Denali vs. Yukon

[SM1]

Im looking at some 03 and 04 Denali's & Yukon's. Other than the trim, does anyone have and likes/dislikes of the AWD/6.0L Denali as compared to the push button 2WD/4WD 5.3L Yukon??

Would I expect any difference in mileage? I am used to the push button 4WD 5.3L of my silverado and I like the option of me being able to switch back forth, but im not dead set on it. I have a good price on a Denali that I am interested in but just have no experience with the straight AWD.

Any and all info welcome!

[Macgyver55]

Mainly, I'd be prepared for a substantial difference in mileage. The 6.0 has great pulling power but you will pay in fuel. The full time AWD will also cause it to use more.

Other than that the Denali is fine and has some niceties you cant get on the Yukon, but I'd personally opt for the 5.3 Yukon.

[gregg52]

i'm not sure if this common or its just mine

i have a xl yukon

and compared to surburban theres a road noise i dont care for

not sure why

i've owned surburbans over the yrs

and drove a couple at dealers to see if it was me but there was a difference

i treid new tires didnt really help

denilis might be alittle smoother i dont know

might be something to think bout to if all those wheels are pulling

[Ralph Wiggum]

I have heard the Denali is a bear on gas mileage. Nice trucks, though.

[JimBuck]

I've got a 04 Denali and have enjoyed it since purchasing last Winter. My only issue is gas mileage. 14 mpg highway on a good day. Having captain's chair's in the back is a nice bonus and she tows nicely with plenty of power. I like em'.

[reddog]

I love my 04 Denali XL!

[lawdog]

My '03 truck had the 6.0 and it never passed a gas station. They are BRUTAL on fuel. If you are going to pull a lot they are nice but for every day driving I'd never have one again.

[anamod]

Had a 2000 Tahoe and just upgraded to a 2009 Yukon XL Denali. The power and comfort differences are well worth the little extra in gas. I average 13mpg which is good enough for me.

[Outfitter17]

Go for the 5.3 Yukon, I got 19.5 avg. on the hwy with my 03.

[SM1]

Thanks everyone for the input.

It seems like I dont really do much better than 15mpg with my 02 silverado 1500 anyway so it doesnt sound like going to this denali will be much of a change for me.

Some friends of ours have an 03 denali and averaged 18mpg hwy when I was on a trip with them. I dont know whats up with that one that its getting much better than others have reported but the # is right.

I would keep the pickup but I need a more family friendly vehicle. I could go with the yukon xl but it just so happens I found a denali we like. Checking it out tomorrow, Ill let you know what happens.

[SM1]

It doesnt really sound like anyone has problems with the all time AWD compared to the push button 4wd other than the gas mileage?

[SM1]

So I picked up the Denali I have been looking at.

The mileage seemed to be better than what I had expected. I put on 260 interstate miles against a stiff NW headwind yesterday driving about 75 and averaged 14 mpg. Seems like driving 65 without the wind should get me 16+mpg, and im happy with that. It isnt worse than my 02 silverado!

The vehicle looks sharp and I think I will be happy with it. Im looking forward to the first chance to pull my boat...for more reasons than one!

[Genofish]

I have a 07 GMC Sierra Denali AWD with the 6.0 and average 14 mpg. Very happy with the performance of this truck

[CJH]

Nice Truck!! Always liked the Denali's!!!