2022 GMC Sierra 1500 vs. Chevy Silverado 1500

Since their humble beginnings as three-on-the-tree workhorses, pickup trucks have come a long way. Today’s trucks have become far more sophisticated and luxurious, with top-of-the-line models offering features and amenities that rival those of high-end sedans. Demand for them is at an all-time high, and they’ve now subsumed several automotive segments to become one of the most popular choices for new-car shoppers.

Admittedly, you can’t beat a truck’s practicality and versatility. Pickup trucks can do it all. Whether you’re towing a camper or boat, hauling lumber, or need extra space for gear on a long road trip, a truck is more than up to the task. But with all the different makes, models, and trim levels available, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. To make your decision a little easier, we’ve compared the two most popular pickup trucks on the market today: the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 and the 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500.

We’ll pit these two trucks against each other in a number of different categories and see which one comes out on top. By the end, you should have a good idea of which truck is the better choice for your needs. So, without further ado, let’s delve right in.

Powertrain, Transmission, and Performance

The GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado are very closely matched when it comes to powertrain and performance. However, the GMC Sierra gets more torque out of its base engine, which gives it a slight advantage if you’re looking to maximize your truck’s strength at the entry-level. The rest of the powertrain options are identical between the two trucks, so it comes down to a matter of preference when deciding which one is right for you.

GMC’s Sierra base 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is more powerful than Chevy’s Silverado base 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, making 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, the Silverado’s 2.7-liter engine produces 310 horsepower and 348 lb-ft of torque. For those who need more power, both trucks offer an available 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V-8 engine with 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. If you need to tow or haul heavy loads, you can opt for the available 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V-8 engine that produces 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.

Diesel fans will be happy to know that both the Sierra and Silverado offer an available 3.0-liter Duramax turbocharged inline six-cylinder diesel engine that produces 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. This engine is a great choice for those who need maximum towing and hauling capability.

All of these engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Sierra and Silverado both offer rear-wheel drive as standard, with four-wheel drive available as an option. While the Silverado has a slight advantage in towing capacity (13,300 pounds vs. 13,000 pounds), their outputs are so similar that the difference is negligible. It’s a close call on this one, but we’re giving the slight edge to the GMC Sierra for its more powerful base engine.

Exterior

On the outside, the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado received full redesigns back in 2019, so they share a lot of common DNA in terms of their overall look and feel. However, there are some subtle differences that help set them apart.

The Sierra focuses more on rugged charm and exterior customizability than its Chevy counterpart. The Sierra’s front end is also slightly more aggressive than the Silverado’s, with a larger grille and more prominent headlights. It’s also available with unique exterior features, such as the industry-first six-function MultiPro Tailgate. This tailgate operates like a conventional tailgate, but it also features a second inner gate that can be used for a number of different purposes, such as providing easier access to the truck bed or serving as an impromptu workbench or picnic table.

The Silverado, on the other hand, offers a Multi-Flex tailgate that can be lowered like a traditional tailgate or opened sideways like a door. This provides easier access to the truck bed when needed, but it’s less versatile than the MultiPro tailgate found on the Sierra. And According to GM, the MultiPro tailgate delivers proven strength and durability with best-in-class test results. All in all, the Sierra’s more aggressive styling and unique exterior features give it a slight advantage over the Silverado in this category.

Interior

Both models have ramped up their game regarding interior quality and features in recent years. However, the GMC Sierra still takes things a step further with its stylish chrome trim accents, interior lighting, and leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Sierra’s cabin is also slightly more spacious than the Silverado’s, giving you extra room to stretch out on long trips. The Silverado does a good job of maximizing its space, but the Sierra’s extra room gives it a clear advantage in this category.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Technology

On the safety front, the Silverado vs. Sierra faceoff cuts things pretty evenly. Both trucks come standard with a wide range of advanced safety features, including emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Sierra has a few extra safety features available as options on the Silverado’s higher trims. These include:

• LED Daytime Running Lamps: Sunny days can create a glare that makes it difficult to see oncoming traffic. LED daytime running lamps help to reduce this glare and make it easier for other drivers to see your truck on the road.
• Teen Driver Tech: This feature allows you to set certain limits for your teen driver, such as speed and audio volume. You can also track their driving habits via an in-vehicle report card.

Again, the Sierra 1500 takes the win in this category thanks to its slightly more comprehensive list of safety features.

So, which truck comes out on top in the Silverado vs. Sierra 1500 battle? The GMC Sierra is worthy of your hard-earned money. It’s got a more stylish exterior, a slightly more spacious and well-equipped interior, and a few extra safety features that give it an edge over the Silverado. Reiselman Buick GMC in Springfield, Tennessee, is your premier destination for all things GMC. From getting pre-approved for financing to scheduling a service appointment, we’re here to help you. Contact us today to learn more about the GMC Sierra 1500 or to schedule a test drive.

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