GMC Sierra 2022: premium US pick-up gets upgraded styling, two new grades, all-new interior

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Full-size, dual-cab pick-up trucks continue to be power players in the American new vehicle market, though they certainly don’t seem to be ignoring the pace of technology.

Essentially the upmarket sibling of the fourth-generation Chevrolet Silverado that’s converted to right-hand drive for our market by General Motors Special Vehicles (GM SV) in Melbourne, the facelifted 2022 GMC Sierra has received a mid-cycle makeover that sees the dashboard get a complete (and much-needed) redesign, accompanied by two new variants. 

There are now eight different grades for the Sierra, with the plush new Denali Ultimate sitting at the very top of the range, and the new AT4X focused heavily on off-roading smarts and ability. 

Interior 

The biggest change to the 2022 GMC Sierra is to its interior, which previously lagged behind its Ford F-150 and Ram rivals, even though this current generation only went on sale three years ago.

In updated form, the Denali and AT4X both get unique interiors, filled with premium materials and new technology in place of the previous oversized buttons and Tonka-esque flavour.

Up front is a new 12.3-inch drivers display that accompanies an enormous 13.4-inch landscape navigation and infotainment touchscreen. 

The infotainment system features built-in Google maps and Google Assistant, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The previous centre screens were 8.0-inch only, so these expanded screens are a welcome addition – making the ’22 Sierra feel much more modern inside 

Column-shift transmissions have now been removed from bucket-seat models, instead using a conventional, centre-console gear lever, though Sierras with a front bench-seat option will retain the column shift. 

Sierra Denali Ultimate 

The Denali Ultimate will be the most highly equipped and expensive variant of the 2022 Sierra line-up – sitting above the already lavish regular Denali.

To give it plenty of premium pick-up bling, the Ultimate wears massive 22-inch alloy wheels, a full-chrome version of the facelifted Sierra’s techy new grille with chrome GMC logo, bordered by classy new LED lighting, as well as a six-way tailgate and power-assist side steps. 

Inside, the Denali Ultimate is loaded with multi-stitched leather and includes wood detailing that has been laser-etched with the shape of Mount Denali – the highest peak in the USA. 

By the sounds of things, owners will be comfortable, too, with 16-way power adjustable and massaging front seats, an electric sunroof, 12-speaker Bose premium sound system and full-grain leather on almost every surface.

There’s also a huge 15.0-inch multi-colour head-up display – giving the Denali Ultimate more screen inches than just about anything on the planet. 

Under the bonnet, the Denali Ultimate features a 313kW 6.2-litre petrol V8 engine matched with a 10-speed automatic transmission. 

Sierra ATX4

The ATX4 is Denali’s off-road cousin and features several features not available on the flagship. 

Whilse the engine and transmission are the same as the Denali, the ATX4 features a two-speed transfer case with Terrain Mode, increased suspension travel, Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers, higher-lift springs, front and rear locking differentials and 18-inch black wheels with mud-terrain tyres.

All this contributes to the AT4X’s tow rating of 4000kg. 

Like the Denali Ultimate, the interior of the ATX4 is covered in leather and shares most of its plush sibling’s headline equipment features.

How much will it cost? And will it come here?

The 2022 GMC Sierra AT4X starts at $74,995 (AU$100,185) in the US, while the Sierra Denali Ultimate costs $80,395 (AU$107,398).

Possible prices for the Australian market are at this stage unconfirmed, as GM SV won’t be drawn on whether a right-hook converted GMC Sierra could supplement the Chevrolet Silverado at the top end of its truck range

In a response to Chasing Cars, a GM SV spokesperson said “we’re focusing on Silverado LT Trail Boss, LTZ Premium and HD – as well as the first-ever right-hand-drive Corvette.

“At this point in time, we don’t have any other product-related announcements to make.”