- This topic has 2 replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 2 years, 2 months ago by
fatherguidosarducci.
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December 1, 2022 at 6:07 pm #736618
fatherguidosarducci
ParticipantNew to the forum and what I’m about to suggest will likely get me booted off the Raptor forum.
I’m an owner of a new 2022 F-150 Raptor, which I finally had delivered in August of this past year.Pros: love love love the drive. It may be the best DD I’ve ever owned hands down.
Cons: I thought the gas mileage wouldn’t bother me, but I was wrong.I live in AZ up in the mountains at 6500 feet. I’ve already done 2 trips to so-cal driving 9.5 hours each way.
I take my truck off road occasionally for light stuff. No serious rock crawling. If I keep the raptor, I’m definitely taking it for some desert running in the spring or maybe even winter.However………………………… the gas mileage is an issue given that I will likely do more long distance trips to CA. Plus I drive the truck to Phoenix a fair amount (3 hours each way).
I’ve been intrigued by the Duramax for a while, and I’ve read that the new 2023 version fixes a lot of the older issues (engine start up), plus nearly an extra 30hp and 30 lb/ft of torque.
More importantly, I’ve read that real world mpg are actually better than EPA estimates, with many owners getting 30mpg in 2wd mode.So, I’m thinking of doing the unthinkable and getting rid of the best DD vehicle I’ve ever owned while the market for Raptors remains really strong, and ordering a Sierra 1500 3.0 duramax.
Reasons:
1. fuel economy for long drives. Diesel is only a little more expensive than 91 octane where I live.
2. Advanced features like HUD, which Ford doesn’t have.
3. Perceived superior reliability with the GMC, especially on the transmission, c/w Ford. Especially if I keep the truck 4-5 years.I’m not sure if I should go AT4 with the 20″ wheels (18’s don’t fill up the wheel well), or Denali with 20″ wheels and AT tires (would give me the better ride for my long drives).
Denali ultimate is not an option b/c I don’t want 22″ wheels with street tires.
I REALLY want supercruise, but it looks as though this is not an option on the Denali unless you upgrade the package to what amounts to be a Denali ultimate with 22″ wheels and retractable steps, sunroof, etc……………..none of which I want in my truck. Also, even on Denali ultimate, it may not be available until later next year, and they want to charge another $2200 on top of what’s an already expensive package.I love luxury/comfort, but not bs stuff like what I mentioned above (retractable steps, 22″ wheels, sunroof, etc).
I’m curious how the seats on the AT4 compare with the Denali– they seem to be the same from the build. I’m not sure how these seats compare to the Raptor seats (which are surprisingly comfortable for long drives), since there are no models on the lot at the GM dealership for me to see (Denali and AT4).
But the bigger question is: how much worse is the AT4 ride with Rancho shocks compared to the cadillac on wheels ride of the Denali with the magna ride?If I prefer the AT4, can I swap out the shocks for Fox shocks without dealing with warranty issues from GM?
Otherwise, am I better off biting the bullet and get the truck I don’t love looks wise but may be better for my use case in the Denali? -
December 2, 2022 at 8:32 am #736661
GM Fan
ParticipantWelcome to the forum! That’s a tough decision. If you can take a long trip with the raptors aggressive suspension, then i can’t imagine the AT4 would be any worse. From my understanding the AT4 and Denali both have similar seats and you can still get the AT4 with the technology package. On the other hand the Denali’s suspension is way more comfortable (not sure how the magna ride holds up with off roading), but it is still a capable truck with 4wd (just not as capable as the AT4). I feel like the AT4 is a good medium between the two since you do some light off roading, plus it’s nice to have the off road features just in case. As for the shocks i can’t imagine it would void your warranty, but you’ll have to ask your local dealer on their input (certain dealers can be picky about those things).
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December 2, 2022 at 2:53 pm #736740
fatherguidosarducci
ParticipantMuch appreciated. Yeah, it’s a bit of a dilemma, but what I didn’t mention is that none of it is an option unless/until GM dealers start discounting models. I feel we aren’t that far off from it happening (continued rising interest rates plus a REAL looming recession in 2023), so I’m in no rush.
Paying sticker for a Raptor is one thing, but there is no way in hell I’m paying sticker for a GM AT4 or Denali. I’ll happily keep my Raptor until GM dealers come around and live with the crappy gas mileage.Regarding the Raptor suspension, yeah some don’t like it b/c they feel it’s a bit too ‘spongy’, but I think in the 3rd generation, they’ve made it even better. The Raptor shocks double up as a desert slayer and a great DD on long trips.
I agree with you that if I can drive an AT4 and it feels pretty good, then maybe swapping out for some Fox shocks would make it even better, even if it’s not a Denali.
The sales guys don’t know anything …….that’s the problem. Their answers are usually poorly researched.
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