Full Size SUV

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Billy Baroo
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11:03p, 6/16/26
AG
My wife is looking to get a new full size SUV to replace our 21 Navigator. The Navigator has had rough shifting issues that haven't been solved with multiple warranty trips to the dealer (which seems to be a common issue with these Navigators/Expeditions), so we're done with it and ready to move on.

My question is are there any full size SUVs that are reliable anymore? It seems like picking between Ford and GM, you just have to determine whether you want transmission issues or engine issues. She likes the Yukon, but don't want a 6.2L engine failure after 1,000 miles. Is the 3.0 Duramax more reliable? She's mainly going to be taking short trips to run errands and get the kids around, so is the diesel the solution in that case? Could the 6.2 issue be solved with a OBD plugin that eliminates DFM/auto start-stop?

It just seems like everything built since COVID is a POS and you have to choose what component you want to ultimately fail even though you're spending close to $100k.
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fixer
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5:09a, 6/17/26
The 6.2 is a very powerful and fun to drive engine that has a very high engine bearing failure rate. The recall that is on going does not appear to be effective.

The 3.0 is likely a better engine for reliability but it too has some thrust bearing issues (but they are no where near as frequent as 6.2's issues)

The 5.3 is the least powerful but, in relative terms, is a diamond in the goat's ass of GM (and perhaps the industry) as far as reliability.

I know you are done with the Ford product but the 3.5 Ecoboost is one of the rare engines not having bearing problems right now, and hasn't since inception, and the 10 spd has been revised for a few model years now as far as the cdf drum issue.

Both Ford and GM are having a moment with 10 spd valve bodies in some specific models. The 10 spd is a shared platform across Ford and GM.

I picked a 2024 5.3 suburban and haven't regretted it in 24,000 miles. It gets heavy usage. I haven't ever once thought that the acceleration was inadequate. I bought this thing for utility not to win stoplight races.

a DFM disabler does mitigate one of the lifter failure modes (a miss-timed switching event as GM calls it). Range makes one and Carbyte makes one. The carbyte is plug and play into OBD port. The one downside is the DFM disabling doesn't occur until you hit 40 mph or higher for at least 2 seconds. You can also elect to drive in L9 which disabled the DFM entirely. But in running errands, it is a drag having to hit L 9 times every key cycle.

The other lifter failure mode is a failed needle bearing in the roller lifter. There is no one surfire way to mitigate this. The failures have subsided quite a bit over the last few years. Keeping the oil clean is a good way to at least not "ask for it" on these roller needle bearings.

I also added a K&N catch can to mitigate the carbon buildup on valves.
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NWE
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5:23a, 6/17/26
AG
Tough to make broad statements on engines, as things can change in an instant. Here's my experience:

I've had the 3.5 eco boost f150 and loved the punchiness of the turbos. It was fun and felt different. Like it was tightened up and ready to pounce. No issues and I traded it after 120k miles (I bought it new).

I've had two 5.3L GMC products. No issues. The purr isn't as pronounced. And while it sounds dumb, I look for that. It had plenty of power but I wasn't towing anything. Traded the 5.3 Sierra for a 6.2L Sierra. We still own the 2019 Yukon 5.3L and it's got 96k miles (we bought it used with 50k miles) recently I've heard some ticking and im going to get it looked at but nothing has impacted the ride or shifting.

The 6.2L is most fun. It's smooth and makes plenty of power. If it blows us tomorrow that's fine bc I have a great warranty thru the dealership. 30k miles on it currently. No issues and I baby it. Plenty of oil changes and I try not to drive aggressively.

If I was you, I'd get a new Yukon with the 5.3L if you're not driving it. If you're driving it and want the power I would buy the 6.2L and not worry about it.
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Furlock Bones
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6:38a, 6/17/26
AG
Nissan Armada
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512Ag
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7:26a, 6/17/26
AG
I just passed the one year mark with my '25 Yukon XL AT4 with the 5.3. Almost 25k miles with no issues so far. I've been very happy with it. I haven't towed anything huge, but it pulls a boat just fine. I do mostly in-town driving with the occasional road trip. Gas mileage is crap, but I knew that was going to be the case when I bought it.
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ktownag08
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7:36a, 6/17/26
AG
From a week or so ago. Some ideas in here.

https://texags.com/forums/46/topics/3611013
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PMD03
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8:27a, 6/17/26
AG
The price of rebuilding (with updated parts) your 10R80 transmission will be less than the depreciation loss you will take by trading in the Lincoln.

It sucks that warranty work is not truly addressing the issue, but that is how it is. the 10R80 needs the updated CDF drum and while it is open they can put in a new valve body. It will shift like butter.
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Corps_Ag12
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In reply to PMD03 • 10:19a, 6/17/26
AG
PMD03 said:
The price of rebuilding (with updated parts) your 10R80 transmission will be less than the depreciation loss you will take by trading in the Lincoln.

It sucks that warranty work is not truly addressing the issue, but that is how it is. the 10R80 needs the updated CDF drum and while it is open they can put in a new valve body. It will shift like butter.


Sounds like the wife is done with it and no convincing will change that. Been there before.
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Billy Baroo
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In reply to Corps_Ag12 • 2:26p, 6/17/26
AG
Corps_Ag12 said:
PMD03 said:
The price of rebuilding (with updated parts) your 10R80 transmission will be less than the depreciation loss you will take by trading in the Lincoln.

It sucks that warranty work is not truly addressing the issue, but that is how it is. the 10R80 needs the updated CDF drum and while it is open they can put in a new valve body. It will shift like butter.


Sounds like the wife is done with it and no convincing will change that. Been there before.

Yep, unfortunately you're right on that one... To her credit, though, I understand. In the past year, it's been in for tailgate not working, loud grinding when steering wheel adjusts, oil pressure light came on due to leaky head gasket, leaking CV joint on axle, and volume button on steering wheel stopped working. Add to that the leather dash bubbled up and peeled away which looks like trash. We loved the Navigator when initially purchased but time to move on.

We also just got a big dog and I coach both daughters in softball so thinking we could actually use the space of the Yukon XL/Suburban/Expedition Max with all the gear we're hauling around all the time (I just have an Integra Type S so limited there). I appreciate all the input from everyone. Thinking we'll probably just bite the bullet on the 6.2L and do what fixer suggested above and hope for the best.

I just miss the days when I could buy a new Toyota V8 and not have to worry about it for 10 years.
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Kyle Field Shade Chaser
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In reply to Billy Baroo • 2:44p, 6/17/26
AG
Nissan Armada
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Dale Earnhardts Stache
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3:47p, 6/18/26
AG
Nissan Armada or big Infiniti would be my choice but I also just went through this and ended up with the big Infiniti. We love it. They depreciate pretty hard off the lot so you can find some good deals on lightly used 2025's and 2026's and the Infiniti CPO warranty is really good.

IMO, the Armada is the exact same thing minus the digital cluster for climate control. It has good old fashioned buttons.

I wanted the budget minded Armada and my wife wanted the QX80 so we compromised and got the QX80.

Next on the list for us was a Yukon. Very nice vehicles but anything GM isn't very high on my list right now. I currently drive a 2018 Sierra so know from experience.
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ChoppinDs40
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4:00p, 6/18/26
AG
the Nissan/Infiniti are last in class in cargo space. So if you're looking at going up to an XL/Suburban, that platform will piss you off. No room behind 3rd row.

I'm also the lone board advocate for the wagoneer. Rides very well. Handles like a car. Can get a screaming deal on them if in a metro area with lots of CDJR dealers.

We have a 2022 and 60k trouble free miles (knock on wood). They also have a wagoneer-L version that is longer like a suburban or denali XL. Go test drive one.
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FIDO*98*
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In reply to Billy Baroo • 7:12p, 6/18/26
AG
Billy Baroo said:
She's mainly going to be taking short trips to run errands and get the kids around, so is the diesel the solution in that case?


No the diesel is not the solution. Short trips are not great for diesel engines especially when you need to regen

Here is your actual solution


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TSW2012
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8:43a, 6/20/26
AG
6.6L is bulletproof

https://www.classicvans.com/new-conversion-vans/2025-gmc-savana-2500-7-passenger-explorer-conversion-van-sprt-pkg-demo.html
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coolerguy12
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In reply to Billy Baroo • 9:36a, 6/20/26
AG
Quote:
I just miss the days when I could buy a new Toyota V8 and not have to worry about it for 10 years.


Buy a used Toyota V8 and don't worry about it for 10 years.

Look at every thread asking about new cars. The consensus is they are all trash and pick your poison. Or save a ton of money and go tried and true on a used Toyota
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austinag1997
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10:23a, 6/20/26
AG
Mercedes GLS with 80K ish miles. Solid vehicles. Maintenance by an indy shop.
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Ribeye-Rare
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10:51a, 6/20/26
AG
Quote:
I just miss the days when I could buy a new Toyota V8 Mercury Grand Marquis and not have to worry about it for 10 years ever.

And to build on another post where it was stated that everything new now is just an expensive repair bill waiting to happen --

I've promised my wife I would buy her a new vehicle "soon" and the "soon" period passed a while back so I've been looking, too. Mainly at the mid-sized SUV stuff.

I figured Toyota would be the safe bet, but now it seems maybe not so much. Then, folks claim Mazda has their act together and I need to take a look there.

I think Ford's styling "looks" better than all imports, but since I've pretty much sworn off ever buying another Ford since quality has gone from "Job 1" to just a catchphrase, I'm ...

Sure, I'd look hard at a used Toyota, but I promised "new" and I'll be held to that, I know.

What's a brother to do?
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TSW2012
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In reply to Ribeye-Rare • 11:07a, 6/20/26
AG
Ribeye-Rare said:
Quote:
I just miss the days when I could buy a new Toyota V8 Mercury Grand Marquis and not have to worry about it for 10 years ever.

And to build on another post where it was stated that everything new now is just an expensive repair bill waiting to happen --

I've promised my wife I would buy her a new vehicle "soon" and the "soon" period passed a while back so I've been looking, too. Mainly at the mid-sized SUV stuff.

I figured Toyota would be the safe bet, but now it seems maybe not so much. Then, folks claim Mazda has their act together and I need to take a look there.

I think Ford's styling "looks" better than all imports, but since I've pretty much sworn off ever buying another Ford since quality has gone from "Job 1" to just a catchphrase, I'm ...

Sure, I'd look hard at a used Toyota, but I promised "new" and I'll be held to that, I know.

What's a brother to do?


Find a good lease deal and don't worry about how good the reliability is for the next owner.
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maroon barchetta
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In reply to FIDO*98* • 1:21p, 6/20/26
FIDO*98* said:
Billy Baroo said:
She's mainly going to be taking short trips to run errands and get the kids around, so is the diesel the solution in that case?


No the diesel is not the solution. Short trips are not great for diesel engines especially when you need to regen

Here is your actual solution




Get a Kia Carnival

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