2022 GMC Sierra 3500HD diesel Crew Cab

As always, the 2022 GMC Sierra 3500HD Crew Cab Diesel is available in five trim levels. PRO, SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali going from basic to high end in the same order. All these trims are available with 445 horsepower Duramax diesel engines ranging from $54,160 to $78,445. As for the features, the base trim ‘PRO’ comes with basic standard features such as manually adjustable trailing mirrors, 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, vinyl seats, locking tailgate, and support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The SLE upgrades over that by replacing steel wheels with alloy wheels, cloth seats, changes to the exterior, power trailing mirrors, driver display, and MultiPro tailgate. The SLT comes with a decent list offering luxury features, such as heated seats and steering wheel with leather trim, an updated infotainment system, and an HD backup camera. The AT4 provides offroad treatment to the Sierra. Lastly, the Denali adds more luxury and tech features.

Which trim should you buy?

Going for PRO trim seems like the best idea for budget-oriented customers, but if you can spend some more then we would suggest going for the ‘SLT’ trim with a $66,685 price tag. Not only does it come with every feature from the lower trims but upgrades over it by offering a better level of luxury which easily justifies its price tag. Sure, you get a MultiPro tailgate with the SLE trim but opt for SLT and you get an HD backup camera with a hitch view angle.

As for the features, remote engine start, keyless access, heated front seats, power-adjustable driver seat, heated steering wheel, updated infotainment system with a bigger display and wireless functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and leather upholstery are available.

2022 GMC Sierra 3500HD Crew Cab Diesel Release Date

The 2022 GMC Sierra 3500HD Crew Cab Diesel has already been released and is available for purchase at GMC dealerships.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 3500HD Crew Cab Diesel is powered by a Duramax 6.6 Litre Turbo-diesel V8 engine which produces 445 horsepower and a torque of 910 lb-ft. The engine is mated with a ten-speed automatic transmission and power is sent to the rear wheels as standard while 4WD is available as an option. The automatic transmission works smoothly which should be good for towing a heavy load.

The engine manages to move this behemoth from 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds and can finish a quarter-mile in 15 seconds. These timings are pretty good for its class but this is a truck we are talking about so with its abnormally high torque levels, its main purpose is to tow. According to GMC, it can tow up to 36,000 pounds effortlessly which is only possible by opting for the Duramax engine

When compared to its rivals, the V8 engine of Sierra and its mechanical twin the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD performs well and manages to surpass the RAM 3500. However, the Ford F-350 Superduty takes the lead here by being a more powerful truck that produces 475hp and 1050 lb.-ft of torque. It manages to be 0.2 seconds quicker than the GM sisters when put to the test, however, on the other hand, the least powerful RAM remains streets behind its competitors taking 8.4 seconds to the 60 mph mark. 

Keeping in mind the sheer dimensions of the truck, the 2022 GMC Sierra 3500HD Crew Cab lacks agility and at lower speeds, the steering has no feedback. But its suspension works well in absorbing bumps and undulations. However, its braking capabilities feel lackluster and the GM twins come to a halt at 145ft, while the RAM and Ford are marginally better performers. 

As usual, going for a powerful engine brings in poor fuel economy. But in the case of the GMC Sierra 3500HD, the story is the opposite. The Duramax V8 engine might be powerful but it offers a decent fuel economy of 12 MPG in the city, 18 MPG on the highways, and 14 MPG when combined. These stats are not class-leading and seem average but what changes everything is its fuel tank capacity. The Sierra 3500HD comes with a gigantic 36-gallon fuel tank which is excellent for its class. Equate the mileage figures with its storage capacity, and the Sierra offers an amazing driving range varying from 432 to 648 miles. The range surely is pretty good for its class and makes it a decent heavy-duty truck.

Again, the Ford F-350 SuperDuty takes the lead here by offering great mileage followed by RAM 3500 averaging 15 MPG. But both GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado offer a combined driving range of 504 miles, which is closer to the Ford F-350 SuperDuty. On the other hand, the 3500 falls short when the range is concerned due to its least voluminous tank that can hold about 28-gallons of fuel only. 

Step inside the Sierra 3500HD and you will find a decent-looking interior design with dark colors and metallic accents. The material quality, however, is far from appealing. At the front, you will find an equally big dashboard with a big center console in the middle and two glove boxes (one on top of the other). The heated steering wheel offers limited adjustability but can be upgraded to a better one.

As for the occupants, by default, a 40/20/40 split-bench seat is available at the front. Go on higher trims and you can swap the bench seat for bucket seats with power adjustability. For the rear, a 60/40 split-folding bench seat is available which is wide and comfortable. Both seats offer an adequate room and cumulatively can seat six passengers without an iota of difficulty.

All trucks in the segment have a standard seating capacity of six passengers. The GMC Sierra 3500HD Crew Cab Diesel offers a spacious cabin which is one of the biggest in its class. However, we must mention that the Ford F-350 SuperDuty offers better shoulder room for front and rear row occupants. The Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD and GMC Sierra 3500HD get the highest cargo capacities of 69.5 cubic feet, while the RAM 3500 continues to lurk at the bottom of the table with just 57.5 cubic feet of space. Below are some of the key interior features:

• Heated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Perforated leather upholstery
• 4.2-inch driver information center
• Keyless access
• Remote start

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The 2022 GMC Sierra 3500HD Crew Cab Diesel offers a simple but decent infotainment system that comes with a 7-inch touchscreen by default but can be upgraded to an 8 inch one. Both displays come with clean and intuitive UI with decent touch response. However, one might have to swipe twice sometimes which is a bummer. Physical buttons and knobs are also available below for direct control. 

Do not worry though as Apple CarPlay and Android support are available and yes wireless connectivity is also available. As for the audio, a six-speaker sound system is standard which is moderately good but go for higher trims and you can get a BOSE sound system with premium seven speakers and a Richbass woofer. Below are some of its key infotainment features:

• 8-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• BOSE sound system with 7 speakers and Richbass woofer
• SiriusXM Satellite radio 
• Advanced voice recognition
• Bluetooth Connectivity

The GMC Sierra 3500HD knows how to perform daily deeds with style as all that chrome bling on it is certainly a head-turner. As at front you get a big wide chrome grille with GMC embedded in the middle. Attached to it on both sides are the LED headlamps giving it an intimidating look. The higher trims offer chrome around fog lamps and the front bumper. At sides, instead of curvy fenders, you will find a more linear design, chrome-trimmed side windows, side mirrors, and turn indicators.

There are 18-inch steel wheels available as standard but buyers can opt for 20-inch wheels but we won’t suggest these as they do tend to make the ride a bit harsh. There are various bed sizes available with steps and a MultiPro tailgate. The 2022 GMC Sierra 3500HD sports the longest wheelbase in the segment of 172 inches. It also gets adequate clearance from the ground of 11.2 inches and is the heaviest option with a curb weight of 7,862 lbs. 

Dimensions wise, the GMC Sierra 3500HD is similar to its mechanical twin, the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Diesel, and both trucks are heavier than others which certainly affects their driving. The Ford F-350 SuperDuty on the other hand is the lightest truck weighing 6,823 lbs but gets the shortest wheelbase and ground clearance. The RAM 3500 falls midway in the segment but it is at least an inch less wide and tall than all of its competitors. Below are some of its key exterior features:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Front chrome bumper with fog lamps
• Rear chrome bumper with corner steps
• LED headlamps and taillights
• Power adjustable heated side mirrors
• MultiPro Tailgate

Just like the previous year’s models, the 2022 GMC Sierra 3500HD hasn’t been crash-tested by the NHTSA and IIHS yet. But this is a truck which has been in the market for years, so that should give some idea about its safety. As for the features, it comes with an average list that includes, Stabilitrak, Proactive roll avoidance, hill start assist, and multiple dual-stage airbags.

Additional features such as hill descent control, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision alert, and cruise control are available via packages or standard on higher trims. So if one wants to have all these they have to have spare money, which is a bummer for someone on a limited budget. Below are some of its key safety features:

• Lane change alert
• Camera system with 15 different viewing modes
• Hitch guidance system
• Blind-spot monitoring system
• Lane departure warning
• Electronic trailer-sway control

2022 GMC Sierra 3500HD Crew Cab Diesel vs 2022 Ford F-350 SuperDuty SuperCrew Diesel

When compared to the Ford F-350 SuperDuty, the GMC Sierra 3500HD falls short as the former offers better performance while upholding efficiency, impressive towing capacity, and daunting visuals. However, the Sierra feels more luxurious and offers a slightly upscale cabin in comparison. Overall, for heavy-duty tasks such as towing and hauling, the F-350 is arguably the better of the two.

2022 GMC Sierra 3500HD Crew Cab Diesel vs 2022 RAM 3500 Crew Cab Diesel

When stacked against the RAM 3500, the Sierra 3500HD manages to offer an engine that is both powerful and fuel-efficient, a spacious cabin for occupants, and more storage areas. The RAM 3500 on the other hand offers a more modern and sophisticated interior with an ample level of comfort. Just like the Ford, the RAM is also lighter in comparison which results in better handling and braking.

2022 GMC Sierra 3500HD Crew Cab Diesel vs 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Crew Cab Diesel

The GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Crew Cab Diesel are twins. As both come with the same engines. Both are the same even dimensions-wise but sure look different from each other. Even the cabins offer similar volume for the occupants, however, Chevy offers the same features for a slightly affordable price.

Despite being heavier than the others which compromises its dexterity, the GMC Sierra 3500HD performs impressively. The mileage it offers is average but the huge fuel tank results in an impressive driving range. It even offers a spacious cabin with a decent infotainment system. But the list of tech and safety features is short and you will have to pay extra for a decent list of features. So if you are not limited by price, the 2022 GMC Sierra 3500HD Crew Cab Diesel is a great option, if you are trucks like the F-350 and RAM 3500 makes more sense.