6.2's failing are spinning rod bearings/spitting rods out the engine, not just issues with the lifters/cam with the DFM system.

 

[RevolutionLeast87]

Everyone of you is telling what the issues are with 6.2 and 5.3 engines. But what I am looking for, is considering all the issues and information at hand. What is best one to buy?

My driving habits will be to use this new vehicle mostly for road trips with 2 toddlers. Not much of towing needs. Mostly city driving to work, which is located in downtown part of the city. Live in west coast state where gas prices are high.

Haven’t driven any truck like SUV in my entire life. Drove both 5.3 and 6.2 engines and really do liked the peppiness of 6.2

 

[JKeller]

I think you have answered your own question. You liked the peppiness, so get the 6.2. If you didn't care about the peppiness, get a 5.3. The 5.3 probably gets the nod in terms of lower percentage chance of issues, but both can have issues. I had a lifter eat into the cam shaft on my 2003 5.3. I had 2 other 5.3s that did not have any issues. My current 6.2 has 100k miles with lots of towing and no issues. Just go buy what you want.

 

[WalleyeMikeIII]

Just note, the 6.2 really should use premium fuel...so factor that into your budget (West Coast Premium Fuel is really premium priced).

I had 5.7L and 5.3L Suburbans and Tahoes before I got my 6.2L in 2022. I will never go back to the 5.3L. It is not a bad engine, but the 6.2L has way bigger smile factor.

If I were in your warm climate, and if you have regular drives of 20-30 mintues or more, I would strongly consider the 3.0L Diesel...

 

[RevolutionLeast87]

I really have to drive far to find diesel, so that's what’s stopping me from buying a diesel engine. The Costco near me doesn’t even sell diesel.

 

[Stbentoak]

I really have to drive far to find diesel, so that's what’s stopping me from buying a diesel engine. The Costco near me doesn’t even sell diesel.

I don't know where you live, but I can't find a station locally that doesn't sell it....And there IS life on the other side of Costco....

 

[blanchard7684]

I really have to drive far to find diesel, so that's what’s stopping me from buying a diesel engine. The Costco near me doesn’t even sell diesel.

Looks like the options are 1) other trim levels that have a 5.3 or 2) roll the dice on a 6.2

 

[WalleyeMikeIII]

Based on your seeming reluctance to go diesel, which I still think may be a great option for you, I’d go for the 6.2.