Engine choice for new Yukon XL Denali (best reliability for next 3 years)

[rad92]

I've recently been posting about GMC configurator issues as I try to get the Denali Reserve package (for its SuperCruise, alongside other features) as well as the Premium Capability Package with Active Response 4WD (included with Denali Reserve in MY2024, but separate option for MY2025, with configuration difficulty alongside Duramax).

Starting a new thread here to request advice on Yukon XL engine choice from more experienced members --- between the 6.2L V8 and the 3.0L Duramax (both LM2 on a new-on-lot MY2024 or LZO on new-to-order MY2025 are options). The 5.3L V8 is not under consideration.

Our situation is that we are a one-car family, and this would be our only car for our family of seven. We live in a semi-rural / rural mountain area, with all that typically involves:

(1) Elevation of 4000-5000 feet
(2) Annual snowfall of 3-6 feet
(3) Private gravel roads for the last few miles to our house until paved county roads
(4) Only one GM (Chevy / GMC) dealer / service-center within 1-2 hours of home
(5) Lots of daytime driving, but also significant nighttime driving (it gets dark at 5pm in winter)
(6) Monthly mileage of approximately 3000 miles (yes: 30,000+ miles per year), most of that on highways or rural county roads with little stop-and-go

Also, please assume:

(1) Frequent oil/filter changes
(2) All recommended maintenance done on schedule
(3) Disable of auto-start/stop technology

The high mileage is a particular cause of concern for us, given that there doesn't appear to be any bullet-proof engine for a new Yukon (XL) --- they all have different (seemingly early) failure modes. This post looks for advice on which is the one that might best meet our needs.

Due to concerns over engine reliability, as well as how quickly new safety features are being introduced for cars now-a-days, we plan to replace this Yukon XL after 2--3 years (with a new large SUV, probably another Yukon XL), since that would be 60,000 -- 90,000 miles.

We figure that all warranties will expire (in our case) based on mileage, rather than calendar years, so we view them as follows (when driving 30k+ miles per year):

(1) Bumper-to-bumper (@ 36k miles): Good for 1-year for us
(2) Powertrain (@ 60k miles): Good for 2-years for us
(3) GM Protection Plan (8-yr/100k Platinum): Good for 3-year for us

I'll be purchasing the above GM Protection Plan at the same time as the SUV (not necessarily from same dealer, though, as I've read on this forum which dealers often most aggressive pricing for GMPP).

Our significant concern is to avoid ever being stranded --- this is particularly top-of-mind for my wife, when she's driving kids around when I'm not also in the car. That's the reason we have in mind to only keep the car for three years, so we'll at least have some GMPP left for that third year.

Even so, I've read about very long (180 day?!?) wait times for engine replacement even under original warranty (especially with 6.2L), which gives us anxiety, as there are very few available loaner cars that will accommodate all of us safely. That's also driving the push for us to plan / budget for early replacement with another new SUV after just a few years.

But more than anything, we want to think hard about the gas vs. Duramax engine choice, given recent reports of the NHTSA investigation into the 870k 6.2L V8 engines. If reliability were the same, we'd definitely get the 6.2L V8, as my wife prefers that (given past familiarity with gas engines) and she'll be doing more of the driving (for kids' pickup/dropoff/activities). But reliability is going to probably end up driving this choice more than anything.

Please completely ignore the following factors in engine preference:

(1) Resale value between different engines (ie, cost)
(2) Fuel mileage between different engines (ie, cost)
(3) Towing benefits of Duramax (we tow very occasionally to never)
(4) Longer-term engine reliability (ie, above 150k miles, since we plan to replace at 3-years, well before that mileage)

Along with your opinion on engine choice, I'd really appreciate if you could provide an explanation for why you think that way. Finally, if you vote for the Duramax, please let me know if you have a preference between the LM2 vs. LZ0.

Thanks so much for reading such a long post, and providing your thoughts.

 

[jfoj]

Not sure there is a "good" answer.

The 3.0l Duramax has had some issues. They also have a cogged rubber belt inside the rear of the crankcase that drives the oil pump. Some indications are this belt needs to be changed around 100k miles and it costs around $3000 or so as I recall, maybe more. The transmission needs to be removed to replace the belt.

There have been problems with the DEF tank level indicator and there have been problems where the engine goes into some sort of "limp" mode as I recall and some have indicated an illusive antifreeze leak somewhere in the intake piping as I recall. You should search and you should be able to find more info on all of this.

The 6.2l, well there is not a good track record here either. Some think the newer build engines may have less issues? Time will tell.

I am hearing running 0W20 in either of these engines is not wise, suggest using 5W30 or 0W40. Change is by the time the OLM hits 25% life left on the oil.

For the 6.2l look into something like the Range DFM bypass module as well.

Kind of sad that these gasoline V8's do not last like the 6.0l version, my 2005 6.0l Yukon has 275,000 and counting, still have it, rusty rocker panels and all! It owes me nothing at this point.

 

[PPK_]

I have a ‘24 with a 5.3 which i did due to lots of problems with the 6.2. I have had four 5.3s and never had any problem with them.. i also have a ‘25 sierra with a 3 liter in it. I think it is noisy like most diesels are and gets 28 mpg. I think the first version with cast al pistons is much quieter.

I have had all my 5.3s all over the country and do fine and what altitude you speak of won’t make much difference. If reliability is what you want.. i am not sure those picks in engines will do it.

On diesels.. i have had quite a few of them. On one VW.. i waited for two glow plugs not working before i changed all four out. Got my new glow plugs.. went to change them out.. very last one i could not get out. Big deposit on it. Had to take off manifolds and all other stuff up top to change it out. That is why i don’t like diesels. Instead of an hour it took weeks to get gaskets..

If you had a diesel before.. then you know this.. they are a lot of maintenance.

 

[pa31p]

Get a duramax and change oil every 5000 miles. put a quick drain on it.

 

[Stbentoak]

Watch this and more importantly read all the comments and you'll have your answer.

As far as the oil belt goes. somebody certainly poisoned people against this early on. And sadly, people still think it's an issue. I've never heard of one being replaced. It's warranted to 200,000 miles now. What do you want it to do? Laat a million? 99% of owners will never keep them that long, and even if they do, they will have had plenty of experience by then to do it efficiently. Simply not a concern.

AFA maintenance goes, really another misconception. I can change my own oil and filter for 70 bucks. Put in DEF from Wal mart once every 6 months for less than a drive thru meal.
Fuel filter 30 bucks and 15 min max good for 30K. Returns far superior mileage and doesn't need premium. Certainly, no more than a gas model....

Dependability? Well, my wife visits my children and grandchildren three hours away once every two weeks and many times drives by herself. I would never send her off in a 5.3 or a 6.2. Any motor can certainly have issues including this one. But if you look at the Duramax Forum, it's mostly pretty boring. Sometimes it goes days and days with no posts. not something you see in the other columns. It's made that trip at least 75-100 times. 350-mile trip and usually uses about a half a tank total. Not a whimper out of it... That is why another LZ0 is on order and worth waiting for. Best Hwy/Traveling vehicle I've ever had.

 

[rad92]

Hi all,

I should have mentioned that I've already read (in detail) the late 2023 DMax vs 6.2L thread here on TYF.com. Also, prior to my original post, I watched the above review by Getty's Garage, as well as some of his other reviews as commercial diesel mechanic, such as his complementary review of the 6.2L (on a GMC Sierra 1500 pickup).

Still, it's hard for me to get a clear idea of which is more reliable in the usage range I'm considering.

I'm actually not at all concerned with replacement of the Duramax oil-pump belt at either its original 150k or new 200k service interval. That probably won't even impact us, if we just plan to trade-in (for new) the entire SUV at 3-year / 100k interval...

The key thing in this post is that I'm NOT concerned with a known extra cost maintenance item that I can just plan for (like oil-pump service). I'm very concerned with the possibility of my wife driving alone with five kids and getting unexpectedly stranded in the middle of nowhere (which is case for most of our driving), where nearest town or gas station or tow-truck might be an hour or two away.

Thanks for the input so far. Please keep it coming!

(Also, not looking to start religious war between turbo-diesel and na-gas, which is what seemed to have in thread from 2023 that I link above...)

 

[Nighthawk]

Sounds like your decision is made. Get the diesel.

 

[blanchard7684]

I’ll chime in to say that the 5.3 gets an undeserved bad rap. I’d drive one before you make a decision.

I had same negative preconceived notions . Then I drove one and came away impressed.

 

[CMoore711]

Though I’ve never owned a vehicle with the 5.3; I was in a ‘21 Yukon XL SLT with 5.3 and 10 speed and I will say that the 10 speed helps the 5.3 a lot! I will say I wasn’t as disappointed as I thought I might’ve been.

 

[WalleyeMikeIII]

I’ll chime in to say that the 5.3 gets an undeserved bad rap. I’d drive one before you make a decision.

I had same negative preconceived notions . Then I drove one and came away impressed.

Except he said he wanted a Denali, which would limit his choices to either the 6.2 Gasser and the 3.0 Diesel.

I would think in his use case...given there are a lot of miles put on, the Diesel would be the better choice.
Also, the diesel gets a 5 year, 100k mile powertrain warranty, which may be better suited to OP's used case.

 

[killjoy]

I’ll chime in to say that the 5.3 gets an undeserved bad rap. I’d drive one before you make a decision.

I had same negative preconceived notions . Then I drove one and came away impressed.

The 5.3L has plenty of power. Drivability and towing... impression/feel... is not the issue. Very few of us are towing a 8k lb trailer with an SUV. If you are towing something that heavy, you'd be better off with a 5th wheel hitch on a pickup.

My 2021 has < 17k miles and has stranded me 3x all requiring a flat bed tow to the dealer. 2x for failed DFM lifters (that are still POS despite dealer assurances the problem if fixed)... and a failed fuel pump control module.
The 6.2 has the same issues with DFM lifters and fuel pump control modules as the 5.3, plus bad bearings.

Going with the 3.0 diesel avoids those problems, but if you're keeping it forever, you'll need to deal with oil pump belts, fuel pumps, etc. You also have to be willing to deal with a diesel - not the best for cold climates (e.g. starting, remote start idling).

At least with the GM pickups, you can opt for the cheap turbo 4 to avoid all the DFM BS. With the fullsize SUVs though, it feels like your choice is among 3 bad options... unless you wanted a diesel from the start.

I've had more than 2 dozen GM 5.3s since the late 1990s. Today's 5.3L engine is not the same as those in the past. All of the fuel efficiency BS is reducing reliability just so you can get an extra 0.2 MPG on the freeway and make the greenies happy.

 

[swathdiver]

Since the Feds just threw the CAFE and emissions standards into the garbage, look for the removal of certain emissions and gas saving features like AFM that will make the engines more reliable in the near future.

 

[Padraig]

Diesel all the way. Additional maintenance is minimal, Def is no big thing. I have a Burban with 24,000 miles with zero issues. I am 76 years old and have owned muscle cars, pick ups, sedans and high performance boats. This baby Duramax rates as one of the sweetest engines I have ever owned!

Padraig

 

[Tinbadtin]

Since very few have actually addressed your question let me attempt to. You seem to prioritize not getting stranded and there hasn’t been anyone so far being let down by the 3.0, stranded on the side of the road. On the other hand there are many stories of 6.2’s crapping out and leaving people stranded.

Aside from that data point, the miles you drive make the diesel a perfect fit. They are made for eating miles, you will be in the minority of buyers who will actually be economically way ahead with the diesel due to fuel economy being nearly double of the 6.2. Quite honestly I think in your situation the 3.0 is really a no brainer.

Whatever you end up choosing: happy motoring!

 

[bobwass]

Since very few have actually addressed your question let me attempt to. You seem to prioritize not getting stranded and there hasn’t been anyone so far being let down by the 3.0, stranded on the side of the road. On the other hand there are many stories of 6.2’s crapping out and leaving people stranded.

Aside from that data point, the miles you drive make the diesel a perfect fit. They are made for eating miles, you will be in the minority of buyers who will actually be economically way ahead with the diesel due to fuel economy being nearly double of the 6.2. Quite honestly I think in your situation the 3.0 is really a no brainer.

Whatever you end up choosing: happy motoring!

nailed it

 

[fozzi58]

I have to agree with @Tinbadtin

However, I remember reading that they were planning on putting the 2.7L Turbo 4 in the SUVs as the base engine option. If that was available, I would probably max out a Yukon XL SLT, forgo the Denali package and stick with the turbo 4.

Been driving my Dad's 22 Silverado around a couple months with that engine. I have to admit I am impressed by its response, power, and fuel economy. Its about on par with the 5.3 in terms of city driving economy but I think it does a lot better on the highway. And the Gen 3 8 speed transm9ssion is really nice.

 

[ZKWBQD]

I've recently been posting about GMC configurator issues as I try to get the Denali Reserve package (for its SuperCruise, alongside other features) as well as the Premium Capability Package with Active Response 4WD (included with Denali Reserve in MY2024, but separate option for MY2025, with configuration difficulty alongside Duramax).

Starting a new thread here to request advice on Yukon XL engine choice from more experienced members --- between the 6.2L V8 and the 3.0L Duramax (both LM2 on a new-on-lot MY2024 or LZO on new-to-order MY2025 are options). The 5.3L V8 is not under consideration.

Our situation is that we are a one-car family, and this would be our only car for our family of seven. We live in a semi-rural / rural mountain area, with all that typically involves:

(1) Elevation of 4000-5000 feet
(2) Annual snowfall of 3-6 feet
(3) Private gravel roads for the last few miles to our house until paved county roads
(4) Only one GM (Chevy / GMC) dealer / service-center within 1-2 hours of home
(5) Lots of daytime driving, but also significant nighttime driving (it gets dark at 5pm in winter)
(6) Monthly mileage of approximately 3000 miles (yes: 30,000+ miles per year), most of that on highways or rural county roads with little stop-and-go

Also, please assume:

(1) Frequent oil/filter changes
(2) All recommended maintenance done on schedule
(3) Disable of auto-start/stop technology

The high mileage is a particular cause of concern for us, given that there doesn't appear to be any bullet-proof engine for a new Yukon (XL) --- they all have different (seemingly early) failure modes. This post looks for advice on which is the one that might best meet our needs.

Due to concerns over engine reliability, as well as how quickly new safety features are being introduced for cars now-a-days, we plan to replace this Yukon XL after 2--3 years (with a new large SUV, probably another Yukon XL), since that would be 60,000 -- 90,000 miles.

We figure that all warranties will expire (in our case) based on mileage, rather than calendar years, so we view them as follows (when driving 30k+ miles per year):

(1) Bumper-to-bumper (@ 36k miles): Good for 1-year for us
(2) Powertrain (@ 60k miles): Good for 2-years for us
(3) GM Protection Plan (8-yr/100k Platinum): Good for 3-year for us

I'll be purchasing the above GM Protection Plan at the same time as the SUV (not necessarily from same dealer, though, as I've read on this forum which dealers often most aggressive pricing for GMPP).

Our significant concern is to avoid ever being stranded --- this is particularly top-of-mind for my wife, when she's driving kids around when I'm not also in the car. That's the reason we have in mind to only keep the car for three years, so we'll at least have some GMPP left for that third year.

Even so, I've read about very long (180 day?!?) wait times for engine replacement even under original warranty (especially with 6.2L), which gives us anxiety, as there are very few available loaner cars that will accommodate all of us safely. That's also driving the push for us to plan / budget for early replacement with another new SUV after just a few years.

But more than anything, we want to think hard about the gas vs. Duramax engine choice, given recent reports of the NHTSA investigation into the 870k 6.2L V8 engines. If reliability were the same, we'd definitely get the 6.2L V8, as my wife prefers that (given past familiarity with gas engines) and she'll be doing more of the driving (for kids' pickup/dropoff/activities). But reliability is going to probably end up driving this choice more than anything.

Please completely ignore the following factors in engine preference:

(1) Resale value between different engines (ie, cost)
(2) Fuel mileage between different engines (ie, cost)
(3) Towing benefits of Duramax (we tow very occasionally to never)
(4) Longer-term engine reliability (ie, above 150k miles, since we plan to replace at 3-years, well before that mileage)

Along with your opinion on engine choice, I'd really appreciate if you could provide an explanation for why you think that way. Finally, if you vote for the Duramax, please let me know if you have a preference between the LM2 vs. LZ0.

Thanks so much for reading such a long post, and providing your thoughts.

I would recommend a normally aspirated V8 engine that uses gasoline, not a diesel.

 

[petethepug]

Diesel, period. You’ll want / need the torque for all your passengers. You’ll love the range as well as love the opportunity to add a larger diesel tank. Not sure if GM has incorporated it yet but there is / was an option for a Jake / diesel / engine brake to make going down the mountain a breeze.

 

[Eighthtry]

I've recently been posting about GMC configurator issues as I try to get the Denali Reserve package (for its SuperCruise, alongside other features) as well as the Premium Capability Package with Active Response 4WD (included with Denali Reserve in MY2024, but separate option for MY2025, with configuration difficulty alongside Duramax).

Starting a new thread here to request advice on Yukon XL engine choice from more experienced members --- between the 6.2L V8 and the 3.0L Duramax (both LM2 on a new-on-lot MY2024 or LZO on new-to-order MY2025 are options). The 5.3L V8 is not under consideration.

Our situation is that we are a one-car family, and this would be our only car for our family of seven. We live in a semi-rural / rural mountain area, with all that typically involves:

(1) Elevation of 4000-5000 feet
(2) Annual snowfall of 3-6 feet
(3) Private gravel roads for the last few miles to our house until paved county roads
(4) Only one GM (Chevy / GMC) dealer / service-center within 1-2 hours of home
(5) Lots of daytime driving, but also significant nighttime driving (it gets dark at 5pm in winter)
(6) Monthly mileage of approximately 3000 miles (yes: 30,000+ miles per year), most of that on highways or rural county roads with little stop-and-go

Also, please assume:

(1) Frequent oil/filter changes
(2) All recommended maintenance done on schedule
(3) Disable of auto-start/stop technology

The high mileage is a particular cause of concern for us, given that there doesn't appear to be any bullet-proof engine for a new Yukon (XL) --- they all have different (seemingly early) failure modes. This post looks for advice on which is the one that might best meet our needs.

Due to concerns over engine reliability, as well as how quickly new safety features are being introduced for cars now-a-days, we plan to replace this Yukon XL after 2--3 years (with a new large SUV, probably another Yukon XL), since that would be 60,000 -- 90,000 miles.

We figure that all warranties will expire (in our case) based on mileage, rather than calendar years, so we view them as follows (when driving 30k+ miles per year):

(1) Bumper-to-bumper (@ 36k miles): Good for 1-year for us
(2) Powertrain (@ 60k miles): Good for 2-years for us
(3) GM Protection Plan (8-yr/100k Platinum): Good for 3-year for us

I'll be purchasing the above GM Protection Plan at the same time as the SUV (not necessarily from same dealer, though, as I've read on this forum which dealers often most aggressive pricing for GMPP).

Our significant concern is to avoid ever being stranded --- this is particularly top-of-mind for my wife, when she's driving kids around when I'm not also in the car. That's the reason we have in mind to only keep the car for three years, so we'll at least have some GMPP left for that third year.

Even so, I've read about very long (180 day?!?) wait times for engine replacement even under original warranty (especially with 6.2L), which gives us anxiety, as there are very few available loaner cars that will accommodate all of us safely. That's also driving the push for us to plan / budget for early replacement with another new SUV after just a few years.

But more than anything, we want to think hard about the gas vs. Duramax engine choice, given recent reports of the NHTSA investigation into the 870k 6.2L V8 engines. If reliability were the same, we'd definitely get the 6.2L V8, as my wife prefers that (given past familiarity with gas engines) and she'll be doing more of the driving (for kids' pickup/dropoff/activities). But reliability is going to probably end up driving this choice more than anything.

Please completely ignore the following factors in engine preference:

(1) Resale value between different engines (ie, cost)
(2) Fuel mileage between different engines (ie, cost)
(3) Towing benefits of Duramax (we tow very occasionally to never)
(4) Longer-term engine reliability (ie, above 150k miles, since we plan to replace at 3-years, well before that mileage)

Along with your opinion on engine choice, I'd really appreciate if you could provide an explanation for why you think that way. Finally, if you vote for the Duramax, please let me know if you have a preference between the LM2 vs. LZ0.

Thanks so much for reading such a long post, and providing your thoughts.

I just traded a 2011 GMC Yukon Denali XL. It had 203,000 miles on it. The only differences I have from you is 7 kids, 5,000 feet, and a Queen. No mountains, just hills. Lots of in-town driving, but in Dallas that is a bunch of freeways to get to the in-town driving.

Your thread assumes that things, LOTS of things, will go bad on these vehicles. That is just NOT TRUE for almost all of these vehicles and the vast majority of drivers. I have owned Suburbans and Yukons since 1984. I have put between 200,000 to 300,000(only one of these) miles on all of them. I found ALL of them to be trouble free. No drivetrain problems. No engine problems. No pump problems. No computer problems.

Speaking specifically about my last one, a 2011 200,000 mile loaded GMC Yukon Denali XL, the only one with the 6.2 with the deadly cylinder deactivation feature that supposedly got me tons of extra mpg when in V4 mode. I kept hoping it would go out so I could replace the heads and let me put more cam in it. Never happened. So now I will disclose, in excruciating detail, all the problems I had with it.

I replaced a broken front sway bar and the MagnaRide shocks, both at about 180,000 miles. The shocks were fine, but it was due about 15,000 miles of road trips coming in the next year, so what the hell. I added a rear sway bar at that time as well. I noticed that the rear leveling part of the MagnaRides was not working, so I replaced the air compressor. I replaced two of the dreaded broken exhaust manifold bolts only because I saw, never heard, they were broken at about 60,000 miles. I had it aligned twice. I changed filters at 5,000 miles and oil/filters at 10,000 miles. I replaced brake pads three times (never had to touch the rotors). I replaced belts and hoses and changed the radiator fluid at the same time at around 120,000 miles (preventive maintenance). When I remembered I would grease what few Zerk fittings it had. It used no, as in zero, as in nil, oil between changes. I did replace transmission fluid and filter at around 120,000 miles, but only because I felt sorry for it.

I did nothing else, as in NOTHING ELSE, to ANYTHING. EVERYTHING worked. INCLUDING cylinder deactivation. ALL the way. I hated to sell it, but was afraid of the road trips. I figured somethiing was due to break. I was also afraid of the Queen.

Now someone may say that was very unusual. I call BS on that. All of my others since 1984 have performed the exact same way.

This forum is a very small subset of people that really do have problems. It happens. But it can seem in a forum that it happens to everyone. Don't let anyone scare you away from a new GMC Yukon Denali XL. Good luck with finding something else. Ford? Jeep? The Queen hated them both.

AS for the engine, the 6.2 has been around a looong time. The Duramax? Let's just say I would get nowhere near a deisel unles I was towing and working out of a 3/4 ton+ truck.

The downside to a new Yukon may be the transmission. It reminds me of the newly introduced 700r4 days. One of the weakest transmissions in its early days. It is now one of the best and most reliable transmissions out there. Put one in my 1961 Chevrolet TPI Apache 10.

My take on it from 55+ years of driving automatics. GM had some time to get real world problems with their 10-speed. You never mentioned that. They have them worked out for the most part. I have a 2021 Ford 10-speed that works better, I think, than my 2023 Yukon 10 speed. But they both have had plenty of time to get the real world problems sorted through. So don't worry about that.

I bought the extended warranty because I am scared to death of the electronics, as anyone should be these days.

So if you want to worry about something, worry about the 10-speed. Worry about the 20 computers all plugged together trying to interpret who to take orders from and who is in charge anyway. I think you are overworrying 200,000 trouble free miles. And you are only talking 90,000 miles.

You are wasting a bunch of reliability.

OK, someone jump me.

 

[Eighthtry]

Oh, and while I am at it, I would under no circumstances buy an undersized 6 cylinder diesel engine that must be power enhanced with a turbo to get power close to the 6.2. Turbos can and will go out. Ford has plenty of experience on the V6 turbos. And they will do exactly that. Plus you will be using a turbo going up hills, further stressing it. If I were buying a used Yukon there is no way I would consider a smelly 3.0 6 cylinder turbocharged engine.

In fact, I wish I could have my 2010 Cadillac V 6.2 Supercharged 556 HP and 552 lbs torque engine in my 23 Yukon. It went 208,000 miles and I was into it all the time. Same experience and maintenance as my Yukons and Suburbans. Oh hell, my Z06 650/650 would be servicable as well.