2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali

GMC has always pushed the Denali as a separate trim in itself, which otherwise stands on the top of the trim line of most GMC vehicles- whether it's the Sierra, the Canyon, or the Yukon. For the 2022 model year, the GMC Sierra 1500 Denali follows suit, being available as a separate premium trim. The following table gives a brief overview of all the expected features that will be offered with the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali. 

The 2022 Sierra 1500 Denali is expected to be equally well-equipped as previous model years, further enhancing its premium appeal with the introduction of some compelling new interior and exterior features after the mid-cycle refresh. 

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Since the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali is only offered as a single trim, we suggest you go for a few options and packages to make the most out of GMC’s Denali experience. We recommend opting for the Denali Premium Package, which boosts the luxury appeal of your truck. You can also go for the Technology Package, which comes with a Bed Camera and Head-Up Display, and costs $1,875.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 will be undergoing a major mid-cycle refresh, but most of the underpinnings will remain untouched. Since the Sierra 1500 will be sporting the same V8 engine as the previous model year, we do not expect a drastic change in the truck's fuel economy. The 2021 model year returned decent fuel economy for its size, and nothing excessive can be expected of a naturally aspirated V8 truck. 

Much like the 2021 model year, the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali is expected to return 17 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The result is a combined MPG figure of 23, which is at par with most other trucks in this segment. The Sierra 1500 Denali is offered with a hearty 24.0-gallon fuel tank, which enables the truck a range of up to 552 miles on the highway. 

In this comparison, most trucks manage to offer adequate amounts of fuel economy without having to compromise too much on performance or capability. While all four trucks return the same city economy, the 2022 Ford F-150 Platinum promises to offer slightly higher highway fuel efficiency. This also means that the Ford comes with a marginally higher combined fuel economy as well, and therefore manages to steal the title of fuel economy in this segment.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali is expected to offer a massively overhauled cabin, including improved seating surfaces, an updated gear selector system, and a new digital gauge cluster. The Denali will feature an LED strip on top of the steering wheel, which gives away the fact that GMC will be offering the 2022 Sierra 1500 Denali with Super Cruise. Behind the leather-clad steering wheel, a new digital gauge cluster is on offer, which is expected to feature all essential driving information, and could possibly be customizable. 

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali is also expected to feature a revised climate control panel, which however, looks like something from the late 1990’s. Under the climate control buttons, GMC seems to have retained the switch bank otherwise seen on the 2021 model year Sierra 1500 Denali. Much like the outgoing Denali, the 2022 model year Sierra 1500 Denali will feature leather-wrapped seats with heating and cooling. All in all, we won’t be surprised if the updated Denali features the best of comfort features, along with new additions in terms of technology and drive assistance. 

2021 model year data used*

Comparing the competition, the Sierra Denali and the Silverado 1500 offer the most headroom at the front row, along with the greatest amount of legroom. At the front, the Ford F-150 aims to offer marginally more shoulder room than the competition. The Sierra-Silverado twins also manage to offer the most headroom at the second row as well, while the RAM 1500 comes with the most rear legroom. The RAM, however, stands shy in terms of cargo space, while the Ford offers slightly more room for cargo. The Sierra-Silverado twins offer the most cargo space, thanks to the longer bed on offer within the same price range. Some key interior features expected to be offered with the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali include:

• Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel. 
• GMC Super Cruise. 
• Digital Gauge Cluster. 
• Power-Adjustable Seats. 
• Heated & Ventilated Seats. 
• Power-Sliding Moonroof. 
• Dual-Zone Climate Control. 

How intuitive is the infotainment system of the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali?

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali is set to feature an updated infotainment screen, along with a brand-new digital gauge cluster. The Sierra 1500 Denali is expected to feature a new infotainment screen, which will most likely be bigger and fancier, much like the one on the 2021 GMC Yukon. We do know for a fact that the new infotainment will run on Google’s new automotive operating system, which has already been implemented in the 2022 GMC Hummer EV. 

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto should be on offer. Apart from these new bits of technology, we can expect the updated Sierra Denali with a compelling sound system, pretty much carried over from the current model year. Additional features such as Bluetooth Audio Streaming, SiriusXM Satellite Radio and Integrated Navigation can be expected as standard. Some highlight infotainment features expected to be offered with the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali include:

• Updated Infotainment Screen. 
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 
• Digital Gauge Cluster. 
• Premium Sound System. 
• Bluetooth Audio Streaming. 
• USB and Aux Support. 
• SiriusXM Radio. 
• 4G LTE WiFI Hotspot. 

As of now, details about the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali’s exterior updates are yet to be revealed. However, we do know that the Sierra lineup will be undergoing a subtle design overhaul. We expect some subtle, but refreshing changes to the front facia, along with changes to the rear end. For the 2022 model year, the Sierra 1500 Denali will retain the grand proportions and stylish front grille that has been the hallmark of the Denali moniker. 

We expect some fresh new design cues around the car, including redesigned side mirrors and an updated air dam at the front. The refreshed Sierra 1500 is also set to receive a new set of wheels and colors, and we expect the Denali will be getting some premium exclusive colors, along with a couple of updated, stylish wheels to go with the rest of the body. 

2021 model year data used*

Among the competition, the Silverado 1500 comes off as the lightest truck. On the other hand, the Ford F-150 measures to be the heaviest in the lot, weighing north of 4900 lbs. The RAM 1500 measures as the longest truck in the lot, while also being the widest. The RAM also happens to be the tallest among the competition, followed by the Ford F-150 by a slim margin. The Sierra-Silverado twins maintain identical exterior figures, sharing their platform. The Ford F-150 comes with the greatest ground clearance of 9.4 inches, while the Sierra and the Silverado offer the least, measuring 7.9 inches. The latter, however, offer the longest wheelbase, with the RAM having the shortest wheelbase on offer. 

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali is expected to offer the same set of compelling safety features as seen on the 2021 model year. GMC offers some of the best safety tech in the truck market, and the 2021 Sierra 1500 has established its passenger protection merit by being acknowledged with excellent safety scores. The NHTSA has awarded the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 with a 4-Star Safety Rating, while the IIHS has rated the Sierra with a “Good” score under most categories. Some key safety features that are expected to be offered with the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali include:

• ESC and Traction Control. 
• Up to 15 Camera Views. 
• Smart Trailer Integration. 
• Hitch Guidance Function. 
• Jackknife Alert. 
• Adaptive Cruise Control. 

Much like the 2021 model year, the upcoming 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali seems to be an impressive package of power and refinement, comfort and capability. The updated Denali is expected to be priced around $60,000, and is set to feature some attractive new changes, including a facelifted front and rear end. There’s also a good deal of expected changes on the inside, which is expected to further enhance the Denali luxury experience. The 2022 Sierra 1500 Denali takes its efficient MPG figures and potent V8 engine further, thanks to advanced driving assists, which are set to feature as new updates. We are also excited for the updated infotainment screen and the new digital gauge cluster, which just might make the new Denali one of the best premium trucks in the market today. Before you jump to conclusions, we suggest you wait till we review the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali in person, so that we get to guide you whether the hype was worth the wait.