2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited Test Drive Review: Old Dog, Impressive Tricks
by Jay Traugott
As has become a tradition among full-size American pickups, when a new generation arrives, the old one lives alongside it. That’s exactly the case with the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited, a continuation of last year’s Sierra 1500 in light of a new generation’s arrival. Think of it as the old model lineup at a slightly reduced price, giving you a solid truck with all the necessities and none of the extra frills, competing with trucks of a similar ilk like the Ram 1500 Classic and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTD. It’s ideal for those who need a workhorse on a budget or a cheap work truck that is supremely capable, able to tow up to 13,000 lbs in the correct configuration. You can even get a Denali trim that gives you a little bit of luxury on a budget. With four available engines including a 2.7-liter turbo gasoline engine with 310 horsepower, a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 hp, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp, and a torquey 3.0-liter diesel with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft, the Sierra 1500 Limited has something for everyone.
We were handed the key to a brand new Sierra 1500 Limited AT4 equipped with the Duramax turbodiesel motor for a week. This larger-than-life truck quickly endeared itself to us with its buttery-smooth torque delivery and general comfort. With three cab styles and as many box lengths, as well as trims that cater for everything from work to off-roading and luxury, too, the 2022 Sierra Limited isn’t just a cheap cash-grab – it’s a solid option in the USA’s most demanding segment. The problem is the new Sierra isn’t much more expensive but is vastly more capable, making higher trims in the Sierra Limited lineup tough to justify.
2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited Changes: 🚙What’s the difference vs 2021 Sierra 1500 Limited?
The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited isn’t a new truck. Rather, it’s a carryover of the pre-facelifted 2021 Sierra, essentially a stopgap model, to boost sales until the fresher 2022 Sierra 1500 (sans Limited suffix) arrives. As such, most of what applied to the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 remains relevant for the 2022 Sierra 1500 Limited. That means you still get a choice of four powertrains – including two V8s – and Regular, Double, or Crew Cabs, starting at $2,100 less than the improved 2022 Sierra 1500 but saddled with a last-generation interior.
Pros and Cons
- Exterior remains handsome and modern
- Cheaper than new 2022 Sierra 1500
- Solid powertrains
- Capable AT4 model
- User-friendly infotainment system
- Dreary, dated cabin design
- Upper trims aren’t exactly cheap
- We’d rather wait for the much-improved 2022 Sierra
- Most packages are bundled with other expensive extras
- Thin standard safety specification
Best Deals on Sierra 1500 Limited
2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited AT4
2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited Elevation
2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited SLT
2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited Elevation
2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited Trims
See trim levels and configurations:
Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Pro |
2.7L Inline-4 Gas |
8-Speed Automatic |
Rear-Wheel Drive Four-Wheel Drive |
$31,200 |
SLE |
2.7L Inline-4 Gas |
8-Speed Automatic |
Rear-Wheel Drive Four-Wheel Drive |
$42,400 |
Elevation |
2.7L Inline-4 Gas |
8-Speed Automatic |
Rear-Wheel Drive Four-Wheel Drive |
$44,100 |
SLT |
5.3L V8 Gas |
10-Speed Automatic 8-Speed Automatic |
Rear-Wheel Drive Four-Wheel Drive |
$48,500 |
Denali |
5.3L V8 Gas |
10-Speed Automatic 8-Speed Automatic |
Rear-Wheel Drive Four-Wheel Drive |
$56,800 |
Sierra 1500 Limited Exterior
There are no surprises here as the 2022 Sierra 1500 Limited looks identical to the 2021 Sierra 1500. It’s a handsome truck but not quite as flashy as the facelifted Sierra, nor the new Toyota Tundra. The base 1500 Limited is typically utilitarian in its appearance with 17-inch steel wheels, black door handles, and black manual wing mirrors. At least it has chrome bumpers, LED headlights, and LED daytime running lights, so it doesn’t look completely basic.
The range-topping Denali is far removed from the entry-level model. It rides on shiny 20-inch alloy wheels and getting inside is easier thanks to chrome rectangular full-length assist steps. Upper trims benefit from GMC’s excellent MultiPro tailgate with six functions, and Elevation trims and above have LED fog lamps. A power sunroof is optionally available.
Our Summit White 1500 Limited AT4 came equipped with the AT4 Premium Package, a $3,405 option. Among its long list of features, it includes Mud-Terrain Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires for the 18-inch wheels. These came in handy during some funky weather in the Denver area as one day it was relatively mild outside, and then a few inches of snow arrived. Then it warmed up again, melting the fresh powder, before a cold front arrived and turned the slush to ice. Other notable exterior items include the very handy cornerstep rear bumper, 12 fixed cargo tie-downs in the bed, LED cargo area lighting, power-folding and heated side mirrors, fog lamps, and cool-looking (and sometimes useful) red tow hooks up front. Owners will find especially handy the GMC MultiPro tailgate, which is available with both the short or standard box. Our tester’s AT4 Carbon Pro Edition Package ($1,085) also added a corrosion-resistant carbon composite bed.
See All 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited Exterior Photos
Dimensions
As with other trucks, the GMC Sierra 1500 Limited’s dimensions vary widely since there are three body styles and three box sizes. The base Regular Cab with rear-wheel drive has a height of 75.6 inches, a width of 81.2 inches excluding the mirrors, a 139.6-inch wheelbase, and a length of 229.6 inches. This model only comes with the long box which is 98.2 inches in length. Other models in the range share a similar width of just over 81 inches, with minor differences.
The Double Cab comes with the standard box only and this measures 74.4 inches, whereas the Crew Cab can be had with either the standard box or a short box (69.9 inches long). Here, the wheelbases also vary. The Double Cab has a 147.4-inch wheelbase, whereas the Crew Cab’s wheelbase is 157 inches with the standard box. The tallest model is the AT4 Crew Cab with the short box at 78.4 inches. Again, there are other minor variances from one model to the next.
The AT4 is the best for off-roading as its ground clearance is as much as 10.9 inches when paired with the Crew Cab and the short box. Regardless of the model you choose, ground clearance will be at least 7.9 inches.
As far as approach/breakover/departure angles go, GMC has not published these figures for either the 2022 Sierra 1500 Limited or the virtually identical 2021 Sierra 1500. However, the new 2022 Sierra 1500 has maximum approach/breakover/departure angles of 25.5/22.9/25.9 degrees respectively, and we expect the older Limited to be similarly capable.
In terms of curb weight, the Pro Regular Cab with RWD starts at 4,369 pounds, but the weight of the truck gradually increases as you work your way up to the AT4 Crew Cab and Denali models with the standard box which both weigh 4,867 lbs. Spec the larger engines and higher trims and the curb weight climbs as high as 5,343 lbs.
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Length 229.6 in
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Wheelbase 139.6 in
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Height 75.6 in
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Max Width 81.2 in
Exterior Colors
The base Pro Regular Cab only comes in four colors, and only Summit White is free of charge. Another $495 unlocks Cardinal Red, Onyx Black, Quicksilver Metallic, and Pacific Blue Metallic. Upgrading to the SLE introduces additional choices like Ebony Twilight Metallic for $495 and Cayenne Red Tintcoat for $645. After that, the SLT expands the palette with Brownstone Metallic for $495 and White Frost Tricoat, the priciest color at $1,095. The luxury-oriented Denali has a smaller selection of colors; Summit White, Cardinal Red, Quicksilver, and Brownstone aren’t available for this variant. Last but not least is the AT4. It is limited to Summit White, Cardinal Red, Onyx Black, Ebony Twilight, and Cayenne Red.
Sierra 1500 Limited Performance
There are four engines to choose from across the Sierra 1500 Limited lineup. If outright power and not efficiency matters most to you, skip everything else and go for the 6.2-liter V8 which generates a stout 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. This engine is powerful enough to get the truck from 0-60 mph in around 5.5 seconds according to independent testing, and reaching the top legal speed is no chore either. The only other V8 is a smaller 5.3-liter unit that musters 355 hp.
Providing a decent blend of efficiency and performance is the 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbodiesel we tested which makes the same 460 lb-ft of torque as the bigger V8 but at a lower 1,500 rpm. Finally, the 2.7-liter turbo that’s standard on lower trims makes 310 hp and 348 lb-ft. All trims have 2WD as standard but 4WD is an option, besides the AT4 which is 4WD by default.
The maximum towing capacity of 13,000 pounds is unlocked if you opt for the 6.2-liter V8 engine with the Max Trailering Package, the Crew Cab, and the short bed. That’s not quite as much as the Ford F-150, which can tow another 1,000 lbs over and above the Sierra’s maximum.
Engine and Transmission
Standard on the lower three trims is the 2.7-liter turbo four-cylinder engine which produces 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 5.3-liter naturally-aspirated V8 produces 355 hp and 383 lb-ft and has the same transmission on the Pro and/or with 2WD, but a 10-speed auto is paired with this engine in all other instances.
Above this is the 3.0-liter turbodiesel which produces 277 hp and 460 lb-ft, along with the 6.2-liter V8 which has 420 hp and 460 lb-ft at its disposal. All the engines play their part well, but the 6.2-liter V8 is the most enjoyable of the lot as it’s never short of power. The diesel and this bigger V8 also come with a more refined 10-speed automatic transmission.
Our tester’s $995 Duramax turbo-diesel quickly won our hearts. The torque arrives early in the rev range with the full 460 lb-ft hitting at just 1,500 rpm. To compare, the V8 gas engine’s twist comes at 4,100 rpm. This engine’s standard 10-speed automatic does its job well. If we had to pick just one engine, the Duramax would be it. It’s fuel-efficient, quiet, and powerful. What more could you ask for in a truck? We couldn’t think of anything.
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Engines
2.7L Inline-4 Gas, 3.0L Inline-6 Diesel, 3.0L Turbo Inline-6 Diesel, 5.3L EcoTec3 V8, 5.3L V8 Gas, 6.2L EcoTec3 V8, Engine, 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 with available Active Fuel Management
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Transmissions
10-Speed Automatic, 8-Speed Automatic
Handling and Driving Impressions
We’ll never miss an opportunity to keep praising the Duramax diesel. It’s excellent. That being said (again), the Sierra 1500 Limited is still a full-size truck and it drives and handles like one. That’s not a bad thing but it could take some getting used to if you’re not accustomed to trucks. Despite its dimensions, driving the Sierra 1500 Limited AT4 around town is a breeze. Maneuverability is aided on higher trims like ours courtesy of the backup and 360-degree cameras. We quickly adjusted to its size, even while parking, and the torquey inline-six was an absolute gem, especially when entering the highway. In this setting, it’s easy to forget you’re driving a full-size truck as the Sierra Limited is easy to place within the lanes and the steering didn’t require frequent correction as is so often the case with body-on-frame pickups.
Handling-wise, there was very little body roll. The 4WD system and the AT4’s 2-inch lift and X31 suspension further helped keep things nice and tidy. There’s also an auto-locking rear differential and a two-speed transfer case for the optional 4WD. We did notice the brakes were slightly sensitive but this could simply be limited to our tester.
Sierra 1500 Limited Gas Mileage
The turbodiesel model is easily the most efficient and will return 23/30/26 mpg city/highway/combined with 2WD. With the optional 4WD system, those figures will dip to 22/26/24 mpg. Next is the 2.7-liter four-pot which returns 19/22/20 mpg with 2WD and 17/20/18 mpg when powering all four wheels.
Inevitably, the V8s are the thirstiest. The smaller 5.3-liter V8 manages best figures of 16/21/18 mpg with 2WD or 15/20/17 mpg with 4WD. Finally, the powerful 6.2-liter V8 – available exclusively with 4WD – returns 14/19/16 mpg.
While the Double Cab has a large 28-gallon gas tank, the Double and Crew Cabs must settle for a 24-gallon tank. With the 2.7-liter engine, the Regular Cab should be able to attain a range of around 560 miles thanks to its larger tank. However, the 6.2-liter V8 with 4×4 will be restricted to around 384 miles.
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Fuel Tank Capacity
28.0 Gallons
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Fuel Economy
City/Hwy: 19/22 mpg
* 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited 2WDRegular Cab 140″ Pro
Sierra 1500 Limited Interior
It’s here that the Sierra 1500 Limited disappoints most when compared to the facelifted Sierra. The drab, uninspired interior design looks dated and some of the materials are disappointingly cheap. At least everything is functional, but with the newer Sierra, the new-generation Toyota Tundra, and the Ford F-150, the interiors of full-size trucks have moved on. As expected, the Crew Cab is the most spacious model of the lot, especially for rear-seat passengers. The Regular Cab Pro only comes with the essentials like manually-adjustable seats, single-zone semi-automatic climate control, and a rearview camera, but upper trims get leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and a lot more to sweeten the deal.
Unlike the new Sierra’s center console shifter, the Limited still has an ancient column shifter which we found to be kind of fidgety to work with. The dashboard is an overall nice design but it’s showing its age and the eight-inch touchscreen is small by today’s standards, especially in such a capacious environment. Other notable features included dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-way power front bucket seats, and plenty of storage. The center console storage bin, for example, literally swallows everything from sunglass cases to quart-sized water bottles.
See All 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited Interior Photos
Seating and Interior Space
The three cab sizes naturally affect how many people you can fit in the Sierra 1500 Limited and how comfortable they’ll be. The Regular Cab seats up to three on a single-row bench, while the middle-position backrest can be folded forward to reveal armrests and storage. The head- and legroom in this configuration matches the remaining cab styles at 43 inches and 44.5 inches, respectively. The Double Cab seats up to six occupants, with rear head- and legroom of 39.9 and 35.2 inches, respectively. Crew Cab derivatives are naturally the most accommodating, with 40.1 inches of headroom and 43.4 inches of leg space.
The cabin is accommodating and the seating is versatile. This writer is not exactly tall (think Michael J. Fox height) and that 10-way power-adjustable seat on our AT4 tester made it extremely easy to find a comfortable seating position where it was possible to see over the hood.
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Seating capacity
3-seater
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Front Leg Room 44.5 in
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Front Head Room 43.1 in
Interior Colors and Materials
The workhorse of the range is the Regular Cab Pro which explains the use of simple vinyl or cloth trim in a practical Jet Black. By spending a bit more on the SLE, the vinyl option falls away in favor of cloth in either Jet Black or Dark Walnut/Slate. This trim also adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Elevation reverts back to Jet Black cloth only, and the SLT becomes the first trim to get standard perforated leather for the outboard seat trim in the same colors as the SLE’s choices. The Denali gets full Forge perforated leather upholstery in either Jet Black or Dark Walnut/Dark Ash Gray. Even in this luxurious trim, the Sierra 1500 Limited’s dated cabin design is still noticeable.
Finally, the AT4 has perforated leather front seat trim but its Jet Black color scheme is enlivened by Kalahari accents. As with the other derivatives in the range, it would have been nice to see more color options for the interior.
Sierra 1500 Limited Trunk and Cargo Space
There are three load box sizes and these affect how much cargo you can carry. The short box has a length of 5.8 feet, the standard box measures 6.6 feet, and the long box comes in at just over eight feet. Cargo capacity is, therefore, 62.9, 71.7, or 89.1 cubic feet, respectively, based on the box size. The maximum payload of 2,431 lbs applies to the Regular Cab in 2WD guise. Most trims ship with the versatile MultiPro tailgate as standard which can be configured in one of six positions. For instance, the Easy Access tailgate configuration makes it convenient to access the bed when loading or unloading cargo, the Primary Gate Load Stop setup stops items from sliding out, and the tailgate can even be configured as a work surface. On certain trims, including our AT4 tester, the carbon composite bed liner is an optional hardy upgrade that is scuff and damage resistant.
Interior storage is quite good. Models with the 40/20/40 front bench seat can fold down the center front seat to create covered armrest storage. Cupholders are provided in front, upper models have a fold-down armrest at the back with two more cupholders, and there are door pockets.
Sierra 1500 Limited Infotainment and Features
Features
The basic Regular Cab Pro is the lightest on features but still comes with essentials like semi-automatic, single-zone climate control, a 12-volt front power outlet, a 3.5-inch driver information display, four-way manually-adjustable front seats, and a rearview camera, but you’ll have to wind down the windows manually. Upper trims are far better equipped and replace the single-zone climate control with a dual-zone automatic system. The SLE upgrades the driver’s seat to one with 10-way power adjustability, making it much easier to find your favored driving position.
Other features added on pricier trims include heated front seats, a larger 4.2-inch color driver information display, a driver’s-side memory system, an HD rearview camera, a heated steering wheel, an auto-dimming interior rearview mirror, keyless open and start, and remote start. Special mention must go to the top-spec Denali as it’s the only model to get standard wireless charging, side blind-zone alert, front/rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, and a universal home remote.
It’s unfortunate that GMC forces you to pay extra for forward collision alert regardless of which trim you go for. Delving into the options list, you can also add a bed-view camera, an auxiliary trailer camera, a surround-view camera system, lane departure warning, and a 15-inch diagonal head-up display.
The $2,075 Technology Package in our tester includes a 360-degree camera that can also accommodate a trailer, a rear camera mirror, multicolor head-up display, a rear-view camera, a bed view camera, and an eight-inch digital driver cluster’s display. We liked having available the HD Surround Vision with a pair of trailer cameras even though we had nothing to tow. Those who do will find this feature to be very convenient.
Infotainment
The Sierra Limited’s eight-inch touchscreen on all models is now too small. Rivals are now at 10 inches, if not larger. This is not an issue the facelifted Sierra has with its 1.4-inch screen on upper models. In general, GMC’s customizable infotainment system is easy to navigate, though not as simple and straightforward as Stellantis’ Uconnect. For us, that remains the gold standard. The user interface is mostly intuitive but the fact the screen is only eight inches was slightly frustrating as we’ve grown used to bigger screens. Both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard on upper trims – the lesser ones require a wired connection – and the system immediately recognized our Android smartphone upon entry. Wireless charging was also included. The Bose Premium Sound System is another nice feature to have but if you’re really in tune with modern audio systems you’ll quickly notice there are better alternatives out there. For most, this system is above and beyond solid. Lesser models get fewer speakers, with as few as just two in base Regular Cab models.
Sierra 1500 Limited Problems and Reliability
J.D. Power gave the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited an overall rating of 85 out of 100, including an impressive 84/100 for quality and reliability. Equally encouraging is that no recalls have affected the 2022 models. However, the 2021 GMC Sierra was recalled four times for issues with a spare tire that may disrupt the proper functioning of the ABS system, two recalls for seat belt-related issues, and tires that may be overcured. Even worse, the 2020 model was recalled 10 times with problems including a driveshaft that could separate. However, the benefit of a continuation model like this is that enough time has passed that teething issues should be out of the system already.
The pickup comes with a three-year/36,000-mile warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty (increased to 100,000 miles for the Duramax turbodiesel), and roadside assistance for five years or 60,000 miles (once again, increased to 100,000 miles for the diesel). GMC will cover one scheduled maintenance visit within the first year of ownership.
Warranty
- Warranty Note:
Preliminary 2022 Warranty
- Basic:
3 Years 36,000 Miles
- Drivetrain:
5 Years 60,000 Miles
- Drivetrain Note:
HD Duramax Diesel: 5 Years 100,000 Miles; Qualified Fleet Purchases: 5 Years
- Rust-Through:
6 Years 100,000 Miles
- Corrosion:
3 Years 36,000 Miles
- Roadside Assistance:
5 Years 60,000 Miles
- Roadside Assistance Note:
HD Duramax Diesel: 5 Years 100,000 Miles; Qualified Fleet Purchases: 5 Years
- Maintenance Note:
1 Year 1 Visit
Sierra 1500 Limited Safety
The NHTSA awarded the 2022 Sierra 1500 Limited an overall safety rating of four stars. The IIHS only has crashworthiness ratings for the Crew Cab model and it managed Good scores in every category besides the small overlap front: passenger-side test, for which it received a Marginal rating. In a sign of the truck’s age, the IIHS rated the headlights as Poor.
US NHTSA crash test result
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Overall Rating
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Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
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Side Crash Rating
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Rollover Rating
Key Safety Features
Every GMC Sierra 1500 Limited has six airbags, including curtain airbags for all outboard seating positions. LED daytime running lamps, a rearview camera, electronic stability control, a teen driver function, and tire pressure monitoring are all standard. Unfortunately, the safety specification is less impressive after that as most driver-assist technologies are optional, even on upper trims. The SLE adds hitch guidance which helps when towing a trailer, as well as a rear-seat reminder. Moving up to the SLT adds hitch view to the hitch guidance system along with a crisper HD rearview camera.
The more advanced Denali comes with front/rear parking sensors, lane change alert with side blind-zone alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safety alert seat. However, even on the expensive top trims, you’ll need to pay extra for adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, an HD surround-view camera system, forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, a following distance indicator, automatic emergency braking, a bed-view camera, and an auxiliary trailer camera.
Verdict: 🏁Is the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited a good Truck?
Overall, our week driving the Sierra 1500 Limited AT4 was an absolute joy, mainly due to that silky smooth inline-six turbo diesel. Having the crew cab makes the truck an ideal all-rounder of a vehicle. Our tester came equipped with the $1,095 Driver Alert Package that included some safety must-haves like forward collision alert, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and front pedestrian braking. We wouldn’t even consider not opting for these features and, honestly, they should be standard at this point. The added value they bring makes the GMC Sierra 1500 the complete package: comfortable, powerful, feature-packed, and safe. Above all, the truck is competent both on and off-road. For someone who doesn’t understand why modern full-size trucks are so appealing to millions of customers, a few days behind the wheel of the Sierra 1500 will win them over. Our only concern is that the new Sierra is vastly better. And in the upper echelons of the Limited’s trim roster, a mid-spec facelift Sierra is much better value.
🚘What’s the Price of the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited?
The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited begins at $31,200 for the Regular Cab Pro. The Regular Cab is only compatible with this basic trim. Following this is the SLE at $42,400 and the Elevation at $44,100, with both of those prices representing Double Cabs with the four-cylinder engine. The next three trims are all only available as Crew Cabs. The SLT starts at $48,500, while both the Denali and AT4 models begin at $56,800. These prices represent each trim in its least expensive form and do not include the destination charge of $1,695.
Upgrading the engine or drivetrain will inevitably raise the cost of the Sierra. Adding 4WD to the base Pro costs $4,600, and swapping out the 2.7-liter engine for the 5.3-liter V8 will add $1,790 to the bill. A fully loaded Denali 4WD with the 6.2-liter V8 costs over $82,000, and that’s before adding any of the many accessories.
Our opinion is that the Sierra 1500 Limited isn’t priced far enough below the new and much-improved 2022 Sierra 1500 which begins at $33,300. We would rather spend the extra on the newer truck.
Our 1500 Limited AT4 tester came to a grand total of $65,155, including the $1,695 destination charge.
2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited Models
The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited is available in a choice of six trims: Pro, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, and Denali. Lower trims come with a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 310 hp, while the 3.0-liter turbodiesel with a useful 460 lb-ft of torque is available higher up in the lineup. Completing the engine options are two V8s, a 355-hp 5.3-liter, and a 420-hp 6.2 liter. The 2.7-liter has an eight-speed automatic transmission, as does the 5.3-liter V8 in Pro guise and/or with 2WD. In all other cases, the Sierra uses a 10-speed automatic. 2WD is standard on every model but 4WD is available, although the AT4 comes with 4WD as standard. Regular, Double, and Crew Cab body styles are available.
The Pro is the workhorse of the range and comes with 17-inch steel wheels, black manual outside mirrors, and LED headlamps. Inside, the seats are manually-adjustable and upholstered in either hard-wearing cloth or vinyl. Single-zone semi-automatic climate control, six airbags, two USB ports, and a rearview camera are standard.
The SLE is a little less utilitarian than the Pro. It sports 17-inch alloy wheels, body-color door handles, and LED cargo bed lighting outside. Inside, it gains a 4.2-inch color driver information display, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a larger eight-inch touchscreen interface.
Next is the Elevation and it looks much better with its large 20-inch alloys, body-color bumpers, and LED fog lamps. A rear-window defogger and black vertical recovery hooks are other additions.
The SLT is the first trim that is limited to the Crew Cab body style. It has 18-inch alloys but with classy Dark Grey Metallic accents. Chrome door handles, chrome mirror caps, and full chrome surround window moldings identify this as a more premium option relative to prior trims. Heading inside, the SLT gains a 10-way power front passenger seat, the premium infotainment system, and an HD rearview camera.
Another step up is the Denali. This model comes with flashy 20-inch polished wheels and chrome full-length assist steps. It’s the most advanced trim since it comes with the Driver Alert Package I with features like lane change alert and front/rear parking sensors. Full perforated leather upholstery finds its way into the Denali.
Finally, the most capable trim is the AT4 which gets 4WD as standard along with a two-speed transfer case, hill descent control, and an off-road suspension with a two-inch lift. This model has Kalahari accents in the cabin.
See All 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited Trims and Specs
Additional Packages
As with most other trucks, the Sierra 1500 Limited has a long list of packages and upgrades so we’ll stick to a few of the bigger ones in this section. Frustratingly, many packages can’t be individually specified and are automatically bundled together with several other expensive options. The base Pro Regular Cab is extremely spartan as standard, so a good bet is the $2,130 Sierra Value Package (automatically adds the Convenience Package too) which includes cruise control, power windows, LED cargo bed lighting, and remote keyless entry. The 1SA Safety Confidence Package would have been good value at $615 as it adds forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, cruise control, and a 4.2-inch color driver info display. However, it requires the 5.3-liter V8 and many other extras so will end up costing you $6,640 overall.
The SLE’s Driver Alert Package II costs $1,045 and adds an array of driver-assist technologies like adaptive cruise control, forward collision alert, and lane departure warning. However, the true cost is $1,935 as other options are bundled together with this package too. The Elevation’s Preferred Package goes for $1,270 on its own and adds features like a power-sliding rear window, a Bose sound system, and the eight-inch premium infotainment system, but you’ll actually need to spend over $2,000 to get it as it’s paired with other extras.
Even though the Denali is well-equipped by default, you can still throw a lot more money at it by ticking the box for the $6,310 Denali Reserve Package. This includes the contents of both the Technology and Driver Alert II packages along with a sunroof, MultiPro power steps, and 22-inch wheels. Those aforementioned packages contain features like a head-up display, an HD surround-view camera, and adaptive cruise control. Opting for the Denali Reserve Package automatically upgrades you to the diesel engine and other extras for a total price increase of $6,805.
🚗What GMC Sierra 1500 Limited Model Should I Buy?
Hands-down, get the Duramax inline-six turbo-diesel regardless of your trim preference. It’s fuel-efficient, powerful, and an absolute joy to experience whether you’re driving in the city, highway, or going off-road. That being said, the AT4 package is also very nice to have but it’s not essential. It does come with some nice off-road-ready goodies but, again, not everyone needs them. One could easily enjoy just as much the crew cab for maximum interior space and either the short or standard box with the oil burner beginning with the SLE trim. That can be yours for $48,810, which we could call a bargain… if it weren’t for the standard Sierra only costing a few grand more for a much better package. Bear in mind Ford is dropping its own diesel engine in the F-150 as hybrid demand continues to increase. That’s all fine and good but GM’s mighty diesel delivers the goods and we couldn’t ask for anything more.
Check out other GMC Sierra 1500 Styles
2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited Comparisons
CarBuzz
CarBuzz
Competitor | Horsepower | MPG | Price (MSRP) |
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GMC Sierra 1500 Limited | 310 hp | 19/22 mpg | $31,200 |
Ford F-150 | 290 hp | 20/24 mpg | $29,290 |
GMC Sierra 2500HD | 401 hp | TBC | $40,200 |
2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited vs Ford F-150
The Sierra 1500 Limited is an older truck than the F-150 and it shows. While the difference in age isn’t too jarring from the outside, it will be obvious from behind the wheel. The Ford has a higher-quality interior with a far more modern design, and its infotainment interface has a massive 12-inch touchscreen. Powertrain-wise, the Ford leads the way with its PowerBoost hybrid which has 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque – more than any Sierra powertrain – yet is far more efficient than the Sierra’s V8s. The Ford also has a higher maximum towing capacity, and the top-spec F-150 Limited is a more convincing luxury pickup than the Sierra Denali. To add salt to the wound, the F-150 starts at under $30,000 – less than the GMC. This is an easy victory for the Ford.
2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited vs GMC Sierra 2500HD
The biggest difference between these two trucks comes down to pure capability. Available with a monster 6.6-liter V8 gas engine or a 6.6-liter V8 turbodiesel with 910 lb-ft of torque, the 2500HD can tow over 18,000 pounds when properly equipped, over 5,000 lbs more than the 1500’s maximum. It also has a much better maximum payload of nearly 4,000 lbs. Of course, the 2500HD is a massive hulk of a truck so it’s not as easy to drive or park day-to-day as the 1500 would be. Tech-wise, the two trucks are similarly matched, but you’ll obviously pay more for the 2500HD’s added capability. Unless you really need to tow heavy rigs, the 1500 Limited should suffice for most.
GMC Sierra 1500 Limited Popular Comparisons
The most popular competitors of 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited: