Re: 8.1 GM mileage
 

Yea, that is what I was expecting to see (10-12 mpg). Looks like I'll be buying a Denali XL with the 6.0 instead.

Re: 8.1 GM mileage
 

You won't see much better with the Denali.
First, its AWD (all the time) which will eat 1-2 mpg over a 4x4 with 99% of driving as 2WD mode.
Second, the power-band of the 6.0L is REALLY high. You have to get that thing to 3500 rpm to pass someone, and it really needs to tac up to get s load moving.
My advice is to get the grunt of the 8.1L. I test drove a Sierra Denali with the @340HP version of the 6.0L that they put in the Escalade/Yukon/Denali etc. I liked the truck, but as I said, it felt like I was driving a 5.3L.

Re: 8.1 GM mileage
 

I just got my 2005 6 liter2500 hd and it gets around 16 mpg, has a tow rating of 9500 pounds, 6 bolt main with aluminum heads, i love it!!!!!!! Needs bigger rims and tires, but winter is almost here, maybe next year!!!!!!!! :drink:

Re: 8.1 GM mileage
 

What are you towing? Don't get a smaller truck package if you need to move a big load, as you will be sorry.

My 8.1 with 4.10 gears gets 12-14 day to day and 7-10 towing 12K LBS.

Re: 8.1 GM mileage
 

Haul 10,500 w/ a 6.0L 3.73 Burb. GET THE 8.1L!!!!!! Hell, if you decide you don't like it, I'll pay to switch engines with you. Unless your towing 5K or less, the extra 1 MPG lost is worth every penny in towing capacity.

BTW: My annual average mileage is around 12 on the computer. Best highway only trip was less than 14.

Re: 8.1 GM mileage
 

I may not even be towing but 2-3 times a year if I keep my boat. My boat only weights 9500 or so on the trailer, full fuel so the Denali will tow it. The Denali gets 17 hwy if I rember right, 12 town. I agree you can't beat a big block for towing but the price of gas and the miles I drive a day, I just can't get warmed up to the 8.1.

Re: 8.1 GM mileage
 

driving one of these for a week will make you all warm inside. :D

I'll never drive a gas truck again.
The DMax is very powerful and user friendly (quiet/smooth).
The wife will never know the difference.


plowed and towed both.
daily driver also

Re: 8.1 GM mileage
 

I want a dmax but it is not available in a Suburban, till 07 and I need a vehicle p.d.q.

Re: 8.1 GM mileage
 

If a Burb is available w/ a Duramax in 07 then my 03 6.0 will be the first one for sale next fall!!!!!
I hope your right, but I won't believe it til I see it.
Don't get the Denali if it's all wheel drive. A few years ago we had a grand cherokee all wheel drive and it sucked gas like crazy.

Re: 8.1 GM mileage
 

Avalanche- 2500 4x4 4.10

All around mileage is 11.5-12

Hwy 13-14

Towing 10 ( horse trailer- 4500 lbs)
Towing 8 ( 30 ft twin boat- friends- 9000 lbs)

5 mpg- no way

Wannabe