2022 GMC Sierra 1500: A Trim Comparison

The GMC Sierra 1500 has been completely refreshed for model year 2022 with some remarkable modifications. The newer design features new interior and exterior elements. Not only has the styling changes, but there’s also more standard driver assistance features, and a new and improved infotainment system

GMC Configuration Overview

For 2022, there are six trims to choose from.  The four engine options for the Sierra include a 2.7L four-cylinder, a 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine, a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6, and a 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine.

For comparison purposes, we will be referencing the prices of a 2WD double cab with a standard box (unless otherwise noted). Buyers should expect to pay a little more for 4WD, crew cab configurations, and larger V8 engines.

2022 GMC Sierra

(Image via GMC)

Pro

The base trim has a starting MSRP of $35,400. That’s for a double cab, standard box, 2WD truck. It comes with a 2.7-liter V6 EcoTec3 engine that produces 310 horsepower and 430 pound-foot of torque.  It has direct injection, active fuel management, and variable valve timing.

The towing capabilities don’t stand up to the Ford F-150 but are pretty substantial. Even at its least expensive, the Sierra has a max towing capacity of 9,200 lbs when properly equipped.

On the inside, the Sierra included an all-new infotainment system that includes Bluetooth connectivity, six-speaker audio,  and a 7” diagonal screen. In addition to this, the Sierra trim now comes standard with a rear vision camera. It also supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

2022 Sierra 1500

(Image via GMC)

SLE

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE is the next trim and has a starting price of $46,660 for a 2WD, double cab, standard box truck. The SLE sees the standard engine upgraded to a 2.7L Turbo engine. It is capable of 310 hp and 348 pound-feet of torque while paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It has a maximum trailering capacity of 11,300.

The biggest changes for the SLE happen on the interior and include a 13.4-inch diagonal touchscreen infotainment system with IntelliLink, wireless smartphone connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot, satellite radio, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.

Other interior features include heated front seats, heated steering wheel and dual-zone automatic climate control. A GM MultiPro tailgate system and hitch guide assistance are also standard.

Elevation

The third trim up is the 2022 is the GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation for $48,300. Many drivers may appreciate some of the cosmetic differences that set it apart from the SLE trim. While it has the same 2.7L Turbo engine under the hood, the Elevation trim features a monochromatic exterior with a large black front grille.

The main difference with this trim, however, is that there are optional front bucket seats, a seven-speaker Bose audio system, wireless device charging and a console-mounted safe.

SLT

A 2WD 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT has a starting MSRP of $52,200 and includes another engine upgrade. The 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine is the only engine option available for this trim level. The V8 without dynamic fuel management (DFM) is not available on 2WD drivetrain models. It produces 355 hp and 383 lb-ft. The DFM option has an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the V8 without DFM has a six-speed transmission.

In terms of standard features, you’ll get a few more than the Elevation, but not by much – added features include a 10-way power-adjustable front passenger seat and auto-dimming rearview mirror.

AT4

As its name may suggest, the only available drivetrain on the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 trim is four-wheel-drive as the vehicle is designed for off-roading. The standard engine is the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine.

The trim’s off-road focus is further accentuated by a 2-inch factory-installed suspension lift, an AutoTrac 2-speed transfer case, and an off-road suspension with Rancho monotube shocks and skid plates. The AT4 also has an automatic locking rear differential, an integrated dual exhaust, and vertical red recovery hooks. All of these features start at an MSRP of $62,500.

2022 Sierra 1500

(Image via GMC)

Denali

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali has a starting MSRP of $62,800. That gets you a crew cab, short box, 2WD truck featuring the same engine as the SLT. Once buyers reach the Denali trim, the double cab configuration is no longer available. Denali trim models are only offered as a crew cab configuration.

The Denali focuses its upgrades on convenience, comfort and entertainment. The Denali adds wireless device charging, seven-speaker Bose audio, ventilated front seats and a bed view camera among other things.

AT4X

The GMC Sierra AT4X is the leader of the pack when it comes to off-road ability. It is only available as a Crew Cab Short Box model and it comes standard with four-wheel drive. Most of the features from the Denali trim carry over to this one but the sound is upgraded to a 12-speaker Bose audio system.

The main difference with this trim is the addition of upgraded suspension, two-speed transfer case, locking front and rear diferentials, a 2-inch lift kit and 18-inch all-terrain tires among other features. This model is available starting at $76,500.

2022 GMC Sierra 1500 int

(Image via GMC)

Denali Ultimate

Last but not least is the Denali Ultimate starting at $81,900. The safety features on the Denali Ultimate improve with the inclusion of lane change alerts with side blind zone alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and safety alert seat, all standard. The Denali also has features that other GMC Sierras lack. Inside, buyers will find authentic perforated Forge leather-appointed seating and open-pore ash wood trim throughout the cabin.