New Member - 2015 Suburban LTZ v. Denali XL Buying Advice

[gilboyj]

Hello All-

New member and happy to be here. I am in the market for a CPO 15-16 Suburban LTZ or Denali XL. Prices and mileage are similar across the market. I can be sold on exterior looks either way, and will admit that I prefer the Denali cabin, but only slightly more. My primary concern is with regard to the MPG differences between the 5.3L and the 6.2L. The vehicle will be my wife's DD, and will be quite busy shuffling our three kids around town on the regular. Curious as to what experiences owners have had with either motor during daily running, road-trips, etc.

Thanks for the input.

 

[Rdr854]

I have a Suburban with the 5.3 and have been very happy with it. My overall mpg (mix of highway and city) is 18 mpg.

 

[15YUKON]

They are very close on fuel economy it's not even material. I get anywhere from 15-17 normally mixed with the 6.2L. 6.2 has more power but if it's a DD people hauler it doesn't really matter. To me the 6.2 is better and more fun and is a great sounding motor. One of the better motors GM currently makes.

 

[CMoore711]

The MPG between the 5.3L and the 6.2L is negligible.

FWIW ‘15 Yukon XL Denali around town I see about 14-16mpg depending on how heavy my foot is. Just took a trip up to Detroit, MI about 3.5 hrs each way and averaged 22.8 mpg with a best of 23.2 according to the DIC.

 

[15YUKON]

The MPG between the 5.3L and the 6.2L is negligible.

FWIW ‘15 Yukon XL Denali around town I see about 14-16mpg depending on how heavy my foot is. Just took a trip up to Detroit, MI about 3.5 hrs each way and averaged 22.8 mpg with a best of 23.2 according to the DIC.

All GM needs to do is add a 454 big block back to the lineup. Oh those were the days.

 

[WIFFLEHOUSE]

I went from a 15 Tahoe to an 18 XL Denali. The 6.2 is more fun like 15Yukon mentioned, and I find myself heavier on the throttle to hear my exhaust. I have 3800 miles on the Denali getting 14 mpg. (I’d guess 20/80 highway/City ratio) I do notice the difference at the pump and I ***** to myself every time. I don’t regret it one bit though, these 6.2s are a blast. I’d guess I was probably around 15/16 mpg with the 5.3

 

[CMoore711]

I never understood why people make such a big stink about having to run premium fuel. Personally even in a few vehicles I’ve owned that didn’t require it I would still run at least plus (mid-grade) and often premium. Usually there’s about a $0.25-$.040 difference between fuel grades so you’re spending about $8-$10 extra per fill up on a 26 gallon tank. Sure it costs more and can add up to a few bucks throughout the year. But driving around a $60K-$80K SUV complaining about an extra $10 per fill up?!?!?

If using unleaded fuel as the bench mark then the difference in fill ups is closer to $13-$20 per fill up which adds up quicker. But then again, driving around a $60K-$80K SUV and feeding it with the lowest grade of fuel available?!?! Another concept that seems odd to me but to each their own...

 

[gilboyj]

I never understood why people make such a big stink about having to run premium fuel. Personally even in a few vehicles I’ve owned that didn’t require it I would still run at least plus (mid-grade) and often premium. Usually there’s about a $0.25-$.040 difference between fuel grades so you’re spending about $8-$10 extra per fill up on a 26 gallon tank. Sure it costs more and can add up to a few bucks throughout the year. But driving around a $60K-$80K SUV complaining about an extra $10 per fill up?!?!?

If using unleaded fuel as the bench mark then the difference in fill ups is closer to $13-$20 per fill up which adds up quicker. But then again, driving around a $60K-$80K SUV and feeding it with the lowest grade of fuel available?!?! Another concept that seems odd to me but to each their own...

Does the Denali require premium? I thought both motors ran regular....

 

[CMoore711]

Does the Denali require premium? I thought both motors ran regular....

I guess not necessarily, this is what I got back quick from Google.

5.3L Ecotec3 = regular unleaded or E85 (flex fuel)

6.2L Ecotec3 = premium fuel recommended but not required

 

[golfdad100]

Hello All-

New member and happy to be here. I am in the market for a CPO 15-16 Suburban LTZ or Denali XL. Prices and mileage are similar across the market. I can be sold on exterior looks either way, and will admit that I prefer the Denali cabin, but only slightly more. My primary concern is with regard to the MPG differences between the 5.3L and the 6.2L. The vehicle will be my wife's DD, and will be quite busy shuffling our three kids around town on the regular. Curious as to what experiences owners have had with either motor during daily running, road-trips, etc.

Thanks for the input.

I bought the 2015 Yukon XL Denali new. The ride and comfort is excellent. MPG (I run mid-grade) is about 13 around town and on long trips we average around 21. Look into the transmission with the '15 though. I've had issues with down shifting into low when slowing. It was so bad one time I thought someone rear ended me. I've had it reprogrammed once and it is somewhat better but the issue is still there..