- ventilated seats - any of the 2 models have it or is better than the other?
Tahoe Premier and Yukon Denali have ventillated standard. Option on Yukon SLT.
- LED / HID lights
LED is not available. Tahoe Premier and Yukon Denali are the only with HID, the others have halogen.
- android radio and navigation ( maybe android mirroring ?
Not sure about this, but I believe it’s standard on the trims you’re looking for.
- air ride suspension - or what that name may be ... looking for a nice ride
These suvs don’t have air ride. The Tahoe Premier and Yukon Denali have Magenetic Rice Control (MRC). MRC is also shared with the Escalade.
- a decent transmission - somehow from my previous experience I have seen that vehicles with more than 7 gears or CVTs are hunting for speeds...and is a bit annoying.
Tahoe’s and Yukon’s have 6 gears. The Denali has 10. The 10 speed is the superior transmission. (10 speed is new for ‘18) I’ve had several vehicles with 6+ gears and rarely feel like they hunt for gears. No transmission is the same so to be worried of it is ignorant. It’s best to test.
- looking for a better MPG - I really don't care for a 6+ l engine, but I do not want an under powered one either
They all have V8. Tahoes and Yukon’s have a 5.3 and the Yukon Denali has a 6.2 V8 that’s shared with the Escalade.
- can I get a model in Yukon or Tahoe that does NOT have a 3rd row ?
No. They all have third rows but they fold relatively flat into the floor.
- which one has most mechanical issues that I should be aware of ?
None. The powertrains across the board are pretty solid.
- in your opinion, which is better value for money related to what I am asking above.
Yukon Denali. It’s basically an Escalade with less prestige and a lot cheaper. Second would be Tahoe Premier. Third, Yukon SLT if your budget is a little tighter.