My friend is planning to buy a 2023 GMC Yukon. I suggested he look at a Toyota Sequoia but no. He is a GM man. He is planning to get the 6.2L V8 engine. I just wanted to get your opinion on the 2 available engines: the 6.2L V8 or the 3.0L Duramax turbo diesel. Thanks. I appreciate any feedback.
The 6.2 has a ton of power and is definitely the preferred engine by guys who have $$$. But in my opinion, getting one is a big mistake. For one thing, fuel mileage is not good. But even more, they are having serious problems with lifters. My understanding is that it has to do with the cylinder deactivation. It’s causing big issues with long term reliability; if your friend wants to keep it more than a few years, don’t get the 6.2 (the smaller V8 motor has the same problems, but apparently not as severe).
But the 3L Duramax is a rock star. I have it in my Sierra (I have the LM2; the current LZ0 has slightly better performance numbers and fixed some of the flaws of the LM2). It has less HP than the 6.2, but the same torque, and waaaaaay better economy. Most people are getting real life numbers better than EPA ratings, close to 30 mpg highway. It is smooth, quiet, and easy to maintain.
The problems with the 3L Duramax that you read on the internet are not a major issue. The “crank no start” has been fixed on the new LZ0. And even though the oil pump belt is a major job, that doesn’t have to be done until 150,000 miles, which means it is a 1-time item for most people.
I’ve had my truck for a year now and have 20,000 miles on it. I’m completely satisfied and would get one again.
PS: take a look at the “pick up truck and SUV talk” YouTube channel. The host (Tim Esterdahl - great commentator) just bought a Silverado with the Duramax and has thoughts about it.
great information. Thank you.
Is there a way to turn off cylinder activation at a push of a button? Or is it next to impossible without heavy modifications?
@kaizen, there is a deactivation switch for the auto start/stop, only. It has to be turned off every time you start the truck, but it's just a minor thing. It also turns off automatically in tow/haul mode.
Cylinder deactivation is a different problem. I don't think you can turn it off without reprogramming the ECU (and voiding the warranty), and I don't think tow/haul affects it. Even if you did reprogram it to run all 8 cylinders all the time, you still have the fact that the mechanical parts in the engine are needlessly complex and prone to failure. That's why it was a deal-breaker for me on the gas V8's; if the 3L diesel had not been available, I would have waited for a Tundra (even knowing about the turbo waste-gate issue.
GTK. Thanks!
There are some GM/Chevy guys out there. They swear by their trucks.
I much prefer the Sequoia.
At the same time, I am intrigued that GM still has push rod engines. They are supposedly more reliable, but I really don’t know. And on top of that, it’s crazy how the same engine platform that fits in a tiny Corvette, drives these big trucks.
