Figured I'd throw this out there in case it's helpful to some although I'm sure others have posted their opinions already. I leased a 15 Yukon SLT (few options) about two years ago with super low mileage and had to re-lease after breaching the mileage limit less than half way through the lease term due to an unexpected company move and relocation. I was looking for a baseline Denali but due to some dealer incentives I ended up with a loaded out '16 model.
Pros of the upgrade
- Denali 6.2 engine is marvelous and much more satisfying on the highway than the 5.3. Main reason I wanted to upgrade and it sounds throaty as well
- adaptive cruise control is great. I read that many don't use it but I find it very handy in conjunction with the forward collision assist and lane keep assist. It is semi autonomous.
- HUD is great. I hardly use the speedo in the cluster anymore
- the sunroof was a welcome upgrade although I don't use it frequently
- LTE hotspot works really well and is very handy on road trips.
- wireless charging works very well and eliminates the need for a separate wireless charger that I had to plug in (I didn't have a '15i)
- apple car play works as advertised but I don't use it since I don't like to plug my phone in
- intellilink is better (faster) but not by much
- auto high beams is pretty cool and works very intelligently
- most of the instrument cluster is digital unlike on the SLT. Looks great.
- No gas cap? Hell yeah! Not sure if this is a '16 upgrade or Denali but it's awesome
- sliding covers for the center console compartments and cupholders are a nice touch
- voice prompts are faster for making calls via Bluetooth.
- I love the motorized running boards but they are a bit flashy haha
- seat vibration is stronger and louder. Not sure if this is good or bad
Cons of the upgrade
- the 8-speed transmission is garbage compared to the SLT. It's always searching for gears and clunks a LOT during low speeds like in parking lots.
- obviously it costs more per month. Fuel Mileage is the same although it requires premium unlike the SLT.
- cooled seats don't seem as strong as in the SLT, especially in the seatback. I use them every single day here in FL and one of the main reasons I went with a Yukon over a Tahoe.
- the rear seat entertainment system is ok but really blocks the rear view
- stock tires on the 22s are not as grippy as the Bridgestones on the SLTs 20"s. Not sure what they are.
That's about it. Overall very happy with the upgrade. I'd love to hear opinions from others that have done the same.
Pros of the upgrade
- Denali 6.2 engine is marvelous and much more satisfying on the highway than the 5.3. Main reason I wanted to upgrade and it sounds throaty as well
- adaptive cruise control is great. I read that many don't use it but I find it very handy in conjunction with the forward collision assist and lane keep assist. It is semi autonomous.
- HUD is great. I hardly use the speedo in the cluster anymore
- the sunroof was a welcome upgrade although I don't use it frequently
- LTE hotspot works really well and is very handy on road trips.
- wireless charging works very well and eliminates the need for a separate wireless charger that I had to plug in (I didn't have a '15i)
- apple car play works as advertised but I don't use it since I don't like to plug my phone in
- intellilink is better (faster) but not by much
- auto high beams is pretty cool and works very intelligently
- most of the instrument cluster is digital unlike on the SLT. Looks great.
- No gas cap? Hell yeah! Not sure if this is a '16 upgrade or Denali but it's awesome
- sliding covers for the center console compartments and cupholders are a nice touch
- voice prompts are faster for making calls via Bluetooth.
- I love the motorized running boards but they are a bit flashy haha
- seat vibration is stronger and louder. Not sure if this is good or bad
Cons of the upgrade
- the 8-speed transmission is garbage compared to the SLT. It's always searching for gears and clunks a LOT during low speeds like in parking lots.
- obviously it costs more per month. Fuel Mileage is the same although it requires premium unlike the SLT.
- cooled seats don't seem as strong as in the SLT, especially in the seatback. I use them every single day here in FL and one of the main reasons I went with a Yukon over a Tahoe.
- the rear seat entertainment system is ok but really blocks the rear view
- stock tires on the 22s are not as grippy as the Bridgestones on the SLTs 20"s. Not sure what they are.
That's about it. Overall very happy with the upgrade. I'd love to hear opinions from others that have done the same.