[Brennen81]

Saw this question asked on GMA where it was outlined how much cheaper the Diesel model is compared to the 6.2L V8. Curious to see what the responses will be like here.

2021 GMC Yukon Denali Diesel Engine Will Cost Less Than 6.2L V8

Will it be enough to convince buyers to go for the diesel, though?

gmauthority.com

 

[Hampton]

Definitely the 6.2L V8. The fuel economy is not that bad in the V8 -- I can live with 17mpg combined.

 

[BasketCase24]

Bought the diesel. The wait sucked, but got it yesterday and love it so far. Great mileage, plenty of power.

 

[drmoose00]

Bought the diesel. The wait sucked, but got it yesterday and love it so far. Great mileage, plenty of power.

how long was the wait?

 

[BasketCase24]

how long was the wait?

Ordered in late December, got it March 4th. One problem is that the "build" specifications are very fluid. I wanted the trailer camera and smart mirror, and the trailer camera is no longer available.

 

[BasketCase24]

The owner's manual says you should use Top Tier diesel fuel. The only places it is available in Arizona are two CostCo fuel stations. My dealer did NOT put Top Tier diesel fuel in my "complimentary first tank of fuel" and also did not use the GM recommended additive (or any other additive). This is a significant challenge, as there are VERY few Top Tier diesel fuel sources outside the Midwest. I'm going to have to figure out what additives work, because the AD/Delco additive GM recommends essentially invalidates any cost savings from having a diesel!

 

[drmoose00]

thanks, that wait wasn't actually too bad, but I think if we ordered (in early Feb) the wait would have been a lot longer now, if at all - word is they may have stopped taking any new 2021 orders sometime in Jan/Feb, and they have eliminated the Max Trailer package (as well as air-ride package) until further notice due to chip shortage. We would not have been affected by air ride, but we would have ordered the Max Trailer (with Signature package) so chance is our order would have just been canceled.

Would have really liked the diesel, but could not stomach the wait at this point. In the end we are getting ~18-19mpg, which isn't terrible. I feel lucky to have gotten anything at this point - the inventory is pretty abysmal around the country, for what we wanted anyway.

 

[RST Diesel]

Basketcase, had very similar experience which was all good. Ordered RST with Duramax Dec 24 and received on March 1. Picked up in Texas (no allocation on the Central Gulf Coast) and drove a few hundred miles home with a 27 ft boat the second half of trip.
Observations so far:
Plenty of power on the low end and pulls the same throughout the rpm range, Transmission is excellent and gearing keeps the revs low. Cruises effortlessly at 90 but economy suffers there likely due to high profile. Averages: 24mpg at 90, 26mpg at 70, 27mpg around town, 13mpg towing about 8,000 lbs.
My only disappointment was the suspension which felt tall and "wallowed" a bit. Solved that this weekend with Belltech front springs and OE front springs to the rear. What a nice improvement in ride and handling, firmed it up just a bit. Can't wait for Bilstein to introduce the HD struts for this rig.
Capt

 

[DaAlphaSupreme]

I drove from Michigan to Pennsylvania on one fill up, I have the 6.2. I kept it around 76-78mph most of the time. Had a ball!

 

[Dez78n]

The owner's manual says you should use Top Tier diesel fuel. The only places it is available in Arizona are two CostCo fuel stations. My dealer did NOT put Top Tier diesel fuel in my "complimentary first tank of fuel" and also did not use the GM recommended additive (or any other additive). This is a significant challenge, as there are VERY few Top Tier diesel fuel sources outside the Midwest. I'm going to have to figure out what additives work, because the AD/Delco additive GM recommends essentially invalidates any cost savings from having a diesel!

Legit question, but does anyone really do this? My husband has had diesels for years and never used top tier. My cars have always recommended the top gas, and I’ve always used 87. The only people I know who use the top tier gas are the guys driving “performance” cars like a suped up challenger or something. Personally, this will be the 1st diesel I’ve ever driven if I can ever get one lol, so maybe I’m missing something.

 

[dfarkon]

Got a 3.0 and love it. Quieter than the gassers. So far so good.

 

[Canadiansteelman]

Definitely the 6.2L V8. The fuel economy is not that bad in the V8 -- I can live with 17mpg combined.

I have a 6.2L in. 2022 Yukon Denali. My son has a 3.0 Duramax in his 2021 Yukon SLT. He consistently gets over 30% better fuel economy than I do. The 6.2L is a great engine but my next one will definitely be the 3.0L Duramax.