Change in 2010 4WD

[LTZboy]

How's this for efficient... I consistently get 19-20 mpg HWY in my 6.2 AWD Denali. And if I ever decide to actually go the speed limit, I can get 1-2 better than that

Try 24-26mpg with the 5.3 going 60mph all flat roads no hills at the beach. I get 28-30 cruising down the beach at 45mph.

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

Awd

what AWD gives up vs 2WD for economy, is gained back by performance.

AWD in snow (on the street) or rain, or sleet, or even round corners is amazing, the security of it is just that great. I'd give up 1-2MPG for AWD in my Tahoe.

I don't need 4-low in the vehicle...

Last winter I was pulling out of my neighborhood, rear tires were on ice (unknown to me) front tires were on normal road. I tried to pull out. Rear tires spin, traction control slows the power, I move, slowly, then when the rears hit pavement, I move normally... Thankfully fast enough that I didn't get T-*****.

The wife's Mazda Tribute - AWD. Love it, love it, love it. Always has grip, always fun in the snow and rain, and like the Tahoe it will never go offroad...

But, I don't want to turn this into any more of an AWD vs 4WD thread.
(We could start another )

We can (hopefully) all resolve to understand that AWD is better for somethings, while 4WD is better at others.

And we all know that 2WD trucks are just wrong!

Let's get back to bashing idiot salesmen

 

[LTZboy]

I think the whole reason for the post is the 2-speed case on the 07-09 tahoe's provided more functionality then being locked into AWD. The 07-09 tahoe's you could have 2WD, AWD (auto), 4WD-H, 4WD-L which every function has their benefits from being locked into just one.

 

[metelhead]

Try 24-26mpg with the 5.3 going 60mph all flat roads no hills at the beach. I get 28-30 cruising down the beach at 45mph.

lol I love the internet! sounds like your truck is stuck in v4 mode....btw- I get 38mpg

 

[Zed 71]

^ yeah AWD is always sending power to all four wheels (not efficient).

How's this for efficient... I consistently get 19-20 mpg HWY in my 6.2 AWD Denali. And if I ever decide to actually go the speed limit, I can get 1-2 better than that

You also have the six speed transmission, just too many variables... My city mileage is ~14 mpg with lift and larger tires (mud terrains) I need a tune!

 

[RumorsOFsurF]

Oh yeah, well I get 700 mpg with my 5.3 on mountain passes. I said it on the interwebs, so it must be true, right?


Seriously, though, why wouldn't MORE available settings and an actual 4 lock be better? My '03 has an Auto setting, which is just AWD, as well as 4hi and 4lo, and I can use 2wd for fuel economy. How is that not better than a transfer case that's AWD with no low range or lock option?

Of course, my transfer case is being replaced at the moment, due to worn out clutches and what I believe is a shoddily repaired case of pump rub.

 

[hefty64]

LTZ Boy-You hit the nail on the head. I was not trying to stir anything up relative to the benefits of AWD versus 4WD. Rather, my disbelief in the change and to let folks know. Just see a little bit of the true Tahoe going away. AWD suits some folks fine. Even some of my friends in the mountains that do not have the long private driveways or high climbs to make like I do have AWD and swear by them.

Except for a short period since 1997, I have been a loyal Tahoe owner. Because of my travels to the outer banks of NC and a mountain place I own on a long dirt road on the top of a ridge, the low and high 4WD was always a necessity for me and I could count on it to be there. Yes, I may not use it but 3 or 4 times a year, but without it, Im dead in the water or walking my fat hefty ass up or down a big hill.

I know most folks who purchase 4WD Tahoes rarely use the 4WD. Hell, I knew one guy who after 4 years had neve put his 4WD, tried to do it and "he couldn't get it to work". Duh!!!

I am just sad to see GM eliminate this option for those of us who could depend upon it in the past. It is still there (and hopefully it will remain so) in certain vehicles, but this was always one of the things that truly distinguished all 4WD Tahoes from the Denali. I frankly don't see a lot of (realize there is some) difference between 4HI and AWD. Because I can afford it, and would prefer it except for the 4Wd difference, if they eliminate the 4LO option of all of the Tahoes, guess Ill just opt for the Denali or even scarier yet see if there is Ford that offers the option (dont know cause Ive always been a GM man).

 

[The Pawnbroker]

As an update to this thread, the two-speed transfer case is still available. I bought my 2011 for the same reason Dave Head gave. Because I'm able to flat tow it behind my RV. That's a fantastic option and it's getting harder to find these days.

The two-speed transfer case is an option by itself as I remember. I think it was about $200. Maybe you have to get the tow package along with it like someone said, but you have to order the two-speed transfer case option also. It's fantastic to have two-wheel drive, auto 4-wheel, 4-wheel high, 4-wheel low, and a neutral setting.

It's the best transfer case option available on any vehicle these days.

 

[gnarpow]

Oh yeah, well I get 700 mpg with my 5.3 on mountain passes. I said it on the interwebs, so it must be true, right?


Seriously, though, why wouldn't MORE available settings and an actual 4 lock be better? My '03 has an Auto setting, which is just AWD, as well as 4hi and 4lo, and I can use 2wd for fuel economy. How is that not better than a transfer case that's AWD with no low range or lock option?

Of course, my transfer case is being replaced at the moment, due to worn out clutches and what I believe is a shoddily repaired case of pump rub.

Ummm.... "Auto" mode is nothing like the AWD of a Denali or Escalade.