The 2022 GMC Sierra Just Put The Competition In Check

GMC took the wraps off the 2022 Sierra today and it seems to be an impressive upgrade over the outgoing model. The company has introduced two new trims which are basically upgraded versions of the existing trims. One is the Denali Ultimate, and the other is the AT4X. Apart from this, there are a lot of tech upgrades as well, but the highlight of the lot is the introduction of the Super Cruise hands-free driver-assistance technology. If you had only the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and the Chevy Silverado shortlisted for your next truck purchase, well, skimping the 2022 Sierra will be a cardinal sin.

What’s New This Time Around?

The highlight of this year’s update is the Super Cruise hands-free technology. GM shares the tech across brands and it is one of the most competent hands-free technology. It can be used on 200,000 miles of compatible roads in the States and Canada. It even supports Automatic Lane Change. To make it even better, the technology is compatible even with trailering.

GMC had refreshed the exterior by offering a new grille, redesigned headlamps, refreshed bumpers, new dual-projector LED headlights, and expressive lightning animation when you approach, start, or walk away from the truck. You can choose between 18- and 22-inch wheels, depending on the trims.

Speaking of the trims, there will be eight trims on offer on the 2022 Sierra, including two new ones – Pro, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, AT4X, Denali, and Denali Ultimate. Three new exterior colors are also now available; Titanium Rush Metallic, Dynamic Blue Metallic, and Desert Sand Metallic.

On the inside, it feels a lot richer. The center console comes with a 13.4-inch touchscreen system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It even comes with Google built-in. Behind the steering wheel is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. There’s also an optional 15-inch-diagonal Head-Up Display. GMC has also introduced a new Elevation Premium Package. Some of it includes:

- Jet Black leather-appointed interior with bucket seats

- Rear seat with storage

- Sierra Safety Plus Package

- Spray-on bedliner

Four Engines On Offer

The Sierra will be available with four engines, including a new four-cylinder powerplant:

A new 2.7-liter, four-cylinder turbo engine that puts out 310 horses at 5,600 rpm and 420 pound-feet of torque at 3,000 rpm. This mill is mated to an eight-speed Hydra-Matic automatic gearbox.

Then there’s the 5.3-liter V-8 that makes 355 ponies at 5,600 rpm and 383 pound-feet of twist at 4,100 rpm. GMC has paired this with a 10-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission.

The third option is the 6.2-liter, V-8 mill that generates 420 horses at 5,600 rpm and 460 pound-feet of torque at 4,100 rpm. A 10-speed Hydra-Matic automatic gearbox powers the wheels in this case.

Finally, there’s the 3.0-liter, six-cylinder turbo diesel that churns out 277 ponies at 3,750 rpm and 460 pound-feet of oomph at 1,500 rpm. Power is routed to the wheels via a 10-speed Hydra-Matic automatic gearbox.

Two New Upgraded Trims

GMC has introduced two trims called the Denali Ultimate and the AT4X. They are improved and feel a lot plusher and rugged, respectively, than before. Here’s what each of them includes:

2022 GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate

The Denali Ultimate takes the luxurious and premium vibes of the standard Denali to the next level. On the outside, the truck features a unique grille in Vader chrome, 22-inch low gloss black wheels, and front fender trim with Mt. Denali. It even comes with a CarbonPro composite cargo box and the MutiPro tailgate.

The Sierra Denali Ultimate comes with a 6.2-liter, V-8 engine as standard that dishes out 420 ponies and 460 pound-feet of oomph. Power is routed to the wheels via a 10-speed automatic gearbox. A four-wheel-drive system and electronically controlled two-speed transfer case come as standard.

The trim comes with an Alpine Umber interior that feels plush. Some specs and tech features here include:

- Full-grain leather appointments and open-pore Paldao wood trim

- Leather-trimmed instrument panel

- Full-grain leather-wrapped seats, door panels, and console lid

- Microsuede headliner

- 16-way power-adjustable and massaging front seats

- 12-speaker Bose Premium series audio system

- Rear Camera Mirror

- 15-inch-diagonal multicolor Head-Up Display

- Power sunroof

- And, finally, there’s also Super Cruise with trailering

2022 GMC Sierra AT4X

The AT4X mode is powered by a 6.2-liter, V-8 engine that makes 420 horses and 460 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed to the wheels via a 10-speed automatic gearbox. The off-road equipment includes:

- Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers

- Two-speed transfer case

- Larger steel transfer case shield

- One-pedal rock crawling

- Front and rear e-locking differentials

- Specific off-road chassis and suspension calibrations

The springs, coupled with the Multimatic dampers, increase the front suspension travel by 50 mm and rear suspension travel by 25 mm when compared to the standard AT4 suspension.

It rides on 18-inch black wheels shod in 265/70 section Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac Mud-Terrain tires. The payload capacity is rated at 1,420 pounds and the towing capacity at 8,900 pounds.