Need Advice: looking at 16,17,18 Yukon Denali’s

[Bob2C]

Agreed on the 6 speed. I have it paired with the 5.3 and 3.43 gears and think it’s fine. Don’t need to have the truck go much faster. It’s a family hauler and where I live there are just too many cops and traffic lights. So for me it’s all stop and go. Just my .02


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[SuperOldSchool]

Mid year 2015 production got the 8L90 8 speed. So, 2015 models can have either.

I have the 2015 8 speed. It was replaced with an updated trans at 14k miles and is ok - not awesome, but ok.

I recommend spending the money for an extended bumper to bumper warranty. I’ve never been a fan of them, but you will probably use it.

Mine cost $1800 for 7yr / 100k.


It’s already paid for itself many times over:

3 of 4 MRC struts replaced
Seat lumbar ballon replaced
HVAC fan unit
Fuel pump
Replaced faulty injector
Replaced failed lifer and broken valve spring
GPS antenna
Several collision sensors
Negative battery cable
Radiator and thermostat
AC Condensor

Wish I could say these are well built, but cannot. Spend the money on the warranty. If you can afford these trucks you can afford the coverage.

 

[Squirrelsmith]

doesn't matter they all last 5 years and drain your pockets. am i right guys?

 

[Ohtexan]

I

Main differences:
-Transmission went from 8-gear to 10-gear
-Some older models do not have AndroidAuto and/or Apple CarPlay
-Newer models got HDMI port for the rear entertainment system, while older was RCA connection port and SD card
-Newer model got a new amazing updated grill
-I know that newer model got an Active Grill Shutter as standard, but I think it might not be installed at the older models
-Older models might not have the large digital display in the middle of the speedometer
-Earlier models got some recalls that you might need to check, last one was in Sept 2019 for the break vacuum pump and I guess 2018 was not included since they already have fixed it
In general, you may need to check Fourms and YouTube regarding transmission thermostat delete to keep transmission fluid cooler

have a 6 speed

Agreed on the 6 speed. I have it paired with the 5.3 and 3.43 gears and think it’s fine. Don’t need to have the truck go much faster. It’s a family hauler and where I live there are just too many cops and traffic lights. So for me it’s all stop and go. Just my .02


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[Ohtexan]

I have a late 2015 XL Denali, 6.2 l eng w/8 speed at 73k miles. No component failures, all factory maintenance done by dealer. Exceptional gas mileage. Mostly highway miles, OH to TX and FL.. no towing ... put in tires and brakes at 60k miles...

 

[SuperOldSchool]

Ohtexan,
You must be the .1%, that’s great news for you, seriously.

I also have done the severe service maintenance schedule, going beyond in fact in some cases, like drain and refill both diffs and transfer case with full syn fluids. The diffs and transfer case are about all that has not yet broken...

Wish I had the same experience.

 

[Ozlander]

Any real issues with the '15?

 

[teddybear]

Early year 15 yukons have the 6 speed. I own a latter year 15 and have the 8 speed. No problems with the 8 speed after fluid change 2000 miles ago. Got 21mpg on recent 1200 mile trip. Thought that was pretty good for this big a car. I bet the 6 speed gets a lot less. Not sure though. Good luck.

 

[humer101]

Early year 15 yukons have the 6 speed. I own a latter year 15 and have the 8 speed. No problems with the 8 speed after fluid change 2000 miles ago. Got 21mpg on recent 1200 mile trip. Thought that was pretty good for this big a car. I bet the 6 speed gets a lot less. Not sure though. Good luck.

Mpg depends on road condition, hills ups and down, and the weigh you carried.
I got 22 mpg two weeks ago from NJ-Orlando Florida and five kids plus two adults, full luggage which is crazy weigh.
This pick was in Maryland.


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[wu6fiend]

Main differences:
-Transmission went from 8-gear to 10-gear
-Some older models do not have AndroidAuto and/or Apple CarPlay
-Newer models got HDMI port for the rear entertainment system, while older was RCA connection port and SD card
-Newer model got a new amazing updated grill
-I know that newer model got an Active Grill Shutter as standard, but I think it might not be installed at the older models
-Older models might not have the large digital display in the middle of the speedometer
-Earlier models got some recalls that you might need to check, last one was in Sept 2019 for the break vacuum pump and I guess 2018 was not included since they already have fixed it
In general, you may need to check Fourms and YouTube regarding transmission thermostat delete to keep transmission fluid cooler

Active Grill Shutters were standard for model '17. Not installed on earlier models.

Large digital display is available on earlier models, just select it via the menu.

Once I had my 8 speed trans reprogrammed, the issues were about 90% solved. No more hunting for gears, and most upshifts are very smooth. Only occasionally do I feel a hard upshift. No one but me seems to notice.

Updated grill fits older models perfectly, and is relatively easy to install. Didn't cost very much either. I also changed my '16 to '19 wheels.

Model '17 dash lighting in the Yukon's went to blue, instead of red. Cost cutting move perhaps, as Tahoe has blue lighting too.