2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Review

GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 Crew Cab Pickup Exterior

GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X Crew Cab Pickup Exterior

+161

The GMC Sierra stands out with its helpful technology and all-around utility. We also like its available 6.2-liter V8 and rugged off-road upgrades. Better value can be had elsewhere for a light-duty pickup, but the Sierra is certainly the best interpretation of the GM family of trucks.

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2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Review

byMark Takahashi^{Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.}

Pros

Several available powertrains for towing and hauling needs
Long cabin provides excellent rear legroom
Massive bed capacity and a bounty of in-bed tie-down points
Touchscreen display is attractive and easy to use

Cons

Rides rougher than primary rivals
Higher trims can get pricey
Broad hood and thick roof pillars inhibit visibility

What's new

Updated interior design with larger center touchscreen
Newly available Super Cruise semi-automated driving system
New AT4X and Denali Ultimate trim levels
Part of the fourth Sierra 1500 generation introduced for 2019

Overview

When the current-generation GMC Sierra 1500 debuted a few years ago, it wasn't an instant hit. Its outdated interior, old technology and rough ride had us steering people to more capable pickup trucks. There have been improvements along the way, but this year marks a big step forward.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Pro 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.7L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$215/mo

$257/mo

Avg. Large Truck

Calculate my fuel costs

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 gets a new interior with a much larger 13.4-inch touchscreen for all models except for the base Pro trim. There's also a new AT4X trim with a focus on off-road abilities as well as a fully loaded Denali Ultimate model at the very top of the lineup. Included in that particular trim is GM's Super Cruise hands-free highway driving system, which debuts this year too.

These upgrades mimic those of the Sierra's corporate twin, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. These pickups are very similar in their base through midrange models, but the Sierra's higher-trimmed models tend to deliver a bit more luxury and refinement. They're both solid performers in the class but are bested by the Edmunds Top Rated Ford F-150 as well as the Ram 1500 and new Toyota Tundra. As significant as the 2022 changes are, the GMC Sierra 1500's rougher ride and some downmarket interior materials keep it from putting up a stronger fight against the rest of the class.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Good

7.7

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.5/10

How does the Sierra 1500 drive? Our test truck came as a crew cab with four-wheel drive and the optional 6.2-liter V8. At our test track, it accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, which is quick for a full-size truck. The 10-speed transmission shifts quickly and promptly. Maximum braking performance is also impressive, though a lack of brake pedal feel can make it hard to come to smooth stops in routine driving.

We're less fond of the Sierra's handling capability. It leans over a lot and generally feels ponderous as you drive around turns. The feel from the steering wheel is also a bit numb. Off-road capability is average for a full-size truck. There's also a Traction Select system, which allows additional wheelspin and smoother initial throttle response in low-traction scenarios.

Comfort

7.5/10

How comfortable is the Sierra 1500? The Sierra's front seats aren't quite as plush as those in the F-150 and Ram 1500, but they're comfortable and good for long trips. The ride is relatively smooth on the highway, and the truck absorbs most small impacts well. But the truck can get bouncy when you drive on roads that have a lot of bumps and dips.

The climate system can easily heat and cool the cabin, but operating it can be a little tricky because a lot of the control buttons are small. We really like the heated split front seats — offering separate settings for the seatback and seat cushion — a GM-exclusive feature. Engine noise is nicely muted until you get hard on the throttle, at which point it becomes a bit unpleasant but not offensive.

Interior

8.0/10

How’s the interior? Front headroom, shoulder room and legroom are plentiful. The back seat of the crew-cab Sierra is absolutely massive, too. Three full-size adults can easily fit shoulder to shoulder back there. Both the driver's seat and the steering wheel have a wide range of adjustments, and dialing in a pleasing driving position wasn't an issue for drivers tall or short.

We like the Sierra's latest interior control layout. Knobs, buttons and switches are easy to find and satisfying to press, click or turn. The touchscreen boots up quickly and is responsive to commands. But visibility can be a challenge in full-size trucks, and the Sierra's styling does it no favors. Shorter drivers will have a hard time seeing over the truck's hood, and thick side pillars can also impede your sight lines. It's a good thing an excellent surround-view camera system is available.

Technology

9.0/10

How’s the tech? Technology is a strong point in the Sierra. An available 13.4-inch touchscreen offers a wide range of capability without confusing the user, and the high-resolution screen responds quickly to presses or swipes. The maps are clear, and navigation finds addresses and points of interest quickly. Plus, the Google-powered voice recognition system understands natural language and reads your commands back to you on the screen. With your voice, you can change the station, adjust the climate control and more.

Our test truck came with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, both with wireless connectivity. CarPlay looked great on the massive screen. There's a dedicated storage space for your smartphone, and some models include a wireless charger. Driver aids are abundant, with several available exterior cameras that help when parking this behemoth of a truck. The rear cross-traffic warning system and its helpful buzzes in the seat bottom are effective too.

Adaptive cruise control generally works well, particularly for such a large vehicle. However, we did experience some aggressive and abrupt braking in our test truck when driving in stop-and-go traffic. GM's hands-free driver assist technology, Super Cruise, is available, but only on the range-topping Denali Ultimate trim — Ford offers its similar BlueCruise system on several F-150 trims.

Towing and Storage

8.0/10

How are the towing and storage? The GMC's bed is big, with tie-downs galore, and the bed steps are useful. On top of that, it has an exclusive MultiPro tailgate, which opens in six different configurations. Top Sierra trims come standard with a brake controller, trailer camera angles that help you get hitched, and memory settings for various trailer configurations. Maximum tow ratings are not best in class but are very respectable.

Inside, the large center console provides sufficient space for your small items, though it does take up a lot of room between the seats. There are copious cupholders too. Accommodating just about any child safety seat should be easy thanks to the crew cab's massive back seat.

Fuel Economy

7.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA says a Sierra with the big V8 and 4WD should get 17 mpg in combined city/highway driving. This is respectable, though you can get higher fuel efficiency from the hybrid powertrains in the F-150 and Toyota Tundra. On our mixed-driving evaluation route, our test truck posted 17.6 mpg, indicating that the EPA estimates are realistic.

Value

7.0/10

Is the Sierra 1500 a good value? Value is the Sierra's main weakness, especially when you're looking at the pricier trim levels. The interior is well built and sturdy, and the quality of materials feels much nicer than in years past. But other than the split-and-folding MultiPro tailgate, there's not a whole lot in truck terms that can justify the big price premium. Other trucks offer better value and towing capability.

GMC's three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty are standard for the segment. Scheduled maintenance (oil changes and tire rotation) is included for the first visit in the first year — Ram and Ford can't match that.

Wildcard

7.0/10

These days, a truck has to do much more than the basics. Styling plays a role, as does drivability. The Sierra has merit in those areas, with plenty of visual bravado and towing and hauling capability, and it's certainly a competent rig. But its competitors do many of those things just a fraction better and often at less expense.

Which Sierra 1500 does Edmunds recommend?

We recommend going for the SLE trim, which adds a long list of desirable standard features to the base Pro trim, including cruise control, heated seats, a trailer hitch receiver and GMC's MultiPro configurable tailgate. The added features make it a solid value.

2022 GMC Sierra 1500 models

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 is available in eight trim levels: Pro, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, AT4X, Denali and Denali Ultimate. The Sierra 1500 is also available in three cab configurations: regular cab, double cab (it's a crew cab but with less rear seat space) and crew cab. Not all trims are available in all configurations. There are also three bed lengths available depending on the cab configuration.

The Sierra is also available with one of four engines. They include:

Turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine (310 hp, 348 lb-ft of torque)
Turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six diesel engine (277 hp, 460 lb-ft of torque)
5.3-liter V8 (355 hp, 383 lb-ft of torque)
6.2-liter V8 (420 hp, 460 lb-ft)

Naturally, not every engine is available in every trim or configuration. The four-cylinder and 5.3-liter V8 (with rear-wheel drive) come with an eight-speed automatic. There's a 10-speed automatic for the 5.3-liter V8 with four-wheel drive, the diesel six-cylinder and the top-dog 6.2-liter V8. Rear-wheel drive is standard for most trims, with 4WD widely available.

Pro
The entry-level Sierra 1500 is available with either the four-cylinder or 5.3-liter V8 engine. It's about the closest you'll get to a straightforward old-school truck these days. It comes with:

17-inch steel wheels
LED headlights
Chrome bumpers
Remote keyless entry
Vinyl floor coverings
Tilt-only steering wheel
Cloth or vinyl upholstery
Six-speaker audio system (double cab and crew cab)
Two USB ports
7-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Frontal collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane keeping assist (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)

SLE
The SLE is available with the four-cylinder, 5.3-liter V8 or diesel engine. It includes all of the base Sierra's features and adds a lot more, including:

17-inch alloy wheels
Body-colored door handles
LED bed lighting
Heated exterior mirrors
Trailer hitch receiver
MultiPro configurable tailgate with power lock/release
Rearview camera with trailer hitch guidelines
Automatic-locking rear differential
Remote start
Cruise control
Keyless entry and ignition
Carpeted flooring
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Full-color digital gauge cluster
13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment display
Digital instrument panel
Two additional USB ports (an additional two when equipped with bucket seats)
Dual 120-volt power outlets (one in the cabin, one in the bed)
Heated, leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
Heated front seats
Satellite radio

Elevation
The Elevation only adds a few features on top of the SLE, including:

20-inch wheels
LED foglights
Increased towing capacity
Single-speed transfer case (4WD models)
Cloth upholstery

SLT
The SLT is available with all drivetrains except the four-cylinder engine. It ramps up the Sierra's luxury vibe with:

18-inch wheels
Chrome exterior trim
Heated and power-folding mirrors
Rain-sensing windshield wipers
Auto-dimming driver's side and rearview mirrors
Leather upholstery
Driver's seat memory settings
Power-adjustable front passenger seat
120-volt power outlet
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

AT4
The AT4 trim is available with either the diesel or 6.2-liter V8 engine and enhances the Sierra's off-road performance with:

Four-wheel drive
Two-speed transfer case
Hill descent control
Upgraded suspension with monotube shock absorbers and a 2-inch lift
All-terrain tires
Recovery hooks
Skid plates
Adjustable traction control

Other than the off-road upgrades, the AT4 also includes:

Spray-in bedliner
Ventilated front seats with center console
Integrated trailer brake controller
Heated rear outboard seats
Seven-speaker Bose premium audio
Safety alert seat (vibrates the driver's seat cushion when a safety warning is triggered)
Wireless charging pad

AT4X
The AT4X is only offered with the 6.2-liter V8 and is a much more serious off-roader. Besides the AT4's all-terrain enhancements, you get plenty of convenience and safety features. Highlights include:

Off-road-specific adaptive dampers (helps improve ride comfort and handling stability)
Electronic front and rear locking differentials
Sunroof
Power-sliding rear window
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
Tailgate-mounted speakers
Bed-view camera
Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the vehicle and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Pre-wiring for trailer camera view systems
Virtual rearview mirror camera (allows you to see out the back even with a fully loaded cargo area)
Automatic rear braking
Trailer blind-spot monitor

Denali
The Sierra Denali introduces you to the luxurious side and is available with all drivetrains but the four-cylinder engine. It includes all of the safety features listed for the AT4X, minus the adaptive cruise control, and builds off the SLT trim with:

Two-speed transfer case (4WD only)
Adaptive suspension (can adjust to improve ride comfort and handling)
Integrated trailer brake controller
Spray-in bedliner
Bed-view camera
Bose audio system
20-inch wheels
Side steps
Power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
Power-sliding rear window
Heated second-row seats
Ventilated front seats
Wireless charging
Trailer side blind-spot assist

Denali Ultimate
The Denali Ultimate can be thought of as a fully loaded Sierra. It comes standard with the 6.2-liter V8, with the diesel available as an option.

22-inch wheels
Carbon-fiber composite bed
Power-deploying side steps
Sunroof
Head-up display
Tailgate-mounted speakers
Adaptive cruise control
12-speaker Bose premium audio
Virtual mirror camera
Super Cruise semi-automated driving system

Many features found in the upper trim levels can be added to the lower trims through option packages. GM's Super Cruise hands-free highway driving system is only available on Denali models, though.

Also Consider

Build Your 2024 Sierra 1500 Denali

At a Glance:

6 Colors
1 Trim
6 Packages
$69,900starting MSRP

Build & PriceGMC.com

*The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees, and optional equipment. Dealer sets final price. Click here to see all GMC vehicles’ destination freight charges.

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

3.5/5Above Average

#4 out of 19 among Fullsize Trucks

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the GMC Sierra 1500 from 2008-2022.}

$637/yr

vs. $752/yr
for Average Fullsize Truck

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.64x/yr

vs. 0.98x/yr
for Average Fullsize Truck

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

19.6%

vs. 19.9%
for Average Fullsize Truck

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2022 GMC Sierra 1500.

5 (50%)

4 (5%)

3 (3%)

2 (7%)

1 (35%)

3.3

60 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Valve lifter problem

Rod, 09/03/2021

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.8 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A)

I have a 2021 GMC 5.3L w/10spd transmission. I pull a 21’ cargo trailer w/2 Polaris Trail Rzr’s. Yesterday at 13,800 miles the valve lifter on #5 cylinder went out. We were 80 miles from home in the middle of no-where. We limped home. The truck is beautiful, pulls great and gets good mileage, but GM should let customers know about this kind of potential problem. The dealer told me …

Pieces flew off driving down highway

Emily , 07/24/2023

2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB 5.8 ft. SB (6.2L 8cyl 10A)

We bought this car in November 2021, it arrived 7 mos later without any rush, updates or concerns from GMC other than “Covid”. My husband was driving down the highway when the top finish piece of the grill just flew off. Not a huge deal we thought- well GMC will not just sell you a replacement plastic piece- they want you to purchase a whole new grill. This is the top plastic strip at …

Bad engine design

Kraig Monroe, 05/12/2021

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.6 ft. SB (5.3L 8cyl 10A)

My 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 had to have new lifters and push rods put in at 3600 miles then again at 5200 miles had the same problem waiting on dealership and General Motors to get back with me.I think they should buy back this truck in my opinion nobody should have this problem with a brand new truck purchased in January 2021.steelworker96@gmail.com

Broke down at 1,236 miles

Let down, 01/16/2021

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.6 ft. SB (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 10A)

Bought a 2021 AT4 with 3.0L Duramax. Ordered it and waited 4 months for it to arrive. Love the ride & engine. Had to be towed to dealer with 1,236 miles due to a "transmission module issue." Been 3 days haven't heard back. Think transmission might've blown. Wouldn't go in reverse, would go into reverse position but wouldn't move. Engine power was reduced & check engine light came on. The …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500, so we've included reviews for other years of the Sierra 1500 since its last redesign.

See all 60 reviews of the GMC Sierra 1500

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2022 GMC Sierra 1500 videos

2022 GMC Sierra 1500 First Drive | Driving the Redesigned GMC Truck | Price, Towing & More

2022 GMC Sierra 1500 First Drive | Driving the Redesigned GM...

The Best New & Upcoming Cars 2022-2023 | Highlights From the...

2022 Sierra 1500 Highlights

Type:

Crew Cab

Trim:

Pro

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$41,100
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	20 MPG
Cost to Drive	$215/month
Seating	6 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	9,300 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Sierra 1500 models:

Forward Collision Alert: Sounds an alert and flashes a light when the system detects a possible front crash.
Lane Keep Assist: Detects when the vehicle is drifting from its lane and gently steers it back toward the center.
Low-Speed Forward Automatic Braking: Automatically applies the brakes when the system detects an impending front crash at low speeds.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
PassengerNot Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover19.1%

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2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Review

2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Pro 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.7L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Towing and Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Sierra 1500 does Edmunds recommend?

2022 GMC Sierra 1500 models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

Valve lifter problem

Pieces flew off driving down highway

Bad engine design

Broke down at 1,236 miles

2022 GMC Sierra 1500 videos

2022 GMC Sierra 1500 First Drive | Driving the Redesigned GMC Truck | Price, Towing & More

2022 Sierra 1500 Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Pro 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.7L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}