The new GMC Sierra is charging into the new model year with a redesigned look, more luxury than ever, and some of the best vehicle technology available today, including hands-free driver assistance.
Slated to hit showrooms in the Spring of 2022, this modern take on pickup trucks lets you bask in posh cabin appointments while conquering tough terrain or towing up to 13,000 pounds.
Let's take a closer look at all of the major changes and new offerings of the 2022 GMC Sierra.
2022 GMC Sierra Trims
The GMC Sierra is heading into the new model year with a total of eight distinct trims. Two of these trims, the Denali Ultimate and AT4X, are brand new for the Sierra, and take luxury and off-road performance to new heights, respectively.
Trims for the 2022 GMC Sierra are as follows:
- Denali Ultimate (new for 2022)
- Denali
- AT4X (new for 2022)
- AT4
- SLT
- Elevation
- SLE
- Pro
The Sierra Denali Ultimate is the star of the model lineup for those looking to experience the pinnacle of luxury in the pickup truck class. It comes with numerous exclusive features, both inside and out, and offers more standard luxury features, like the first-in-class trailering-capable Super Cruise and CarbonPro composite cargo box. You'll know when you've met a Denali Ultimate thanks to its unique grille finished in Vader chrome, exclusive 22-inch Low Gloss Black wheels, and unique front fender trim.
For off-road enthusiasts, the Sierra AT4X adds unmatched performance capabilities without compromising on normal driving comfort. It features a standard 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, as well as a long list of mechanical upgrades, like increased suspension travel, a two-speed transfer case, front and rear e-locking differentials, specific chassis calibrations, and more.
2022 GMC Sierra Exterior
Sierra's exterior has been restyled and enhanced for the new model year, taking on a sophisticatedly rugged demeanor with a new grille, revised headlamp shape and cool lighting animations for when you arrive or take off.
The full list of color choices has yet to be announced, but I expect the selection to be just as vibrant and exciting as the ten colorways that were available for 2021. As of now, the 2022 Sierra will have three new exterior colors: Titanium Rush Metallic, Dynamic Blue Metallic and Desert Sand Metallic.
The overall body of the Sierra can be configured in four ways:
- Regular Cab, Long Box
- Double Cab, Standard Box
- Crew Cab, Short Box
- Crew Cab, Standard Box
Of course, Sierra's most popular and innovative exterior features make their return for 2022, including the six-function MultiPro tailgate, an available carbon fiber composite bed, and plenty of trailering/towing support.
The Denali Ultimate trim steps up exterior styling even further thanks to 22-inch wheels with machined accents, a Vader chrome GMC logo, Mount Denali graphics, and power assist steps. On the AT4X trim, more body protection is offered for rough adventures, like a larger steel transfer case shield and available rocker guard accessory.
2022 GMC Sierra Interior
Once you step inside the 2022 Sierra, you'll quickly realize that this is the new future of pickup trucks that shares more in common with a luxury vehicle than the work horses of generations past.
The passenger area is layered with high quality craftsmanship and premium materials, and it only gets better as you upgrade to the Denali trims. The inclusion of the latest connectivity technologies also means there's more than 40 inches of combined screen surfaces, giving the cabin space an ultra-modern look.
At the center of the dashboard is an all-new 13.4-inch infotainment system that comes standard on SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, AT4X, Denali and Denali Ultimate trims. This sleek widescreen display is the portal to all of your entertainment and data needs, and can be configured to show various combinations of screens side-by-side. Google is also built into the system, which means you can access all sorts of helpful information and services, like Google Assistant, Google Maps, live traffic updates, popular apps, and more. And the best part is that you can do all of this with just your voice.
The driver is treated to an all-new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that's also configurable, and pairs nicely with the available 15-inch head-up display for easy communication of the most important stats of the Sierra.
Other parts of the cabin are trimmed in leather with contrast stitching, and as you move up the trim levels, Sierra gets more and more elegant with a microsuede headliner, metal badging, laser-etched wood accents, and massaging seats.
2022 GMC Sierra Performance
When the new Sierra hits roads in 2022, it'll be powered by one of four engines:
- Enhanced 2.7-liter Turbo High-Output - 310 horsepower, 420 lb-ft of torque, 9,400 lbs trailering
- 5.3-liter V8 - 355 horsepower, 383 lb-ft of torque, 11,200 lbs trailering
- 3.0-liter Duramax Turbo Diesel - 277 horsepower, 460 lb-ft of torque, 13,000 lbs towing
- 6.2-liter V8 - 420 horsepower, 460 lb-ft of torque, 13,000 lbs trailering
A ten-speed automatic transmission is standard on all but the 2.7-liter Turbo, which utilizes an eight-speed automatic transmission instead. Each powertrain is more than capable of handling any task you throw at it, and features upgraded construction and dynamic fuel management for increased power and fuel efficiency.
For normal driving, the Sierra is smooth and confident, and this carries through to when you've decided to tackle unpaved paths, especially with the available 4-wheel drive (4WD) configuration.
If you plan to do more off-roading than regular commuting, the AT4X trim features a chassis specifically designed for the job, as well as unique performance tuning. Plus, its model exclusive dampers, springs, and e-locking differentials (front and rear), make this the most capable Sierra available.
2022 GMC Sierra Safety
All 2022 Sierra models come standard with GMC Pro Safety, a selection of driver-assistance and collision-avoidance technologies. But the real stand-out is the available Super Cruise, which offers true hands-free driver-assistance.
With Super Cruise, you can travel hands-free on more than 200,000 miles of roads in the U.S. and Canada, and also features hands-free lane changing and trailering capabilities - the system will automatically adjust its response to compensate for the additional drag and weight of a trailer.
Speaking of trailering, the Sierra offers up to 14 different camera views so you can maneuver with the utmost confidence, and it even features an industry-first "transparent trailer view."
- Additional safety features include:
- Following distance indicator
- Lane keep assist with lane departure warning
- Auto high beams
- Front pedestrian braking
- Forward collision alert
- Automatic emergency braking
2022 GMC Sierra Overall
The Sierra lineup for 2022 really is the most luxurious, technically advanced, and competent selection of pickup trucks that GMC has ever produced. Plus, it's quite the looker too!
Keep an eye out for the new Sierra at your local AutoNation GMC dealerships beginning in the Spring of 2022. In the meantime, you can configure and reserve your unique Sierra to guarantee a spot in line - simply reach out to your preferred AutoNation GMC dealer.
Andrew Chen | Dec 9, 2021
