2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

The pickup truck has evolved from a bare-bones work vehicle to something that the whole family can enjoy over the years. Rivals try to outdo each other by not only making the most convenient and comfortable truck but also the most capable one. That is where heavy-duty models come into play.

If buyers need a bit more than the standard Sierra has to offer, they can opt for the 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD. It offers heartier engines, which leads to enhanced towing and hauling capabilities. There are three different cab styles and two different bed lengths, plus five trim levels so that drivers can find a Sierra 2500HD that meets their needs perfectly.

The Sierra 2500HD launched a new generation in 2020. GMC tweaked the truck some more going into the 2021 model. For 2022, however, there are no significant changes to be aware of. Shoppers should keep this in mind because they might be able to get a much better deal on a 2021 Sierra 2500HD versus a 2022 option.

If deciding between the five 2022 Sierra 2500HD trim levels, it is important to be aware of what sets them all apart. That is where the following guide comes in handy.

Compare the Pro vs SLE Trims. What is the difference?

The engine options are usually what sets apart an HD truck from its regular counterparts. That is the case for the Sierra 2500HD, which comes standard with a 6.6L V8 engine that churns out 401-horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Pro, like all other trims, can also go with a 6.6L diesel V8 that will produce 445-horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. This engine gets upgraded to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

There are no official fuel economy estimates for the 2022 Sierra 2500HD, but one could assume they are not great. The diesel is likely the more efficient of the two. Rear-wheel drive is standard for the Pro trim, but a four-wheel drive is also an option here.

With the gas engine, the Sierra 2500HD has a conventional towing capacity of 14,500 pounds. Buyers can opt to use a gooseneck hitch to take that capacity up to 16,520 pounds, depending on the body style. With the diesel engine, the maximum towing estimate is 18,500, regardless of the towing method.

GMC tends to be a brand that leans toward luxury, but the Pro trim level of the Sierra 2500HD is relatively simple. It rides around on 17-inch steel wheels and has manually-adjustable trailering mirrors. On the plus side, there are LED daytime running lights and taillamps. Solar glass is another standard feature for the Pro trim.

Vinyl is found on the seats and floors of the Sierra 2500HD Pro. A 40/20/20 split-folding front seat is also standard, and there is a four-way manual adjustment for both the driver and their front passenger. Drivers will also have to manually control their windows and their door locks if they opt for this truck.

Technology features are a bit more promising. There is a 7-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, plus Bluetooth with the capability to be connected to two devices at once. Smartphone integration is missing from this trim level, however. A six-speaker sound system is part of the standard equipment list.

The safety features are fairly basic, with things like a tire pressure monitoring system and Teen Driver coming standard. There are no advanced driver aids found here. Several features can be added via packages, however, including a park assist system, lane-change assist with side blind zone alert, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Four-wheel-drive models of the Pro can be upgraded with the X31 Off-Road package. On top of giving the truck specialized badging, it adds useful features such as skid plates and hill descent control. An off-road-oriented suspension is also included in this package.

Next up is the SLE, which makes a few key upgrades. Both V8 engines are still available, and rear-wheel drive remains standard. This trim level does upgrade to 17-inch alloy wheels that help it to stand out. The trailering mirrors also gain power adjustment to make it easier to make changes on the go.

Perhaps the biggest reason that drivers will want to go up to at least the SLE trim level is the MultiPro tailgate that comes standard here. There are six configurations for the tailgate, all of which are designed to make the Sierra 2500HD more versatile and convenient. An integrated trailer brake controller gets added by this trim level as well.

Carpeted floors and cloth upholstery are found inside the cabin of the Sierra 2500HD SLE. There is under-seat floor storage for stashing goodies out of sight, and the windows and locks gain power. Remote keyless entry is also added, plus cruise control. Although smartphone integration still is missing, this model does have a Wi-Fi hotspot and satellite radio.

High-tech safety features are still not standard, but more sophisticated packages are available for the SLE model of the Sierra 2500HD. One example would be the Driver Alert Package II, which includes lane departure warning and a following distance indicator. It also has a safety alert seat, which can vibrate in different areas to help draw the driver's attention to potential hazards on the road.

Compare the SLE vs SLT Trims. What is the difference?

Smack-dab in the middle of the Sierra 2500HD trim list is the SLT. It goes up to 18-inch alloy wheels, rather than the 17-inch ones found on the SLE. This trim level also gets all-terrain tires automatically. It has LED headlights to go with all of the other LED lighting found on the lower Sierra 2500HD trim levels. The cargo bed gets several significant upgrades as well. Drivers will now find lighting back there, plus a 120-volt power outlet.

Keyless access and a push-button start add to the convenience of the SLT. This truck also comes standard with a remote start. The cabin is home to many luxuries, including leather upholstery and a power-adjustable driver's seat. Both the front seats and the steering wheel gain heat, and there is dual-zone automatic climate control to further help everyone stay comfortable in extreme temperatures.

The Sierra 2500HD finally gains the tech that many of today's drivers are after. An 8-inch touchscreen comes standard, and this truck has wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. There are no driver aids, but the rearview camera is HD. It also gains a hitch-view angle to make life easier for those who are regularly towing.

There are a few SLT packages that are worth checking out. SLT Convenience package is one of them, and it consists of upgrades like a universal garage door opener, extra USB ports, and LED roof marker lamps. The SLT Preferred package gives this trim level tech features that are typically reserved for the top Denali trim level. The SLT Premium package combines the contents of those two, plus adds some extra safety features for added confidence.

Compare the SLT vs AT4. What is the difference?

If an off-road version of a heavy-duty truck is appealing, the Sierra 2500HD AT4 is worth a look at. This trim level comes standard with four-wheel drive. It also has an off-road-tuned suspension and hill descent control to help it be more capable when driver leave the beaten path. Underbody skid plates help to protect this model of the Sierra 2500HD when the road gets rough. This model sits on "mud-terrain" tires to give it even more off-roading credibility.

A spray-in bedliner also becomes standard for the AT4. The upgrades are not reserved for the exterior, however. This model has ventilated front seats and heated rear outboard seats. In the front, the Sierra 2500HD AT4 has bucket seats with a center console instead of the bench seat seen on previous models.

The AT4 has an exclusive Preferred Package. It adds many of the features that are found on the top trim level, such as a Bose sound system and wireless device charging. There is also the Premium Plus package, which has everything in the Preferred package, plus a variety of driver assistance features.

Compare the AT4 vs Denali Trim. What is the difference?

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali is a fully-loaded luxury truck. It sits on 20-inch alloy wheels and adds automatic high beams. There is a power-sliding rear window, along with side steps to make it easier to get into the cab. To help make sure everyone knows that this is the top trim, GMC gives the Denali plenty of chrome on its exterior.

Premium leather upholstery greets drivers inside the cabin. The driver information display gets upgraded, and an integrated navigation system joins the standard equipment list. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to tech upgrades, however. This model will also give drivers wireless device charging and a premium Bose sound system on its standard equipment list. There is a bed-view camera as well for extra peace of mind when at the wheel.

The Denali model of the Sierra 2500HD finally gains standard driver assistance technology. Buyers will find parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, lane departure warning, and forward-collision mitigation. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is also standard for the top trim level.

There are several features that are merely available for the Denali trim level. They include a head-up display and a digital rearview mirror that makes it possible to see what is behind the Sierra 2500HD when the backseat or truck bed is loaded with gear. A trailering camera system, which will give drivers multiple views of their trailer on their touchscreen, is also available on the Denali.

Final Thoughts

If buyers are looking to not spend too much on a heavy-duty truck, they are probably better off shopping brands other than GMC. That, combined with the fact that the lower two trim levels are lacking some significant features, makes the Pro and SLE completely skippable.

Instead, buyers should seriously consider the SLT. It adds the technology features that more and more drivers are deeming necessary. The SLT also adds a variety of comfort-enhancing features, such as the heated front seats. Overall, it feels like the best balance when it comes to price and equipment.

The AT4 is a good choice as well, particularly for drivers who like to explore off-road. Features like hill descent control and standard four-wheel drive make this a very capable truck all around. If buyers have the money to spend, the top Denali trim is undeniably luxurious and loaded with features. It can be argued that many of them are flashy rather than practical, however.

A 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD SLT will serve a wide variety of drivers well, especially if they add driver assistance features with the available packages.

Previous Year Trim Configurations:

• 2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD Trime Levels