New Member - 2015 Suburban LTZ v. Denali XL Buying Advice

[gilboyj]

Hello All-

New member and happy to be here. I am in the market for a CPO 15-16 Suburban LTZ or Denali XL. Prices and mileage are similar across the market. I can be sold on exterior looks either way, and will admit that I prefer the Denali cabin, but only slightly more. My primary concern is with regard to the MPG differences between the 5.3L and the 6.2L. The vehicle will be my wife's DD, and will be quite busy shuffling our three kids around town on the regular. Curious as to what experiences owners have had with either motor during daily running, road-trips, etc.

Thanks for the input.

 

[Rdr854]

I have a Suburban with the 5.3 and have been very happy with it. My overall mpg (mix of highway and city) is 18 mpg.

 

[15YUKON]

They are very close on fuel economy it's not even material. I get anywhere from 15-17 normally mixed with the 6.2L. 6.2 has more power but if it's a DD people hauler it doesn't really matter. To me the 6.2 is better and more fun and is a great sounding motor. One of the better motors GM currently makes.

 

[CMoore711]

The MPG between the 5.3L and the 6.2L is negligible.

FWIW ‘15 Yukon XL Denali around town I see about 14-16mpg depending on how heavy my foot is. Just took a trip up to Detroit, MI about 3.5 hrs each way and averaged 22.8 mpg with a best of 23.2 according to the DIC.

 

[15YUKON]

The MPG between the 5.3L and the 6.2L is negligible.

FWIW ‘15 Yukon XL Denali around town I see about 14-16mpg depending on how heavy my foot is. Just took a trip up to Detroit, MI about 3.5 hrs each way and averaged 22.8 mpg with a best of 23.2 according to the DIC.

All GM needs to do is add a 454 big block back to the lineup. Oh those were the days.

 

[WIFFLEHOUSE]

I went from a 15 Tahoe to an 18 XL Denali. The 6.2 is more fun like 15Yukon mentioned, and I find myself heavier on the throttle to hear my exhaust. I have 3800 miles on the Denali getting 14 mpg. (I’d guess 20/80 highway/City ratio) I do notice the difference at the pump and I ***** to myself every time. I don’t regret it one bit though, these 6.2s are a blast. I’d guess I was probably around 15/16 mpg with the 5.3

 

[CMoore711]

I never understood why people make such a big stink about having to run premium fuel. Personally even in a few vehicles I’ve owned that didn’t require it I would still run at least plus (mid-grade) and often premium. Usually there’s about a $0.25-$.040 difference between fuel grades so you’re spending about $8-$10 extra per fill up on a 26 gallon tank. Sure it costs more and can add up to a few bucks throughout the year. But driving around a $60K-$80K SUV complaining about an extra $10 per fill up?!?!?

If using unleaded fuel as the bench mark then the difference in fill ups is closer to $13-$20 per fill up which adds up quicker. But then again, driving around a $60K-$80K SUV and feeding it with the lowest grade of fuel available?!?! Another concept that seems odd to me but to each their own...

 

[gilboyj]

I never understood why people make such a big stink about having to run premium fuel. Personally even in a few vehicles I’ve owned that didn’t require it I would still run at least plus (mid-grade) and often premium. Usually there’s about a $0.25-$.040 difference between fuel grades so you’re spending about $8-$10 extra per fill up on a 26 gallon tank. Sure it costs more and can add up to a few bucks throughout the year. But driving around a $60K-$80K SUV complaining about an extra $10 per fill up?!?!?

If using unleaded fuel as the bench mark then the difference in fill ups is closer to $13-$20 per fill up which adds up quicker. But then again, driving around a $60K-$80K SUV and feeding it with the lowest grade of fuel available?!?! Another concept that seems odd to me but to each their own...

Does the Denali require premium? I thought both motors ran regular....

 

[CMoore711]

Does the Denali require premium? I thought both motors ran regular....

I guess not necessarily, this is what I got back quick from Google.

5.3L Ecotec3 = regular unleaded or E85 (flex fuel)

6.2L Ecotec3 = premium fuel recommended but not required

 

[golfdad100]

Hello All-

New member and happy to be here. I am in the market for a CPO 15-16 Suburban LTZ or Denali XL. Prices and mileage are similar across the market. I can be sold on exterior looks either way, and will admit that I prefer the Denali cabin, but only slightly more. My primary concern is with regard to the MPG differences between the 5.3L and the 6.2L. The vehicle will be my wife's DD, and will be quite busy shuffling our three kids around town on the regular. Curious as to what experiences owners have had with either motor during daily running, road-trips, etc.

Thanks for the input.

I bought the 2015 Yukon XL Denali new. The ride and comfort is excellent. MPG (I run mid-grade) is about 13 around town and on long trips we average around 21. Look into the transmission with the '15 though. I've had issues with down shifting into low when slowing. It was so bad one time I thought someone rear ended me. I've had it reprogrammed once and it is somewhat better but the issue is still there..

 

[cardude2000]

Hello All-

New member and happy to be here. I am in the market for a CPO 15-16 Suburban LTZ or Denali XL. Prices and mileage are similar across the market. I can be sold on exterior looks either way, and will admit that I prefer the Denali cabin, but only slightly more. My primary concern is with regard to the MPG differences between the 5.3L and the 6.2L. The vehicle will be my wife's DD, and will be quite busy shuffling our three kids around town on the regular. Curious as to what experiences owners have had with either motor during daily running, road-trips, etc.

Thanks for the input.

MPG differences are virtually non existent on the highway and 1 MAYBE 2MPG around town.

6L is the way to IMO. But for gods sake dont buy the highest end Yukon trim and then cheap out and feed it anything but premium.

 

[sickk23]

Given your situation, I don’t think I’d care which one if you like them both. Just whatever is certified, meets your mileage criteria, and within your area or wherever you’re willing to travel. I wouldn’t imagine there’s a ton certified to choose from.

 

[gilboyj]

Given your situation, I don’t think I’d care which one if you like them both. Just whatever is certified, meets your mileage criteria, and within your area or wherever you’re willing to travel. I wouldn’t imagine there’s a ton certified to choose from.

You'd be surprised. Within a 500 mile radius - I don't mind traveling to purchase a vehicle we will keep for many, many years - there are 35 CPO's on autotrader alone. Never mind those dealers who only list on their own websites.

 

[gilboyj]

It does seem like the mileage on the highway is negligible between the two motors, but I am surprised that so many are saying it is the same around town too. Although...it does seem that it is primarily the Yukon owners who are saying no noticeable difference. Any other Suburban owners able to chime in?

 

[Big Mama]

I don’t know if the ‘18 Tahoe is AWD like the Denali. As a Denali 6.2 guy that had a suburban prior I can tell you the 2-3 mpg city difference is being kind. My experience was closer to 4. Simple math says even 3 mpg difference at 1000 miles a month is a good bit of cash. Bottom line is both are great trucks. Good luck.

 

[sickk23]

I don’t know if the ‘18 Tahoe is AWD like the Denali. As a Denali 6.2 guy that had a suburban prior I can tell you the 2-3 mpg city difference is being kind. My experience was closer to 4. Simple math says even 3 mpg difference at 1000 miles a month is a good bit of cash. Bottom line is both are great trucks. Good luck.

This gen Denali doesn’t have “AWD” like the previous. It uses the system that the previous gen Tahoe did. So it they have the knob.

The 6.2 is stil quite a fuel sipper in comparison to others. My wife’s GC Hemi is rated at less, V8 RR less, QX80, LX570. Just a few that come to mind.

 

[cardude2000]

I don’t know if the ‘18 Tahoe is AWD like the Denali

Neither the denali nor the tahoe are AWD

 

[cardude2000]

It does seem like the mileage on the highway is negligible between the two motors, but I am surprised that so many are saying it is the same around town too. Although...it does seem that it is primarily the Yukon owners who are saying no noticeable difference. Any other Suburban owners able to chime in?

Sticker ratings have been spot on for me (Yukon Denali). I hammer it all the time and get around 14-15 in town.

 

[UrbanSuburban]

I Have a 17 Sub and it will not get the rated mileage around town as there are too many hills, it has the tow pkg with the 3.42 gears. On the Highway though, it rocks, I consistently get between 10.3 and 10.7 l /100km. This is at 65 mph or so. That translate to 27 mpg in Imperial and about 24 in American measure. As others have said, it just boils down to what your preferences are. For me its the little things that I like, such as having the Gas Tank lid on the Drivers side, or for the Suburban and Yukon XL, the bigger Gas tank. Having the HUD is nice as well. Good luck and happy hunting.

 

[Big Mama]

Shows how long I’ve been out of the market. Didn’t know AWD stopped with the model I have. Thanks for the correction. Anyone know how the Escalade stacks up on mpg?