How different is the Escalade from Denali?

[jwall09]

In terms of steering and power. The Escalade drove like a car more than a truck and had plenty of power in reserve. Anyone ever drive a Denali? 2007+

[Dr. Design]

We did a Denali for a customer and it was certainly a little different. The engine HP output & torque were certainly different. I cant recall what the Denali was rated at, but I want to say 385 compared to the 400+ the Escalade is making. Also the suspension seemed a little different.

Thank you,

Dr. Design
D3 Cadillac

Originally Posted by jwall09

In terms of steering and power. The Escalade drove like a car more than a truck and had plenty of power in reserve. Anyone ever drive a Denali? 2007+

[jwall09]

Anyone else have experience with the Denali? Im particularly interested in how it drives and turns more than the power. The power is a tune issue and can be resolved.

[Superjim]

Originally Posted by jwall09

Anyone else have experience with the Denali? Im particularly interested in how it drives and turns more than the power. The power is a tune issue and can be resolved.

My son bought a new 2007 Sierra Denali.
He loves it.
He considered an Escalade, but the Denali has about everything that the Escalade has, but cost quite a bit less.
He put 20's, a CAI and custom duals on it, then had it TUNED.
It runs great...it drives very well, and handles pretty darn good for a great big 4 door truck.

Texas Jim

[Vdrenaline]

Main differences that I am aware of:

• The engines are the same but the Denal's HP is just de-tuned a little to give Escalade bragging rights for marketing purposes. Torque is the same. Denali engine can easily be tuned to bring it up to Escalade specs and beyond.
• Denali does not have air-conditioned seats, Escalade does.
• Denali does not have xenon headlights but they can be bought via the aftermarket inexpensively.
• Denali does not have LED tail lights but they can be bought via the aftermarket inexpensively.
• Escalade's dashboard is more upscale but not enough to really distinguish it from the Denali in my subjective opinion.
• Escalade warranty is superior.

Bottom line: Denali is the smart money choice, Escalade is the cost no object choice.

[airhammer]

The smart choice depends on where you live. Up north who needs AC seats. Down south it's a major comfort amenity, especially if you're in and out of your truck frequently. My work takes me outside in hot and humid environments frequently so the AC seats improve the driving experience for me at least 100%. But even when I'm not getting hot and sweaty I find the AC seats greatly improve the comfort level of just driving around in hot weather. A 9 hour road trip to NC with AC seats, no problem. Sitting on leather seats with no ventilation for 9 hours, very uncomfortable. I'd rather fly.

[Superjim]

Starting in 2008...Denali's now DO HAVE AC seats.

[airhammer]

Well now. That only leaves the grill and the ext left. Oh, and the key FOB.

[mdadgar]

Originally Posted by airhammer

Well now. That only leaves the grill and the ext left. Oh, and the key FOB.

The front fenders are different, too. That's gotta be worth $15K, right?

- Mark

[Punmax]

Just cosmetic differences. Everything else is the same.

[TSS]

Do the denalis have the digital and analog speedo now? That is the only other thing I could think of since they have the heated wheel/cooled seats commencing 2008.

For some reason, I really don't like the Denali/Yukon fronts and tail lights. Just personal preference. I would rather geta Tahoe LTZ Autoride 6.2 over a Denali. If fact, if they don't give me a reasonable lease buyout price next year, I will cross shop used Lades and Tahoe (outfitted as above).

[hcvone]

Originally Posted by airhammer

The smart choice depends on where you live. Up north who needs AC seats. Down south it's a major comfort amenity, especially if you're in and out of your truck frequently. My work takes me outside in hot and humid environments frequently so the AC seats improve the driving experience for me at least 100%. But even when I'm not getting hot and sweaty I find the AC seats greatly improve the comfort level of just driving around in hot weather. A 9 hour road trip to NC with AC seats, no problem. Sitting on leather seats with no ventilation for 9 hours, very uncomfortable. I'd rather fly.

I live in a part of the country where temps can go to -40, and 100 degrees in the summer, love the cooled seats, use them most everyday in the summer, one great option for sure. No HID lights is a disgrace on the GMC and many other GM cars/trucks

[Punmax]

Originally Posted by TSS

Do the denalis have the digital and analog speedo now? That is the only other thing I could think of since they have the heated wheel/cooled seats commencing 2008.

For some reason, I really don't like the Denali/Yukon fronts and tail lights. Just personal preference. I would rather geta Tahoe LTZ Autoride 6.2 over a Denali. If fact, if they don't give me a reasonable lease buyout price next year, I will cross shop used Lades and Tahoe (outfitted as above).

The Tahoe doesn't get the 6.2L.

[Punmax]

And I might add, I hate the front styling of the Yukons as well. Major turn off.

[hcvone]

Originally Posted by Punmax

And I might add, I hate the front styling of the Yukons as well. Major turn off.

I agree, I like the Tahoe front end looks wise much more