I've recently been posting about GMC configurator issues as I try to get the Denali Reserve package (for its SuperCruise, alongside other features) as well as the Premium Capability Package with Active Response 4WD (included with Denali Reserve in MY2024, but separate option for MY2025, with configuration difficulty alongside Duramax).
Starting a new thread here to request advice on Yukon XL engine choice from more experienced members --- between the 6.2L V8 and the 3.0L Duramax (both LM2 on a new-on-lot MY2024 or LZO on new-to-order MY2025 are options). The 5.3L V8 is not under consideration.
Our situation is that we are a one-car family, and this would be our only car for our family of seven. We live in a semi-rural / rural mountain area, with all that typically involves:
(1) Elevation of 4000-5000 feet
(2) Annual snowfall of 3-6 feet
(3) Private gravel roads for the last few miles to our house until paved county roads
(4) Only one GM (Chevy / GMC) dealer / service-center within 1-2 hours of home
(5) Lots of daytime driving, but also significant nighttime driving (it gets dark at 5pm in winter)
(6) Monthly mileage of approximately 3000 miles (yes: 30,000+ miles per year), most of that on highways or rural county roads with little stop-and-go
Also, please assume:
(1) Frequent oil/filter changes
(2) All recommended maintenance done on schedule
(3) Disable of auto-start/stop technology
The high mileage is a particular cause of concern for us, given that there doesn't appear to be any bullet-proof engine for a new Yukon (XL) --- they all have different (seemingly early) failure modes. This post looks for advice on which is the one that might best meet our needs.
Due to concerns over engine reliability, as well as how quickly new safety features are being introduced for cars now-a-days, we plan to replace this Yukon XL after 2--3 years (with a new large SUV, probably another Yukon XL), since that would be 60,000 -- 90,000 miles.
We figure that all warranties will expire (in our case) based on mileage, rather than calendar years, so we view them as follows (when driving 30k+ miles per year):
(1) Bumper-to-bumper (@ 36k miles): Good for 1-year for us
(2) Powertrain (@ 60k miles): Good for 2-years for us
(3) GM Protection Plan (8-yr/100k Platinum): Good for 3-year for us
I'll be purchasing the above GM Protection Plan at the same time as the SUV (not necessarily from same dealer, though, as I've read on this forum which dealers often most aggressive pricing for GMPP).
Our significant concern is to avoid ever being stranded --- this is particularly top-of-mind for my wife, when she's driving kids around when I'm not also in the car. That's the reason we have in mind to only keep the car for three years, so we'll at least have some GMPP left for that third year.
Even so, I've read about very long (180 day?!?) wait times for engine replacement even under original warranty (especially with 6.2L), which gives us anxiety, as there are very few available loaner cars that will accommodate all of us safely. That's also driving the push for us to plan / budget for early replacement with another new SUV after just a few years.
But more than anything, we want to think hard about the gas vs. Duramax engine choice, given recent reports of the NHTSA investigation into the 870k 6.2L V8 engines. If reliability were the same, we'd definitely get the 6.2L V8, as my wife prefers that (given past familiarity with gas engines) and she'll be doing more of the driving (for kids' pickup/dropoff/activities). But reliability is going to probably end up driving this choice more than anything.
Please completely ignore the following factors in engine preference:
(1) Resale value between different engines (ie, cost)
(2) Fuel mileage between different engines (ie, cost)
(3) Towing benefits of Duramax (we tow very occasionally to never)
(4) Longer-term engine reliability (ie, above 150k miles, since we plan to replace at 3-years, well before that mileage)
Along with your opinion on engine choice, I'd really appreciate if you could provide an explanation for why you think that way. Finally, if you vote for the Duramax, please let me know if you have a preference between the LM2 vs. LZ0.
Thanks so much for reading such a long post, and providing your thoughts.
