Nick R wrote:
when looking at the 2010 and up 1/2 subs and Tahoe's be careful there a lot of them out there with 3.08 gears witch you will not like for towing also look for the k5l option which is the heavy duty tow package. It gives you the aux trans cooler and engine oil cooler mandatory 3.42's and the ability to tow 8200lbs other without ut you are rated at 6500lbs.
This. If you are shopping used, you have to be careful and make sure to get one equipped properly. Learn the RPO codes (found on the tag in the glove box) for the towing options you need, and don't rely on the salesman to give you information! 90% of the Suburbans/Yukon XLs we came across when shopping the used market had the 3.08 gears, which limits your towing to 5k lbs.
Our '10 Suburban handles 6k lbs just fine for the trips we take. The 6 spd is a noticeable upgrade over the 4-spd we had in our '05. That said, if we were towing much more often, or longer trips, I would have opted for the 3/4 ton and 6.0 engine.
I don't think I'd be inclined to go with a Denali version of the Yukon, FWIW. I believe they have a full-time AWD system, and with the 6.2, can be a thirsty combo. Plus, AWD means more parts always moving = potentially higher maintenance/repair costs. Pretty much all of the 'creature comforts' of the Denali can be found in a loaded Suburban LTZ or Yukon SLT.
