- The GMC Sierra 1500 receives a facelift for 2022, with the most significant changes taking place on the inside.
- The Sierra's interiors have been upgraded by GMC, with larger digital displays and more luxurious materials, particularly on higher-trim models.
- The new Sierra 1500 will go on sale early next year, with prices ranging from approximately $32,000 to more than $80,000.
The look on our grandfather's face if he took a peek inside some of today's most luxurious full-size pickup trucks, which are increasingly resembling luxury automobiles, and which now include the completely redesigned 2022 GMC Sierra 1500, is hard to imagine.
In spite of claims that its top-of-the-line Denali models are among the most luxurious on the market, Cadillac has consistently fallen short of those lofty expectations for a long period of time. Quite simply, the Sierra Denali's most recent interiors haven't appeared to be quite as luxurious as those found in rivals such as top-tier Ram 1500s. There is no doubt that GMC has recognized the disparity in quality and technological features, which has resulted in some of the most significant changes to the '22 Sierra, which are not limited to Denali trims.
In addition to a renamed base model (now known as the Pro), the half-ton Sierra's lineup has been reorganized to include the AT4X and Denali Ultimate trims, which add even more features and more luxurious interiors to the regular AT4 and Denali trims on which they are based, respectively. Every Sierra 1500 in the year 2022 has a fresh new front end, complete with new grille designs and an updated bumper. Finally, a pair of revised LED headlights with newly styled daytime running lights complete the package of upgrades. Some lights will also animate in different sequences when the truck is started or when the driver walks away from or toward the truck.
With the introduction of the SLE model, the Sierra's interior has undergone a significant transformation, with a new 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 13.4-inch center touchscreen among the highlights. Additionally, the updated infotainment system now includes Google's app store, maps, and voice assistant. The gauge cluster is highly configurable. An optional large heads-up display and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included with the large touchscreen, and a wireless heads-up display is also available. Models with front bucket seats are equipped with a T-shaped electronic shifter, while models with a front bench seat are equipped with a shifter that is mounted on the steering column. Upper-level trims are now also equipped with a power-adjustable steering column as standard equipment.
The new AT4X is very similar to the recently revealed Chevrolet Silverado ZR2, with the exception that its exterior does not appear to be nearly as extroverted as the Chevy. With advanced Multimatic spool valve dampers, electronic locking front and rear differentials, and additional underbody protection, it is the most off-road capable model in the Sierra 1500 family. It is equipped with gnarly Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac Mud-Terrain tires that are mounted on black 18-inch wheels. When driving in Terrain Mode, the AT4X can be operated with just one pedal in low-speed situations where momentum and wheel placement are critical. For added protection against dents and dings on the door sills, rocker guards are also available.
The new Denali Ultimate helps GMC's most popular model finally live up to its luxury branding by helping it finally live up to its luxury branding. With dark "Vader" chrome exterior trim and 22-inch rims, it rides on adaptive dampers that help it maintain its handling characteristics. Climb inside to appreciate the numerous leather-wrapped surfaces and open-pore wood that can be found throughout the space. The headliner is made of microsuede, and the leather front seats have 16-way power adjustments as well as massage functions. The Bose premium audio system plays through 12 speakers, which include speakers mounted on the door panels with stainless-steel grilles and speakers in the center console. GM's Super Cruise technology, which is standard on the Denali Ultimate and optional on the regular Denali, is also included as standard on the Denali.
The half-ton Sierra is still available with either a 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V-8 or a 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V-8. An inline-four with a turbocharger and a 3.0-liter inline-six with a Duramax diesel are also available. The 4.3-liter V-6 from last year has been discontinued. GMC claims that the turbo-four has been updated to be more refined and to produce more torque (420 pound-feet versus 383), and that the eight-speed automatic transmission has been recalibrated to be more responsive as well. The Duramax diesel has been modified to be compatible with the Max Trailering package, which allows it to tow up to 13,200 pounds. This is the result of the modifications to the chassis. The previous generation of Sierras powered by diesel could only tow up to 9200 pounds.
According to current estimates, dealerships will begin selling the 2022 Sierra 1500 in the first quarter of 2019. It will cost $32,495 to purchase the entry-level Sierra Pro, and it will cost $80,395 to purchase the Denali Ultimate, which is $19,100 more than the regular Denali. Prices for the AT4 begin at $60,995, and the AT4X begins at $74,995, both without options.