Yukon Denali AWD vs Tahoe 4WD

[4x4play]

Been a while since I have been to the sight because everytime I do I spend more money!!!! I was looking to move from my Tahoe to a suburban as I need the extra trunk space. I came across a beautiful 2009 Yukon XL Denali that was in great condition. My question is, how does the Denali AWD system compare to the 4wd on the Tahoe or Suburban. I go upstate deer hunting and pull a 18' enclosed trailer with 2 quads a generator and all my other crap. Once in awhile I might even get a deer!!! There are a couple good hills that when they get snow I sometimes have a little trouble getting up with my Tahoe. Once I slid backwards and had to put chains on to get out of the snow. Just wanted to hear your thoughts. Most of the time its driving around town, some ski trips, and just loving my Tahoe, but work is expanding and I need the extra space. any input would be great. Thanks.

 

[stevek]

http://www.omninerd.com/articles/4WD_vs_AWD_and_the_Fallacy_of_Snow_Traction

This article is a good explanation of AWD vs 4WD. The Denali AWD's use limited slip differentials and electronic traction control to prevent one of the wheels from spinning errantly and can apply 100% brake power to one wheel to re-distribute the power to the remaining wheels with traction. With your normal driving you'll have no problems and will be "equivalent" to a 4wd. The snow covered hills, AWD is at a disadvantage. To what extent, I'm not sure

 

[kses123]

You'll like the Denali better, trust me.

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

They are practically the same, if the computer senses excessive wheel slip it will automatically lock the transfer case into true 4wd mode.

Some even have a button to lock it into 4wd.

 

[stevek]

They are practically the same, if the computer senses excessive wheel slip it will automatically lock the transfer case into true 4wd mode.

Some even have a button to lock it into 4wd.

The AWD actually applies braking power to wheels with excessive slip

 

[Stresst]

I have been pondering the same question as I recently purchased a 07 Denali. I previously had a 2000 Escalade and with a set of Revo AT2's it was virtualy unstopable and when it did stop I slapped it into 4L and keep on moving and I honestly feel this new truck of mine is going to be horrible in deep (8+) snow.

I have driven several NBS's over the years and they are not even close in the snow as the OBS was, so not sure what GM is thinking but it seems the offroad capabilities decline each new body style.....

 

[mike1944]

Here's a video of a Denali going over a bridge in the snow.

Note that everybody else is stopped.

Looks pretty capable to me.

(fortunately he turns the music off after just a few seconds)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3j4HAT5E3s

 

[deesdenali]

I love my 09 Denali in the snow. Better than my 2000yukon xl where I can select mode. Denali is a better looking truck in my opinion

 

[4x4play]

Thanks for all the replys. I know the truck is awesome, I just never went to the woods without a truck with the low gear for 4wd, which I have had to use several times when stuck. I don't do any crazy off road excursions, but just want to make sure before I purchase that I can get out when needed, especially when towing the trailer.

 

[stevek]

Thanks for all the replys. I know the truck is awesome, I just never went to the woods without a truck with the low gear for 4wd, which I have had to use several times when stuck. I don't do any crazy off road excursions, but just want to make sure before I purchase that I can get out when needed, especially when towing the trailer.

For what it's worth, I've pulled people out of snowbanks on an incline on snowy roads with my 09 Denali. It also depends on your trailer and ground clearance