2022 GMC SIERRA VS. CHEVY SILVERADO 1500: Differences & Which to Buy

Exterior comparison of the New 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 next to the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 truck

2022 GMC Sierra vs. Chevy Silverado 1500: What's the Difference?

See comparison of 2023 GMC Sierra vs. 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 here.

With the arrival of the new 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 and 2022 Chevrolet Silverado right around the corner, many people are wondering about the differences between these two trucks and which one they should buy. To help buyers along their journey, Octane Buick GMC is stepping in to provide an in-depth comparison where we detail the specs between each truck so you can which one best fits your needs. We will compare prices, trim levels and configurations, interior design and features, exterior dimensions and colors, engine options and powertrains, towing capacity, and payload ratings, in addition to advanced safety features and equipment. In the end, you should be better equipped to make an informed decision on which is the best new truck for you to buy. Let's get the show on the road.

Shop New GMC Sierra 1500

2022 GMC Sierra 1500

Front exterior grille view of the New 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 full-size truck

2022 Chevy Silverado 1500

Front exterior grille view of the New 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 full-size truck

2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Price & Trims

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 features a starting price of $32,495 MSRP and is available in 8 trim levels. For 2022, GMC is shaking up the game with the rugged, off-road AT4X and tech-savvy, ultra-luxurious Denali Ultimate trim levels. Here's a look at each GMC Sierra 1500 trim level:

  • PRO ($32,495)
  • SLE ($43,895)
  • Elevation ($45,495)
  • SLT ($50,895)
  • AT4 ($60,995)
  • AT4X ($74,995)
  • Denali ($61,295)
  • Denali Ultimate ($80,395)

2022 Chevy Silverado Price & Trims

The 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 has a similar entry price of $32,095 MSRP for the base model but a cheaper entry price for high level trims. For 2022, Chevrolet is looking to make a statement with the off-road ZR2 trim level. In total, the new Chevy Silverado offers 9 total trim levels, including:

  • WT ($32,095)
  • Custom ($39,295)
  • LT ($42,995)
  • Custom Trail Boss ($46,895)
  • RST ($47,295)
  • LTZ ($51,895)
  • LT Trail Boss ($54,195)
  • ZR2 ($55,295 est.)
  • High Country ($56,395)

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2022 GMC Sierra AT4X

Profile view of the first-ever 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X off-road truck

We thought the AT4 couldn't possibly get any better, but we were happily mistaken. WhileAT4 embodies the boundless spirit of off-road adventure. The first-ever, all-new 2022 GMC Sierra AT4X is taking that rugged, off-road spirit to the next level. The new Sierra AT4X features advanced off-road capability, an interior experience worthy of a luxury ride, and cutting-edge technology. Here's a look at some of the top features:

  • Front & Rear E-Locking differentials.
  • Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers.
  • 6.2L V8 Engine with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft. of torque.
  • 2-Speed transfer case with selectable drive modes.
  • Unique 18" wheels with a high-gloss black finish and Goodyear® Wrangler Duratrac® mud-terrain tires.
  • Available accessory rocker protection.
  • Redesigned LED Headlamps and Daytime Running Lamps with animated lighting sequences.
  • Redesigned front fascia and grille with Dark Nickel finish and AT4X badging.
  • Signature vertical red recovery hooks.
  • Hidden dual-outlet exhaust.
  • Unique AT4X badging across the exterior and interior.

2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2

Profile view of the first-ever 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 ZR2 off-road truck

Another all-new for 2022 is the Silverado ZR2. The new 2022 Silverado ZR2 off-road trim is designed with performance enhancements that increase the off-road performance and capability of the new Chevy Silverado truck. Like no Silverado before it, you will be better equipped for more extreme off-road terrain with the bonus of interior comfort only offered by the ZR2 model. Here is a look at the features to expect:

  • 6.2L V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft. of torque.
  • 10-speed transmission with Electronic Transmission Range Selector.
  • Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers.
  • All-new high-approach front bumper with a higher approach angle.
  • New steel front and rear bumpers.
  • 2-speed transfer case with Terrain Mode.
  • Goodyear Wrangler Territory® mud-terrain tires.
  • Unique skid plates.
  • Hidden dual-outlet exhaust.
  • Black grille with flowtie and accent lighting.
  • Raised hood with styled insert.
  • ZR2-exclusive wheel opening moldings.
  • Animated LED headlamps with tracer animation and Black bezels.

2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Exterior Colors & Dimensions

The exterior dimensions of the 2022 GMC Sierra measure in at 230-241" L x 81" W x 75-78" H depending on the configuration chosen. For color options, you can expect 12 available exterior colors with the new Sierra 1500, including:

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

2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 Exterior Colors & Dimensions

The 2022 Chevy Silverado exterior dimensions measure 230-241" L x 81" W x 75-78" H, also dependent upon the body configuration. You can expect a total of 10 exterior color choices with the new Silverado 1500. These available color choices include:

  • Iridescent Pearl
  • Red Hot
  • Satin Steel
  • NorthSky Blue
  • Silver Ice
  • Summit White
  • Black
  • Shadow Grey
  • Oxford Brown
  • Cherry Red

2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Interior Design

Front interior cabin view inside the new 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali truck

The all-new 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 features true hands-free driver-assistance technology called Super Cruise, which is engineered for a new kind of freedom and a first-class cruising experience including hands-free lane changing to main your set speed, as well as hands-free towing. Super Cruise is paired to a sleek heads up display that provides instrument panel information directly in the eyesight of the driver above the dash. The new Sierra comes equipped with a 13.4" diagonal GMC Infotainment System, which offers a wide range of screen combinations, features and reconfigurability (available in the SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, AT4X, Denali, and Denali Ultimate). The Denali Ultimate offers a pristine interior design with refined alpine umber, full-grain leather seating, plaited contrast stitching, exclusive Denali Ultimate badging on seatbacks and doors, a topographical map pattern of Mt. Denali's summit laser-etched and embossed along the interior, premium micro-suede headliner, pillars, sun visors, and 16-way power front seats with heat, ventilation, and massage settings.

2022 Chevy Silverado Interior Design

Front interior cabin view inside the new 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 truck

The 2022 Chevy Silverado comes standard with a similar 12.3" fully digital instrument panel and 13.4" infotainment screen located on the center dash. This new screen opens up the space of the interior cabin, giving the vehicle a luxurious, yet spacious experience. GM also equipped the new Chevy Silverado with the Super Cruise hands-free driver-assist technology, but it's not confirmed that the Silverado will have the matching heads up display featured in the Sierra 1500. The interior features open-pore wood trim (available in High Country) located on the console, upper glove box, and door panels. Stainless steel speaker grilles come equipped with the Bose premium audio system (available in LTZ and High Country). Two interior color options are available in Jet Black and Nightshift Blue. Both the Sierra and Silverado have taken huge leaps with fresh interior designs.

2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Engines & Performance

Rear exterior view of the New 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X truck going off-road through some rocky mountain trails

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 continues to offer a strong selection of 4 different engines, 2 transmissions, and rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The engine lineup features a 420-hp V8 and a diesel 6-cylinder with 460 pound-feet of torque. The all-new ATX4 model showcases a turbo-four engine, which produces more torque and pairs with a more responsive transmission. The base engine is a turbocharged 2.7-liter 4-cylinder that makes 310 horsepower and 420-pound-feet of torque. Let's breakdown the specs of all 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 engine options a little further:

  • Enhanced 2.7-Liter Turbo High-Output I-4 engine paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission with 310 horsepower and 420 lb-ft. of torque (standard on Pro, SLE, and Elevation).
  • 5.3-Liter V8 engine paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission with 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft. of torque (standard on Denali and SLT).
  • 3.0-Liter Duramax Turbo Diesel engine paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission with 277 diesel horsepower (best-in-class) and 460 lb-ft. of torque featuring Active Thermal Management (standard on AT4).
  • 6.2-liter V8 engine paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft. of torque featuring Dynamic Fuel Management (standard on AT4X and Denali Ultimate).

2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 Engines & Performance

Rear exterior driver side view of the New 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 truck in blue exterior color

For engine options, the 2022 Chevy Silverado comes standard with a 2.7-liter L3B I-4 powerplant with the potential for an upgraded 505 horsepower 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V-8 engine on the LT Trail Boss, ZR2, LTZ, and High Country trims. The engine lineup of the Chevy Silverado is similar to the new GMC Sierra 1500 with less standard engine options across the various trims. With 4 total engines to choose from, 2 will be turbocharged and 2 will be naturally aspirated. Here are the engines broken down:

  • 2.7-Liter Turbo L3B I-4 with 8-speed automatic transmission with 310 horsepower and 420 lb-ft. torque (standard on WT, Custom, Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST Double Cab, and LT Trail Boss).
  • 5.3-Liter Ecotec3 V8 with 10-speed automatic transmission with 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft. of torque (standard on RST Crew Cab, LTZ, High Country).
  • 6.2-Liter Ecotec3 V8 with 10-speed automatic transmission with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft. of torque (Standard on ZR2).
  • 3.0-Liter (Turbo) LM2 V6 with 10-speed automatic transmission with 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft. of torque (not standard on any trim; available on Custom Trail Boss, LT, RST, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, and High Country).

2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Towing & Payload Ratings

Rear exterior tailgate view of the New 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali truck showing off dual exhaust and unique tailgate technology

The 2022 GMC Sierra can tow from 9,400 pounds up to a maximum of 13,200 pounds and can haul a payload up to 2,240 pounds when properly configured. Max towing is achieved with either the 6.2L V8 or the 3.0L turbodiesel.

2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 Towing & Payload Ratings

Rear exterior tailgate view of the new 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 High Country truck with dual exhaust tips

Due to a similarity in engine options, tow ratings and payload capacities also show a resemblance. The 2022 Chevy Silverado has a max towing capacity of 13,300 pounds (when equipped with the available 3.0L turbodiesel engine or 6.2L V8) and a max payload rating of 2,280 pounds.

2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Safety Features

The all-new GMC Sierra 1500 provides safety assistance technology, including the Limited's intelligent safety and driver assistance. Additional safety features include available lane change side blind zone alerts, lane departure warnings, available following distance indicators, front pedestrian braking, rear cross-traffic alerts, and front collision alerts. For teen drivers, Standard Teen Driver encourages safe driving habits for new drivers. For dark driving conditions, Available Intellibeam provides auto high beams that turn on and off according to surrounding traffic conditions (available in the SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali).

2022 Chevy Silverado Safety Features

The new 2022 Chevy Silverado remains one of the safest trucks on the market. All of the Chevy Silverado trim levels come with 6 standard safety features, including Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Following Distance Indicator, and IntelliBeam high beams. There are additional safety features including HD Rear Vision Cameras, and Buckle to Drive. Let's also not forget the ground-breaking Super Cruise technology that GM graciously placed in both the new 2022 Sierra and Silverado.


Decision Time: New 2022 GMC Sierra or Chevrolet Silverado?

Close up view of the front grille on a red 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X off-road truck driving up to the camera lens overlooking a hazy distant moutain range

It was a strong effort from our sibling counterpart, but new GMC Sierra takes the win.

Normally, deciding between any two vehicles can be a very difficult decision, especially so considering the options we presented. However, after seeing the side-by-side comparison between the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 and the 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500, it is clear to us that the new Sierra 1500 has the edge. Yes, both trucks are very capable, both on and off the road, and they're reliable work trucks. The new, sleek interior design of both trucks is a huge plus. But, from the fresh new exterior design, more features and amenities for your price, and more standard options across the entire truck lineup, the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 just simply offers more. All in all, the all-new GMC Sierra will lead the pack of full-sized, light-duty trucks in terms of reliability, dependability, safety, and luxury. The new 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 is available for pre-order or purchase today here at Octane, your local Buick GMC Santa Fe dealership.

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  1. Octane GMC of Santa Fe

    2721 Cerrillos Rd
    Santa Fe, NM 87507

    • Sales: (505) 303-1960
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