Do You Regret: Short-Body vs Long-Body

[Shadow17]

That is a dead sexy Denali...

Several people have now posted that they like the LWB better for towing. Why is this? I'm not trying to refute the point, I'm just curious.

The longer wheelbase and additional weight feels more solid. I never feel my towables over powering the truck. I went from a Tahoe to an Expedition EL and although I never towed with the Tahoe, the Expy just felt more stable.

 

[08HoeCD]

I've had my (2008) Tahoe for just over a year now and have been enjoying it. I will admit, however, that the ingress/egress from rear doors is surprisingly tight for such a big vehicle, and the cargo room behind the third row is even tighter and not useable with seats up.

On the other hand, I've had two cases of odd parking lot constraints in the past week where I'm pretty sure I would have been land-locked had I been driving a Suburban---I was barely able to back out of a space at the shopping mall for lack of backing room, and a crazy driver almost pinned me into another spot at a soccer field. I guess the morale of the story is to always park away from other cars/crowds when possible.

 

[Kendall69]

I bought the 2017 Yukon XL 4x4 , and love it. Think about it, you buy this vehicle of the utility part not the I like the looks part. The XL gives me so may more options over the shortie. Example, I'm packing today for a trip and by the time you add all the sleeping bags, lawn chairs, toys, rain gear, hiking boosts etc. I'm filling up the entire back with the 3rd seat folded down. You will always take more gear with you than you think you will need. Having said that, if you never plan on or don't have kids or a dog, and it's just you and the Mrs, and you pack lightly - get the shortie. But parking maneuverability etc. is just fine with the XL. Do what I did, I rented a 2017 XL and drove it 2000 miles in a week to see if I like it, and I loved it. The next week I had my own sitting in the driveway. If you ever go camping or on a long trip you will be glad you went bigger. Remember on the new XL's the third seat fold flat. I bought a fitted liner from the 2nd seat back and it is amazing the room you have and still be able to seat three kids watching their favorite CD,

 

[adventurenali92]

@08HoeCD , people suck. And they always seem to get worse in parking lots! Lol. I always try to park on the edge of the parking lot away from people simply, because I don't want my truck getting scratched. Haha. Then I realized it's easier to get out of parking cuz no one else parks near me and blocks me in haha.

 

[cardude2000]

I doubt the extra ~200LBS changes the driving characteristics in any meaningful way. I've never felt my SWB change when I pick up a buddy.

 

[hunter991]

i have towed my 20ft Mastercraft behind my tahoe SWB, and it tows just fine. I do have a tandem trailer thou, so that may make a difference.

 

[Big Mama]

Looks like you've heard every reason in the world to buy either one. Like others I've had a Yukon XL and a SWB Denali. For me it came down to where I was in life. When I bought the XL I had young kids and needed the extra space and ease of entry. Now the kids are grown so I have a SWB Denali. I can't speak to the Ford stuff as I've never owned one. Just look at what you'll use it for while you make the payments. That'll tell you right away. Once it's paid for and the kids are grown keep it forever and get the one YOU want. If I had to make a choice today it would be SWB with a minimum of a 6 litre and 4WD. Any of them will tow just about anything. Good luck.

 

[JayceeP]

Thanks everyone- lots of good points to be considered. It is definitely very subjective but I am not hearing any regrets from anyone who went with one over the other. I'll keep lurking and keep researching. The Sequoia doesn't appear that I will be re-designed this year or next. I've contemplated the new Armada but I think GM takes the cake when it comes to full-size SUV's. I really can't see myself looking at a Ford either. It just doesn't excite me and the new design doesn't wow me either. Very nice for sure, but not enough to make me wait around for it to come out and test-drive it.

 

[007matman]

Drive an AWD Escalade or Yukon XL Denali. You'll be hooked.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[SlanglTex]

I've had a 2010 SWB Escalade and currently drive a 2015 LWB Escalade.

Pros to LWB:
1. 2nd row doors are full size (windows go all the way down)
2. 2nd row has slightly more leg room than SWB, easier to get in and out of backseat
3. Towing is more stable in LWB due to longer wheelbase - i've towed my 5k lb boat around with both vehicles and the LWB is definitely more smooth riding
4. You get 2 fold down video screen in the LWB
5. Third row seat is actually useable
6. Storage behind third row is great, if you fold down third row storage is amazing

Pros to SWB:
1. To me feels like a sports car compared to driving LWB - can whip around corners/park with ease
2. Doesn't look like a soccer mom mobile

Both are great choices, I picked the LWB on my current vehicle due to wanting a useable third row seat and still being able to have cargo space in the rear.

 

[AngelXL]

In my case is all about the space.
I'm been DJing for more than 15 years.
I started with a 4 runner wich quickly it came down to. I need more room. Bought an 07 Yukon XL never look back. Solid truck till last year that I got a 2016 XL.
The feature for me of not taking out the seat is a blessing.
But to your question. I Think it comes down to money. It you can push the extra $10k go for it. You and wife won't regret it. Specially with kids and all.
By away I do alot basketball tournaments. After 2 months you'll drive that thing like if is a Toyota Corolla. I even got compliments on the road test from a salesmen on how easy I drive that truck. Plus you got all the cameras and sensors helping you out.

 

[juan84]

Same here it's about the space me and the wife bought a 09 swb back in Aug and she complained about having to fold up the 3rd row just to go shopping so about 2 months ago we traded it in for an 14 lwb now she's happy lol

Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk

 

[AngelXL]

By away! Sone has the cojones... of calling my Beast a soccer MOM... LOL!
NO WAY my Panda looks like...

 

[ajs800]

I've had a 2010 SWB Escalade and currently drive a 2015 LWB Escalade.

Pros to LWB:
1. 2nd row doors are full size (windows go all the way down)
2. 2nd row has slightly more leg room than SWB, easier to get in and out of backseat
3. Towing is more stable in LWB due to longer wheelbase - i've towed my 5k lb boat around with both vehicles and the LWB is definitely more smooth riding
4. You get 2 fold down video screen in the LWB
5. Third row seat is actually useable
6. Storage behind third row is great, if you fold down third row storage is amazing

Pros to SWB:
1. To me feels like a sports car compared to driving LWB - can whip around corners/park with ease
2. Doesn't look like a soccer mom mobile

Both are great choices, I picked the LWB on my current vehicle due to wanting a useable third row seat and still being able to have cargo space in the rear.

What he said^^^^

Plus with 3+ kids, I think a LWB is almost a must unless you never plan on making any overnight road trips with family.

I always preferred the look of the SWB with the pre15 trucks but with the 15+ models I tend to favor the looks of LWB.

Don't get me wrong, I like both and may eventually pick up a SWB for a 2nd vehicle, but the new SWB look like they should have been longer and have a chopped look in the rear...almost too short looking.

Good Luck!

 

[cardude2000]

I drove a tahoe and a denali. Magnetic ride on the denali sucks IMO (but I bought one anyway lol). So frickin stiff. I'd like to try the escalade with the different drive modes, maybe one of those can soften it.

 

[cardude2000]

2. Doesn't look like a soccer mom mobile

Ding ding ding ding! We have a winnah!

 

[Shadow17]

I did also forget, the second row has full sized doors. Getting in and out is a lot easier for both second and especially third row riders.
IMO, I don't feel the LWB looks soccer MOM at all. When I look at my truck I see more limo.

 

[Mwbutcher]

In 2002 had a Yukon XL but had kids - in 2007 kids out of the house and started buying pickups until last month when we bought a SWB Yukon SLT Premium and absolutely love it. Truck like with a sport feel. Just perfect until the grandkids start coming......can't beat the XL for room that is for sure. We are truly fortunate to have so many choices that are really all quality rides.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

 

[Goodinblack]

Always big body ftw

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[JML07denali]

SWB for me. 07 Denali. We have a 5 yr old and 1.5 yr old. 3rd row is always flipped up plenty room for stroller, a couple chairs or a radio flyer wagon. No complaints here

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk