I like the 11 model year

And if he find one he likes, they have kits for things like backup cameras, heated seats, leather, etc...

 

07 denali suv and escalade was first year 6.2 6l80e......6.2 has only had a 6l80e behind it (pickup)

09 you could get a LTZ 6.2 crew only and 3.42 only
010 you could get crew or xcab 6.2 with 3.42 or 3.73 (NHT) available in a LT pkg.

 

And that 6.2-6L80-3.73 is the combination that's a beast w/o lots of mods. You can make any of the LS motors go fast with cubic-money but the 6.2 is a ton of fun with no more than a good tune.

It does sound like the 14s have a much stronger 5.3 though, and with a 3.73 gear it could be pretty cool - if you trust all the new technology in the first year it's out.

 

My 2011 5.3/6A crew cab was my favorite truck to drive, hands down... only reason I got rid of it was because I wanted a toy AND a daily driver. Quiet, comfortable, and a decent amount of power for a stock truck. On my 50 mile round trip to downtown Pittsburgh (80% highway) I would average as good as 20mpg!! (that was doing the speed limit of course, which is very hard to do haha!)

 

Thanks for the insights everyone. This truck is for my dad, remember...it will remain 100% stock! He won't even pay for window tint, lol. Sounds like if we can find a 6.0 or 6.2 that may be the way to go....although he doesn't care about going fast, so maybe the 5.3 will be fine. I'll talk to him some more tomorrow and go over the options with him.

 

One thing I can contribute to this conversation is DO NOT get the 3.08 gears! They suck big time and will be terrible at gas mileage, no matter what a dealer tells you. 3.42 will probably be what you have to get but I'd try for the 3.73 if possible. I don't even use 6th gear anymore, always highway drive in 5th with the 3.08.

 

Thanks for the tip, I'll stay away from the 3.08's.