With the unveiling of the refreshed 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 out of the way, GM will next reveal the updated 2022 GMC Sierra 1500. Big Red’s freshened full-size truck will introduce a raft of changes and updates, and we’re getting yet another look at the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 changes with a new set of spy photos.
Captured in prototype form undergoing testing on public roads, this particular 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 is the range-topping Denali trim level, offering a mix of high-end comfort and features with all the capability expected of the GMC Sierra nameplate. The upcoming refresh will include updated styling, including a revised front and rear fascias, the former of which is hiding under thick camouflage in these latest spy photos.
As GM Authority covered previously, the front end of the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali will incorporate visible front air curtains, which can be seen peeking out from both the sides of the front bumper cover of this particular prototype. These are functional design elements that improve aerodynamic performance by directing oncoming air around the vehicle’s wheels rather than into the wheelhouses, thus reducing drag and improving things like fuel economy and comfort inside the cabin.
Up front, this 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali prototype features chrome tow hooks along with the appropriately-large Denali grille. A set of full-length chrome running boards spans a set of trim-specific wheels that feature a multi-spoke design and polished finish. The rear end is covered in camo to hide further updates to the rear styling, including what appear to be smaller cutouts for the CornerStep rear bumper when compared to the 2019-2021 / 2022 Sierra Limited models and even compared to non-Denali models.
Revised exterior aside, the big draw of the refreshed 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali will be a completely overhauled cockpit. GM Authority brought you spy photos revealing the new cockpit back in May, so check those out for a closer look at what’s in store. Highlights include an overhauled center stack along with slim, horizontally-oriented air vents, as well as a large center screen.
Below the center screen will reside a panel for HVAC controls plus a switch bank. Behind the steering wheel will reside an all-digital instrument panel. Notably, the column-mounted gear selector will be dropped on the range-topping Denali model.
Cabin tech will top the list of updates for the 2022-model-year refresh, including the option for GM’s Super Cruise semi-autonomous driver assist system. Unlike prior iterations of Super Cruise, the one in the 2022 Sierra Denali 1500 will be capable of towing a trailer – much like on the 2022 Silverado 1500 High Country.
Initially set for launch for the 2021 calendar year, a set of events stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic forced GM to push the GMC Sierra refresh back to later in the 2022 model year, with the 2022 GMC Sierra Limited offered as a stop-gap model to bridge the 2021 model year with the refreshed 2022 model.
The debut of the GMC Sierra 1500 will take place in the next few weeks and the updated model is expected to begin arriving at dealers in the first quarter of 2022. We’ll be here every step of the way to bring you the latest, so be sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more GMC Sierra news, GMC news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
The new interior dashboard and center stack looks identical to the 2021 Yukon Denali. While the somewhat “car like” dashboard is good looking and elegant for the SUV , it doesn’t look very “truck like” and appealing to a truck buyer. At least, a truck buyer that actually uses the truck as a truck.
The console shifter is overdue
That console shifter needs to die and stay in cars, it just takes up wasted space. Never understood those who yearn for them, these aren’t sporty vehicles and they aren’t used or touched but three times (in to reverse, in to drive then park when you arrive), so give me the space, cup holders, storage, etc. I think the next gen with have a column stalk like luxury cars/big rigs which is preferred, the console shift is the worst choice and really shows how bad it is in the way in the mid size Colorado/Canyon.
Unfortunately the buyers are wanting car like as a good portion of buyers are car guys who just want the fanciest place to be that caters to their wanna be tough guy image and don’t use a need a truck. It is sad this demographic is driving the market and because of those luxury features and the development costs being passed down pricing out those who actually need and use a truck daily. The horror that someone can’t get massaging seats in a truck these days…
and this includes the 4 doors that have become the norm. Real truck guys do not need 4 doors. Urban city people do not need a truck. GM catering to the wrong people. GM has gone where the money is and kicked the rural men who made them what they are to the curb. Greed kills all.
If it’s not coming out till spring 2022, why isn’t it a 2023?
They would consider it an early 2023 model if it came out in the Fall of 2022, the Colorado and Canyon might be introduced around that time next year or during the next upcoming Auto Show.
Actually… it looks nothing like the Yukon Denali, you need to go search for 2021 Yukon Denali interior photos. The Yukon Denali NEEDS this new interior and center stack update quite badly (which I think it also gets for 2022.) The new design includes a completely different software engine, I believe it is based on Google’s platform.
I love column shifters and why lose space putting a console shifter in just because everyone else seems to do it. Probably my least favorite change.
go back and check he pics, the Yukon Denali center stack is quite different than this Sierra…the Sierra and Silverado will be different as well, good job GM, shoulda done the same and gave the Tahoe/Suburban a different layout than the non Denali Yukon
Commonsense, respectfully I disagree with your comments. For those wanting the extra storage, the console storage which incorporates a shifter is plenty enough. Ergonomically, having a console shifter is way easier to shift, feels much more intuitive, and you don;t even have to look at it to shift. Contrast that to ‘push button’ shifting, or even the column shifter. The other argument I hear against a console shifter is it takes away a seat for a third passenger in the front. When was the last time you saw 3 passengers in the front seat of any pickup? Not many! A console in a with cup holders, and a holder for a phone would be my preference. Also incorporate USB charging ports, and maybe even the lighter socket for other accessories. I wouldn’t say a console shifter is a ‘luxury feature’, it”s a necessity. It makes more sense there than a push button dash or column shifter. GM always says they did a study or conducted a survey, well I can tell you I’ve never seen, been asked, or even heard when they do their surveys. Put it out there to all buyers, not just a select few buyers.
You can still get a bench seat which offers a 3rd option for seating in the front. When you get the bench, you’ll still get the column shifter.
I just want a spot to put my 32oz Nalgene
I disagree – it is NOT plenty enough. Why take away the most valuable real estate in a vehicle for the least used driving control?
Also, a column shifter is just as intuitive and doesn’t require looking.
The console shifter I agree is perceived as a luxury feature, but it certainly doesn’t function like one. In this application it is just an enormously large toggle switch. It isn’t sleek, it isn’t sporty and if its anything like BMW sure isn’t intuitive.
There is literally no good reason for it to be down there in the way.
I’d rather have the push buttons in the SUV twins than a console shifter.
And I’d rather have a column shifter like in my 2019 GMC than any other option.
Looks like a bench seat is in my future, if I get another GM pickup.
I thought they were separating there self from chevy its looks just like the new 2022 Silverado interior???????
the Sierra and Silverado interiors are different
Other observations, GM and others should think more about ergonomics and ease of use for dials and controls. I’d like to see the headlight switch of old, a simple two step push/pull, first pull parking lights, next pull headlights. The ubiquitous GM wiper control should be located either on the right side of the steering column, seems to be the defacto standard on many cars, or just like the old days a simple 3 step pull, ( slow, fast, and intermittent), knob with an incorporated push button for the wiper fluid. One’s wrist is in an unergonomic twisted position when activated the wiper control. Also a LARGE radio volume knob with pronounced knurled indentations for ease of control and use. And whatever happened to the turn signal indicator being constantly on when one of the bulbs burnt out? This is so easily done, d but the bean counters are always dictating cost. Drivers want details that are easy, non- confusing and ergonomic. And for all those shifter critics out there….get your ’shift’ together! Cheers 🍻!