Hey, they made the Denali lighter. Mine is a 2001 and it says a curb weight of something like 5900lbs.
Theoretically the gearing would make up some of the difference in the tire size but, I am like you, it's more seat of your pants.
BTW, I might have been confusing, I was agreeing with you on the difference, I just didn't think the weight difference was the answer.
And the numbers you show says the H2 has 90 lb-ft of torque more??????
Actually the H2 has 365 lb-ft but it feels like it has 50 lb-ft less or more.
The Denali is much more sportier.