GMC today pulled the sheet off a dramatically refreshed Sierra full-size pickup. It wears a new look outside, carries an improved cabin inside, and comes in two specialized trim levels not offered before.
The new truck isn’t a full redesign. The Sierra’s last remake was for the 2019 model year, so it isn’t time for a completely new truck. But this is a more thorough refresh than we’re accustomed to seeing at the halfway mark in a model’s lifespan.
It comes on the heels of a recent refresh to its close cousin, the Chevrolet Silverado.
Including destination charge, the 2022 GMC Sierra will start at $32,495 for the Sierra Pro model. The SLE begins at $43,895, the Elevation at $45,495, and the SLT at $50,895. The off-road-oriented AT4 begins at $60,995, the Denali at $61,295, the new AT4X at $74,995, and at the top, the Denali Ultimate is $80,395. The 2022 model will arrive on sales lots in the first quarter of next year.
New Face
The 2022 Sierra wears a fascia that looks more smoothly integrated into the rest of the truck’s body than the bolted-on-grille look of the 2021 model. The grille is the same size as the old one. But its corners angle into the rest of the bodywork. Larger LED running lights bracket it. Vents below the headlights have shrunk and lost their chrome. It gives the truck a more polished look.
Those huge running lights and the dual-projector headlights they surround play an animated lighting sequence as the driver approaches or leaves the truck, cued by the presence of the smart key nearby.
Improved Cabin Materials
Reviewers tended to ding the outgoing Sierra for lack of cabin tech and materials that didn’t always feel equal to its price. They’re not likely to have that complaint about the 2022 model.
The central touchscreen has grown (it’s now 13.4 inches). Also available are two displays for the driver — a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15-inch multi-color head-up display. Both can be configured to show whatever information the driver prefers.
GMC points out that the three together amount to “more than 40 inches of diagonal display, the most in its class.” We point out that two displays for the driver would enable you to keep close track of your trailer while getting turn-by-turn directions.
AT4 trims and above get new Google Built-In capability. It brings many phone features to the vehicle’s entertainment system, letting the driver access Google Maps, Assistant, and the Google Play store through voice commands or touchscreens.
Upgraded Engines
The Sierra will be offered with a choice of engines, ranging from a turbo 4-cylinder, a choice of V8s, and a turbodiesel 6-cylinder. The 4.3-liter V6 found on the 2021 model has been dropped from the lineup. Why? Because the smaller, more fuel-efficient 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder option has received a power boost that makes the V6 unnecessary. The I4 gets the same 310 horsepower as before, but torque has been boosted by more than 20%.
That boosts the tow rating to 9,600 pounds for rear-wheel-drive versions and 9,300 pounds for 4-wheel-drive models.
But those with serious towing needs will want to consider the 3.0-liter turbodiesel 6-cylinder. It’s now available with the max towing package, allowing tow ratings of up to 13,200 pounds – 4,000 pounds more than the 2021 model.
Super-Luxe Denali Ultimate Trim
The Sierra Denali kicked off the luxury truck trim when it arrived 20 years ago. But competitors have caught up. So GMC plans to up its game with a new Denali Ultimate trim.
It’s distinguished by exterior accents in a color GMC calls “Vader Chrome,” aligning themselves with the Sith empire. Inside, the already-luxurious Denali cabin is taken up a notch with full-grain leather in Alpine Umber and open-pore Paldao wood trim. Topographic maps of the summit of Alaska’s Mt. Denali appear on the dashboard and rear door panels. The usual Denali premium suspension with adaptive ride control smooths bumps in the road.
AT4X Off-Road Trim
The other trend animating truck design these days is off-road-centered trims, and GMC will bring its own to market in 2022. The Sierra AT4X features longer suspension travel, a 2-speed transfer case with a single-pedal driving mode for rock crawling, and front and rear e-locking differentials.
The AT4X comes standard with the most powerful, 6.2-liter V8 engine. But no one buys a GMC just for off-roading. This is GM’s luxury truck brand. So, the company says, the AT4X’s cabin “is awash with premium leather, including full-grain leather-wrapped and technical grain leather accents, all of which is highlighted with white piping and red stitching.”
Hands-Free Driving and Towing
GM has made much of its Super Cruise hands-free driving system in advertising. Reports had said the 2022 Sierra would introduce a new, upgraded version capable of towing compatible trailers hands-free and making lane changes with a simple touch of the turn signal stalk.
We cast doubt on its appearance when GM pulled Super Cruise from most 2022 vehicles temporarily amid the microchip shortage. But we were wrong. GMC says the more advanced Super Cruise will be available at launch. It’s standard on the Denali Ultimate and available on the Denali. Automatic lane change, however, is disabled when towing a trailer.
The Sierra does, however, have one cool towing trick we weren’t expecting. Sensors now warn if the addition of a trailer exceeds the truck’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. It’s not quite as handy as the Ford F-150’s new built-in payload and towing scales. But it could save drivers from a drivetrain-damaging mistake.
Class of 2022: All the New and Redesigned Cars, Trucks, and SUVs
