SkiDoc

iTrader: (4)

Looking for real world opinions on the option of the 5.7 or 6.2 engine in Suburbans/Yukon XL. This is for my wifes car which will just tow our Nautique. She wants an LTZ or Denali package, 4wd. I see the 5.7's are a little better on fuel. The 6.2's have AWD which typically I'm not a fan of because they don't seem as smooth at the wheel. Anyone know what suspension options are the best? Thanks

Quinlan

iTrader: (1)

We have an 09' Tahoe LTZ 6.2. Great truck so far. About 35k miles. Has every option avail I think.
Very smooth ride. about milage, well lets just say MAYbe 15? in real world.
I think I saw 16 once. Thats on Paper not DIC.
Have heard some minor tweaks and it will Really wake up the motor. WIfe wont let me touch it YET! Did I say its her truck?!.

Knot 4 Me

I had a 6.0L AWD Denali XL and was not a fan as compared to the 5.3L 4WD trucks I had owned in the past. As it is your wife's vehicle and will be used for occasional light towing, I would not opt for the 6.2L/AWD.

SkiDoc

iTrader: (4)

What were the things you didn't prefer about the awd, thanks for the replies

Knot 4 Me

I just prefer to have control over whether or not I am engaging the front axle. I rarely put a vehicle in 4WD even during the winter months here in IL. So the 98% of the time that I do not need 4WD I prefer to run just off the rear axle and get better fuel mileage. That said, it was hard to get into trouble with the vehicle in any road conditions and I did like the extra power of the bigger motor when I towed. I just wish they offered AWD as an option with electronic shift 4WD as standard.

Wasted Income

What is this 5.7L engine you speak of?

I'm sure you mean 5.3L. The 5.3 will suit you fine, and have more than enough power/tow capacity (for a ski boat) with the 6 speed auto. Fuel economy will also be better due to the smaller displacement, and part time transfer case vs. the 6.2 AWD Denali.

wannabe

If you get the 5.3 make sure you get the tow package and the highest numerical rear axle ratio like a 3.42 or 3.73 axle. These engines with the 6 speed trannys will pull a ski boat no sweat. The AWD does suck fuel. Having a 4wd you select is fine.

Wannabe

soldier4402

I wouldnt get the AWD get 4wd in any case better gas. Get the 5.3 in a min of 3.55 probably get 3.73 gears. 6.2 in a tahoe is a waste of money if your only towing a 3-4k ski boat. As far as LTZ or denali personally I think loaded out vehicles are a waste of money and I dont like leather. So I usually get the Chevy LT or Ford XLT pretty well equiped and save me some money

wananewboat

My wife is on her second Denali and loves them. The milage isn't that bad 16-18 mpg and the AWD is nice in the winter because you don't get the hop when turning. The level ride system is nice for towing also. I like having the larger engine, I've never known anyone to say they had to much power.

vindicator101

I understand what everyone is saying about the 5.3L getting better mileage due to displacement but if you compare 6.0L all wheel drive to 6.0L 4WD then doesn't the all wheel drive actually get better mileage? Sounds crazy but on the newer (post '03) push button 4WD's all the drive components are turning, just not being "driven" which leads to friction drag and a waste of energy causing more fuel consumption.