2021 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD

In terms of styling, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 distinguished itself from its Chevrolet Silverado sibling primarily through its aesthetic appeal and the upscale Denali trim level. This Denali moniker in truck circles was synonymous with luxury, earning a comparison to owning a Mercedes. For those not keen on the Denali's chrome accents, GMC offered other configurations that ventured into premium pricing territory as well.

Our test truck, the Sierra AT4, illustrated this capability with a sticker price of $66,695 MSRP, including a $1,695 destination charge. The AT4 (All-Terrain 4WD) variant was designed for off-road enthusiasts, comparable to the Silverado LT Trail Boss but without the reminiscent associations with “The Dukes of Hazzard.”

The Sierra AT4 came equipped with a factory-installed 2-inch suspension lift, specialized off-road suspension with Rancho monotube shocks, skid plates, an Autotrac transfer case, a locking rear differential, and unique aesthetic features like red front recovery hooks and body-color trim. Aggressive mud-terrain tires and myriad option packages, such as the AT4 CarbonPro Edition Package, further amplified its off-road prowess. Our black-on-black test model looked sleek but remained clean for only a brief moment due to its off-roading purpose.

Internally, save for some caramel seat trim and stitching alongside standard metallic accents, the Sierra's cabin was predominantly black plastic, paying homage to a more industrial design. It featured rubber floor mats with snap-in carpet inserts, providing practicality and durability. However, for a truck that could exceed $70,000 in Denali trim, the interior design and materials seemed subpar.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD, redesigned for the 2020 model year, showcased a bold exterior replete with a tall hood, squared lines, and an imposing grille, asserting its presence from every angle. While design is inherently subjective, the Sierra HD was often regarded as one of the more aesthetically pleasing heavy-duty trucks available.

Internally, the Sierra HD had room for improvement. The material quality, especially in the higher-end trims, lagged behind competitors like Ram and Ford. A short stint in the higher trims of the Ram 2500 and Ford F-250 Super Duty made this conspicuously clear. Additionally, while spacious, the Sierra Heavy Duty's cabin didn't quite match the expansiveness of its Ram and Ford counterparts.

Available in five trims—Pro, SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali—the Sierra 2500HD catered to a broad spectrum of buyers. The Pro trim targeted fleet operators and contractors, while the SLE and SLT offered more creature comforts. The AT4 was custom-made for off-road buffs, and the Denali provided luxury seekers with their ideal truck. The AT4, tested by us, boasted black chrome accents, C-shaped LED lighting, hood air-induction, red recovery hooks, 20-inch high gloss black wheels, and a high-clearance step. Inside, it featured Jet Black and Kalahari upholstery with embroidered AT4 accents, heated and ventilated front leather seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, premium floor liners, a high-end GMC infotainment system, wireless charging, and Bose premium audio. The AT4 package emerged as a rugged yet elegant choice for affluent off-roaders.

Underperformance was never an accusation leveled at the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500's affordable Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder engine. Priced at a mere $995, it was a steal compared to its Ford and Ram counterparts. Producing 277 horsepower at 3,750 rpm and a robust 460 pound-feet of torque from just 1,500 rpm, the Duramax matched the power of the Sierra's 6.2-liter V8 but at significantly lower rpm.

Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission adept at selecting gears, the engine consistently delivered maximum torque. The automatic 4WD system allowed easy transitions between RWD and 4WD, optimizing fuel efficiency and traction as required. During testing, the Sierra, driven from sea level to 5,160 feet and back, maintained impressive fuel economy, averaging 21.1 mpg despite the varied and challenging terrain.

The AT4's specialized suspension handled rugged landscapes capably while providing a relatively comfortable ride on standard roads. Our off-roading test underscored the vehicle's durability and capability, and while we couldn’t fully test its handling on twisty roads, the all-terrain tires demonstrated their worth on less predictable terrain. Towing and hauling were also strengths, with the crew cab, 4WD, short bed AT4 model having a towing capacity of 8,800 pounds and a payload rating of 1,810 pounds—just short of the Duramax diesel’s maximum towing capacity of 9,300 pounds.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD, with its powerhouse 6.6-liter V8 engines, was a strong contender in the heavy-duty segment. The Duramax diesel engine, optional on the model we tested, produced 445 horsepower and a whopping 910 pound-feet of torque, enabling substantial towing (up to 18,500 pounds) and hauling (up to 3,597 pounds) capabilities.

Despite its robust performance, the Sierra 2500HD did not quite match the towing capacities of its main rivals: the Ford F-250 Super Duty with its 22,800-pound maximum tow rating and the Ram 2500’s 20,000-pound towing capacity. Nonetheless, the Duramax diesel paired with the Allison 10-speed automatic transmission offered an abundance of power, evidenced by the need for firm pressure on the brake pedal to prevent unintended rolling when shifting gears.

Unloaded, the Sierra 2500HD felt swift for a vehicle of its size, with smooth gear transitions although the ride remained jittery over uneven surfaces. Notably, the truck's ride comfort improved with added weight. The AT4 model's off-road equipment, including the automatic-locking rear differential, X31 off-road suspension, and trailering package, allowed it to navigate challenging terrains with ease. The only slight downside was a minor vibration in the steering column over bumpy terrain.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500's interior aimed for functionality. The test truck featured stiff leather upholstery, likely durable but not quite luxurious. Front seats offered an array of power adjustments, heating, and cooling options, while the heated steering wheel provided extra comfort in colder conditions. Rear passengers also enjoyed heated seats amidst the cold weather.

High-clearance side rails simplified entry and exit, and the six-position Multipro tailgate, which included a wide step, made accessing the cargo bed easier. The CarbonPro Edition Package added a carbon fiber composite cargo bed, saving weight and enhancing durability. The Sierra's cargo bed held anywhere from 62.9 to 89.1 cubic feet of cargo, topping the charts among full-size pickups save for the Silverado’s. Despite ample cab storage, the space seemed less innovative than other full-size trucks, with the exception of cubbies built into the rear seatbacks.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered three cab configurations, two bed lengths, and 4WD availability, prioritizing functionality. While generally catering to five passengers, it could accommodate up to six. Interior space was plentiful across all seating positions. The truck's size and the AT4 package required some effort to get in, but the rough-textured side steps and assist handle facilitated easier access. The corner-step rear bumper also provided convenient access to the cargo box and tie-downs.

Once inside, the Sierra 2500HD's spacious center console, dual glove boxes, and hidden storage compartments in the rear seats contributed to its practicality. Additionally, our test vehicle featured a 120-volt power outlet and USB ports for added convenience. The MultiPro tailgate on the base Pro trim and standard on SLE and higher offered six distinct functions for better cargo management, doubling as a makeshift outdoor office when combined with the rear power outlet.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 was laden with camera-based technologies, enhancing visibility and maneuverability. This included a standard reversing camera, surround-view, trailer- and bed-view cameras, and a rear camera mirror. The optional Technology Package added a 15-inch head-up display and an 8-inch driver information display, further enriching the driving experience.

The infotainment system, available in 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen configurations, came with robust features like wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a navigation system. The 8-inch display on our test model enabled easy control with large knobs and buttons, complemented by accurate voice recognition technology. Despite a decent Bose premium sound system, it fell short compared to premium systems in Ford and Ram trucks.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD sported a comprehensive range of infotainment systems, offering either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen based on the trim. Standard features on SLT and higher included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with navigation available on SLT and AT4 and standard on Denali. Hitch guidance, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, a WiFi hotspot, and OnStar were additional offerings.

The Bose premium audio system in our test vehicle delivered impressive sound quality. However, the voice-recognition system showed some inconsistency, occasionally providing irrelevant results. One advantage was the 15 available camera views, including the transparent trailer view, enhancing safety and convenience. The rear camera mirror proved valuable, especially with a fully occupied back seat.

For a premium brand, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 surprisingly limited its safety features. Forward collision warning, front pedestrian braking, and automatic emergency braking were optional. Denali models, however, included blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning as standard. Options included lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a driver Safety Alert Seat. Adaptive cruise control was available on SLT, AT4, and Denali trims. Unfortunately, crash-test ratings were lackluster, with a four-star overall NHTSA rating and marginal IIHS scores.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD incorporated modern safety and driver-assist technologies. This included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, following distance indicator, hill-descent control, and park assist. Standard features were HD Surround Vision, a rear-seat reminder, Safety Alert Seat, and the Teen Driver system.

Due to its high GVWR, the 2500HD lacked crash-test ratings from both NHTSA and IIHS. Nonetheless, the vehicle's mass provided inherent safety for its occupants, though potentially harmful to smaller vehicles and pedestrians, emphasizing the importance of its numerous camera views and safety technologies.