Embarrassing 2016 Denali

[Illnasty]

To preface this posting - I'm going to a 2016 4x4 Denali from 2002 AWD Denali. I've owned the 2002 from day 1 and live in NJ so we've had our fair share of snow storms. NOT ONCE in 14 years did my 2002 get stuck. Never ever ever did it get stuck in the snow, field, mud, or sand, NEVER! I never had a fear of my 2002 getting stuck. This past winter when we had a 28 inch blizzard, the 2002 cut through unplowed parking lots like a hot knife through butter. Snow drifts that were easily over 3 feet. Again no issue!

Fast forward to the 2016 Denali with the 4x4. After owning it for less than two weeks, I got stuck in my friends gravel/dirt driveway....is this a fricken joke. I went over the ledge of his driveway, tried to reverse and dug in some nice ruts. I eventually got out but wtf. I've done that same maneuver a million times in the 2002 and not once did the wheel lose traction. What gives?

I'm slowly learning to accept that these are not trucks but just big cars lifted off the ground with big wheels. The ground clearance on this "truck" is joke. It took me 6 years to finally scrap my 2002 bottom after I swiped a 1.5 foot curb. I wouldn't even go near a 4 inch curb with the 2016. I'm kinda frustrated with the way they made anything after 2006 less of a truck and more car like. I get that they do these things for fuel economy but it's lame. I personally thought the removal of AWD for 4x4 was stupid. Having AWD removes the human guessing element in my opinion.

 

[cardude2000]

To preface this posting - I'm going to a 2016 4x4 Denali from 2002 AWD Denali. I've owned the 2002 from day 1 and live in NJ so we've had our fair share of snow storms. NOT ONCE in 14 years did my 2002 get stuck. Never ever ever did it get stuck in the snow, field, mud, or sand, NEVER! I never had a fear of my 2002 getting stuck. This past winter when we had a 28 inch blizzard, the 2002 cut through unplowed parking lots like a hot knife through butter. Snow drifts that were easily over 3 feet. Again no issue!

Fast forward to the 2016 Denali with the 4x4. After owning it for less than two weeks, I got stuck in my friends gravel/dirt driveway....is this a fricken joke. I went over the ledge of his driveway, tried to reverse and dug in some nice ruts. I eventually got out but wtf. I've done that same maneuver a million times in the 2002 and not once did the wheel lose traction. What gives?

I'm slowly learning to accept that these are not trucks but just big cars lifted off the ground with big wheels. The ground clearance on this "truck" is joke. It took me 6 years to finally scrap my 2002 bottom after I swiped a 1.5 foot curb. I wouldn't even go near a 4 inch curb with the 2016. I'm kinda frustrated with the way they made anything after 2006 less of a truck and more car like. I get that they do these things for fuel economy but it's lame. I personally thought the removal of AWD for 4x4 was stupid. Having AWD removes the human guessing element in my opinion.

Hmm, ground clearance on a 2002 and 2016 are both 8" I think...what's the difference between awd and 4wd? I always thought having a 4 low option would be more aggressive and an awd?


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[jl449]

Could this be a tire issue? Would a more aggressive tire tread would've help your situation? As for clearance, the front air damper (under the the front bumper) is a little low.

 

[sumo]

Bigger rims, less tire and flexibility for one. Also the stability track and traction control that lowers engine output and auto engages brakes the truck starts sliding sideways.

 

[iLikeEggs]

To preface this posting - I'm going to a 2016 4x4 Denali from 2002 AWD Denali. I've owned the 2002 from day 1 and live in NJ so we've had our fair share of snow storms. NOT ONCE in 14 years did my 2002 get stuck. Never ever ever did it get stuck in the snow, field, mud, or sand, NEVER! I never had a fear of my 2002 getting stuck. This past winter when we had a 28 inch blizzard, the 2002 cut through unplowed parking lots like a hot knife through butter. Snow drifts that were easily over 3 feet. Again no issue!

Fast forward to the 2016 Denali with the 4x4. After owning it for less than two weeks, I got stuck in my friends gravel/dirt driveway....is this a fricken joke. I went over the ledge of his driveway, tried to reverse and dug in some nice ruts. I eventually got out but wtf. I've done that same maneuver a million times in the 2002 and not once did the wheel lose traction. What gives?

I'm slowly learning to accept that these are not trucks but just big cars lifted off the ground with big wheels. The ground clearance on this "truck" is joke. It took me 6 years to finally scrap my 2002 bottom after I swiped a 1.5 foot curb. I wouldn't even go near a 4 inch curb with the 2016. I'm kinda frustrated with the way they made anything after 2006 less of a truck and more car like. I get that they do these things for fuel economy but it's lame. I personally thought the removal of AWD for 4x4 was stupid. Having AWD removes the human guessing element in my opinion.

Just so you know, Detroit hasn't made an "automobile" since the mid 70's. Just sayin.

 

[iLikeEggs]

Could this be a tire issue? Would a more aggressive tire tread would've help your situation? As for clearance, the front air damper (under the the front bumper) is a little low.

I'd consider the tires before condemning the rest of it. If they're low profile street tires with pimp rims (as most of them come with stock now...) they will only be good on dry pavement. How about some pics of the tires?

 

[07Burb]

Lol @ "pimp rims"

 

[sumo]

I believe this month theme is ganster

 

[iLikeEggs]

Lol @ "pimp rims"

I am Hank Hill incarnate.

 

[Illnasty]

I think the tech in 2016 is fairly amazing, didn't touch the steering wheel for 10 miles on the highway without touching the steering wheel. Still in total awe about the lane assist. I have to get used to this thing though. It's not a "beast" like anything prior to 2006, just a classy car.

Only reason I bought the new one was because my 2002 was in an accident. Insurance company totaled it out and gave me $6k, I bought her back for $200, and got the mechanical issue fixed for $800. The bumper is held up with zip ties and the fender is crushed in. At this point, I'm thinking about making the 2002 whole again and just drive it till it blows up. I'll post pics of the damage and ask WWJD.