Just bought an ‘18 Yukon Denali

[JWBGMC]

It’s fully loaded with the Denali Ultimate package. Absolutely loving it. Got it yesterday.

Question: do you guys always have it in 4WD Auto or instead 2WD? I was thinking that 2WD might make sense for every day driving 99% of the time.

Do you keep it in 4WD anyway? I’m sure the fuel mileage difference is pretty negligible but 2WD might result is less wear and tear.

I keep mine in 2WD. The owner's manual states that using 2WD most of the time reduces wear and tear on the various mechanical components. The owner's manual does state that AUTO 4WD will not cause damage but does pose the risk of earlier wearing out of mechanical components.

 

[funymuny]

I have the 17 Denali (and kept my 07 SLT). It's all loaded up like you describe...nice. Keep it in 2WD. Do some reading, google search. The auto mode presents some additional stress on the transfer case if I recall correctly. It sounds nice as sort of an AWD mode but I don't believe that is what it is. 2WD is the way to go unless you need 4WD. 4WD mode will cause it to hop around turns. Not that it matters but auto does increase fuel consumption in addition to the added stress/wear on the transfer case. But hey, like my dad used to say to me...be all you can be.

 

[swathdiver]

Service Manager said to keep it in 2wd unless on a slippery surface, in which case Auro or 4wd would be appropriate. I have yet to move mine out of 2wd, even in rain.

Run the transfer case through the different settings every so often so things keep in good working order. Learn how to engage 4LO and Neutral properly and how to get out of Neutral the right way. You don't want to be fumbling around for the owner's manual when something comes up and need 4LO right quick.

 

[Garryowen]

Hello Ryan
I join with others in congratulating you on your new Denali and welcome to a useful site for GM owners.
When I acquired our 2011 Denali I felt really silly trying to figure out all the bells and whistles on the unit, whether mechanical, electric, audio or GPS... I've still one shiny button I've never touched - perhaps it's an ejection seat?
Fully agree with the value of downloading the .pdf file of your owner manual. The print copy is fine but can be annoying when trying to find a particular item or issue.
Please consider doing this. Your efforts will answer most questions and reduce any anxieties you may have. Our Denali now has over 97K mileage, has averaged 17.6 MPG since day one (I have never reset the mileage computer), has performed flawlessly in torrential downpours at highway speed, traversed many dirt roads and trails in the Northeast Georgia mountains, handled the occasional light snow and all in 2WD.
I maintain the manufacturer maintenance schedule and beyond normal fair wear and tear, e.g., tires, etc. have incurred no unusual expenses beyond a dashboard crack at around 55K miles.
There is no reason you shouldn't enjoy equal or better use from your Denali.
We considered a new one and admit they're gorgeous but my "Chief of Staff" said "why?" and she was correct. Ours still looks great and gets as many compliments as our C5 Corvette.
So go forth, drive it and enjoy!

View attachment 187800

 

[Garryowen]

Hello Ryan
I join with others in congratulating you on your new Denali and welcome to a useful site for GM owners.
When I acquired our 2011 Denali I felt really silly trying to figure out all the bells and whistles on the unit, whether mechanical, electric, audio or GPS... I've still one shiny button I've never touched - perhaps it's an ejection seat?
Fully agree with the value of downloading the .pdf file of your owner manual. The print copy is fine but can be annoying when trying to find a particular item or issue.
Please consider doing this. Your efforts will answer most questions and reduce any anxieties you may have. Our Denali now has over 97K mileage, has averaged 17.6 MPG since day one (I have never reset the mileage computer), has performed flawlessly in torrential downpours at highway speed, traversed many dirt roads and trails in the Northeast Georgia mountains, handled the occasional light snow and all in 2WD.
I maintain the manufacturer maintenance schedule and beyond normal fair wear and tear, e.g., tires, etc. have incurred no unusual expenses beyond a dashboard crack at around 55K miles.
There is no reason you shouldn't enjoy equal or better use from your Denali.
We considered a new one and admit they're gorgeous but my "Chief of Staff" said "why?" and she was correct. Ours still looks great and gets as many compliments as our C5 Corvette.
So go forth, drive it and enjoy!

 

[Csurp]

RE: Colors.

Siren Red Tincoat really sparkles in the sun.

 

[Mike M]

I keep mine in 2WD. The owner's manual states that using 2WD most of the time reduces wear and tear on the various mechanical components. The owner's manual does state that AUTO 4WD will not cause damage but does pose the risk of earlier wearing out of mechanical components.

First, good luck to Csurp with your ‘18’ GMC. No question, a beautiful SUV.

I hope the people from GM monitor this forum. My comment will probably sound like sour grapes.
I’ve owned 3 GMC Yukon’s, all purchased new.
I probably will never buy another one. They have just priced me out of the market. It’s not that I can’t afford one.
IMO they are now way overpriced with much more technology than I need, or am willing to pay for.
I know it’s just a personal decision for anyone. People are all at different stages and circumstances in their lives.
I, for one, am over an SUV that list in excess of $70K.

 

[cardude2000]

First, good luck to Csurp with your ‘18’ GMC. No question, a beautiful SUV.

I hope the people from GM monitor this forum. My comment will probably sound like sour grapes.
I’ve owned 3 GMC Yukon’s, all purchased new.
I probably will never buy another one. They have just priced me out of the market. It’s not that I can’t afford one.
IMO they are now way overpriced with much more technology than I need, or am willing to pay for.
I know it’s just a personal decision for anyone. People are all at different stages and circumstances in their lives.
I, for one, am over an SUV that list in excess of $70K.

tahoe's start at $47K

 

[Mike M]

tahoe's start at $47K

I know what they start at. You won’t find many of these ‘base’ models on dealers lots.
Most of what’s discussed here are trucks way above the base models.
Add a few options to a 4wd Denali or Tahoe LTZ, you could be quite a bit over $70K. And, I was just thinking of the ‘17’ models. I’m sure the ‘18’ is going up.

 

[GTNator]

Whoa. Anyway at least on my Expedition the way it is was the front locking hubs were activated in auto and therefore spun with the front half shafts, but they spun freely. The transfer case sent no power forward to the front differential unless slip was detected. All auto meant was your Hubs were locked and armed so it was no big deal. I have no idea how GM 4WD works haven’t owned many. I’m usually a Ford guy, love the Expeditions but not a brand loyalist I’ll drive any nice American vehicle. That being said I’d think it’s the same situation here with GM that no additional wear is added. The manual is the manual though.

How would you compare the ride of your 2015 Denali with your old Expedition? I’ve heard several folks on here say their Yukon Denali’s drove smooth in the first year or two of ownership and then became rough suddenly. That might be a fluke though.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[15YUKON]

How would you compare the ride of your 2015 Denali with your old Expedition? I’ve heard several folks on here say their Yukon Denali’s drove smooth in the first year or two of ownership and then became rough suddenly. That might be a fluke though.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Well in short i love both. It’s going to be a slightly confusing explanation. The Expedition felt little bumps in the road more noticeably than the GMC for sure which could get annoying, however when hitting large bumps like a speed bump in a construction zone the Expedition faired better and took the force more smoothly with less bounce through the cab. The Expedition feels a bit more confident while towing as well, felt like it was on tracks, mine had the 5.4 so not sure what the 3.5 feels like in it. The 5.4 wasn’t the fastest motor but it moved that truck just fine.

 

[cardude2000]

I know what they start at. You won’t find many of these ‘base’ models on dealers lots.
Most of what’s discussed here are trucks way above the base models.
Add a few options to a 4wd Denali or Tahoe LTZ, you could be quite a bit over $70K. And, I was just thinking of the ‘17’ models. I’m sure the ‘18’ is going up.

You want a capable, 8 passenger, 4x4 with a solid V8, a Tahoe nicely fits the bill for ~$50k. Not sure why you’re taking about a loaded denali if you don’t want ‘all the extras’ as you claimed.

And who cares if it’s not ‘on the lot’. Go order one. It’s easy.

 

[Mike M]

You want a capable, 8 passenger, 4x4 with a solid V8, a Tahoe nicely fits the bill for ~$50k. Not sure why you’re taking about a loaded denali if you don’t want ‘all the extras’ as you claimed.

And who cares if it’s not ‘on the lot’. Go order one. It’s easy.

i don’t totally disagree with you,but the way it’s going that base model will be pushing $70K in about 8 years. The ‘extras’ don’t justify the cost difference between the base and the loaded models.
IMO, just way too much technology.
An example is a outside rear view mirror. With all it’s features today, could cost you over $500. to replace at the dealer. Vibrating seat to signal lane departure ? Who needs it ? It’s all crap.
By the way, my neighbor tells me that the tech. in the seat of his 2015 Denali makes them very uncomfortable on a ride more than 2 hours.
I guess what I really want is a new truck that looks like the Denali, without all the bells and whistles, for around $55K.
I won’t hold my breath.

 

[NYisles1]

i don’t totally disagree with you,but the way it’s going that base model will be pushing $70K in about 8 years. The ‘extras’ don’t justify the cost difference between the base and the loaded models.
IMO, just way too much technology.
An example is a outside rear view mirror. With all it’s features today, could cost you over $500. to replace at the dealer. Vibrating seat to signal lane departure ? Who needs it ? It’s all crap.
By the way, my neighbor tells me that the tech. in the seat of his 2015 Denali makes them very uncomfortable on a ride more than 2 hours.
I guess what I really want is a new truck that looks like the Denali, without all the bells and whistles, for around $55K.
I won’t hold my breath.

Your current $50k would be worth closer to

i don’t totally disagree with you,but the way it’s going that base model will be pushing $70K in about 8 years. The ‘extras’ don’t justify the cost difference between the base and the loaded models.
IMO, just way too much technology.
An example is a outside rear view mirror. With all it’s features today, could cost you over $500. to replace at the dealer. Vibrating seat to signal lane departure ? Who needs it ? It’s all crap.
By the way, my neighbor tells me that the tech. in the seat of his 2015 Denali makes them very uncomfortable on a ride more than 2 hours.
I guess what I really want is a new truck that looks like the Denali, without all the bells and whistles, for around $55K.
I won’t hold my breath.

Agree with your neighbor about the seats. Can’t stand mine.

But your arguing for something that exists. You can definitely get a Yukon for 55k. When you say you want it to look like a Denali, you mean the grill? The chrome trim?

 

[Serg-214]

You can get a Yukon SLT Premium which just about looks like a Denali. Ive seen some 17s going for 54-56k. Even a pretty loaded Tahoe LT for under 55k easily. There's a couple of dealers in the Dallas area that have some new leftover '16 LTZ Tahoe/Burbs for 54-58k.

 

[GTNator]

You can get a Yukon SLT Premium which just about looks like a Denali. Ive seen some 17s going for 54-56k. Even a pretty loaded Tahoe LT for under 55k easily. There's a couple of dealers in the Dallas area that have some new leftover '16 LTZ Tahoe/Burbs for 54-58k.

Yup, THIS is your solution. You get a front that looks almost like a Denali, I think it even looks better in certain color combinations.

 

[cardude2000]

that base model will be pushing $70K in about 8 years.

I didnt realize you were arguing about what the price of the 2026 tahoe may be.

My bad.

 

[Mike M]

You can get a Yukon SLT Premium which just about looks like a Denali. Ive seen some 17s going for 54-56k. Even a pretty loaded Tahoe LT for under 55k easily. There's a couple of dealers in the Dallas area that have some new leftover '16 LTZ Tahoe/Burbs for 54-58k.

Thanks. I get it. I know there are deals out there. I’m just trying to make a point about mfrs. pricing, and what they’re turning these vehicles into.
Yesterday a friend told me he bought a Ford F-350 Dually - loaded.
Listed for $81K. In 2004 he bought pretty much the same truck. It listed then for $35K.
All these mfrs are up to the same games.

 

[cardude2000]

Thanks. I get it. I know there are deals out there. I’m just trying to make a point about mfrs. pricing, and what they’re turning these vehicles into.
Yesterday a friend told me he bought a Ford F-350 Dually - loaded.
Listed for $81K. In 2004 he bought pretty much the same truck. It listed then for $35K.
All these mfrs are up to the same games.

In 2004 the base 350 was $23K, thats $31K today.

The base price of a 2017 is $32K

The base prices have literally not budged though they've figured out how to extract more $$$ and margin from the high end stuff.

 

[Serg-214]

Thanks. I get it. I know there are deals out there. I’m just trying to make a point about mfrs. pricing, and what they’re turning these vehicles into.
Yesterday a friend told me he bought a Ford F-350 Dually - loaded.
Listed for $81K. In 2004 he bought pretty much the same truck. It listed then for $35K.
All these mfrs are up to the same games.

I hear ya...back in 07 my Tahoe was about 37k. 10 years later just about every trim is damn near double the price.
What are the new redesigned ones gonna cost in 2-3 years? 90-120k?