GMC's lineup of premium-grade trucks and SUVs benefits from a number of styling, technology, and powertrain upgrades for the 2022 model year, in particular the Sierra 1500 pickup and the Terrain compact SUV. But the biggest news by far is the arrival of the much-anticipated, all-electric GMC Hummer EV pickup that's paving the way for a new generation of GM electric vehicles (EVs).
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GMC's popular 3-row, 7-passenger Acadia midsize crossover SUV is a carryover for the 2022 model year, receiving only a handful of changes. On the safety tech front, GMC Pro Safety Plus—the brand's suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS)—and Traction Select are now standard on all trims. In the styling department, GMC offers new 18- and 20-inch wheel designs on base SLE and SLT trim levels, and Light Stone Metallic exterior paint is newly available on all trims at extra cost.
The GMC Canyon midsize pickup—similar to the Chevrolet Colorado but with a more premium look and feel—is mostly the same for 2022, one year after receiving a wave of meaningful updates. For 2022, a new Black Edition equipment package is available on the top-end Denali trim. It includes gloss black chrome assist steps, 20-inch low-gloss black wheels, a gloss black exhaust tip, and all-weather floor liners. Also, the available High Elevation package gets a new name, now called Elevation Premium.
In case you haven't heard, GM is resurrecting the Hummer nameplate, applying the moniker to a duo of new all-electric, nearly full-size truck models. The Hummer EV pickup debuts in 2022, and the Hummer EV SUV arrives for the 2024 model year. Environmentalists will be pleased to know that, unlike the gas-guzzling, fossil-fuel-burning Hummers of yore, the new breed runs on electricity and has zero tailpipe emissions.
The new Hummer EV is powered by GM's all-new Ultium battery architecture, which, in this particular application, consists of a 24-module battery pack and three electric motors driving all four wheels. This setup is but one variation of a collection of components—known as Ultium Drive—that can be mixed and matched to power a wide range of vehicles. The newly developed powertrain produces 1,000 horsepower and a jaw-dropping 11,500 pound-feet of torque. The Hummer EV is compatible with 400- or 800-volt DC fast chargers, and GM estimates the truck's driving range to be 329 miles on a full charge.
The Hummer EV introduces several unique or segment-exclusive features, including Watts to Freedom (essentially launch control), 4-wheel steering, and a CrabWalk driving mode that enables the vehicle to move diagonally around obstacles. The truck also comes with regenerative braking and one-pedal driving and will feature the latest version of the automaker's Super Cruise hands-free driving technology.
While the Hummer EV pickup might dominate the headlines, another of GMC's truck models—the full-size Sierra 1500 light-duty pickup—gets a thorough freshening for the 2022 model year. New front styling, LED lighting features, wheel designs, and three new colors highlight the exterior changes. At the same time, GMC updates the Sierra's interior with a larger touchscreen, new center console design, and upgraded materials, especially on the upper trims.
Speaking of upper trims, there are two new ones: AT4X and Denali Ultimate. The new AT4X takes the AT4's off-road capabilities to a new level, while the cabin features premium leather upholstery and trim, a 15-inch head-up display, 12-speaker Bose stereo, and massaging front seats with 16-way power adjustment.
The Denali Ultimate builds upon the already premium Denali trim by outfitting the Sierra with 22-inch wheels, a large chrome grille with unique badging, a 6-way MultiPro tailgate, and a premium adaptive suspension system. Full-grain leather upholstery, open-pore Paldao wood trim, and liberal use of leather highlight the interior.
In the powertrain department, the base 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine gets a 20-percent torque boost, while the 3.0-liter turbodiesel can now pair with a Max Trailering package to increase towing capacity to 13,200 pounds. The V6 engine is no longer available.
The GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD will return for 2022. However, no information on the changes to GMC's lineup of heavy-duty pickups was available as we prepared this article for publication.
The Terrain compact crossover gets a significant refresh for the 2022 model year, with new front styling, redesigned LED lighting front and rear, new 18- and 19-inch wheel designs, and three new extra-cost exterior paint colors. Inside, GMC outfits the 2022 Terrain with all-new interior trims and fabrics. There's also a new AT4 trim with standard all-wheel drive, unique off-road trim, and a front skid plate made of steel. A Tech package is newly available on the SLT and AT4 trims. It includes a 360-degree surround-view camera, an all-new head-up display, and front and rear park assist. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard, as are built-in Amazon Alexa capabilities.
GMC's full-size SUV dynamic duo, the Yukon and Yukon XL, roll into 2022 with only minor changes. All trims get a standard 12-inch driver information center and enhanced connectivity via the infotainment system, including Google built-in with voice control for making phone calls, adjusting climate control settings, changing audio system volume and radio stations, and navigation via Google Maps. Also, the big, 420-hp 6.2-liter V8 engine that's standard on the Denali trim is now available on the off-road-oriented AT4.
GMC is the source of information in this article. It was accurate on December 9, 2021, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker's website or your local dealership.
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