First Denali Purchase

[willia20]

Hi everyone,

This is my first time on the forum and my first time owning a Yukon or an SUV of any kind. I just bought a 2009 yukon denali and it made me realize how little I understand about the vehicle. Please let me know if I can find this information somewhere else on the forum as I know repeat information isn't wanted.

-why is AWD only offered on the Denali? Is it considered superior to the 4W drive system found on the lower level Yukons?

-why the does the Denali have the 6.2L v8 instead of the 5.3L v8? I understand it has more power but it seems counter-intuitive to put an AWD system into the Denali but then power it with a larger V8. This is assuming that a traditional 4W drive system is better than AWD for towing. If towing was your main concern, wouldn't you want the larger v8 with 4wd?

These questions are coming from someone who doesn't know a lot about towing and 4wd/awd systems.

Thanks in advance for your responses!

 

[Sho'Tyme]

Welcome and Congrats...

 

[cjweb11]

congrats on the buy, welcome to TYF
the AWD is always engaged where as 4x4 has a selectable transfer case and really should be kept in 2wd when on the road, most people with a denali probalby arent doing very extensive off-roading with it, awd is nice cuz you really feel safe and planted to the pavement

as far as towing, 4wd dont matter - in fact i believe tow capacity decreases from 2wd to 4wd models (not exactly sure), its the HD package with aux trans cooler and trailer brake etc that really makes a difference, you are typically towing in 2wd anyway unless something like pulling a large boat out of the water on a slippery ramp, and even then you can usually get by w 2wd.

 

[soulsea]

Hi everyone,

This is my first time on the forum and my first time owning a Yukon or an SUV of any kind. I just bought a 2009 yukon denali and it made me realize how little I understand about the vehicle. Please let me know if I can find this information somewhere else on the forum as I know repeat information isn't wanted.

-why is AWD only offered on the Denali? Is it considered superior to the 4W drive system found on the lower level Yukons?

-why the does the Denali have the 6.2L v8 instead of the 5.3L v8? I understand it has more power but it seems counter-intuitive to put an AWD system into the Denali but then power it with a larger V8. This is assuming that a traditional 4W drive system is better than AWD for towing. If towing was your main concern, wouldn't you want the larger v8 with 4wd?

These questions are coming from someone who doesn't know a lot about towing and 4wd/awd systems.

Thanks in advance for your responses!

Engine displacement isn't related to drivetrain, in 2009 the Tahoe was available with a 6.2 and 4WD, as are pickup trims. The 6.2 is in the Denali and Escalades purely because of power and is in part what makes them more expensive. If you've ever stepped on a 5.3 and then on 6.2 the difference is significant, and you'd be glad to have the 6.2. If fuel economy is a priority, then the AWD 6.2 will make you cry.

As far as the difference tween AWD and 4WD. AWD is on all the time and gives superior traction under all road conditions, but doesn't do as well off road. AWD vehicles have a TAD (Tans Axle Differential) which is a front to back differential which enables them to run traction to all four wheels all the time. 4WD vehicles don't have a TAD so the system is usable only in off road and slippery pavement conditions, otherwise it will break the system.

Congrats on the purchase.

 

[willia20]

Thank you so much for the responses. I am new to trucks/suvs in general and there is an enormous amount of information on here to absorb. I just didn't have answers for my die-hard truck friends when they asked "why AWD?" To be honest, I bought it for the cabin space and it looked really good.......

I am trying to attach a picture so we'll see how it turns out.

 

[OHSIXX]

Gorgeous vehicle...pearl with CK916's...looking good!
There are alot of helpful people on this site along with a ton of useful info here.....

 

[Gatorlac]

just tell your friends to quit being jelly of your AWD, if they ask why AWD ask why not? Good lookin truck BTW