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Refreshed 2022 GMC Sierra SLE: First Real-World Photos

General Motors officially pulled the sheets on the refreshed 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 last October, revealing a long list of changes and updates for the popular light duty pickup truck, including revised exterior styling. Now, we’re checking out the refreshed 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE with the following exclusive real-world photos.

This particular 2022 GMC Sierra SLE is finished in Quicksilver Metallic paint, which gives it a sleek, understated appearance on the road, especially on an overcast day, as seen here.

Up front, the truck is equipped with a Chrome header grille with medium silver grille insert bars, plus a red GMC logo placed high in the grille. Lower in the fascia, we see Black front recovery hooks (RPO code V76), which are equipped as standard for SLE four-wheel drive models, and included with the Sierra Safety Plus Package (RPO code PED) for rear-wheel drive models. There’s also a front Chrome bumper (RPO code V46), which is standard for 2022 GMC Sierra Pro, SLE, and SLT trims.

Also of note is the front-facing lighting, which includes LED projector headlamps with a Fade-on/ Fade-off animation, LED turn signals, and Daytime Running Lamps, all of which is standard across all trim levels.

Moving to the profile view, we see this 2022 GMC Sierra SLE is equipped with Chrome wheel-to-wheel assist steps (RPO code BVT), plus Perimeter Lighting (RPO code U12) per the Sierra Safety Plus Package. The door handles match the rest of the body (RPO code D75), which is a standard feature on most trim levels, while the mirror caps are done in Chrome (RPO code DP9), matching the Chrome window surround moldings, the latter of which are standard on SLE, SLT, Denali, and Denali Ultimate trim level.

Finishing the side view are 17-inch six-spoke Bright Silver painted aluminum wheels (RPO code Q5U), wrapped in 255/70R17 all-season tires (RPO code QBN), both of which are standard for the refreshed 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE.

Moving to the rear of the vehicle, we find a set of LED taillights, which also include LED signature taillight lighting and a Fade-on/Fade-off animation, incandescent stop, turn and reverse light, the lot of which is standard for Pro, SLE, and Elevation trims. Higher up in the range, LED stop lights are standard. The rear bumper matches the front with a chrome finish (RPO code VJH), while the GMC MultiPro Tailgate (RPO code QK2) is included as standard on all trim levels with the exception of the base-level Pro.

As for the bits we can’t see, the refreshed 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE is equipped as standard with the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline engine, which was recently uprated to 430 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the naturally aspirated 5.3L L84 gasoline engine and 3.0L I6 LM2 turbodiesel Duramax are optional. Elsewhere in the lineup, the Sierra is available with the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87 gasoline engine.

Under the skin is the GM T1 platform, with production taking place at the GM Silao plant in Mexico and GM Fort Wayne plant in Indiana.

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Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

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Comments

  1. Look like it’s smiling. Such a happy truck.

    Reply
    1. It’s odd how the 2022 Sierra picked up a ‘grin’ similar to what the Terrain had from 2018-21, while the 2022 Terrain’s face was updated to look more like the previous Sierra and current Yukon. It’s almost like the groups working on styling got some crossed wires about which direction the GMC family design was headed.

      Reply
      1. That or they are just getting lazy and running out of ideas?

        Reply
      2. For this design, the whole idea was to simply have the lines connect between the grille and the headlights in comparison to the outgoing model.

        Reply
  2. I ordered a refresh Gmc sierra in January when will I get it I live in Allentown Pa. I ordered it from Star GMC in Quakertown Pa.Thank-you.

    Reply
    1. I placed my order on Feb 2nd and received an email that my order was “accepted for production” on March 4th. Contacted GMC thru thru the chat on the GMC website and was informed my Target Production week was 3/21. Contacted the dealer and was informed that my truck is half way through production with an estimated completion near end of this month.

      Reply
  3. Is this a test vehicle running on 4 space saver spare tires??? Once again GM can’t fill the wheel openings on SLE trim level.

    Reply
    1. small tires, low mounted mirrors, cheap wheel well unfinished black plastics , and yes a stupid looking grill. bean counters

      Reply
      1. David Vrabel
        Beep Boop Beep Boop. After checking the entire system for your order, we have found it to be non-existent and will be delivering you a Tundra instead. Order ETA is December 12, 2022. Please contact Star GMC in Quakertown Pa to pick your colors. Thank you for your order. Beep Boop Beep Boop

        Reply
        1. Beep beep, Tundra frame will be removed for wastegate repair….

          Reply
      2. All brands have smaller tires on their lower levels, not sure what the complaint is, have you seen the new tundra tires on lower levels? Lower mounted mirrors improve visibility, they aren’t for looks, it is a tool and anything to improve usage is welcome. Some actually use their trucks are aren’t buying them as a status symbol as you are. Plastic trim is more durable to dents and chips, many automakers do it, nothing new. Grilles are getting out of hand but this is far from some of the hideous ones other brands have like Ford and Toyota.

        So not sure where any of your ramblings have to do with “bean counters”, every brand is balancing the same cost items…

        Reply
        1. “Not sure what the complaint is” says it all. It is a shame you work for GM and do not like cars! Tundra does a better job filling wheel openings. Can’t style for 22’s and then put on 17’s!

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    2. The SLE comes standard with the 17″ Wheels, it does have the optional 20″ Polished Aluminum Wheels with the design similar to the Silverado EV.

      Reply
    3. That was the first thing I thought/noticed, I know this is “only” an SLE, but these trucks are so big, my gawd, those tires/wheels are way too small…

      Reply
      1. Yes Ed. Only an SLE with a MSRP starting from $49,955 (crew cab 2WD). You should at least get nice wheels.

        Reply
  4. That grill is hideous. You really have to pick the truck model now by which grill is the least hideous not what features you like or need. Particularly for GM and Tundras

    Reply
    1. Yep, anytime you have to pick a certain color in order for it to look good, you know it’s a questionable design.

      Reply
  5. Eh, that front end is a little much.

    Reply
  6. That entire front end was designed by committee.

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  7. My 2017 continues to look better and better. I finally saw one in person and I cannot get over the Tony Hawk halfpipe ramp looking frontend.

    Reply
  8. That’s such a vanilla combination. Small tires, basic silver silver grill. Change the grill/wheel colors, or body but that clashes. EV in a basic red or blue body would make this look phenomenal for a lower mid trim truck. I like SLE’s but not this one.

    Reply
  9. I ordered one just about exactly like that on Feb 7 in Alberta. It was accepted by GM but still dont have a projected build date.

    Reply
    1. Consider yourself lucky and find a better looking, less generic truck. This looks like it belongs on the Avis rental car lot. Yuck!

      Reply
  10. This is why I left Chevy / GMC they build the absolute ugliest front ends on any truck. They better go back to old old styles to stand out for the better.

    Reply
    1. I’m sorry but that new Tundra looks far worst, especially with the KIA inspired Taillights.

      Reply
  11. GM finally got the Sierra to look good. This with the HO 2.7 is sure to be a winner.

    Reply
  12. I prefer 17s as l go off road and like the benefits of having a taller sidewall.

    I like the look, personally. But I’d still like to see it in person.

    Reply
  13. Dang the boomers are out today, this truck looks clean af. Sorry there isn’t bollywood chrome all over the grille, headlights, mirror caps, and rims. This looks future proof and better than anything Chevy/ford/Ram/Toyota/Nissan offers

    Reply
    1. GMGUY,
      I use to like GM too , my last GMC 2500 denali was just plain cheap at every turn, thin seats, dark interior , good for a year tires , square wheel wells with unfinished cheap plastic moldings, tiny radio and dash knobs , thin seats, cheap door handles tail gate handle broke twice in one year, duramax was a good motor but was under powered once pulling 12K pounds and it did ride good cause of the torsin bar front end , but it felt cheap. i have a 22 king ranch and its like sitting home in the recliner, giant nav screen , its fast , and pulls.

      Reply
    2. Well, they aren’t called Boomers for nothing. Now get off their lawn….

      Reply
    3. GMguy finally someone who agrees with me on the looks of this truck… It’s a work lookin truck plain and simple… Besides RAM trucks look nice but again have recall after recall and current owners are not happy with the new RAM I just read an article about this

      Reply
  14. The problem with GM (and the rest of Detroit) strategy is by abandoning the city dwellers with no cars, all the men who buy trucks want v8s and other certain things, they’re more demanding then car buyers, even if everything on the truck “makes sense”. IMO they should make headway back into cars so they won’t have to be dependent on just one market.

    Reply
  15. Why did GMC ruin the front fascia by trying to make it look like and F-150?

    Reply
  16. It’s sad they cut out producing the Sierra 1500 series double cab in some of the packages. I hate crew cabs. Love my Sierra SLT with leather and all the extra’s I have. Wanted a new one love the black spider!!!! Just can’t get it in a double cab 😡

    Reply
    1. you know that you could just upgrade the seats and leather by katskin(which is the brand that provides the leather seats to GM anyway) right?

      Reply

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