Yukon Denali vs SLT

[terptahoe]

Don't want to cross you up but have you looked at the AT4? Pretty sweet colors and interior available. Also can opt for 6.2, I'm not sure of diesel.

Haha i appreciate it! Honestly, the AT4 is my favorite exterior in the whole lineup. Unfortunately not available with Diesel. Also not available with a lighter interior which is another thing I wanted. If i cave on holding out for a diesel, this would probably be my next choice though.

 

[terptahoe]

I had a 2021 Denali and reordered a second 2022 Denali - both diesel.

Despite ordering another Denali, I thought I would give you some points in favour of the SLT to consider.

1) I find the open cup holders of the SLT more accessible than having that faux wood cover in the Denali. Sure it looks better in the photos, but its almost always up and kind of flimsy.

2) To my eye, the contrast piping in the SLT seating looks more “premium” than the Denali. As for the dash, I might like the Denali version slightly better, but I wouldn’t call it an “upgrade”. I may be wrong, but the higher position of the LCD screen in the SLT might even be slightly easier to look at.

3) The only exterior difference of importance is the grill. I actually favour fixed running boards (less prone to motor failures, keeps the road grime off the lower portion of the car). But I ordered both Denali’s without power running boards.

I pretty much ordered the Denali the second time because it looks better than the SLT in black. If I were to order a white one, I think they’re about the same.

Get the 360 camera system in the SLT it makes the big SUV feel way smaller in tight parking lots.

Good call on the diesel. It’s awesome. It’s the perfect engine for the big SUV.

The 2021 was the first time I have ever driven a diesel. I would consistently average 18.5mpg in the city (lots of <5km trips) and nearly 30mpg on long highway cruises (hand calculated, although the dash was always pretty close).

The only “issue” I had with it was that the engine light came on at about 5,000km. The dealer checked the usual suspects, cleared it and it didn’t return for 10,000km.

helpful insights thank you! i think when it comes down to it i have to decide if the price premium is worth it for a more aesthetically pleasing SUV - i prefer the satin/aluminum looking trim to the bright chrome on the SLT. Also that interior, specifically the light shale/teak is super awesome. Though i have kids... so maybe a big mistake there! I'm not ready for a big boy Denali with all the fancy options so most differences come down to aesthetics. The only non aesthetics would be a better sound system, heads up display, and the magnetic suspension or whatever as far as i can tell- all else would be equal.

 

[Jb504]

I can speak for the SLT. I have surround vision and the HU sits nice. Don't get me wrong, I like how the HU sits in the Denali but it's not a deal breaker. I feel like the only things I am lacking on my build are the retractable steps, the HUD and the 6.2. The grill and the in dash radio didn't really matter to me.

 

[fr8bil]

IMHO the ONLY add-on worth having is the Magnetic ride option and that sure ain't worth $6500.00. We have the SLT with the premium option and it rides well enough not to need $6500 worth of shocks. You're correct in your assessment....the other little goodies are just "fluff".

 

[okfoz]

Personally I like my bells and whistles. And I think the Denali might have better seating, a little better cushion. I know between my friends 2008 Denali, and my 2007 Tahoe LTZ, the Denali is just a little nicer, The arm rest is better in the Denali, the seats have a slightly better cushion and his Denali is quieter on the road (same tires). It is not night and day, and they appear to be almost identical, but they are just a tad nicer.

 

[petethepug]

Get the diesel while it's still available. It's a fluke that any manufacturer actually engineered the design from scratch and then put it into production. I believe that GM was initially concerned about VW/Audi and their diesel motors pulling buyers away from full size SUV's. VW's diesel gate killed their diesel presence in the US, but GM still put their diesel product out. I don't know if there will ever another 1/2-ton full size SUV produced with such a refined turbo diesel that's 50-state compliant. Now that it's here, people have forgotten that cross county family road trips to Wally World are possible again.

As far as Denali goes that's the only trim we've ever gotten. There's more acoustic insulation and resale on our 06 & 08 were huge. The option to get a 2WD version on a YXL Denali would also lower your future maintenance and repair bills. If you can find a YXL Denali diesel that's preowned you'd have that crazy GMPP warranty included in the price and get a slight discount on the residual depreciation.

I never leave the house without my Auto/Magneride

 

[Stbentoak]

Get the diesel while it's still available. It's a fluke that any manufacturer actually engineered the design from scratch and then put it into production. I believe that GM was initially concerned about VW/Audi and their diesel motors pulling buyers away from full size SUV's. VW's diesel gate killed their diesel presence in the US, but GM still put their diesel product out. I don't know if there will ever another 1/2-ton full size SUV produced with such a refined turbo diesel that's 50-state compliant. Now that it's here, people have forgotten that cross county family road trips to Wally World are possible again.

The real question is how long do we think it will be offered? Till 2025? Longer?

 

[terptahoe]

Went and ventured out to a dealer in my area who happened to have about 9 used Yukons on the lot. It was basically the only way I could see multiple trims and colors in person at the same place. I didn’t buy one because well they were priced about $10k over a new 2022 at MSRP but awesome to be able to sit in both a Denali and and SLT.

i actually ended up liking the SLT much more than I thought I would. On the outside when side by side of course the Denali looked nicer and had better wheels etc but standing alone I thought the SLT looked damn good.

Yes, the Denali interior was sweet. There’s no denying it was nicer. But… I still feel not $6,500 nicer in my opinion. I appreciate all the advice and opinions on this thread and figured I would get more votes for Denali since it’s an enthusiast forum but think we are trying to be “practical” here and go the value play with the SLT for an order.

Also if anybody is curious i have now found two GMC dealers in MD willing to order at MSRP. not as good as some of the other things I’ve seen here but figured I would share as in our DC/MD/VA market almost everywhere has $5-$10k market adjustments.

 

[MAYukoner]

IMHO the ONLY add-on worth having is the Magnetic ride option and that sure ain't worth $6500.00. We have the SLT with the premium option and it rides well enough not to need $6500 worth of shocks. You're correct in your assessment....the other little goodies are just "fluff".

False

Better ride. Running boards look much better. The dash screen to me looks out of place in non Denali. The grill is better. Engine better. But to each their own. If you got the money