2018 5.3 Tahoe vs 6.2 Denali

[Plimbob]

Looking to replace by 2007 Tahoe (286,000) with a 2018 Tahoe or Denali. The reason I was looking at the Denali is the 6.2 over the 5.3. I do pull a fishing boat which isn't overly heavy but causes the 07 to labor on any incline. I see the 2018 5.3 has 355 hp and the 6.2 has 420.

The 07 5.3 I think was rated at 310 hp new and I'm sure she isn't pushing that out now with 286,000. So I would assume the newer 5.3 with another 45 hp would make a difference over the old 5.3.

I have a tendency to keep my vehicles awhile, bought the 07 in 2009 with 31,000 on it.

Any thought on the difference between the two for reliability, longevity or known issues.

Thanks in advance for any info you all may have.
Tim

 

[FatDog]

Started with an 08 Denali with a 6.2, then went to a 2102 Eski with the 6.2 and in the process of getting a 2017 Denali with the 6.2. I've driven the 5.3 and been able to compare and well......6.2 gets the vote!!

 

[07 Denali]

6.2 all the way. Had an 07 Denali with the 6.2, a 13 Suburban with the 5.3 (but also had a 14 Silverado with the 6.2 for towing). When my fathers truck shot craps I sold him the 14 Silverado with the 6.2 and towed ONE TIME with the Suburban and then traded it for an 18 Denali with the 6.2. Completely different towing experience with the 6.2. If you didn’t have to tow anything and it was your daily driver the 5.3 would be great. If you plan on towing anything with your SUV, you will be much happier with the 6.2. Towing was the main reason we chose the 6.2. I two a couple of small boats...the heaviest being 3,500lbs. Night and day between the two engines.

 

[sealandsky]

Looking to replace by 2007 Tahoe (286,000) with a 2018 Tahoe or Denali. The reason I was looking at the Denali is the 6.2 over the 5.3. I do pull a fishing boat which isn't overly heavy but causes the 07 to labor on any incline. I see the 2018 5.3 has 355 hp and the 6.2 has 420.

The 07 5.3 I think was rated at 310 hp new and I'm sure she isn't pushing that out now with 286,000. So I would assume the newer 5.3 with another 45 hp would make a difference over the old 5.3.

I have a tendency to keep my vehicles awhile, bought the 07 in 2009 with 31,000 on it.

Any thought on the difference between the two for reliability, longevity or known issues.

Thanks in advance for any info you all may have.
Tim

I'm on my second Yukon Denali (so 6.2). The first with the 8 speed (P.O.S) and my current 2019 with the 10 speed. I'd recommend the 2018 Denali you are looking at. the 6.2 with 10 speed transmission will have you checking your rearview mirror to see if your boat is still attached or not. One of the big plus's of the 10 speed is a very low 1st gear.

 

[07 Denali]

I forgot to opine on reliability, longevity or known issues. We've been a GM family for three decades. We routinely drive our vehicles 200k+ miles. We had a head gasket issue on a 2002 5.3l, a tranny issue on an old 4 speed mated to a 5.7 in a 1998 Yukon, and the 14 Silverado is being reprogrammed for a brake booster issue (recall), but we haven't had any issues (knock on wood) with more recent vehicles aside from normal wear and tear. With the advent of AFM and DFM I've heard of issues with the valve train, but we haven't experienced this. This is well documented on this forum.

 

[hcvone]

If you live where it's flat, never tow anything, or just don;t drive around fast, the 5.3 is fine. The 6.2 with the 10 speed works very well, I found I needed more power and had Chevy sent the truck to Callaway, now it's better for me.

 

[Plimbob]

It's not real hilly around here. The rub is I pull my boat around the Midwest and on occasion out to eastern Montana and the 5.3 labors. But it does have 286,000 on it and I'm sure its getting a little tired. I was going to replace the vehicle in the next couple months so I though as long as I was going to do that I would look at the 6.2. I also thought about looking into the cost of additional work to boost the 5.3 hp. Around here the Denali cost about 15-20% more than a Tahoe, same year, mileage,etc.

 

[FatDog]

It's not real hilly around here. The rub is I pull my boat around the Midwest and on occasion out to eastern Montana and the 5.3 labors. But it does have 286,000 on it and I'm sure its getting a little tired. I was going to replace the vehicle in the next couple months so I though as long as I was going to do that I would look at the 6.2. I also thought about looking into the cost of additional work to boost the 5.3 hp. Around here the Denali cost about 15-20% more than a Tahoe, same year, mileage,etc.

If you’re pulling, then I wouldn’t be looking at the 5.3. Obviously the 5.3 will pull but I’ve never been in a situation pulling, where I was like ........geez I don’t need this extra power.

Now there is a point at which this becomes counterintuitive, but that’s when one starts looking and comparing diesel and gas motors.

It never fails, there will be days when it’s windy, or there are hills, or you want to pull something a little bigger / heavier. This is where the 6.2 will shine.

Personally I think the overall drive ability of the 6.2 is nicer too, no towing......just plain driving. It’s just a little more stout and fun to drive. Whether it’s hills, pulling out to pass or just hitting the go pedal, it’s just a nice set up.




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