2021 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2022 GMC Sierra 1500

2021 GMC Sierra 1500
2021 GMC Sierra 1500
$30,100MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 GMC Sierra 1500
2022 GMC Sierra 1500
$35,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 GMC Sierra 1500
$30,100MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 GMC Sierra 1500
$35,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$30,100

MSRP

$35,400

Listings

3508

Listings

2343

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

5.7 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Pros

  • Multiple body styles

  • Multiple powertrain options

  • Easy-to-use technology

Cons

  • Outdated technology

  • Interior materials feel cheap

  • Underwhelming base engine

Pros

  • Powerful engine

  • Great ride quality

  • Spacious

Cons

  • Poor ergonomic design

  • Poor fuel economy

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Reviews Summary

GMC is the “professional grade” brand at General Motors, but that’s just marketing mumbo jumbo. The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is the same thing as a Chevrolet Silverado 1500, but with different styling and a handful of unique features, like an optional carbon-fiber composite cargo bed. This year, GMC makes several changes to its full-size light-duty pickup truck, none of them earth-shattering. This remains a fundamentally appealing truck in need of attention to the details.

2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Reviews Summary

The GMC Sierra 1500 light-duty pickup has been around since 1999 but has seemingly lived in the shadow of its identical twin, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ever since. This is despite the fact that GMC is marketed as the premium alternative. Sales tell a different story, though, with the everyman Silverado moving twice as many units last year as the Sierra.

The GMC Sierra receives a significant makeover for 2022. With a bolder exterior design, a more lavish interior, standard high-end technology, and increased utility, the new Sierra also further elevates the GMC brand with its new high-grade Denali Ultimate and off-road-tuned AT4X models.

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

4.3L 285 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle

Engine

2.7L 310 hp I4

Drive Train

4X2

Drive Train

4X2

Seating Capacity

3

Seating Capacity

3

Horsepower

Horsepower

310 hp @ 5600 rpm

MPG City

16

MPG City

19

MPG Highway

21

MPG Highway

22
2021 GMC Sierra 1500
2021 GMC Sierra 1500
$30,100MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 GMC Sierra 1500
2022 GMC Sierra 1500
$35,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 GMC Sierra 1500
$30,100MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 GMC Sierra 1500
$35,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$30,100
$35,400
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.9

4.7

Expert reviews

5.7 out of 10

Read full review

7.7 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Multiple body styles

  • Multiple powertrain options

  • Easy-to-use technology

Cons

  • Outdated technology

  • Interior materials feel cheap

  • Underwhelming base engine

Pros

  • Powerful engine

  • Great ride quality

  • Spacious

Cons

  • Poor ergonomic design

  • Poor fuel economy

Summary
GMC is the “professional grade” brand at General Motors, but that’s just marketing mumbo jumbo. The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is the same thing as a Chevrolet Silverado 1500, but with different styling and a handful of unique features, like an optional carbon-fiber composite cargo bed. This year, GMC makes several changes to its full-size light-duty pickup truck, none of them earth-shattering. This remains a fundamentally appealing truck in need of attention to the details.

The GMC Sierra 1500 light-duty pickup has been around since 1999 but has seemingly lived in the shadow of its identical twin, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ever since. This is despite the fact that GMC is marketed as the premium alternative. Sales tell a different story, though, with the everyman Silverado moving twice as many units last year as the Sierra.

The GMC Sierra receives a significant makeover for 2022. With a bolder exterior design, a more lavish interior, standard high-end technology, and increased utility, the new Sierra also further elevates the GMC brand with its new high-grade Denali Ultimate and off-road-tuned AT4X models.

Video

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
4.3L 285 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle
2.7L 310 hp I4
Drive Train
4X2
4X2
Seating Capacity
3
3
Horsepower
310 hp @ 5600 rpm
MPG City
16
19
MPG Highway
21
22
Look and feel

2021 GMC Sierra 1500

6/10

2022 GMC Sierra 1500

6/10
According to CarGurus experts, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is rated 6 out of 10, while the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 is rated 9 out of 10. The 2021 model is praised for its styling, especially in the upscale Denali trim level. On the other hand, the 2022 model boasts a more aggressive and updated design, with new trim levels like Denali Ultimate and AT4X. For the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, the main reasons to choose it over other trucks like the Chevy Silverado are its stylish looks, especially in the Denali trim. The Sierra AT4 is also a strong contender with its off-road capabilities and unique features like the CarbonPro cargo bed. In contrast, the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 offers a more refined and updated design, with new trim levels and improved exterior features. The 2022 model is larger, meaner, and more aggressive with updated grille designs and headlight integration.
Picture of 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
Picture of 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
Picture of 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
Picture of 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
Picture of 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
Picture of 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
Picture of 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
Picture of 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
Performance

2021 GMC Sierra 1500

9/10

2022 GMC Sierra 1500

8/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 9 out of 10 for performance, while the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 scores 8 out of 10. The 2021 model is acclaimed for its affordable Duramax diesel engine option, which delivers impressive power and torque. The truck handles well in various driving conditions and offers a comfortable ride. On the other hand, the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 comes with enhanced engine options, including a 2.7-liter turbo-four and a 3.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel inline-six. The diesel engine sees an increase in tow ratings, making it a strong choice for those looking for towing capacity. The Sierra Denali Ultimate offers a smooth and luxurious driving experience, while the AT4X excels in off-road capabilities.
Form and function

2021 GMC Sierra 1500

6/10

2022 GMC Sierra 1500

6/10
In terms of seating comfort and cargo capacity, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 provides a spacious and comfortable interior with ample storage options. The Sierra offers best-in-class cargo capacity, particularly in the short bed configuration. The CarbonPro cargo bed option adds durability and weight-saving benefits to the truck. For the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500, the interior is roomy and offers various storage compartments for personal belongings. Front headroom and legroom are generous across all cabin types. The Sierra's interior design is clean and straightforward, with a focus on functionality and comfort.
Technology

2021 GMC Sierra 1500

7/10

2022 GMC Sierra 1500

9/10
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is rated 7 out of 10 for technology, offering a robust infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The truck comes with various camera-based technologies to improve visibility, along with an optional Technology Package that includes a large head-up display and driver information display. In comparison, the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 boasts larger display screens and an updated infotainment system with Google built-in. The truck features a 12.3-inch digital cluster and a 13.4-inch touchscreen, offering personalized display options and a user-friendly interface.
Safety

2021 GMC Sierra 1500

4/10

2022 GMC Sierra 1500

7/10
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 received a safety rating of 4 out of 10, with optional safety features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The truck's crash-test ratings are mixed, with marginal results in certain areas. The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 scores 7 out of 10 for safety, with advanced driver-assistance systems like Super Cruise available on higher trims. The truck offers standard features like forward collision alert and automatic emergency braking, along with improved crash safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is 5.7 out of 10, while the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 scores 7.7 out of 10. Based on this comparison, the 2022 model emerges as the recommended choice for consumers looking for an updated design, enhanced safety features, and improved technology.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is 5.7 out of 10, while the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 scores 7.7 out of 10. Based on this comparison, the 2022 model emerges as the recommended choice for consumers looking for an updated design, enhanced safety features, and improved technology.

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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