Denali 2022 vs. 2021????

[FatDog]

Hey guys,

Just looking for any insight or thoughts on the 2021 vs. 2022 Yukon Denali's.

I just sold our 2017 Yukon Denali and the plan was to either order a 2023 and wait, or look for a 2022 with low miles. After looking at several different ones and reading up a bit. The question now is, how about a low mileage 2021?

It seems the the 2021's are "starting" to come down in price bit and you can actually find some okay deals.

I know the 2022 and up have the updated digital gauge cluster as well as the updated infotainment software but is it that much better then the 2021? And yes I do like the look of the gauge cluster in the 2022 vs. the 2021 but it's truly not a deal breaker for me.

Have there been any issues or woes with the 2021 as it was a new model year????

One plus for the 2021 is the rear entertainment system that actually works vs. the new version that from what I read is basically a joke. Now the RES is something my wife and I don't use much but it's nice to have available plus I think it helps a little come resale. That was one of the first questions that came up when the new buyer asked about our 2017......"Does it have the screen in the back for the kids?" Which I smiled and said yes it does!! LOL

I guess I'm just looking for any thoughts or advice with regard to a very well equipped 2022 vs. a completely loaded out 2021????

I wouldn't mind doing a 2023 but until things start changing, I don't know if I want to go down that road??? We have the ability to wait as we have an extra vehicle and don't "need" the new one anytime soon??

So in other words......help! LOL

 

[pa31p]

Not to sound depressing, but if you buy 2021, specific serial numbers have issues with lifters almost guarranteed, check that before you buy so you know what you’re getting into. I do like the new cluster for sure! newer would more than likely have more warranty left.

 

[FatDog]

Not to sound depressing, but if you buy 2021, specific serial numbers have issues with lifters almost guarranteed, check that before you buy so you know what you’re getting into. I do like the new cluster for sure! newer would more than likely have more warranty left.

That's great info!!

Big thanks on that. I assume if a guy gets the VIN, and you run it, it should tell if it's an affected one?

Any idea if production / build date helps narrow that down at all?

 

[pa31p]

Check GM Authority 2021 lifter issues.

not a new issue for GM, 2021 seemed to be more prone (or GM received more media attention over it that year)

Not a oil specialist myself but I think running 12000 miles on an oil change don’t help the issue. Many 5.3’s and 6.2’s have gone 200K miles without a glitch. more frequent oil changes may be the answer in AFM/DFM equipped engines.

Our other rig is an MB with the OM642 engine. change oil every 4500 miles and has not been into a dealership once since new (2016), 75K miles now. It’s outfitted with an emission system that puts space shuttle technology to shame. except it don’t work. hence the more frequent oil changes to save it from self destruction.

 

[FatDog]

Check GM Authority 2021 lifter issues.

not a new issue for GM, 2021 seemed to be more prone (or GM received more media attention over it that year)

Not a oil specialist myself but I think running 12000 miles on an oil change don’t help the issue. Many 5.3’s and 6.2’s have gone 200K miles without a glitch. more frequent oil changes may be the answer in AFM/DFM equipped engines.

Our other rig is an MB with the OM642 engine. change oil every 4500 miles and has not been into a dealership once since new (2016), 75K miles now. It’s outfitted with an emission system that puts space shuttle technology to shame. except it don’t work. hence the more frequent oil changes to save it from self destruction.

Well, changing oil is one thing that I have always been pretty religious about. Winter time, it's every 3000 to 3500 and summer time about 4500 and it's changed. It's cheap maintenance !!

 

[Highway3]

... if you buy 2021, specific serial numbers have issues with lifters almost guarranteed...

Do you know where to find info on which VINs / serials are affected?

I couldn't find any info via search or on GM Authority.

 

[pa31p]

• GM service update number: N212353840

The GM lifter problems seem to be most prevalent in the L84 5.3-V-8 and L87 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V-8 engines with build dates between September 2020 and March 2021.

(From GM Authority)

Haven’t looked but i’m sure on this forum there’s info on it.

 

[suterusu]

It's best to assume any truck you find could have the lifter issue. There is plenty of documentation on the forum of '22's with lifter problems, and dealers confirming to the people posting here that they aren't the only '22 they've seen. Up to you if you want to take the small risk.

 

[todayusay]

most of the lifter problems seemed to have occurred early on...had one dealer tell me if we hit 20k we should be good...who knows if that has any substance to it or not.

2021 pros - don't have to deal with the new google infotainment and 21s actually have a NAV system that works without a wifi plan...granted I'd rather use google maps on carplay/android auto over the GM system. you already mentioned the RSE and I agree, but if resale is more important than actually using it, I wouldn't list it as a pro or a con

2021 cons...first year build of a completely new design and cost...sure used prices are coming down, but are we talking 70% of MSRP?

I'd find a dealer that could order a 23 at sticker or less and go that route if I was going to be spending $70k+...as long as you aren't wanting to order a Yukon Denali Supremo XXXL diesel convertible hybrid in racing yellow with fire red interior factory lifted on 33s

my first thought when reading the original post is how does your state handle sales tax since you just sold the 2017 and most states allow for a sales tax credit offset with a trade in...and some states allow for the private sale to also offset the sales tax on a new vehicle but usually have limited timeframes when the offset is allowed (ie vehicle sold privately 45-60 days before or after the purchase of a vehicle)...or maybe sales tax is a non factor...

 

[ScottPSU]

Lifter issue aside, I would highly suggest the 2021. The 2022 is a disappointment to say the least. I traded a 2020 Denali for a 2022 Denali because I loved the look of the digital gauge cluster, 15" color HUD and larger center stack screen. As Todayusay mentioned, the infotainment system doesn't work without a data plan and even with the data plan, it is garbage. You will be waiting a minute or 2 for your route to load when you can bring up the same Google map route in a matter of seconds. And, the infotainment in the 2021 is just as fast. I have also had issues with mysterious noises from poor build quality. 3 trips back to the dealer so far to have them tighten shrouds, flash the radio (presets kept moving around on their own) and more. Not the point of the post, so rant over.

The good news is that the 2021 is the new design and is a great looking vehicle. Friends have a 2021 and had 0 issues with more than 25k in 18 months. They went with the SLT and it is an excellent people hauler.

 

[FatDog]

most of the lifter problems seemed to have occurred early on...had one dealer tell me if we hit 20k we should be good...who knows if that has any substance to it or not.

2021 pros - don't have to deal with the new google infotainment and 21s actually have a NAV system that works without a wifi plan...granted I'd rather use google maps on carplay/android auto over the GM system. you already mentioned the RSE and I agree, but if resale is more important than actually using it, I wouldn't list it as a pro or a con

2021 cons...first year build of a completely new design and cost...sure used prices are coming down, but are we talking 70% of MSRP?

I'd find a dealer that could order a 23 at sticker or less and go that route if I was going to be spending $70k+...as long as you aren't wanting to order a Yukon Denali Supremo XXXL diesel convertible hybrid in racing yellow with fire red interior factory lifted on 33s

my first thought when reading the original post is how does your state handle sales tax since you just sold the 2017 and most states allow for a sales tax credit offset with a trade in...and some states allow for the private sale to also offset the sales tax on a new vehicle but usually have limited timeframes when the offset is allowed (ie vehicle sold privately 45-60 days before or after the purchase of a vehicle)...or maybe sales tax is a non factor...

Thanks!!

As far as taxes in our state, the only way you benefit is if you trade at a dealer. If that is done then you only pay tax on the difference. On an outright sale and then I go buy another vehicle......we pay full tax, which sucks.

I hear ya on the 2023's, I would be looking for a "nicely" equipped Denali but right now it's tough to find a GM dealer that will sell at MSRP. I've looked some Fords and I will say, the Ford dealers are willing to deal and there is not "market adjustments" and prices above MSRP. Needless to say, it's frustrating but I know I'm not alone with that issue!

One clarification.......On the 2022 and up, the navigation system must have a wifi plan????

 

[todayusay]

Thanks!!

As far as taxes in our state, the only way you benefit is if you trade at a dealer. If that is done then you only pay tax on the difference. On an outright sale and then I go buy another vehicle......we pay full tax, which sucks.

I hear ya on the 2023's, I would be looking for a "nicely" equipped Denali but right now it's tough to find a GM dealer that will sell at MSRP. I've looked some Fords and I will say, the Ford dealers are willing to deal and there is not "market adjustments" and prices above MSRP. Needless to say, it's frustrating but I know I'm not alone with that issue!

One clarification.......On the 2022 and up, the navigation system must have a wifi plan????

yep - one of the bigger surprises I think was the changeover to google after only one year with the "new" system in the 2021s...wifi is needed for the infotainment system to work "properly"...hence the reason GM is now forcing customers to buy an Onstar plan (at least on the GMC side)...people were either complaining about lack of functionality or it's simply GM's way of hooking buyers on their onstar/wifi subscription plans (yes - the latter)

GM aims to build Netflix-sized subscription business by 2030 | TechCrunch

General Motors said it expects its in-car subscription services to generate nearly $2 billion in revenue this year and will reach as high as $25 billion

techcrunch.com

Car Buyers Expected to Pay Extra $135 Monthly for Subscriptions: GM

New car buyers may be expected to pay as much as $135 per month on additional subscription-based features in the future, says General Motors.

www.thedrive.com

21s that had factory navigation worked without the need for wifi..typical OEM NAV stuff, not the best in the world but it was still maps...probably the one unique aspect of a 21 with nav and RSE, the second row passengers can search for a place to navigate on the RSE and then send the destination to the driver...driver can then either accept or reject the directions....kids used to always send directions to ice cream whenever we took off

 

[FatDog]

yep - one of the bigger surprises I think was the changeover to google after only one year with the "new" system in the 2021s...wifi is needed for the infotainment system to work "properly"...hence the reason GM is now forcing customers to buy an Onstar plan (at least on the GMC side)...people were either complaining about lack of functionality or it's simply GM's way of hooking buyers on their onstar/wifi subscription plans (yes - the latter)

GM aims to build Netflix-sized subscription business by 2030 | TechCrunch

General Motors said it expects its in-car subscription services to generate nearly $2 billion in revenue this year and will reach as high as $25 billion

techcrunch.com

Car Buyers Expected to Pay Extra $135 Monthly for Subscriptions: GM

New car buyers may be expected to pay as much as $135 per month on additional subscription-based features in the future, says General Motors.

www.thedrive.com

21s that had factory navigation worked without the need for wifi..typical OEM NAV stuff, not the best in the world but it was still maps...probably the one unique aspect of a 21 with nav and RSE, the second row passengers can search for a place to navigate on the RSE and then send the destination to the driver...driver can then either accept or reject the directions....kids used to always send directions to ice cream whenever we took off

That's great info!!!

I'll be honest, I'm typically a Ford guy but the wife likes the Denali's and Escalade's, which we have had a few of each. So I haven't followed all the new changes and updates that close with GM. The more I'm reading and hearing, I actually leaning towards trying to find a 2021 with low miles.

 

[jorgetoro]

I totally enjoy my 21. No issues!

 

[FatDog]

Any insight or thoughts on the air ride in the 2021 / 2022?

I've done some research and it really seems split. Some guys say stay away and some say it's great?

I've located a very nicely equipped 2021 and it does have the air ride, so it has me wondering???????

 

[pa31p]

If you tow a lot or live in a city where the roads suck (sorry guys..Detroit or Montreal comes to mind) Would be world of difference. the ride will be better for sure. Not sure if Yukons or Tahoe’s have self leveling headlamps (mine don’t look like it) but that alone is worth something if you tow.

 

[FatDog]

If you tow a lot or live in a city where the roads suck (sorry guys..Detroit or Montreal comes to mind) Would be world of difference. the ride will be better for sure. Not sure if Yukons or Tahoe’s have self leveling headlamps (mine don’t look like it) but that alone is worth something if you tow.

No towing, I've got a 3/4 ton and a 1/2 ton for that. This will strictly be the wife's ride and the road trip vehicle when we are not towing on a trip.

So.....around town and road trips.

 

[pa31p]

I would consider it a major plus.

Usually it’s bundled with other options too. the more the merrier IMHO.

 

[Saltydog]

Our 21' has been great, no real issues to speak of and find the infotainment system fantastic, very quick and easy to use.

Two options that I would like to have: air ride and adaptive cruise.

 

[B520044]

I've had two 2021 Yukons and would suggest staying away from the early builds. I was one of the first to own one and its build date was June 2020. Had numerous quality issues with it (lemon law claim filed, etc). My 2nd 2021 AT4 has been very good. Some small issues that were fixed under warranty like the usual Sunroof gurgle and rear GMC kick lamp wearing out. It's been solid as far as mechanical issues go and I/kids love the infotainment and Rear seat infotainment system. That all has worked flawlessly, without any updates. It's build date was 1 year after my first; June 2021. (Note: I now have over 22k miles on it)