Hi,I'm getting dangerously close up upgrading my 1999 Yukon with a 5.3 engine to a 2007 Yukon XL with a 6.2 engine. I was test-driving it today and saw the display list an average MPG of 11.5. Yikes! I'm second-guessing myself if I should have that much engine.It's sole purpose in life will be to pull our camper, which is about 4500 pounds. I'm sure a 5.3 or 6.0 would be MORE than enough, but I'm wondering if a larger engine like the 6.2 will actually be more beneficial (in terms of mileage) when I'm pulling a trailer.In other words, I know my 5.3 drops from 15 to 10 MPG on the road when pulling a trailer. Will the 6.3 have less of a drop because it's not working as hard? Will is also come in around the 10 MPG range?This is a really beautiful truck, but I'm gonna kick myself if I get it and have to spend all my camping money at the gas station...:(

All three engines will likely get the same FE as your 1999 5.3L when towing. The 6.2L/6-spd combo will be a rocket compared to what you currently have though. unloaded fuel economy shoudl be similar to your current truck too. We get about 2MPG better under all conditions in our 2011 3/4 ton Suburban than our prior 2003 F-150, with far more power. If this will be a dedicated TV, I highly recommend a 3/4 ton. But for your weight limit, the 6.2L should be fine. I personally do not like the AWD system mated to the Yukon Denali.

Thanks for the input!APT wrote:I personally do not like the AWD system mated to the Yukon Denali.I've never had an AWD before ... what's good and bad about it, both as a tow vehicle, and as a "regular" vehicle?

I agree with APT, all gas engines suck unleaded at a pretty good rate when loaded heavily. There wouldn't be that much difference in mpg when each was towing, but the 6.2L would be a better performing tow vehicle as it has more power and the 6 speed.I can't comment on the AWD system.

If you get a 6.0 in a 2500 4X4 be prepared for 7 ish towing and tops of 12 ish empty. That's what I got with my 2011 2500 Ext Cab 4X4. Great milage and towing never relates. I believe I'd roll the dice and go with the 6.2 which I believe is all aluminum? Couldn't find one when I traded trucks and no 3.73 until later this year. Went for the Ecoboost and am quite satisfied. This is a former 2012 6.7 Ram owner. JMHO

My 6.0L 3.73 gets 8mpg towing at 67-70mph, 14mpg in my wife's mixed around town driving, and as high as 18mpg non towing highway. As I said, that's 2mpg better than my 2003 F150 5.4L over the 75k miles we owned it.All wheel drive is not inherently bad. But the system mated to the GM 6.2L seems week. I have read about failures handling the 6.2L torque. The 6.2L is also all aluminum and IHMO not up to the task of 100% TV duty in high temps. I think the axles are also weaker in the SUVs than the half ton pickups GM put it in. 2007 is first model year for 6.2L, GMT900 SUVs, and the 6-spd. I have not heard too many first year troubles specifically, though.I'd take an 8.1L 04-06 3/4 ton any day for dedicated TV. They are just almost impossible to find compared to 6.2L newer ones.

Vortec: Too much engine? (Mileage questions) | Good Sam Community

Turbo_Diesel_Du
Explorer
Apr 24, 2014
If you get a 6.0 in a 2500 4X4 be prepared for 7 ish towing and tops of 12 ish empty. That's what I got with my 2011 2500 Ext Cab 4X4. Great milage and towing never relates. I believe I'd roll the dice and go with the 6.2 which I believe is all aluminum? Couldn't find one when I traded trucks and no 3.73 until later this year. Went for the Ecoboost and am quite satisfied. This is a former 2012 6.7 Ram owner. JMHO
ib516
Explorer II
Apr 24, 2014
I agree with APT, all gas engines suck unleaded at a pretty good rate when loaded heavily. There wouldn't be that much difference in mpg when each was towing, but the 6.2L would be a better performing tow vehicle as it has more power and the 6 speed.

I can't comment on the AWD system.
davehultin
Explorer III
Apr 24, 2014
Thanks for the input!

APT wrote:
I personally do not like the AWD system mated to the Yukon Denali.

I've never had an AWD before ... what's good and bad about it, both as a tow vehicle, and as a "regular" vehicle?
APT
Explorer
Apr 24, 2014
All three engines will likely get the same FE as your 1999 5.3L when towing. The 6.2L/6-spd combo will be a rocket compared to what you currently have though. unloaded fuel economy shoudl be similar to your current truck too. We get about 2MPG better under all conditions in our 2011 3/4 ton Suburban than our prior 2003 F-150, with far more power. If this will be a dedicated TV, I highly recommend a 3/4 ton. But for your weight limit, the 6.2L should be fine. I personally do not like the AWD system mated to the Yukon Denali.

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Vortec: Too much engine? (Mileage questions)

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