It’s no secret that there’s a good degree of parts sharing among the various GM vehicles, with some models leaning into the shared bin a bit more than others. Nevertheless, the differentiation for some of these models has increased considerably as of late, including for the GM trucks lineup.
This wasn’t always the case. For years, GM truck fans asked for greater differentiation between the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra, two GM trucks that are closely related, but not always terribly distinct. Now, however, GM has introduced a considerable degree of distinction between these two nameplates, with differentiation inside and out, including the sheetmetal, interior design, trim levels, and features.
Prior to these latest differentiation efforts, the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra were essentially rebadged versions of one another. Now, there are myriad differences to point to, including the interior layout. Offering two unique interiors between these two bread-and-butter GM trucks was a major point of contention for GM enthusiasts, and now, that’s exactly what’s on offer.
2022 Chevy Silverado 1500
2022 GMC Sierra 1500
For those readers who may not remember, both the Chevy Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 received full model refreshes for the recent 2022 model year, refreshes which included complete overhauls for the cabin space in both GM trucks. The differentiation between these two models is now crystal clear when comparing the cabins side by side, with unique vent placement, controls, and features offered between each nameplate.
By comparison, the older C/K-generation GM trucks and OBS pickups were pretty much the same vehicles between Chevy and GMC, with the only real difference being the grille treatment. However, the differentiation between the GM trucks really started to manifest with the appearance of the first-generation Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra for the 1999 model year, which offered not only unique grilles, but also unique fender designs, unique hoods, and unique headlight clusters.
1999 Chevrolet Silverado
Now, for those GM truck customers looking for something distinct, the lineup has exactly that.
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Comments
Well that has been the goal.
Gads, I’m old. I remember GMCs with Hydramatics and Pontiac engines, and later on the V6, when the Chevies had straight six engines, and the automatic was a beefed 2-speed.
I believe there were differences in wheel bearing and brake drum diameters as well.
Yes GMC’s were considered heavier duty than the Chevys. Had to love those 2-speed Powerglide automatics. They were bulletproof!
I’m not sure it makes sense to differentiate them too much as it just drives up the overall cost. Maybe the GMC should just be a premium version of the Silverado with the same platform. Then the focus could be on outselling the F-150!
Differentiation is just increased complexity which has a negative impact on quality. Stop charging things for the sake of changing things.
It’s still the same truck folks.
Maybe so mechanically, BUT if you look at the front grill of both trucks together, the GMC looks far better than the Chev’s front end… Chev has taken a huge step back from its unidentical sibling.
Dee,
For once we agree. The Chevrolet trucks are ugly as hell. I currently own 8 2015-2018 Silverado Z-71 LTZ 6.2 ‘s with 1 2008 Z-71 LTZ MAX, a 2018 Tahoe. 2019 Tahoe and let me not forget the mail getter 2015 Traverse. All of these older vehicles look a lot better than the new pieces of Sh*te that are coming out now from GM.
David, I just knew we would come to a “meeting of the minds” BTW, I just saw a new extended Escalade… It’s a beautiful vehicle until you walk to the front… It has a face that only a mother could love… The Yukon designers hit their design out of the ballpark…
Just my opinion, but I like the Silverado front end much better than the GMC
Ummm….I thought nowadays opinions were wrong.
We must conform and be one.
We all must like the GMC more than the Chevy and praise that they don’t look alike, at the same time, wishing the Chevy looked like the GMC.
holy sh*te! That was a mouthful…
Also, I agree with you.
But GM did do the same thing as last time. The 14-15 Silverado was awesome to me. Didn’t have the money to buy. Then I’m 16 they ruined them. 19-21 fixed them again (Snagged a 21 before the big markups started happening) and, although better than in 16, the 22s exterior….eh. Interior wise though…SPOT ON!
See I’m the opposite……the 14-15 I felt was a step in the wrong direction exterior wise, going back to stacked headlamps….(backwards). Interiors huge improvements.
Gm has had Chevy for quite some time “uglify” its trucks to drive more sales to gmc ($$higher profits) Smh at the powers that be that continually stick it to their best seller….while the competition continues to laugh in our faces. It has always been ford vs chevy…….and always will be. Now ram is sticking it to us. Articles like this doesn’t help when they show the scaled down interior chevy version vs the high end, high country with its center console.
REALLY? Why the camo shots? Don’t the 23’s start next month?