Which SUV you like...armada/denali/sequiea?
 

We been thinking of upgrading the wives grocery getter SUV that tows our 4000 lb boat about 5000 miles per year a. We have looked at the following trucks; Nissan Armada, the Yukon Denali and the Toyota Sequoia. All would be nice upgrade from the Ford Explorer we currently have. I am not in love with the interior fit and finish quality of the Nissan and worry the Toyota lack torque. Is the GM SUV quality good enough, the Explorer is pretty much a POS? If it was going to be mine I would buy a 4 door durimax short bed (I think) , but she does not want to parallel park it so an SUV is the choice.

Thoughts from the power of OSO?

Re: Which SUV you like...armada/denali/sequiea?
 

We have a Denali and love it. Very nice riding truck with outstanding 320 hp/350 + torque power, good JD Powers rating with never a problem and trans has been reliable for the job intended. Regardig fit/ finish. Fit is truck fit, finish is very good, decent domestic truck finish. Interior very durable and plush and quality factory sound system. Had a Wellcraft Nova w/bbc towed without a problem, did not even know it was back there.
Your comp vehicles pics are wonderfull units, world class fit and finish and from what I hear are great people movers and tow well for the weight you stated. I think the Armada has more tow capacity than the Toyota. I have experienced a tow in a Armada of a 9500 lb speedboat 2000 miles with not a problem (but was over tow rating of 9100lbs)

In my opinion, Denali is in a different segment as your comp set, very different vehicles completely. My suggestion is to rent all three at a Enterprise for a weekend each and see what is your preference...then you see how they wear after some hard use.

Don't forget about the new Fords...they are also on a customer satisfaction kick trying to gain market share.

Don't forget to check out edmunds.com for some good comps
Good luck...make it a fun experience in your search.
GoCiggie31

Re: Which SUV you like...armada/denali/sequiea?
 

Thanks, for your input,,,what did your Nova weigh? I am checking into renting the final choices...so far I am having difficulty finding the m to rent. Maybe my local Enterprise suks and I am going to try Tampa Airport location (much larger branch)

Re: Which SUV you like...armada/denali/sequiea?
 

I presently own 2 Tahoes. My 16 year old now is in one of them and the other is the latest "shop truck" Bought both new, one '96 the other '99. One has 285K on it, the other has 360K. Both have untouched engines with 180 psi compression and virtually no oil consumption. Nothing more than brakes and the usual maintenance stuff. If they get used hard- as mine do, expect 150K between transmission rebuilds. The only thing I have ever done is Mobil 1 synthetic every 10K.

I have a friend with the Nissan and it's a POS. The Toyota seems to be better quality but until the 40,000-plus commercial fleets in this country start adopting vehicles other than GM and Ford, I'm sticking with proven workhorses.

Re: Which SUV you like...armada/denali/sequiea?
 

just get an excursion and get it over with! :D:

Re: Which SUV you like...armada/denali/sequiea?
 

I believe loaded usually with 1/2 fuel & trail-rite trailer was around 5700 lbs....

You may also try some dealerships that may use above Toys, Nissans as service loaners...just a thought. GM also use to use the 24 test drive...but be carefull they are skilled at closing...make sure you get a feel for all ...there are great choices out there...
mwdill...I agree...Excursion are GREAT...large but Great people movers and good towers for the big heavy loads-
Don't forget about Fords on the shopping list :drink:
Something else to remember...choose a product that has a convenient service dept (good CSI and people friendly) don't just shop the product...but shop the dlr...if you will tow much you may need there support...and spending 50 large you may need their help if you encounter weird tech/electrical problems
Enjoy...all world products that are all good.
GoCiggie31

Re: Which SUV you like...armada/denali/sequiea?
 

That's what repalced the Tahoe!

What used to be a white-knuckle trip is now a walk in the park.

Re: Which SUV you like...armada/denali/sequiea?
 

denali :D

Re: Which SUV you like...armada/denali/sequiea?
 

If those are the only choices Denali.
I like the sequoia's We sell alot of them but They don't tow great. I'm Driving A 05 ESCALADE RIGHT NOW AND iT'S NOT WORTTH HALF WHAT THEY COST.I think my old Tahoe was a better built truck soo, I don't know about a new Denali but the 00-02 are awsome.

Re: Which SUV you like...armada/denali/sequiea?
 

I have 5.3, 02 Z71Tahoe comes stock with 3.73 posi, 4 wheel discs, heavy duty roof rack, skid plates, and decent Tow package.
in a relatively flat area its great, but if you live in the mountains or hills
a 6.0, 496 or Duramax would be nice.

Re: Which SUV you like...armada/denali/sequiea?
 

that's exactly what we had before, i thought the tahoe was going to die pulling the boat!

Re: Which SUV you like...armada/denali/sequiea?
 

mwdill,
Hope your search is going well, should you decide on a Ford product, let me know I can get you on the x-plan deal. save a few bucks plus you don't have to negotiate with the sales floor of a dlr. I work for an arm of the FMCO and can do friends of family deal and Ford has some deals before the end of the month that also applies to instock stuff-no obligation...OSO family benifits :D :D :D
If interested P.M. me.

Re: Which SUV you like...armada/denali/sequiea?
 

The Armada will out tow all of them. It has an amazing engine and trans. It's not quite as polished as the others interior wise but everything else it kicks azz.

Re: Which SUV you like...armada/denali/sequiea?
 

We drove an armada and I agree, it has got a ton of torque and runs good. I did not fall in love with the interior. The fit and finish was pretty bad and definitely not up to typical Japanese standards, the Yukon was actually much nicer inside I thought. I worry about the brake issues and the squeak and rattles they talk about. Kennyo, do you have a one, what are your experiences with it?

Re: Which SUV you like...armada/denali/sequiea?
 

If you're looking at those 3 you might as well check out the Durango. It has won several shootouts in mags that compare large suv's.
Plus it has a HEMI!!!

Re: Which SUV you like...armada/denali/sequiea?
 

And I read this now... :(

The same day the thread started, I went out and bought an 05 Suburban. Was dayum close to buying a Tahoe, but the one I bought was a better deal.

Is there a reason you guys keep saying Tahoe and not Suburban? Is there something I should watch for/be aware of when towing?

Re: Which SUV you like...armada/denali/sequiea?
 

I have a 2005 Denial Crew Cab Pickup that I tow a 38 Special with. The specs beat all trucks except the ones with diesels. One thing to remember is you drive your tow vehicle more without the boat than with it connected. This truck drives like a dream.

Horsepower-345
Torque (lb-ft.)-380
All Wheel Drive
Cooling, engine oil cooler, heavy-duty air-to-oil, integral to driver side of radiator tank
Cooling, transmission oil cooler, auxiliary, heavy-duty air-to-oil
Rear axle, 4.10 ratio
Transmission, 4-speed automatic, heavy-duty, electronically controlled with overdrive, tow/haul mode
Trailering equipment, heavy-duty, includes trailer hitch platform, high capacity air cleaner, and external transmission oil cooler.

Re: Which SUV you like...armada/denali/sequiea?
 

You may already know this but if you are looking for a General Motors vehicle make sure you take advantage of the "Employee Discount For Everyone" as the program will end on July 5th. Depending on what region you live in there may be some other incentives.

Cordell

Re: Which SUV you like...armada/denali/sequiea?
 

Go to
http://www.gmbuypower.com

There is a feature that lets you compare different vehicles.

Cordell

Re: Which SUV you like...armada/denali/sequiea?
 

No, the Suburban is a better towing vehicle than the Tahoe...and its more comfortable.

Re: Which SUV you like...armada/denali/sequiea?
 

Nice truck...but the thread starter was looking at SUV's for the wife...not a pickup.
Oh yeah, the Ford and Dodge have higher tow ratings too.

Re: Which SUV you like...armada/denali/sequiea?
 

I'm sure that is an unbiased comparsion being a GM site.

As an unbiased consumer who has owned GM, Chrysler, Mitsubishi and Honda vehicles...GM's current problems are a lack of styling in their mainstream vehicles. The trucks really need an update...especially in the interior. Ford and Dodge are WAY ahead in not only styling, but in function. They haven't changed their truck interiors in like over 10 yrs!!! I don't think anyone will argue that the drivetrains in GM's are not some of the best....but everyone else now has great drivetrains as well...so it then comes down to style, features and price/value.

Re: Which SUV you like...armada/denali/sequiea?
 

My bad I should have read the SUV part.

Sorry but Ford and Dodge 1/2 tons don't have higher tow ratings. I just did a comparison on the Ford Web Site: :D

Standard Tow Capacity (lbs.)


7100- Ford F150



8100-GMC Denali



7100-Dodge Ram 1500 Quad



7100-Toyota Tundra

Re: Which SUV you like...armada/denali/sequiea?
 

Well, yeah if you're looking at base power...but not once you compare like powerplants to GM's 6.0L...the 5.7L Hemi in the Dodge and the 5.4L Triton in the Ford...then you see that the Dodge and Ford are rated to Tow more. It even shows that on GM's site. Plus one can load up the Dodge and Ford with similar options to the Denali and they will not only tow more, but will cost less. You also left out the Nissan...which is tow rated 9100 w/Standard power.
All mute, as he is only having to tow 4000lbs and looking for a SUV.
Again, you have a beautiful truck and rightfully should be a proud owner.

Re: Which SUV you like...armada/denali/sequiea?
 

Mike go with the Sequoia your wife will love it and it will pull your boat just fine.
It all about QUALITY & DEPRECIATION.
Toyota is best in both of those categories.
The Resale is better than any other suv,except maybe the Excursion

Re: Which SUV you like...armada/denali/sequiea?
 

Please check OSO classifies for a SMOKIN DEAL on like new Denali.
We purchased our Yukon Denali in March of 2003, have put less than 9k miles on this vehicle, sat in the garage for most of the time, vehicle is very original and CHERRY. We found another house to purchase and will wholesale this beautiful like new ride to CarMax unless an OSO member would like to purchase it for KBB at wholesale plus price of factory extended service contract. It also has the GMPP 100k extended service contract. It is Peuter Silver/grey leather/ sunroof 3rd seat and ALL ORIGINAL with several coats of wax. Pics are available upon request but not needed, it looks just like a brand new Denali from the lot.
It currently has 8,882 miles on odometer. Has never sat outside since we purchased from dealer. PM if interested