Thinking about trading in my 2015i Yukon Denali...

[johnnybogey]

have owned it for a year and a half. It has the 8 speed transmission. Nasty clunk. Something is loose, feels like the tranny is going to drop at any minute. Had dealer look at it multiple times and each time, I get the "its operating normal". Even told him that many with the same problem were told to call the GMC tac line and he says, "don't believe everything you read on the Internet"

Also, I recall a noise issue with this model at higher speeds. I believe it occurs when all windows are closed but damn, with my rear windows opened, as soon as I hit 40mph, the booming noise is insane. Actually unbearable after a while.

So we recently had out second child. So two car seats in the 2nd row (bucket seats) which means when my mother in law is with us, have to fold up 3rd row and now I have no trunk space.

Thinking about trading in and getting a suburban. While I like the GMC, not sure it's worth the extra dollars to get the Yukon XL over the Suburban. Any thoughts here? Is the gmc line really "professional grade"? Or is it just purely aesthetics in terms of differences?

Also, thinking about getting the LTZ but with 2nd row bench. Anyone else go this route? Any regrets? Just seems more practical.

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[hosseface]

I did the same thing. I had a 2015 Dino tho. It's cheaper to buy a Yukon XL at a Laura price than a comparable Suburban though.

2 child seats and any 3rd row passengers KILLED a road trip. I traded for a 16 XL Denali about 8 weeks ago and love it.

I looked at some local dealer stock woth a 2nd row bench and I wasn't a fan. I like the walkway between the 2ms row buckets. Now maybe if you needed to transport 8 people, the bucket might be an option IMO.

 

[johnnybogey]

I did the same thing. I had a 2015 Dino tho. It's cheaper to buy a Yukon XL at a Laura price than a comparable Suburban though.

2 child seats and any 3rd row passengers KILLED a road trip. I traded for a 16 XL Denali about 8 weeks ago and love it.

I looked at some local dealer stock woth a 2nd row bench and I wasn't a fan. I like the walkway between the 2ms row buckets. Now maybe if you needed to transport 8 people, the bucket might be an option IMO.

Thanks for your reply Hosseface. Yeah, with two kids each taking up a bucket seat and 3rd row up for passengers no good for road trips. Also, any issues with the 8 speed tranny? Very skeptical having owned and driven my current 2015i with 8 speed? Gmc able to work out the kinks in their 1st generation 8 speed?

I've given it some thought and wife and I decided we would get the 2nd row bucket versus bench. We figure, in the long run, bucket seats will be better.

Really wish there were latch hooks in between the 3rd seat cushions so we could move our sons convertible booster seat back into the 3rd row.

I've heard many great things about GMC Laura. Curious if some of the members that made the long distance voyage out there can share there thoughts on the process and experience. If the potential savings are worth it, I would look to go this route.

Thanks all

 

[NowZoomer]

GMC vc Chevy, mostly marketing plus some superficial changes - as long as you're looking at similar trim levels, it's the same truck plus a little extra on the GMC side

Sorry if this is stating the obvious, you can still put your car seat in the 3rd row, you just need to use the seat belt and use the buckle loop kneel to get it as tight as the latch system

 

[johnnybogey]

GMC vc Chevy, mostly marketing plus some superficial changes - as long as you're looking at similar trim levels, it's the same truck plus a little extra on the GMC side

Sorry if this is stating the obvious, you can still put your car seat in the 3rd row, you just need to use the seat belt and use the buckle loop kneel to get it as tight as the latch system

Thanks nowzoomer. Been reading some reviews on car seats and looks like it's ok to put the booster seat in the 3rd row. I assumed that since the seat came with lower anchors, they had to be used which is not the case.

 

[johnnybogey]

I do wonder, if I go with a Chevy, will I miss the 8 speed transmission.

 

[fiatdale]

I'm willing to bet you'll miss the 6.2/8sp combo, but there's nothing wrong with a 5.3/6sp.

 

[johnnybogey]

I'm willing to bet you'll miss the 6.2/8sp combo, but there's nothing wrong with a 5.3/6sp.

Even if I've never towed anything and probably won't ever tow anything?

 

[Yukon John]

If you get a Suburban LTZ...look for one with the "Max Tow Package". That gets you the 3:42 gearing vs. the 3:08 which brings the 5.3 with a 6 speed much closer to the 6.2 8 speed.

I personally liked all of the Denali/Escalades with 6.2/8 speed that I drove. There is a BIG difference between the 3:08 6 speed and the 3:42 6 speed. It's not as quick as the 6.2/8 speed but VERY close.

My 3:42 5.3 6 speed feels a hair quicker than a 3:08 6.2 6 speed in daily driving...add a Diablo In Tune 2 to it and you've got a great package.

 

[johnnybogey]

If you get a Suburban LTZ...look for one with the "Max Tow Package". That gets you the 3:42 gearing vs. the 3:08 which brings the 5.3 with a 6 speed much closer to the 6.2 8 speed.

I personally liked all of the Denali/Escalades with 6.2/8 speed that I drove. There is a BIG difference between the 3:08 6 speed and the 3:42 6 speed. It's not as quick as the 6.2/8 speed but VERY close.

My 3:42 5.3 6 speed feels a hair quicker than a 3:08 6.2 6 speed in daily driving...add a Diablo In Tune 2 to it and you've got a great package.

Awesome info Yukon John. Thanks!!!
Currently on my Yukon Denali, I have a Diablo tune but it's just the basic one.
Going to take both the suburban LTZ and Yukon XL Denali for a spin this week. Cost wise, the Denali is about $5,500 more over the suburban.
Gmc dealer today offered me $54k for my 2015i Yukon Denali with 24k miles. Only option I got was the entertainment package.