The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 is GM’s upmarket half-ton pickup, with a supposed emphasis positioned on inside high quality and supplies moderately than bare-bones sturdiness. Supposedly, not less than. In actuality, the latest era hardly lived as much as that promise because it confirmed few upgrades over its Chevy Silverado sibling, which itself possessed a ho-hum inside clearly overshadowed by Ram and Ford that not less than match it in most different respects. Regardless of their blue-collar nameplates, each have managed to carve out important parts of the premium pickup phase. GMC’s supposedly premium entry simply did not minimize it.
That appears to alter for 2022. The Sierra’s latest round of updates embody an entire inside redesign, together with a spectacular model for the range-topping Denali Final, placing GMC within the operating for best-in-class as fashionable half-tons thunder towards six-figure MSRPs. Issues aren’t fairly so rosy on the reasonably priced finish of the Sierra spectrum, the place the bottom mannequin retains the 2021’s drab inside, however for many who plan to spend a bit extra, the 2022 needs to be a rewarding improve.
Effectively, ultimately. You see, there’s a catch. Whereas the massively up to date mannequin proven right here is formally the 2022 GMC Sierra, it will not truly be accessible till the spring of 2022. Within the meantime, GMC is promoting the “2022 Sierra Limited,” which is simply final yr’s truck with the 2022 mannequin yr stapled to it. There are various causes for this, however suffice it to say, when you see a ’22 Sierra Denali with the ugly robot-face dashboard, you’re a Restricted.
Interior & Technology | Passenger & Cargo Space | Performance & Fuel Economy
What it’s like to drive | Pricing & Features | Crash Ratings & Safety Features
What’s new for 2022?
Sizzling on the heels of its revamped platform mate, the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado, the 2022 Sierra arrives with an analogous suite of upgrades, plus just a few gadgets that can stay GMC exclusives. The overhaul features a ground-up inside redesign for all however the base mannequin. Because the above pictures present, it is unattainable to overlook the modifications (the outdated one is on the left simply in case). Additionally new is enhanced Super Cruise with accessible computerized lane-change and trailering mode, and two new trim ranges: the off-road-centric AT4X and luxurious Denali Ultimate.
The bottom 4.3-liter V6 is now useless; nobody will miss it. The brand new base engine turns into the two.7-liter four-cylinder, which will get an upgraded block and internals, and consequently produces much more torque than the 5.3-liter V8. Diesel fashions additionally get pleasure from some chassis upgrades that enable for the fitment of GMC’s Max Tow bundle and get a pleasant increase to their tow scores because of this.
What are the Sierra inside and expertise like
Like its Silverado sibling, this era Sierra’s cabin has been its least compelling and aggressive attribute, falling far behind the Ram 1500 and Ford F-150 by way of high quality and design. For 2022, GMC flips the script. A very new format with up to date supplies is featured on all however the base trim degree (it retains the ugly outdated inside design) and it is a large enchancment. In addition to aesthetics, the overhaul features a new 13.4-inch infotainment display and 12.3-inch instrument show present in all trims (once more, in addition to the “Professional”) albeit with totally different skins and software program suites to account for differing choices. In addition to the brand new, greater display, the infotainment system is among the many first within the trade to run on the Android Automotive working system. We have now solely briefly skilled this technique in the GMC Hummer EV, nevertheless it’s actually promising.
The higher trim ranges see the best inside enchancment, as a result of frankly, they wanted it. As an illustration, as a substitute of a little bit of unconvincing wooden trim slapped randomly to the aspect of the Denali’s middle console, the brand new model will get the true deal. The brand new Denali Final even has topographical maps of Mount Denali embossed into it (pictured above proper).
We have now but to get into the brand new Sierra in individual, nonetheless, so there’s solely a lot to say. Nonetheless, footage are greater than sufficient to inform that the overhaul is a gamechanger.
How huge is the Sierra?
The Sierra 1500 Crew Cab (above left) presents limo-like sprawl-out house in its again seat aided by a colossal rear door. As anticipated, the Double Cab’s rear seatback is extra upright and fewer snug (above proper). Legroom could also be class-leading, nevertheless it’s nonetheless tight behind a tall driver, that means the Double Cab’s again seat is finally greatest fitted to occasional use, or kids. At the very least its front-hinged rear doorways are a greater setup than the F-150 Tremendous Cab’s annoying clamshells. As traditional, you will get a three-person 40/20/40 break up bench up entrance (all trims however AT4 and Denali) or bucket seats with a full middle console (not accessible base or SLE).
What concerning the mattress? The thinner, taller partitions launched again in 2019 have resulted in a mattress that finally holds greater than anything within the phase. Higher nonetheless, most payload ranges from 1,550 to 2,250 kilos, which is usually just a few hundred kilos greater than an F-150 or Ram 1500. But, there’s extra to think about with the Sierra’s mattress than simply its quantity and payload. For starters, it presents the MultiPro tailgate, which gives myriad configurations however mainly gives a fast solution to climb into the mattress. You possibly can even outfit it with a devoted Kicker sound system. However wait, there’s extra! The Denali and AT4 trims could be geared up with the CarbonPro carbon fiber composite bed that GMC says gives added “energy, sturdiness and scratch resistance” to go together with a possible 59-pound weight discount relying on configuration. Mainly, it is a mattress and liner in a single.
What are the Sierra gas financial system and efficiency specs?
The bottom engine on the Professional, SLE and Elevation is a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 310 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. That is a large, 72-lb-ft improve over final yr and significantly higher than the 5.3-liter V8. It has an eight-speed computerized and will get cylinder deactivation (sure, it could actually run on simply two cylinders). It achieves between 17 and 20 mpg mixed, which is the most effective fuel economy of any non-diesel full-size truck.
Commonplace on the SLT, AT4 and Denali is a 5.3-liter V8 that produces 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. It is non-compulsory on SLE and Elevation. Gas financial system varies extensively, nonetheless, because the engine could be paired with six-, eight- or 10-speed computerized transmissions. In contrast to final yr, it’s only accessible with GM’s extra superior Dynamic Gas Administration system (DFM). The result’s gas financial system that ranges from 15 mpg mixed for an AT4 with the six-speed computerized to 18 mpg mixed with the 2WD/eight-speed combo. That is a big unfold.
Non-compulsory on the SLT, AT4 and Denali, and normal on the AT4X and Denali Final, is a 6.2-liter V8 that displaces 6.2 liters and produces 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. It solely will get the 10-speed and DFM. EPA estimates vary from 14 mpg mixed for these with mud terrain tires to 17 mpg for a extra road-going model
Non-compulsory on all however the base trim is a 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six that produces 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. It too will get the 10-speed computerized. It returns 26 mpg mixed with 2WD, and 24 with 4WD. That matches the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel.
What is the Sierra prefer to drive?
We have now not but pushed the 2022 GMC Sierra, so we can’t reply this query definitively. Aside from the brand new AT4X, nonetheless, in addition to the numerous enchancment within the turbo-four’s torque, GM didn’t announce modifications that ought to basically alter the way in which the Silverado drives. At the very least in principle.
As such, this is what we have beforehand discovered with this Sierra era. Like each American full-size truck, the Sierra and Silverado’s driving expertise relies upon enormously on the engine you select – and as GM presents extra engines than anybody else, the unfold of distinction is even larger. Even earlier than the turbocharged four-cylinder was severely upgraded for 2022, we discovered it to be as beefy and environment friendly as advertised, simply assuaging considerations that you would be able to’t put a four-cylinder in a full-size truck. Nonetheless, when you can swing the cost, the Duramax diesel engine is a better option – its torque matches the large 6.2-liter V8, its gas financial system might be vastly superior and it is shockingly quiet.
However we’re guessing most Sierra consumers might be a V8. In that case, we have discovered that 6.2-liter is clearly stronger than the 5.3-liter truck, however you additionally do not strictly want it. We have towed hefty hundreds with each, and the 6.2-liter is extra an instance of overkill than necessity. The provision of the Max Tow bundle on the Duramax diesel mannequin improves its max tow ranking to 13,200 kilos, making it a stable different to the large V8.
Up to now, nonetheless, all the pieces we have written additionally applies to the Silverado. The Sierra’s breadth of driving experiences is definitely even larger as a result of Denali trim’s adaptive dampers that present superior journey and physique management to the usual suspension. We have famous that Silverado/Sierra vehicles generally tend when driving over imperfect pavement for both punishing harshness (huge wheels) or unusually nautical bounding (small wheels). Neither happens with the extra civilized, big-wheeled Denali. In the event you’re on the lookout for a purpose to decide on Sierra over Silverado and have the cash for a big-dollar truck, that is it.
As for the brand new AT4X, once more, we’ll have to attend and see. Nonetheless, its Multimatic DSSV shock which can be shared with the also-new Silverado ZR2 have a repute for being extremely nice to reside with, particularly contemplating the mannequin’s off-road pretensions. Commonplace tools contains some knobby all-terrain tires and digital locking entrance and rear differentials. In the event you plan to go off-pavement, GMC clearly now presents a greater possibility than earlier than.
What different GMC Sierra evaluations can I learn?
2019 GMC Sierra AT4 First Drive | Off-road overkill
We check the off-road-oriented Sierra AT4 when geared up with the 6.2-liter V8 and Dynamic Gas Administration.
2019 GMC Sierra Denali First Drive | The more things change …
Our first drive of the Sierra Denali, together with extra in-depth details about its design and engineering.
2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Interior Driveway Test | Still lagging behind
Our detailed inside walkthrough and evaluation of the Sierra in its off-road AT4 trim. Just about explains why the 2022 overhaul was wanted.
Video: the MultiPro Tailgate defined
How a lot is the 2022 Sierra value and what options can be found?
The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 is on the market in common cab (base trim solely), the prolonged Double Cab and Crew Cab types in addition to three mattress lengths and two entrance seating choices that end in max seating for 5 or 6. Obtainable trim ranges are base (or “Professional”), SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, AT4X, Denali and Denali Final (Crew Cab solely). It ought to arrive in dealers in Spring 2022.
Full pricing for the up to date 2022 mannequin has not but been introduced, however GMC has confirmed the entry factors of every of the Sierra’s eight trims. The “Professional” mannequin begins at $32,495 (together with vacation spot) however as that is for a regular-cab base mannequin and is nearly irrelevant for many truck buyers. Actually, issues begin off with the SLE Double Cab for $43,895.
Right here’s a primary rundown of pricing by grade (with vacation spot included):
- Professional: $32,495
- SLE: $43,895
- Elevation: $45,495
- SLT: $50,895
- AT4: $60,995
- Denali: $61,295
- AT4X: $74,995
- Denali Final: $80,395
What are the Sierra security scores and driver help options?
Ahead collision warning, low-speed computerized emergency braking and lane-keeping help are solely accessible on the SLT, AT4 and Denali trim ranges. Blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning are non-compulsory on all trim ranges however Denali, the place they’re normal. Quite a lot of digital camera programs and different expertise options are additionally accessible to enhance trailering, each by way of ease of use in addition to security.
The revised ’22 Sierra has not been examined by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, however the 2021 Sierra 1500 Crew Cab acquired the very best doable ranking of Good in all crash classes however the brand new small overlap front-passenger check the place it obtained a Marginal (third of 4) rating. It additionally obtained a Poor headlight ranking, however a Superior ranking for its non-compulsory ahead collision warning/prevention system. These scores may actually change for 2022. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the Sierra Crew Cab a four-star total ranking. Its breakdown of crash tests noticed largely four-star scores for frontal crashes and the rollover check, it acquired five-star scores for all aspect crash tests
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