2023 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2022 GMC Sierra 1500

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 introduced the Denali Ultimate and AT4X variants, expanding the premium and purpose-built Denali and AT4 trims. With eight trim levels, including Pro, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, Denali, AT4X, and Denali Ultimate, the Sierra appeared larger and more aggressive than its Silverado counterpart. Despite unchanged dimensions, the updated grille, front fascia, and headlight design gave the Sierra a wider appearance. The Denali's grille evolved from a mesh pattern to a "tri-linear" theme with thicker chrome inserts, while the Denali Ultimate featured dark-coloured "Vader bars." New 22-inch wheel designs were introduced, with bright-polished chrome for Denali and low-gloss black for Denali Ultimate. The interior saw significant changes, with a redesigned dash and new materials, enhancing the cabin's spacious feel. The AT4X and Denali Ultimate trims elevated luxury with premium leather, wood trim, and unique topographical map designs.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 continued the styling updates from the previous year, maintaining the wider grille and updated headlights. While the exterior changes were subtle, the interior saw a significant shift towards a more car-like experience. The dash featured a large screen, moving controls lower on the dash but retaining traditional climate controls and a volume dial. The trims remained the same, with the base Pro trim offering a simpler infotainment system. The SLE trim added features like a power-adjustable driver's seat and a digital instrument panel. The AT4X, a new trim for 2023, was developed with American Expeditionary Vehicles, featuring off-road enhancements like steel bumpers and upgraded dampers. The Denali Ultimate trim included nearly every optional feature, with unique styling elements and advanced technology.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 offered four engine options, including a 2.7L turbo four-cylinder and a 3.8-litre Duramax turbo-diesel inline-six, both enhanced for the model year. The turbo-four produced 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, with revised gear ratios for smoother shifts. The diesel engine, with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, boasted a class-leading towing capacity of up to 5,987 kilograms (13,200 pounds) for 2WD models. Other engine options included a 5.3-litre V8 with 355 hp and a 6.2L Ecotec3 V8 with 420 hp. The Denali Ultimate 4WD offered a smooth and comfortable ride, while the AT4X impressed with its off-road capabilities, featuring Multimatic DSSV dampers and e-locking differentials.

For 2023, the Sierra 1500 retained the four powertrain options, with the base model featuring a 2.7-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. The 3.0-litre Duramax diesel engine received a boost to 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. The gas V8 options remained the same, with the 5.3-litre V8 generating 355 hp and the 6.2-litre V8 producing 420 hp. The diesel engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offered a towing capacity of up to 5,987 kilograms (13,200 pounds). The Denali Ultimate provided a smooth and composed ride, while the AT4 and AT4X excelled in off-road conditions, though maneuverability in tight spaces was challenging.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 boasted impressive roominess and utility, with best-in-class cargo capacity even in its short bed. Front headroom measured 1,093 mm, while rear-seat headroom averaged just over 1 metre. Front-seat legroom was 1,131 mm, with double-cab rear-seat passengers enjoying 894 mm and crew cab occupants 1,102 mm. The interior featured ample storage compartments, though the gloveboxes were on the smaller side. The driver-oriented cockpit had a low centreline, with screens and controls positioned low, requiring more eye movement from the road. The AT4X's off-road controls were split between the steering wheel and centre console.

The 2023 Sierra 1500 offered various cab and bed configurations, with our test model featuring a crew cab/short-bed setup. This provided ample cabin space, with generous head and legroom for both rows. The interior included large storage trays in the doors, multiple spots for water bottles, and a deep centre storage compartment. The rear bench folded up for additional storage. The Denali Ultimate featured the GMC MultiPro tailgate, offering multiple configurations for convenience. All trims included bed steps for easy cargo access.

The 2022 Sierra 1500 featured larger display screens, with a 12.3-inch digital cluster and a 13.4-inch touchscreen on most trims. The infotainment system included Google built-in, Bluetooth, OnStar, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The Denali models had an interactive start-up screen with topographical maps. The infotainment screen offered a clean display with large icons, though distinguishing between in-car and smartphone maps could be confusing. The system allowed for personalization and dual modes, with wireless charging available on higher trims. Additional options included a 15-inch head-up display and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.

In 2023, the Sierra 1500 Pro came with a 7-inch touchscreen, while other trims featured a 13.4-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The updated infotainment system had a logical layout and large icons, though it lacked a tuning knob. Google-connected apps were integrated, with a Google icon on the screen. The system included trailering status apps and average fuel economy displays. The Denali Ultimate featured a wireless charging pad, USB ports, and a wall-style power outlet, though its placement was less ideal. All trims except the Pro had a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, complemented by a head-up display.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 introduced GM's Super Cruise, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system available on the Denali Ultimate. Super Cruise offered hands-free driving and automatic lane changes, with trailering capability. The Sierra featured up to 14 camera views, including a bed view camera, and a GCW Alert for overload detection. The GMC Pro Safety suite included forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian braking, lane-keep assist, and IntelliBeam headlights. The Sierra received "Good" crash safety ratings from the IIHS, but a "Marginal" grade in the front-passenger small overlap test and a "Poor" grade for headlights. NHTSA rated 2WD models four out of five stars for crashworthiness.

The 2023 Sierra 1500 came standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, and GM's Teen Driver system. Higher trims, like the Denali Ultimate, included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. Super Cruise was also available, offering hands-free highway driving and lane changes. The rear headrests flipped down for improved visibility, and the rear-vision camera mirror provided a clear view. The surround-view camera system and parking sensors aided in maneuvering the large truck in tight spaces.