Engine Opinions

[Dcraw]

Any opinions pro or con on 6.2 engine vs. the 5.3 in Yukons?

 

[swathdiver]

6.2 is the way to go! 5.3 is more efficient in town, the 6.2 is better towing, putting a smile on your face and out on the highway.

 

[Marky Dissod]

Anything a 5.3L can do, a 6.2L can do better.
With the correct axle gear(s) & tires, so long as you're willing to pay for 91 octane, you won't lose much if any miles per gallon, and you'll gain quite a few smiles per gallon.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

If the cost of gas is not an issue for you, get the 6.2. It is truly a fun motor. If you don't get enjoyment out of driving (in other words, if you just use the truck to get from point A to point B), then the 5.3 would probably be fine for you.

 

[WalleyeMikeIII]

Honestly, if you are doing any towing/hauling, I'd get the 6.2; I actually think the fuel economy towing is better w/ the 6.2 than the 5.3 (assuming you are north of towing 3500lbs).
Its a much better driving experience w/ the 6.2. And, I even think Highway the MPG's may be equivalent or even better w/ the 6.2 than the 5.3 in similar conditions...esp on interstate at say 70MPH+.

I don't think the 5.3 at 355 HP is a bad choice...but the torque in the 6.2 and the additional HP is awesome. The down side is running premium...which is a true cost delta.

Don't sleep on the 3.0 Duramax either...that is turning out to be a fine powertrain...

Suggest driving all 3 of them...even if it is in a Pickup...then judge for yourself.

You will spend more in Fuel in the 6.2, due to the upcharge in premium fuel.

 

[Geotrash]

Any opinions pro or con on 6.2 engine vs. the 5.3 in Yukons?

I loved my first 6.2 so much, I bought another one. This, after owning a Suburban with the 5.3. I don't mind paying the price of premium fuel, so for me it's worth it. Best towing rigs I've ever owned. The 6.2 turns the truck into a beast!

 

[R32driver]

We had a 5.3 in our '11 suburban and now have one in our '21 yukon and both have been more than adequate. Don't really tow with them, although I have towed quite a few cars on a flatbed trailer and they both did fine, but mostly bought pretty much just as people haulers. The biggest difference between them I think is the 10 speed transmission on the new one makes for a much better driving experience.

 

[tdebacker]

I have the 5.3L V8 in my '17 Suburban and I wish I had the 6.2L. I've heard the highway/towing MPG between the two is negligent.

My 5.3L pulled my ~7000 pound trailer ('82 K10 on a 20' flatbed) just fine, but it didn't have as much pulling power up a hill as I'd have liked.

Maybe it needs a tune up (~91k) but I wish I had more power.

 

[ZKWBQD]

Any opinions pro or con on 6.2 engine vs. the 5.3 in Yukons?

Go with gasoline, not diesel.

 

[Zoomer]

Any opinions pro or con on 6.2 engine vs. the 5.3 in Yukons?

I’ve had both. 6.2 is a lot more fun, especially after adding a Borla exhaust. My 2004 5.3 is rock solid engine, but poor MPG with a 4 speed transmission. I don’t drive much and don’t mind paying for 93 octane now. 6.2 maybe the last V8 we’re able to buy, go big and go loud.