2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD, redesigned for the 2020 model year, boasted a bold exterior with a tall hood, squared-off lines, and a massive grille, giving it a commanding presence from the front. While its design was subjective, many considered it one of the better-looking heavy-duty trucks on the market. Inside, however, the Sierra HD's interior had its shortcomings, particularly in material quality on the top trims, which didn't match up to competitors like Ram and Ford. The cabin, though not cramped, wasn't as spacious as those of the Ram 1500 and Ford Super Duty.

The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, available in two models during the year, saw a refreshed version in the second half. It came in regular cab, extended cab, and crew cab configurations with several bed lengths and numerous trim levels, from the basic Work Truck (WT) to the luxurious High Country. The new Silverado ZR2, factory-ready for high-speed desert running and challenging terrain, topped the lineup. The refreshed Silverado featured styling modifications, standard Chevy Safety Assist, and a new interior for LT and higher models, including digital instrumentation and a widescreen infotainment touchscreen. However, its styling remained an acquired taste for some.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD, with its 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque, offered a maximum payload capacity of 3,597 pounds and a maximum trailering weight of 18,500 pounds. Despite these impressive figures, it was considered underpowered compared to its diesel-powered heavy-duty pickup rivals. The Sierra 2500HD's 6.6-liter V8 engines—standard gas and optional turbodiesel—were strong performers, especially when paired with the excellent Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. However, competitors like the Ford F-250 Super Duty and Ram 2500 boasted higher towing capacities. The Sierra 2500HD's ride was jittery when unladen but improved with added weight. The AT4 trim, equipped with off-road features, handled off-road courses with ease, though it experienced some steering column vibration on rough terrain.

The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2, with its 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, fell short of its rivals in terms of horsepower and torque. Its acceleration was acceptable, and it returned 16.3 mpg over nearly 130 miles of driving, including off-roading. The ZR2's suspension, featuring Multimatic 40mm DSSV dampers and long-travel springs, provided a smooth ride on various terrains. The ZR2 handled off-road challenges with ease, thanks to its impressive approach angle, electronic locking front and rear differentials, and Terrain mode. On daily drives, the ZR2's ride was remarkably smooth, though its tires relinquished grip on curves and corners sooner than expected.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD, with three cab configurations and two pickup bed lengths, was highly functional. It could seat up to six passengers, with abundant passenger space in both the front and rear seats. Getting into the Sierra 2500HD required effort due to its height, but the side assist step and corner-step rear bumper aided access. Inside, the wide and deep center console, dual glove boxes, hidden storage compartments, and a fold-down armrest with cupholders provided ample storage. The optional 120-volt power outlets in the cabin and bed were convenient for small electrical gadgets. The MultiPro tailgate, available on the base Pro trim and standard on SLE and above, offered six distinct functions for improved loading and unloading.

The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2, with its suspension lift and oversized tires, also required effort to enter and exit. Robust grab handles and optional off-road high-clearance side steps assisted entry. Inside, the ZR2 offered comfortable front seats with 10-way power adjustment and heated and ventilated cushions. The crew cab provided plenty of legroom, headroom, and foot room, with heated rear seats for chilly days. The Silverado's interior saw significant improvements, with digital instrumentation, a 13.4-inch touchscreen display, and modern design. Storage space was plentiful, with hidden storage in the rear seatbacks and a deep cargo box. The MultiFlex tailgate, standard on the test truck, transformed into various configurations for added functionality.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered a range of infotainment systems with either a 7-inch or 8-inch color touchscreen, depending on the trim level. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on SLT and above, with a navigation system available on SLT and AT4 trims. The Sierra 2500HD came standard with hitch guidance, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, a WiFi hotspot, and OnStar with connected services. The Bose premium audio system provided rich sound, though the voice-recognition system delivered some odd results. The Sierra's 15 available camera views, including the "transparent trailer" view, made towing easier, and the standard rear camera mirror improved visibility.

The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 featured a new 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM with 360L satellite radio, and connected services. The new system included Google Built-in digital assistant and other Google-based features, though it was slower to respond and less intuitive than the previous system. The seven-speaker Bose sound system saw significant improvements, providing better sound quality. The Silverado ZR2 test truck included a rear camera mirror, a 15-inch head-up display, and a surround-view camera system, all of which enhanced visibility and convenience.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered a range of high-tech safety and driver-assistive features, including 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 front and rear park assist. Standard items included HD Surround Vision, a rear-seat reminder system, driver Safety Alert Seat, and a Teen Driver system. Due to its high gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), the Sierra 2500HD was not rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included basic driver-assistance and collision-avoidance features. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available upgrades on lower trims. The Silverado also featured Teen Driver, which tracked driving habits and produced a report card. The High Country trim offered Super Cruise, a hands-free driving system for approved highways. The Silverado ZR2 test truck included advanced driving assistance systems, which worked with refinement and accuracy. Crash-test data for the updated 2022 Silverado was unavailable, but the 2022 Silverado Limited (LTD) received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and unimpressive results from the IIHS.