Gm 5.3 vs 6.2

[Fryer5]

So the time has come to retire my current tow vehicle. Currently I tow my TT which weighs about 6000#s with a 2005 2wd Chevy suburban with the 5.3. The sub has 230,000 miles and has towed probably about 12,000 miles all over the Midwest and southeast of the US. Only on the last trip to Branson Mo have I had power concerns.
So now that I am in the process of looking for the sub's replacement, it will be another suburban/Yukon XL My question is do I look into the Yukon XL Denali to get the 6.2 l engine, or does it not make that big of a towing difference.

Ps, the next truck needs to be 4x4 as we now live in Wisconsin

Thanks in advance for the advice

The Fryers

[ktosv]

If your 2005 was a 2wd, what axle ratio did it have? I am assuming 3.42 at best and possibly a 3.23?

If you are looking used, I think the first question is do you want AWD or do you want to be able to select 2wd/4wd/4lo?

If you don't mind the AWD, look for the 6.2L. But if you want to be able to select between 2wd and 4wd, then I think you have to go with the 5.3L. It's possible that some of the newer(the past two years?) Denali's with the 6.2L have the selectable transfer case, but I am 99% sure that the 2007-2012 all have AWD.

If you are sticking with a 1500, look for a 2009/10 or newer to get the 6 speed transmission. Also look for one with the heavy duty tow package to make sure that you get the 3.42 axle.

When we shopped last fall I exclusively looked for a Suburban/YukonXL equipped with the 6 speed and 3.42 axle. I would have considered an SUV with the 6.2L, but I decided I wanted the two speed transfer case and stuck with the 5.3L.

[Vanished]

I had a 6.2l - it was actually 'fun' to tow with it compared to the smaller v8 Hemi I had before it...

[kw_00]

I was thinking he meant 1500 series that's why I said the 6.2. Now if you decide to go 2500 series then the 6.0 is what you would need.

[mkirsch]

If you're reasonably satisfied with the performance of your tired old Suburban, a newer model can only be an improvement, unless it has undisclosed issues, which is always a possibility when dealing with used vehicles.

The 5.3 has done nothing but increase in power output over the past 11 years, and in trucks from 2007 on up, has a 6-speed transmission behind it.

My 2015 5.3L, 6-speed, 3.08 axle tows my enclosed utility trailer very well. If I had this truck in 2003, I may not have ever gone looking for my dually.

[Turtle_n_Peeps]

If you are looking at 2500's then keep on looking at them. The 2500 with a 6.0 will tow much better than a 1500 with a 6.2 even though the 6.0 puts out less power.

[Fryer5]

I am looking at used suburbans. 2500 series are extremely rare around me that aren't stripped down government models. I don't need leather, but don't want vinyl. The 6.0 seems like it was only available in the 2500.
I was just wondering if the 6.2 is worth it over the 5.3, which has served me quite well. And yes, the powerband is up at 3500-4500 Rpms and you have to be willing to use it or will complain about towing performance.
Thinking I will stick with the 5.3 unless I find the unicorn 6.0

[The_Texan]

IF my "hotrod" 6.2 was not designed to tow, why did it come from the factory with a max tow rating of 10.5K and a complete (NHT) max tow package?? Believe me, I have towed with both the 6.2 and the 5.3 and the 6.2 wins hands down. I routinely tow 6K and above with mine and have towed 10K on multiple occasions, with NO problems.

[Turtle_n_Peeps]

Your old 5.3 put out around 300 horse power and the new 6.2 puts out well over 400 horse power.

The towing power difference will be HUGE!

[TurnThePage]

Since, I think, we're talking about 1500 series vehicles, I would opt for the 6.2. The newest version of the 5.3 appears to be quite a performer, but is still outclassed by that "hot rod" 6.2.

[ACZL]

Friends of ours have the 6.0 in a 3500 4x4 pick up, crew cab and it does tow their 15k+ 5er. Motor does twist a lot compared to their D-max (6.0 is a back up), but will do it.

[Dannyabear1]

The 6.2 is an all aluminum 'hot rod' engine not built for towing, thats why it is not available in 2500 or 3500 trucks; the old reliable but gas hungry 6.0 is what you need.

[kw_00]

The new 5.3 has plenty of power, but the 6.2 will be a better towing experience. If it would be me I would get the 6.2 without hesitation. The 6.2 has more power then my 6.0...