A 2019 6.2 engine puts out 420 horses and 460 foot pounds of torque. That's enough of a difference that you can feel.
The 6.0 Gen IV L96 puts out 352 horsepower and 382 foot pounds of torque, equivalent to the Gen V 5.3! However, a tune will wake up the 6.0, especially if tuned for 91 octane. Still no Gen V 6.2 though!
My Holiday Inn Express opinion is that the older truck's engine would be more enduring and the heavier chassis of the 2500 would tow better.
These guys know more than me on this subject:
@intheburbs @Bigkevschopshop
intheburbs hit alot of nails on the head... Thanks swathdiver I guess I have been around the block a few times!
I tow frequently in my 1500. The most strained tow pig was 03 Tahoe with the 4.8 and then my 12 Burb with a 3.08 gear and no max trailering. The 2011 6.2 Denali xl with 3.08 did alot better, but tows just like my 15 Burb with a 5.3 honestly with 3.42 gears. Air suspension in the rear is a must for 1500 and towing, the MRC also helps keep the stability in check with both the body styles. The max trailering packages get you the 3.42 gear, upgraded transmission cooler, and brake controller built in.
Now for what its worth Ill go down a rabbit hole. The later model stuff is nice, I did a comparison write up from all these that I have owned for interior and gadgets etc. Handling is hands down where the late model stuff with MRC shines. The seats and simplicity of the 09-14 platform and 6 speed is a damn good platform through and through, I miss mine some days. But the extra HP and updated MRC, make up for the missing of things.
I will say that the only way I would consider a 2500 is if you are towing 3-4k miles a year with loads of over 6k lbs. If a quick 200 mile trip 1 or 2 times a year with 7k load the 1500 is up for it if equipped correctly and the extra things done to it.
Side note: The 10 speed on the 6.2 from 2018 to 2020 also helps make up for gear ratio, just make sure it has the max trailering package.
The 2500 is a great crossover from the NBS and NNBS for ride, the torsion front is smooth and the leaf sprung rear is not terrible as gm did a good job on spring rates back there. The 14 bolt rear is what shines on the 2500 though, as the 12 bolt under the 1500 2wd and the 10 bolt under the 1500 4wd is the weak links of the driveline of these. The comparable 1500 trucks of the same year on the K2 platform are rated up to 11k tow rating. Same motors and trans, just the rear end for the additional weight and suspension design is not up for it.
Swath hit the nail on the head for the 6.0 vs the 5.3 gen v for HP and torque. The 6.0 has a major advange of being built more robust with less power output that's why so many 6.0 are highly sought after as builder motors, 300k miles and the internals are still in good shape.
Alot of different schools of thought, I would say the best way to make a decision is to drive them both. The Direct injection motors in the gen v 5.3 and 6.2 are more potent and will scream, but are a little more maint. required to keep them in tip top shape.
2500 is robust and overbuilt, good all around piece and I wouldn't pass it up if its on your list, but be realistic about your needs, if the 15 mpg scares you, then it may be worth looking at the later 5.3 1500 platform. If you dont need the towing capabilities then the 1500 with a 5.3 or 6.2 may be more in line with things. The 6 speed torque converter is the weak link on both vehicles! If that is swapped out it can take your transmission to long life with alot of confidence.
I have owned 3-6.2L and 1-4.8, 3-5.3 trucks now. All have been great. The power of the 6.2 is down right a blast, the 18s and up require premium fuel, just remember that also. Only downsides I have of the 6.2 is possible piston slap on cold start up in cold weather.
If I had to buy something right now for what I do, I would almost buy the same thing I have now just a premier RST with the 6.2 Suburban or a 18 -20 Denali or Esky. 2wd only as I don't need nor want the added BS with 4wd or AWD.
Bottom line its your money, buy something that makes your pants jingle and does all the things you need it to do once, as buying one and hating it gets costly when flipping them frequently, I speak from experience there! Any questions feel free to ask man!
