Yukon XL Denali vs Cadillac Escalade ESV

[Bionic_Man]

I currently have a 2003 2500 Burb with an 8.1. This is a back up tow vehicle for my 6500 pound boat, and a foul weather vehicle for me to drive.

Considering upgrading to a newer full size GM SUV. Budget wise, I can get into a 2010ish Caddy, or maybe a 2013 Yukon XL Denali.

They both seem to have the same engine and tranny. Is anyone familiar with the real differences between the two? I am guessing that the interior of the Caddy is a bit upgraded?

[SouthpawHD]

The 6.2L is a beast of a motor and will pull anything you can throw at it. But obviously you will be limited by the payload and other weight restrictions of the SUV before you hit the limit of the 6.2L.

[Bionic_Man]

Both have the 6.2. I am not sure about the towing package (I haven't gone far enough to identify individual vehicles yet, just looking at these models).

These 6.2's have quite a bit more HP, almost the same torque, and 2 more gears than the Burb I have right now, so I can't really imagine that the pulling power would be much less than what I have now, and with the upgraded interior, I think they would be much more comfortable going down the road.

[martinto]

What engines does each have? I'm thinking both have the 6.2l gasser. If so, then do they each have HD tow packages? Not all do. Engine cooler, tranny cooler, 3.73 or 3.42 gearing, probably 3.42 and all wheel drive. They should both have 6 speed tyranny. ,I had a 08 Yukon Denali, 6.2 with HD tow pkg. towed a est. 6500lb TT. It worked fine, but was a bit stressed in the mountains.

[Campfire_Time]

Unless the Caddy is really low mileage, I'd go for the Yukon.

[APT]

Mechanically, they are the same. GM made some minor changes to the radios and a few other things in 2012, so I'd try to find a 12-14 XL Denali. I'm looking for a clean low mileage 2012-2013 3/4 ton as a backup replacement for our 2011.

[busterbrown73]

I own a previous gen XL Denali. Both the Caddy and GMC are identical under the sheet metal. Frame, axle, motor, transmission, suspension are pretty much identical. The differences are at the surface; cosmetic nature for the most part. More "bling" "bling" with the Caddy. A few more convenient options with the Caddy too. Overall, though, I found the GMC to be less loud and obnoxiously equipped. On top of that, I'm pretty sure GM sold more of the GMC brand which correlates to a larger used parts market for body panels, trim pieces, and interior components if (or when) needed.

Also, it seemed like the Escalades in my area are all equipped with the larger 22" wheels, something I did not want for towing. I did upgrade to XL tires, added a P3 Brake controller, installed a simple CAI, and upgraded to high performance brake rotors and pads. It pulls my 7000lb TT very nicely.