Greetings BITOG - with two kiddos and another soon on the way I'm looking to upgrade to a used 2014+ GMC/Chev. full size crew cab sometime this spring/summer. It's a hassle to get car seats in the back of my '98 K1500 which leads me to rarely drive it. Will likely sell the '98 to my dad for a weekend 4-wheeler hauler.
Anyway, I've decided most likely on a GMC (like the grille better) with the crew cab and short box (need it to fit in the garage). But I'm not sure about engine or transmission configurations. I've driven several pre-2014 5.3s (good engine, but lacked in torque) and own a 2007 6.2L in our Yukon (great engine). I'm not sure how the newer "EcoTec" engines stack up in the newer models, and if there's any reason to pick one over the other, reliability wise. My observation is that the 6.2L gets nearly the same fuel economy as the 5.3L in the 2014+ trucks, so that's not an issue for me (unless real world use varies greatly from EPA estimates). I think I would like the extra power of the 6.2L, but if the right 5.3L came along (price, miles, condition) I would spring for it. I've also heard some people complain about the 8-speed transmission, and prefer the 6-speed. Seems like the '17-'18 models with the 6.2L usually are mated to the 8-speed.
So, I need some opinions from any 2014+ GM full-size owners:
Thanks in advance for any opinions / insight offered!
Anyway, I've decided most likely on a GMC (like the grille better) with the crew cab and short box (need it to fit in the garage). But I'm not sure about engine or transmission configurations. I've driven several pre-2014 5.3s (good engine, but lacked in torque) and own a 2007 6.2L in our Yukon (great engine). I'm not sure how the newer "EcoTec" engines stack up in the newer models, and if there's any reason to pick one over the other, reliability wise. My observation is that the 6.2L gets nearly the same fuel economy as the 5.3L in the 2014+ trucks, so that's not an issue for me (unless real world use varies greatly from EPA estimates). I think I would like the extra power of the 6.2L, but if the right 5.3L came along (price, miles, condition) I would spring for it. I've also heard some people complain about the 8-speed transmission, and prefer the 6-speed. Seems like the '17-'18 models with the 6.2L usually are mated to the 8-speed.
So, I need some opinions from any 2014+ GM full-size owners:
- Any reason to spring for the 5.3L or 6.2L? Would real world use equate to major fuel mileage differences between the two engines?
- Is the 8-speed or 6-speed transmission more desirable?
- Are there any "gotchas" with these models that I need to look out for?
Thanks in advance for any opinions / insight offered!