This article is part of the GM Authority Mailbag series, where the GM Authority Crew features and replies to your questions, comments, and observations.
The following comes to us from Gary K.:
I have owned 7 Suburbans since 1985. All have been greatly improved by the next generation. I am a diehard Chevy guy and I currently drive a 2008 LTZ 1500 with a 6.0. My next purchase will only be a Suburban if GM gives me the option of the new 8-speed and the 6.2-liter EcoTec.
Otherwise, I may be heading to the Big Blue Oval. A Suburban should be offered with engine options to suit the customer. GMC has always done it! Now, is Suburban going to get the 8-speed and the bigger 6.2?
Gary, we completely agree with you on this: GM should offer the 6.2L V8 L86 and 8-speed automatic transmission in the Suburban (and Tahoe), especially given that:
- The increased prices of the twelfth-generation, 2015+ Suburban (and 2015+ Tahoe), and
- The GMC Yukon and Yukon XL offer the 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 alongside the 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8
Alas, GM seems to be perfectly content with artificially limiting the Tahoe and Suburban because they are Chevrolets and hence are not part of a “premium” brand (as if GMC were really “premium”, but we digress for now). What GM seems to not understand is that there are potential customers (such as yourself) who don’t want a GMC, either because of the brand (they are loyal to Chevy) or because of the styling (they like the styling the Tahoe/Suburban). This problem is exacerbated when we consider the Fact that Ford doesn’t limit the Expedition in the way GM limits Chevrolet.
So, we wish GM would stop artificially propping up GMC at the expense of Chevy by not offering obviously-desired high-end features, even as options. And we will join you in yelling from the rooftops for GM to add the 6.2L V8 L86 as an option to the full-size Tahoe and Suburban. Mate it to the 8-speed 8L90 transmission, and call it a day.
Alas, neither the 6.2L V8 nor the 8-speed gearbox will make it into the 2016 Chevy Suburban (or 2016 Chevy Tahoe). Here’s to hoping that will change for the 2017 model year.
Update: we have just asked if GM should offer the 6.2L V8 in the Tahoe and Suburban. Vote here.
Comments
That’s always been the problem…decontenting Chevy to make room for other GM marques. That’s why Ford has enjoyed a more premium reputation in the marketplace since the 80’s.
At least Chevy has been allowed to develop more premium packages for its pickups – but that needs to extend to the SUVs.
Let Chevy have the 6.2.
Similar and yet opposite problem with a GMC Denali. I wanted the 6.2 and the Max towing package in a 2023 Sierra Denali, but could not get it.
If I wanted the Max Towing Package in the so-called Professional grade GMC Denali, I had to order the 6 cylinder diesel.
And yet I was able to get the 6.2 and the Max Towing package in a Silverado High Country. Love to know the expert thinking behind that decision.
I see no problem with giving the ltz the 6.2, or give it a high country trim level and put it in there
I was looking at freedom of choice from the other perspective. I have a 2001 Yukon that is up to 280,000 miles and was looking at a SLT Yukon/LTZ Tahoe as a replacement. Since I haven’t and don’t expect to do a lot of towing, I was hoping that 2016 would bring the 8-speed to the 5.3, but no.
And now there’s talk about a 10-speed for 2017 or 2018? If so, why can’t we all get the 8-speed this year?
I agree there is no reason not to offer it as a free flow option on the LTZ, but why not just buy the Yukon XL (with required Denali trim) then?
Because Chrevy guys don’t want a GMC.
The Denali is AWD only. The Suburban can be had in 4WD. Doesn’t seem like a big deal until you get 6 inches of snow dumped on you and you need to get home.
I plan to buy a ’16 GMC 2500HD 4X4 gas truck but only if I can get the 8l90 transmission; otherwise I’ll keep driving my ’02 Silverado duramax…
I’m always wary of someone who says I’ve owned however many of X vehicle for N years and now because the company is changing things so much and I don’t like it I’m switching to another company. They should listen to me!
Go on and switch from Chevy to Ford instead of saying I can have an almost identical vehicle with another brand…GMC. At least if the guy switches to GMC he’ll know exactly what he’s getting. Does the guy even realize with Ford he’ll probably get stuffed into something with a 6 cylinder ecoboost.
JON R, …. good point. I have been GM buyer since 1964, always interested in style, performance, value-and its been good to me financially and emotionally. VALUE, over the long haul has been great, considering “ALL COSTS”. I monitor my friends Ford decisions, and CONSISTENTLY, my money wins; considering performance, they are ALWAYS, in my rear view mirror. Ford >> twin I-beam was a great idea, uh …. remove engine to change spark plugs, superb value << Ford. Look LONG and GM does a better job-I got exposure to many factual experiences. THANKS, ….. Gene Henry
Absolutely right. How does someone even call themselves a Chevy man and then threatens a shift to Ford for some ridiculous reason. Go on and get a piece of junk that costs 3 x more to fix. Brand loyalty goes much deeper.
There is a 6.2 / 8 speed option in silverado / sierra, too. You just wouldn’t know it because that combination they only put in very few high end versions. It seems 95% get the lackluster 5.3 or the truly stupid 4.3 option (zero mpg gain over 5.3). Meanwhile, I have seen base model F150 XLs with the 3.5T EB, which is the top engine option. Power to the people, Ford does it, GM doesn’t.
And lets not act as though the EB isn’t a great engine. Yes, you can run with an EB at sea level provided you actually found a real life 6.2, but here in Colorado naturally aspirated engines get asthmatic above 6,000 ft, even the mighty 6.2.
I only thumbed up because…the Ecoboost V6 IS pretty awesome actually. Oh, and the 4.3 IS stupid in ALL GM trucks…Actually I like everything you said.
The EB engine looses all of its great gas mileage performance once you hook a trailer to it. The power band is way at the top end and so when pulling anything heavy, you have to go to a lower gear and higher RPM.
Not to mention, that if you put a snow plow or a winch on it (which all my trucks have, in the snow) you kill the EB by blocking the flow of air to the inter cooler.
Magirus, the average elevation on the continental US is approx 1,500′. The 3.5EB will not out run, out haul or out tow the 6.2L for the vast majority of folks in the continental US.
As for the 5.3L being “lackluster”. That is hardly the case. Neither of my buddies 5.0L Fords (2012 & 2014) are quicker, have more payload or towing capability than my 2014 Silverado 1500 LT 4X4 Crew Cab.
I do agree that GM should offer the 6.2L in their lower trims. I cannot justify a $55k+ sticker price just to get the 6.2L.
Go buy a Ford but don’t complain.. good reason we all own GM or Chevy for decades.. that has not changed. GM has to think about doing something about the duplication. I cannot stand the front end look of the GMC.. the grill looks like a Peterbilt for freightliner… I am not wanting to drive a semi.
You do understand that many DO want to drive a Big Rig aping SUV, or find it brawny and good looking. They are trying to please as many as possible. But there will always be one who just can’t be seduced into the seat of a GM product. Maybe that’s you.
Given foe simple of a fix this can be for GM and how much of an opportunity it is in terms of profit, your solution to go buy a Ford is laughable.
You forget the biggest detraction in the GMC Denali. It is not a true 4WD vehicle. It is AWD only. Which means, in the deep, Midwestern snow, I can’t put it in 4×4 and leave it there. That does not work for me. I want the 6.2 AND real 4WD.
The entire brand team over SUV’s at GM should be fired… I agree with the initial e-mail from Gary… Chevrolet is the most exciting brand at GM… Cadillac really doesn’t need the help of a 6.2 liter V8 in the Escalade, and the Denali Yukon can take it or leave it… I mean really, would you buy an Escalade or a Denali Yukon to pull a trailer or any kind of serious towing? HELL NO…why spend the extra cash to get the premium leather bells and whistles when all you really need is the 6.2 liter in a Suburban or Tahoe. Who is the MORON on the brand team that decided on this BS of limiting the Chevy trucks. Well, I hope GM feels it in their bottom line for I too will NEVER buy any of their trucks as long as they maintain this foolishness with engine line up. God Bless you GM…YOU NEED IT
Dave –
I have been a loyal GM customer since 2007 having owned one Yukon, two Yukon Denalis, a Tahoe Hybrid, a C6 Covette, and a 1LE Camaro but I was forced to make a switch this year when my 2015 Yukon Denali turned out to be a 4 wheeled migraine. I traded 1n a 2012 Yukon Denali, that I loved due to high miles (90,000 for me is high miles) on the 2015 and, granted the 2015 was one of the first to be released after numerous production delays (it took eight months to get built), it sucked. I traded it on a 2015 Ford expedition Ecoboost and I’m not sorry I did. Maybe GM ought to look at either making the 6.2 or the 3.6 Twin Turbo available in the Tahoe.
I’m ready to pull the trigger on a new 2016 SUV. I’ve been happy with my last two Chevy suburbans but due to a need to pull a heavier trailer I’d like to move into a 6.2. I read awhile back that Chevy would be offering the 6.2 but only in some commercial or government suburbans. Whatup with this? I like my Chevy dealership but looks like I will need to move into a GMC. Thoughts?
Correct me if I’m wrong, but this guy’s letter seems “fishy” to me. I don’t think you could even get the 6.0L in a 1500 in 2008. Granted, I agree with a 6.2 Suburban, but… (My apologies if I’m wrong, but I thought the 6.0 those years was limited to the 2500 Suburban.
Todd, do your homework before you go fishing. 2008 L76 6.0L, 4.10 axle, Super duty 4L70E. Still going strong with headers, cat back and a tune. But the 6.2 L86 has more torque and horsepower than my L76….. Gary.
I am so glad Chevrolet is behind keeping our environment clean (POKANKA CHEVROLET-Chantilly, Virginia).
I love Chevys and I would not want to be apart to any company that did not value and protect the environment.
I tow a trailer and would like to know when we can see a 3/4 ton Tahoe and Suburban?
What ever happened to the 2021 Tahoe’s…..the dealership lots are bare and the only news I see is about the 2022’s build date is Oct 4…..does that mean that they won’t be building any 2021’s??
yes please on the 6.2. were are the HD tahoes and suburbans.
I’m happy for GM building Tahoe’s & Suburbans for sale in China and Russia….how about the good old USA, but all I hear is crickets….very disappointing GM
Hi, I just need for the ‘OLD FOLKS CAR’ to come back. LaCrosse. I need for you to do the right thing.