2007 Denali XL Towing Capacity - why so wimpy?
 

I am looking at a 2007 Yukon Denali XL and I see the specs rate it at being able to tow 7400 lbs. It has approximately 380 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, why is it so wimpy when it comes to towing? A 2007 Toyota Tundra makes about the same horsepower and torque (actually minimally less) and it rated to tow up to 10,000 lbs. What is the reason for the discrepancy? Suspension, brakes, tranny coolers? Can anybody help me wrap my head around this one?

Re: 2007 Denali XL Towing Capacity - why so wimpy?
 

The engine is not the most important thing when it comes to towing. Brakes and suspension are more important.

That Yukon xl denali has autoride and technology to give you a super smooth ride, it wasn't designed to haul tons of weight.

However, 7400 pounds is a decent amount of weight for a half ton suv. nothing to be ashamed about.

If you regularly tow 7400 pounds, I would look into a 3/4+ truck.

Re: 2007 Denali XL Towing Capacity - why so wimpy?
 

I have a 2012 Yukon XL and I had to look a while to find a used one that was rated to tow 8000 lbs. Without the trailer package (different transfer case and coolers) they were only rated at 5000 lbs.

Remember that the weight of the vehicle comes into play as well. Usually a 4WD is rated 100 -200 lbs less trailer capacity that a 2wd.

Where did you see the 7400 lb rating? I looked up the 2007 GM towing guide and it rates an 07 Yukon XL Denali AWD at 7900 lbs max towing capacity. https://www.gm.ca/media/vehicles/com...rochure_EN.pdf

And total combined weight of 14,000 lbs. So to tow 7900 lbs your tow vehicle cannot weigh more than 6100 lbs. So you can't load 6 people, luggage and 2 dogs in the Yukon XL and still tow 7900 lbs.