2022 GMC Sierra

Pros: Broad range of powertrains, models, and body configurations to choose from; passenger and cargo room; simple controls; available well-equipped Denali models; exclusive available features

Cons: Ride comfort and interior ambiance don’t match Ram 1500; front and side roof pillars impede visibility

CG Says: The 2022 GMC Sierra receives significant changes, including the addition of two new trims: the Denali Ultimate and AT4X. The Denali Ultimate is the new top trim in the Sierra lineup and adds upgraded interior materials, 22-inch wheels, a black chrome grille and power-retracting side rails. The AT4X adds luxury finishing touches to an off-road trim. In addition to AT4 amenities, it will include unique shock absorbers, electronically locking front and rear differentials, and Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac Mud-Terrain tires. Other changes for 2022 include a new grille, revised headlight design, a new instrument cluster, a 13.4-inch infotainment screen, and a trailering-capable version of GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driver-assistance system. Also new for 2022, GMC drops the 4.3-liter V6 engine, and the 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine gets a performance upgrade. GMC is also selling pre-update, 2021-style Sierra models as the “Sierra Limited” for 2022.

The Sierra shares a platform and powertrains with the Chevrolet Silverado, but has unique styling, along with a different equipment mix and a generally more upscale ambiance. The 420-hp 6.2-liter and 355-hp 5.3-liter V8s have stop/start technology and a fuel-saving Dynamic Fuel Management system that can run on two, four, six, or eight cylinders as driving conditions warrant. Rounding out the engine chart is a turbodiesel 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine with 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The turbo four has an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the 5.3-liter V8, 6.2-liter V8 and 3.0-liter diesel have 10-speed automatics. Full-time four-wheel drive with a 2-speed transfer case is available. In the features department, available items include power-opening and closing tailgate, head-up instrument display, push-button start, rearview camera mirror, a camera that can be affixed to the back of a trailer to aid reversing, and a MultiPro tailgate with a separately hinged “mini-gate” section that can be opened in several handy positions. Available trailer-tech features include Jack-Knife Alert, Bed Hitch Guidance, cargo-bed zoom, and Trailer Length Indicator that aids lane changes. Trailer View now includes guidelines and the side-view camera now works in reverse. Available safety features include forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection and low-speed automatic braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot alert, and rear cross-traffic alert. Sierra is offered in regular-cab, extended-cab, and crew-cab versions. The Ram 1500 might still the best-riding full-size pickup, but the Sierra also rides quite well; it also has fine handling for a large pickup. Plus, Sierra offers a number of exclusive available features, such as an available CarbonPro carbon-fiber pickup box and the upscale Denali trim with Adaptive Ride Control suspension. Add that to its wide range of powertrains and features, and the Sierra should have something to satisfy any full-size truck buyer.