GMC is the premium version of Chevrolet when it comes to trucks. With GMC, one expects a solid interior, creature comforts, and a smooth ride. That’s what the Sierra delivers.

The 2022 GMC Sierra is a solid pickup truck choice. It has smooth everyday driving, good comfort, smart technologies, and a good set of all around capabilities. There are enough trim levels and option choices to configure a GMC Sierra for just about any need.

The GMC Sierra 1500 comes in any of eight trim levels, three cab configurations, three bed lengths, and four powertrain options. The base model Pro is the least configurable of the group and aims mainly for commercial fleet buyers. Consumers will be looking at the SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, AT4X, Denali, and Denali Ultimate trims. Availability of cab, bed, and powertrain choices varies with each of these.

Our experience for the 2022 model year was mainly with the new AT4X and Denali Ultimate models, each of which are excellent in their own right. The AT4X takes the simple off-road capabilities of the AT4 and adds even more while the Denali Ultimate makes the already posh Denali look pretty hum drum by comparison.

With over four decades of doling out trusted automotive advice and extensive vehicle knowledge, both behind the wheel and under the hood, Car Talk's founder and original Tappet Brother Ray Magliozzi shares his first-hand experience test driving the GMC Sierra.

The full-sized pickup truck arena is a hotbed of competition and contains the best-selling vehicles in America today. GMC models are considered more premium than the Chevrolet or other options on the market and thus are generally more expensive when base prices are compared.

The Silverado is the Sierra’s twin at Chevrolet. It’s similar or identical in almost every way except in styling and interior fit and finish. The GMC is the more upscale version, but costs more as well. These are worth cross-shopping for sure.

The F-150 is the best-selling vehicle in North America and outsells all other pickup trucks by a wide margin. This is thanks to Ford’s attention to its customer base, a large commercial fleet network, and a strong set of capabilities. Until the mid-level point of the F-150, however, the GMC Sierra is generally more comfortable, nicer to drive, and more upscale. Ford no longer offers a diesel in the F-150 as of 2022.

Another close competitor, the Ram 1500 truck is a strong contender. It offers good towing, powerful engine options, and a spacious, comfortable interior. It’s not as upscale as the GMC model, at least not until the higher trims are had, but is otherwise worth cross-shopping.

The price variation between the base (mostly fleet-aimed) model and top-most Sierra Denali Ultimate model comprises about $40,000 in difference. Most buyers are likely to be in the $55,000-$60,000 range for a well-equipped Sierra.

The table below shows the most common trim levels and how much they will run you.

New for 2022 is a redesigned interior cabin, GMC’s Super Cruise semi-automated cruise control and driving system, and two new trim levels for the truck. 2022 marks a “mid-cycle refresh” year for the Sierra.

The GMC Sierra sees several interior upgrades, including changes to some buttons and switchgear and a few materials choices for a more upscale look. A larger infotainment screen is standard in all but the base trim level, adding more technology to the cabin.

General Motors has also added its Super Cruise semi-automated driving system to the truck. This keeps the Sierra in the middle of the lane and on the highway and works with the intelligence cruise control in traffic. It monitors driver awareness, but takes much of the load off during long distance driving on the highway. This system debuts as an option for the Denali trim and is standard on the Denali Ultimate trim.

Two new trim levels have been added to the GMC Sierra for 2022. These include an off-road-focused AT4X package and a new Denali Ultimate package. The AT4X builds on the mid-level AT4’s simple off-road additions by adding adaptive dampers tuned for off-road use to improve stability, front and rear locking differentials (electronically actuated), a head-up display, tailgate-mounted speakers, and several other convenience items. This trim comes only with the 6.2-liter gasoline V8 engine.

The Denali Ultimate trim level marks the new high point for the Sierra 1500’s trims. It adds to the already-luxurious Denali trim, but adds 22-inch wheels, a carbon-fiber composite bed, power-deploy side steps, 12-speaker Bose premium audio, and a lot of other comforts and conveniences. The new Super Cruise system is standard in this trim level.

Most models of the 2022 Sierra come with either the turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine or the 5.3-liter V8 engine by default. These two gasoline engines are found in the first three trim levels of the truck. The 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine is available in most trim levels beyond the base Pro. And the 6.2-liter V8 engine is available in most of the upper trim levels starting with the AT4. The 2.7 and 5.3 come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the others come with a 10-speed auto.

Naturally, the drive quality and performance of the Sierra will depend on what it’s been configured to do and which engine/transmission combination was chosen. Our testing included only Crew Cab models, for example, but involved both the 3.0-liter diesel and the 6.2-liter V8. And both trucks had the four-wheel drive setup with mid-length beds.

The 2022 GMC Sierra AT4X that we drove as a daily driver and out in the country off-road is a solid performer. With the strong 6.2L V8 powering it and a nice set of off-road additions, it’s a good dirt-throwing beast. It’s OK as a daily driver, though loud on the highway by comparison thanks to its suspension and more aggressive tire tread. If going off-road isn’t really your main priority, the just as aggressive-appearing AT4 is probably a better choice for daily driving.

The Sierra Denali Ultimate is a posh, limousine-like truck. Especially when paired with a smooth diesel engine. It’s difficult to imagine being more comfortable in any other pickup truck.

Both crash testing bodies gave the Sierra good marks. The IIHS rated it with its top score of “Good,” but found issues with the automated headlamps when looking at advanced safety systems.

These scores are average for the full-sized pickup truck market.

Most of the reliability scores for the 2022 GMC Sierra are above average. J.D. Power and RepairPal both give it a high score while Consumer Reports is more middling. We think that the GMC Sierra is above average in reliability given these scores.

Recalls have been minimal for the 2022 Sierra when compared to its competitors.

For most buyers, we think that the Elevation or SLT models are the best value for the buck. The Elevation adds some good-looking upgrades like larger wheels and LED fog lamps. It also adds better towing capacity and true 4WD.

The next-level SLT adds chrome trim, power-folding side mirrors, leather upholstery, and a host of small comfort items and conveniences. Plus access to both V8 engines and the diesel option.

The price difference between these two models is only about $1,200 or so.

The GMC Sierra’s warranty is about average for the segment.

• Basic: 3 years / 36k miles
• PowerTrain: 5 years / 60k miles
• If buying used look at our best extended warranties

This generation of the Sierra was introduced for the 2019 model year. Used options are plentiful at this point and are generally lower-priced when compared to the other truck options on the market. Largely because this generation of the Sierra, until now, has been its least popular in recent offerings. So finding a used model should be relatively easy if that’s your preference.

We think new or used, the new Sierra is a good buy.

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