Comparing a light duty truck versus a heavier duty truck might make you think of comparing apples to oranges. However, the GMC Sierra 1500 versus the Sierra 2500 HD is more like a little brother compared to a big brother. Two trucks that share a similar name but are quite different under the hood. Truck lovers are often confronted with the big question. Which one should you buy? Truthfully, it's based on what you prioritize in your next pickup truck. Thankfully, we compared prices, trim levels, interior design features, cab configurations and truck bed sizes, towing capacity and payload ratings, engines, exterior dimensions, colors, safety features, and technology. In the end, no matter what the specs say, you should always select the Sierra truck model that best fits your needs and your lifestyle.

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Price & Trim Levels Comparison

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 will come in 6 trim levels:

• PRO - this trim will come with a 2.7L Turbo engine and an available 5.3L V8 engine. It is the least expensive trim level starting at $32,495 MSRP.
• SLE - this trim offers the same engine options as the Pro trim level, with an addition of an available 3L Diesel engine. Pricing begins at $43,895 MSRP.
• ELEVATION - this trim offers the same engine options at the SLE but stands out with a black gloss grille and additional monochromatic exterior elements. Pricing begins at $45,495 MSRP.
• SLT - this trim offers 3 engine options, a 5.3L V8, a 3L Diesel, or a 6.2L V8 engine. Pricing begins at $50,895 MSRP.
• AT4 - this trim offers a 3.0L Duramax turbo diesel I6 engine with 277 horsepower. Pricing begins at $62,095 MSRP. There is an upgraded AT4X model available as well.
• DENALI - this trim offers a 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine with 355 horsepower. Pricing begins at $62,395 MSRP. There is an upgraded Denali Ultimate model available as well.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500 HD will come in 5 trim levels:

• PRO - this trim will come with a 6.6L V8 Gas engine and starts at $36,200 MSRP.
• SLE - this trim will come with a 6.6L V8 Gas engine and starts at $41,600 MSRP.
• SLT - this trim will come with a 6.6L V8 Gas engine and starts at $51,600 MSRP.
• AT4 - this trim will come with a 6.6L V8 Gas engine and starts at $59,100 MSRP.
• DENALI - this trim will come with a 6.6L V8 Gas engine and starts at $65,500 MSRP.
  
  

Comparing Engine Options, Horsepower & Torque Ratings

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 comes packed with power with limited engines that meet your needs. 310 horsepower, 348 of torque, and an 8-speed automatic transmission is available with the 2.7L Turbo Engine. 355 horsepower, 383 of torque, and both 10-speed automatic transmission available on 4WD models, 8-speed automatic transmission on 2WD models is available with the 5.3L EcoTec®3 V8 engine. 277 horsepower, 460 of torque, and a 10-speed automatic transmission is available with the Duramax® 3.0L Turbo-Diesel engine. Last, but certainly not least, 420 horsepower, 460 of torque, and a 10-speed automatic transmission is available with the 6.2L EcoTec®3 V8 engine.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500 HD has 445 horsepower with 910 lb.-ft of torque. The GMC Sierra 2500HD comes with a 6.6L V8 engine with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing. Additional engine features include a 401 hp [299 kW] @ 5200 rpm, 464 pounds per foot (lb.-ft) of torque [629 N-m] @4000 rpm). A 6-speed automatic, heavy duty transmission comes with every trim level. The 2022 Sierra 2500 HD offers a Duramax 6.6L Turbodiesel V8 engine with Allison 10-Speed Automatic Transmission, which delivers over 445 horsepower and 910 lb.-ft. of torque.

Towing Capacity & Payload Rating Comparison

The towing capacity for the GMC Sierra 1500 can accommodate up to 13,000 lbs. of maximum towing. The maximum payload rating is 5,420 lbs. The towing capacity for the GMC Sierra 2500HD is truly heavy duty and offers up to 36,000 lbs. of maximum towing power. The maximum payload rating for the Sierra 2500 is 3,715 lbs.

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Interior Design & Features Comparison

The Sierra 1500 gets a sharp and stylish new interior that takes an inspiration from the GMC Yukon SUV with enlarged touchscreens and high-end finishes. A 12.3" digital instrument panel and a 13.4" infotainment system comes standard on the SLE trim, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Google's app store, maps, and voice assistant. A 15" head-up display in addition to 2 infotainment screens are available in higher trims. Not only does the 1500 have cutting-edge technology, but also features a new center console and Electronic Precision Shift for models with front bucket seats. Interior comfortability is just the beginning with high-end materials, including full-grain leather upholstery, open-pore Paldao wood trim, and leather-trimmed pieces for the door panels, instrument panels, and console lid.

The Sierra 2500 HD offers Jet Black Perforated Leather or Dark Walnut/Slate Perforated Leather. Luxury is presented in the 2500 HDs interior, including leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front leather-appointed seats, and an HVAC system with dual-zone climate control and rear-seat outlets. In the front, there is a wireless charging pad located within easy reach close to the cup holders, capable for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For the best tunes, Sierra's Bose Premium Sound System delivers 7 speakers along with a Richbass woofer to produce powerful sounds that brings the concert to you.

Comparing Exterior Colors & Dimensions

The exterior dimensions for the Sierra 1500 are 231.8" L x 81.2" W x 75.6" H, making it the perfect vehicle for short and long trips. The truck bed is estimated to be 79.4 cubic feet. The 2022 Sierra 1500 offers 10 exterior colors:

• Summit White
• Cardinal Red
• Onyx Black
• Quicksilver Metallic
• Satin Steel Metallic
• Pacific Blue Metallic
• Dark Sky Metallic
• Ebony Twilight Metallic
• Brownstone Metallic
• Cayenne Red Tintcoat

The exterior dimensions for the Sierra 2500 HD are 236-266" L x 82" W x 80" H, making it a great size for hauling large items or taking long road trips with the family. The truck bed is estimated to be 81.6" to 98.4". The 2022 Sierra 2500 HD offers 8 exterior colors:

• Cardinal Red
• Onyx Black
• Pacific Blue Metallic
• Quicksilver Metallic
• Forest Metallic
• Ebony Twilight Metallic
• Cayenne Red Tintcoat
• White Frost Tricoat
  
  

Cab & Box Configurations Comparison

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 offers multiple options for box sizes (truck beds) and cab configurations:

The Regular Cab, Standard Box

• Truck bed length: 79.44"
• Seating for 2 people
• MSRP starts at $37,195

The Regular Cab, Long Box

• Truck bed length: 98.20"
• Seating for 2 people
• MSRP starts at $40,495

The Double Cab, Standard Box

• Truck bed length: 79.44"
• Seating for 5 people
• MSRP starts at $40,495

The Crew Cab, Short Box

• Truck bed length: 69.92"
• Seating for 5 people
• More passenger room and storage
• MSRP starts at $42,895

The Crew Cab, Standard Box

• Truck bed length: 79.44"
• Seating for 5 people
• More passenger room and storage
• MSRP starts at $46,495

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500 HD offers multiple options for truck bed sizes and cab configurations:

The Regular Cab, Long Bed

• Truck bed length: 98.27"
• Seating for 2 people
• MSRP starts at $37,895

The Double Cab, Standard Bed

• Truck bed length: 82.25"
• Seating for 5 people
• MSRP starts at $40,495

The Double Cab, Long Bed

• Truck bed length: 98.27"
• Seating for 5 people
• MSRP starts at $40,695

The Crew Cab, Standard Bed

• Truck bed length: 82.20"
• Seating for 5 people
• More passenger room and storage
• MSRP starts at $42,295

The Crew Cab, Long Bed

• Truck bed length: 98.27"
• Seating for 5 people
• More passenger room and storage
• MSRP starts at $42,495
  
  

Comparing Off-Road Capability

The Sierra 1500 is recognized as one of the best off-roading pickup trucks on the market. Specifically, the AT4X is the Sierra 1500's most off-road capable model, loaded with plenty of features that ensures owners are prepared for any terrain. Key features the off-road capability include advanced multimatic spool-valve dampers, electronic locking front and rear differentials, and extra underbody protection assist with off-roading. The truck also comes with 18" wheels and Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac Mud-Terrain tires with a factory-installed 2" suspension list for extra ground clearance.

For the Sierra 2500 HD, AT4's adventurous exterior appearance comes complete with premium black chrome accents, trailering mirrors, signature C-shaped lighting, and the world's first 6-function GMC multipro tailgate, which offers 6 distinct functions designed to help improve loading, unloading, and accessing the cargo box. The truck also comes with 18" darkened wheels and available high clearance step, and red recovery hooks to avoid the risk of injury while off-roading.

Fuel Economy Comparison

With different powertrain combinations, the 1500's fuel economy will vary. The Sierra 1500 is estimated to earn 16 mpg city and 20 mpg highway when paired with all-wheel drive. With the optional diesel engine, fuel economy is estimated to earn 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

With the Duramax Diesel engine, the 2500 HD will earn a more efficient fuel economy, with 15 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway.

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Safety Features & Equipment Comparison

The GMC Sierra 1500 makes safety a premium by providing the level of technology required with cutting-edge trailering innovations, seamless smartphone integrations, and driver-centric alerts that make you feel at ease while on and off the road.  Stay in the know while on the go with GMC's Infotainment system which offers an intuitive interface with quick response times and upgraded voice recognition. With advanced safety and driver assistance technology, the Sierra 1500 enhances your awareness of the road and surrounding vehicles with adaptive cruise control, front and rear park assist, lane keep assist, following distance indicators, front pedestrian braking, forward collision alert, and more.

The GMC Sierra 2500 HD comes with Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance Technology, which enhances your awareness of the road and keeps you a safe distance from nearby vehicles. An available Lane Departure Warning sends alerts if you might be unintentionally drifting out of detected lanes so you can act quickly. Front and Rear Park Assist is readily available to provide distance alerts for nearby detected objects in front or behind your truck. There is a Safety Alert Seat, which uses left, right, or both-side driver seat vibration pulses to help you identify the direction of potential crashes. Intellibeam is an automatic headlamp control that automatically turns on the truck's high-beam headlamps when it is dark enough or there is no other traffic present, then turns them off when another vehicle is approaching. Also, Teen Driver safety feature encourages safe driving habits for new drivers and activates safety systems that allows parents to limit on other features.

New GMC Sierra 1500 or Sierra 2500 HD

How to Know Which One You Need to Buy

After looking and comparing all details the GMC Sierra 1500 and GMC Sierra 2500 HD have to offer, your decision comes down to two things. 1) What do you need your truck to do. 2) Which one do you envision yourself driving. Purchasing a new truck is a big investment. Review every feature that both Sierra trucks offer and make the selection that meets your needs best. If affordability, comfort, technology, and off-road capability is what you desire most, the Sierra 1500 is the ideal fit. However, if towing capacity, power, and a workhorse that gets the job done is more of what you need, move forward with the Sierra 2500 HD. Don't take it from us, try them both out for yourself by scheduling a test drive today. At Octane Buick GMC, we are fueling what you love and when you're ready to buy your new GMC Sierra truck, our GMC dealership in Santa Fe, NM will give you the best price possible and get you back on the road. 

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