Best Yank SUV

[lenandsons]

Hi all. What is the opion of all on this forum about Yank SUV's ? I am heading to Canada next year and whilst I am happy to drive a Mustang/Charger during the spring and summer months, I reckon I need something more substantial during winter and when the UK/South African visitors arrive. I am leaning towards either the Escalde or the Chev Tahoe.

TIA

[lenandsons]

Hi thanks for the reply. With the Yukon what is the difference between the Denali and non Denali versions ?

[Motorama]

Denali is just a trim or option level. Yukon Xl is the same as a Suburban, regular Yukon (without the XL) is the same as a Tahoe, ie shorter wheelbase and no 3rd row of seats.
Also Subs and Yukon XL's are badged 1500 and 2500 with the higher number being the heavier duty model.

[ws6]

Motorama said:

Denali is just a trim or option level. Yukon Xl is the same as a Suburban, regular Yukon (without the XL) is the same as a Tahoe, ie shorter wheelbase and no 3rd row of seats.
Also Subs and Yukon XL's are badged 1500 and 2500 with the higher number being the heavier duty model.

My 04' Tahoe has 3rd row seats, it is an option.

[ws6]

It's my missus' motor, and a suburban (in london) is taking asking just a little too much

Re: Towing capacity, 8800 pounds for my Tahoe, more than some of the Lariats.

[sjwb]

Probably not immediately obvious, but THE best is the Nissan Armada. Wait for it - it is built and sold only in the States and knocks the others into a cocked hat.
Done many miles in one and astounded at its capability.

[ws6]

Dodge Ram 3500 has 16,000 pounds towing capacity

just found this http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/list/top10/102426/a...

[lenandsons]

Thanks for this guys. Looks like the Yukon or the Chevy. What is the problem with the Escalade though ? Apart from the image it has that is

[ws6]

Nothing wrong with the Tahoe, Suburban Yukon or Escalade, all the same running gear (with a few different engine options) same body panels, pretty much same interiors and instrument clusters.

[lenandsons]

Just been having a look on the suppliers websites and when I do a comparison, it would seem that the Escalade has more in terms of HP and torque compared with the Yukon, Sub etc. Does it make a huge amount of difference in this type of vehicle?

[Podie]

It's been a few years, so things may have improved, but the Escalade is one of THE worst cars I have ever driven...

[lenandsons]

Podie, what made it so bad ?

[Podie]

The caddy was originally based on the Yukon and went from drawing board to production in under a year IIRC... the one I drove was a first generation car. It was poorly screwed together, and bits of trim fell off in the week I was using it. The plastics were cheap and (very) nasty, and the interior generally didn't reflect the cost of the car... seemed to want to rattle itself to oblivion.

The gearbox wasn't great, and it seemed to be all noise and no action... shifts were jerky too... constantly wanted to kickdown so progress with light throttle was stuttery. Handling was sloppy at best... boated around far too much - even for an SUV. Steering is woolly and felt disconnected from the road... yet the ride was amazingly harsh on less than perfect surfaces. The driving position was uncomfortable and poorly laid out too.

It seems that the Gangsta / Footballer culture made it an icon... in fact, prior to that they hardly sold from what I've been told. (This may, or may not be true of course!)

All IMO of course..

[ws6]

lenandsons said:

Just been having a look on the suppliers websites and when I do a comparison, it would seem that the Escalade has more in terms of HP and torque compared with the Yukon, Sub etc. Does it make a huge amount of difference in this type of vehicle?

My tahoe has the 5.3 Vortec (just under 300bhp) I never bought it to be quick. It's more than enough fully loaded though. I you're looking to tow a large boat behind, then yes more power/torque but otherwise enough

I think SUV may be the wrong the term for these, as "sporty" they are not. I also have 4.0 Cherokee, much smaller, quicker (as quick as a MKV golf gti), better handling etc... The tahoe, sub, yukon & escalade are nice, floppy suspension, relaxing to drive, haulers. Depends what you want. And their MPG is criminal !

[lenandsons]

ws6 said:

lenandsons said:

Just been having a look on the suppliers websites and when I do a comparison, it would seem that the Escalade has more in terms of HP and torque compared with the Yukon, Sub etc. Does it make a huge amount of difference in this type of vehicle?

My tahoe has the 5.3 Vortec (just under 300bhp) I never bought it to be quick. It's more than enough fully loaded though. I you're looking to tow a large boat behind, then yes more power/torque but otherwise enough

I think SUV may be the wrong the term for these, as "sporty" they are not. I also have 4.0 Cherokee, much smaller, quicker (as quick as a MKV golf gti), better handling etc... The tahoe, sub, yukon & escalade are nice, floppy suspension, relaxing to drive, haulers. Depends what you want. And their MPG is criminal !

At the end of the day, what I want is something that will be able to handle Canadian winter driving, be able to tow a boat etc in the summer months seat up to 8 people in comfort with enough luggage space, comfortable to drive over long distances, be reliable and have some off road capability especially as I foresee numerous trip skiing etc in the winter. I really like the looks of the Escalade over the rest, but as I have only ever driven a Tahoe I have no idea how good the Escalade will be doing what I want.

[ws6]

Suburban, Yukon XL or Escalade ESV then..(the long wheel-base versions) for 7-9 seats (9 with bench seat options middle and rear) and luggage space. You may want to find an equivalent forum in Canada, to see what they drive/think locally. Also make sure you get one with a block heater (for those frozen winters) Good luck, and let us know what you decide on.

[UK_WS6]

Motorama said:

Chevy Suburban (or GMC Yukon) is about as good as it gets. Have had a few and they can do it all, carry people, luggage, tow trailers, go anywhere etc.

,
,
If you want style
Look at the Denali

[zahal]

Hi, FWIW I took delivery of an 07 Escalade about 3 months ago. It's a U.S import rather than the version that they're now selling in the U.K (slightly different spec, same engine, chassis etc). It's very, very quick for such a huge beast and is extremely well equipped. However, it's pretty much useless for off-road purposes especially when fitted as mine is, with the factory 22" wheels. The suspension isn't the best either. That apart, the engine is awesome with huge amounts of power. The steering is reasonable, it corners better than you might expect (which isn't to say it corners well!) and mine is beautifully put together though I've heard reports to the contrary from other owners. It comes loaded with everything you could want and is very luxurious inside. My tip...get the EXT extended version as it really does have a lot more room both for 3rd row passengers and for luggage behind the third row. Overall, I would recommend the Escalade with the above caveats.

[Matt Harper]

My daily driver is an 06 Suburban Extended Length with a Vortec. Overall it is very capable, huge inside, well-appointed, comfortable and powerful. Pulls my 20 foot boat like it isn't there and will cruise comfortably at 90-100mph. It was not much cheaper than the equivilant Yukon, but I bought it as a work vehicle, so didn't need the leather seats. 'Excalade' has a bit of an image problem on this side of the Atlantic. One thing to consider, not all 'burbans and Yukes are 4x4 - in fact mine is a RWD car (less imortant down here in FL - but a real consideration up in the Perma-frost of America-Lite.) My car averages 16mpg and filling the tank is a $100 affair, so bear that in mind also.
3rd row seats are removeable of course (but a two man job, as the seat unit is so frickin' heavy) and is a really useful option if you have a constant stream of visitors from the 'old country'.

[lenandsons]

zahal said:

Hi, FWIW I took delivery of an 07 Escalade about 3 months ago. It's a U.S import rather than the version that they're now selling in the U.K (slightly different spec, same engine, chassis etc). It's very, very quick for such a huge beast and is extremely well equipped. However, it's pretty much useless for off-road purposes especially when fitted as mine is, with the factory 22" wheels. The suspension isn't the best either. That apart, the engine is awesome with huge amounts of power. The steering is reasonable, it corners better than you might expect (which isn't to say it corners well!) and mine is beautifully put together though I've heard reports to the contrary from other owners. It comes loaded with everything you could want and is very luxurious inside. My tip...get the EXT extended version as it really does have a lot more room both for 3rd row passengers and for luggage behind the third row. Overall, I would recommend the Escalade with the above caveats.

Hi Zahal. Do you think that the Escalade would be able to handle snow covered roads especially in the mountains based on your off road experience?

Thanks