2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 Duramax Diesel - MPG Test | Real-world Highway Range and Fuel Economy

General Motors makes one of the best diesel powertrains on the market, and its showcased here in this Sierra 3.0 Duramax. It gets excellent fuel economy, but you will have to deal with the complex emissions equipment. The Chevy Silverado Trail Boss diesel should be similar to this.
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#sierra #diesel #mpg

[@rubicon10a54]

I easily get 29-30 with my Sierra SLT in normal driving conditions. You get the best fuel economy around the 62-67 MPH range. Love it so much we bought a suburban with the diesel as well. It's obviously a little heavier, but still can get 28 on the highway pretty regularly. This motor shines on the highway. I tow quite a bit with my truck and my average MPG from every mile driven is right at 21 MPG.

[@ericdiekmann2308]

Yeah but you have different tires it's not the off road one there's a lot of variable

[@427Cabriolet]

Have you ever try carried a 2000 pound payload on them?

[@user-yc6tm6zt8o]

Thanks Great Video

[@bradrichter5082]

Keep in mind your pumps are probably on winterized diesel so the cetane level is lower. On top of that seeing that there’s snow outside it’s probably a bit chillier. Deisel runs much more efficient when it’s warm out. Just took a 600 miles trip in my 3.0L Elevation x31 with the AT tires. On the way out it was around 18 degrees. On the way back it was nearly 60 outside. Went from 23-24mpg to over 28mpg just from temp change. Both ways had cruise set to 73mph the whole ride. Way back actually had a moped loaded in the bed too.

[@RB-xv4si]

Is this because the fuel atomizes better at higher temps?

[@bradrichter5082]

@@RB-xv4si Well the cold effects gasoline and Diesel engines in similar ways when it comes to intake air temperatures. Cold air is more dense which in turn requires more fuel to compensate to reach the proper stoichiometric mixture. With diesels there are two big factors that they have overcome in freezing temperatures. One is fuel gelling which is because of the high paraffin content in diesel fuel. Think of a candle burning in a house. As soon as you blow it out it starts to solidify because it’s loss of heat source. Diesel isn’t that drastic because it’s not 100% paraffin but when it gets down to freezing temps the fuel starts to gel and requires additives to prevent that. One of these additives is kerosene which when mixed into diesel and compressed reduces the thermal output of the fuel (lack of power - meaning more fuel is needed to make up the difference). The second biggest thing is the efficiency of Diesel engines in general. They depend on heat to in the combustion process to ignite the fuel. In colder weather it takes longer for the glow plugs and the entire system to get up to operating temperature unlike gasoline engines. Gasoline vapors are extremely volatile whereas diesel will very nearly put out a fire if someone attempted it. The ratings of diesel fuel versus gasoline are different as well. Diesel uses a cetane rating which is measurement of combustion speed. The higher the cetane the easier it is to combust. Hence why you see bottles of cetane boosters. Gasoline uses an octane rating which is quite literally the opposite. It’s the fuels measurement of its resistance to knock. The higher the number the hotter the combustion chamber can run without the fuel pre-detonating. That’s just a general summary of the issue. I’m no expert but I I’ve worked on vehicles for some time. Guess you could just call me one of them internet mechanics…

[@RB-xv4si]

@@bradrichter5082haha, yeah man. You could say that. Great explanation. Thank you

[@robprice58]

My question is what is the mileage like when towing? I have an 05 2500 with the lly and I get around 18 mpg hauling 2000 lbs in the box and around 16 mpg towing a 32 foot 8000 lb travel trailer. Truck is also stock with 285/75r16 mud tires.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Charlie, As you said at the outset, air resistance goes up exponentially as you go faster. At a moment in time when more people have suddenly focused on fuel efficiency, that ugly detail really needs to be considered. Whenever I watch your mpg tests I am conscious of the fact I would get 10-15% better results at my 100 kmh (62 mph) highway cruising speed. 🤔

[@lukeheffernan]

I do appreciate these "real world results," however, as I NEVER cruise below 70 on highways near me. I'll get killed. Usually around 75/80 is the average for me. But yes, important to know these results won't apply to everyone and nor will the EPAs.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@lukeheffernan Yes, in some places enforcement is so slack that driving at the posted speed limit perversely becomes hazardous. In general, the elevated speed limits put in place by many jurisdictions over the last decade or so clearly demonstrate the low priority fuel mileage, carbon output and general road safety have become.

[@lukeheffernan]

@@rightlanehog3151 I agree to some extent but modern cars have become so safe and stable at speed that many crashes have to do with poor lane discipline and road infrastructure rather than actual speed. Granted, I understand the environmental concerns and also the fact that g-force is lethal. I just envy the Germans for their autobahn.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@lukeheffernan Yes, cars are so much safer yet the fatality rate on American roads is increasing. Over the years I have been treated to a few high speed runs on unrestricted sections of German highways but a highway without a speed limit is the exception that proves the rule. Getting back to this continent, there are enough private racetracks and organized club events where the highly skilled can exercise their talents. The rest of us should be free to drive safely and efficiently on the public roadways.

[@JsGarage]

Yeah I’m not doing 62 on interstates.

[@williamumbach592]

Glad you used GPS speed. Many just use speedometer.

[@ryandonley8706]

The fact that you throw it in gear before the gauges have finished their sweep is aggravating as all get out to me! Lol nice review thank you.

[@StudioRV8]

Did you fill it to the top and spill the diesel all over on your second fill like you did on the first?

[@rubyredgrapefruit1454]

My 2021 AT4 2500 HD diesel makes average 19-22 miles per gallon. I just maintain my speed between 60-65 miles per hour and stay in the right lanes. A lot of people complain about the mpg but they forget how hard they put their feet on the pedal. I just let others trucks passing me or even horning me but I know I ‘m taking care of my wallet 😁

[@danielarroyo34]

I have gotten only 21.8 average. after 28k miles since I bought my 21 at4. i don't know if this is normal or I need to change something to make it more efficient.

[@TonkaFire2019]

I’ve gotten 26 combined and 35 on the highway. Went from Chattanooga tn back to newington ct and average 28 mpg combined

[@hahnsonfefer]

I can confirm, I get the same with my elevation. I wonder if the one inch lift really makes that big of a difference.

[@BigKy-Mart]

I just drove a brand-new Sierra 1500 with the 6.2 and the X-31 Offroad Package. Averaged 19-20 MPG over that trip.

[@ddw3968]

Just don’t get into it, you don’t want to see those numbers

[@BigKy-Mart]

@@ddw3968 I work for a dealer, so I just drive whatever is given for that day. I'm not a big truck guy either because of my ankle. Sprained it years ago and it still hurts whenever I get out of a truck lol

[@dalephillips8250]

Wonder why that pump didn't shut off? Something is wrong with the cutoff inside the hose.

[@user-ve6wq7kd8n]

I get 17 to 21 in my 3.0 duramax. I bought it thinking it would get 25 to 30. The dealership put bigger rims and tires on the truck. 20” rims that were wider. I think that is what is making me get bad fuel mpg. ??? Anyone have bigger rims and tires? What is your mpg?

[@akblair3862]

My Ecodiesel quad cab 4x4 3.55 can hit 30 mpg at 60 mph. Works great for me

[@davidhaymon1708]

26.5 mpg hand calculated in my 2020 Silverado LTZ Z71 over 52,000 miles. Best 25 miles is 43.2 mpg per computer and best 50 miles is 36.9 per computer. On most fill ups I find the computer to be lower than actual. I do tow some but this is my every day driver and I see lots of 4 lane 65+ mph driving. When towing I see mid-upper teens depending on trailer, which is mostly utility trailer with heavy commercial zero turn mower.

[@paulbutler5067]

I really like this engine. And your truck is gorgeous. It seems like a perfect powerplant for a half ton truck. But with the current cost of diesel fuel being around $2 a gallon more than regular gas, it does not seem to make economic sense. First off, you have to pay a premium to get the engine and this depends on which trim level you get. On top of the fuel you have to add the DEF fluid. I'm not sure we know yet what normal maintenance will cost as this engine is fairly new. My 2019 Silverado RST crew cab 4wd has the 5.3 8-speed combination. I set the B trip meter every time I do an oil change. The fuel mileage for that 5000 mile period is consistently between 19 and 20 mpg with a combination of over the road and city driving. We took it on a long road trip across New England last summer and saw a 23.5 mpg round trip, all highway except for passing through some city areas. II had thought about ordering a new truck with the 3.0 Duramax but decided to stick with what I have until things settle down. It is hard to tell if the cost of diesel fuel will remain so much higher than gasoline but for now I believe it would certainly cost more to own the diesel than the V8 or even the updated high output 2.7L 4-cylinder turbo gas engine. Otherwise I do love this engine and it seems like great option paired with the 10 speed transmission. Low end diesel torque provides a certain feel unlike it's gas counterparts and I bet it would be a great choice for those who haul trailers.

[@JLTPhotog]

You might think so... but you would be wrong. :) Diesel-$5.79@28mpg=$0.206 per mile, +$30 for DEF every oil change = $1580 per 7500 miles Gas-$4.59@18mpg=$0.255 per mil, +$0 for DEF = $1912 per 7500 miles I have 18500 miles on my GMC 4WD with the 3.0l, hand calculated average at ~28 for this miles. Its an amazing powerplant.

[@paulbutler5067]

@@JLTPhotog thanks for doing the calculations. It makes way more sense. I will be watching to see what changes are coming on the updated 3.0.

[@bobvilla50]

I’ve owned a lot of 5.3’s and NONE of them ever came close to 20 combined let alone 23, I’m calling BS. 16-19 is what my moms suburban with a 5.3 does and she drives like a grandma.

[@paulbutler5067]

@@bobvilla50 call BS all you want. I have always gotten great fuel economy with any of my vehicles.

[@timdrake4332]

Calcations. Gas at 4.09 a gallon at 17 mpg for 1000 miles would be 240$. Diesel at 5.55 a gallon at 24 mpg for a 1000 miles would be 232$. Still a savings. These are prices I have seen in Dayton Ohio areas.

[@michaels7984]

Even without any savings, would be worth it to me just to not have to stop at the gas stations as often.

[@SuperHD1968]

Well i get 24 mpg at 85mph with my 2023 GMC AT4 Diesel With 20'' Rims and Off-road Tires. not bad for the size of the truck.

[@cmdrdarwin3682]

This mpg reading appears to be very accurate. I tried out a new GMC Denali 3.0 Duramax & it was smooth, quiet & powerful & VERY fuel efficient. My personal opinion is that most GM vehicles will meet & or exceed their EPA mpg. Toyota, not so much. I have a Camaro SS 6.2 V-8 with a 6 spd manual & I can get 26 mpg highway all day, any day at 75-80 mph & 27 mpg without any wind. The engineers at GM’s engine design seem to really know what they’re doing.

[@jamessudbury6943]

Minus their AFM failure 😂 love everything about my GMC except the whole lifter failure 🙂

[@cmdrdarwin3682]

@@jamessudbury6943 - I’m not aware of the 3.0 Duramax having lifter failures.

[@jamessudbury6943]

@@cmdrdarwin3682 no sir I meant on their past gas vehicles. Just the “GM engineers” you talked about may not be as genius as they seem😂 BUT that’s also been with the EPA forcing their hand to be fair

[@cmdrdarwin3682]

@@jamessudbury6943 - I’m building an engine now & all of the machine shops have told me that they are seeing lots of failures of all makes due to very poor metal hardening.

[@jamessudbury6943]

@@cmdrdarwin3682 doesn’t surprise me in the slightest. Seems like absolutely nothing is made well/made to last anymore

[@Dragon220614]

Why’d it start spilling? Isn’t it supposed to auto shut off

[@Cha-nw8jh]

Most pumps do have auto shut off. Though diesel has more foam causes it to over fill.

[@cdgarcia453]

You round up so it should be 25mpg. What my dad said to do.

[@jw8578]

Reliability?

[@Martyvison]

What’s up chuck

[@lIlIllll1]

why doesnt your 2022 not have the new center console like the other 2022s?

[@corydelbiondo5773]

It's not a refresh model. The limited / early 22 are the older trim. 22 refresh is the updated.

[@luisdiaz7997]

I only have a week with my 2022 GMC Sierra slt 1500 x31 diesel 3.0 duramax and it is already worrying me because it is only giving me 20 miles per gallon in the city

[@cg4294]

20 mpg in the city is pretty good for a full size truck. Tundras get only 13 or so. Plus it will get better as the engine breaks in more

[@justinbrooks8179]

My 5.3 GMC gets 12-14 in the city. Much better. I just ordered my 3.0 it will save you money in the long run

[@PK-vd3vo]

Given some ballpark, basic approximations on this vehicle (drag coefficient, surface area, etc.), the motor is needing to generate over twice the HP for 80mph vs 60mph. You might think that you're just cruising a little faster, but there really is no such thing in terms of drag. For any type of "real world" test like this I'd want to use the majority of the tank, because the shutoff mechanisms at a filling station are far from repeatable.

[@Michael-ox4eh]

I love my 2022 gmc Sierra Denali 30 mile a gallon

[@RB-xv4si]

I thought the 2022 GM full size trucks were supposed to have the updated dash/interior…

[@5theshortone]

this is the 2022 limited

[@RB-xv4si]

@@5theshortone meaning that it’s really a 2021 branded as a 2022 MY?

[@5theshortone]

@@RB-xv4si yes

[@jdurrant421]

Anyone towing a camper with a truck like this one. Interested in one for towing mainly in the south but msy venture off some up north. Thanks

[@plugjanis]

Good information, but it is like hearing nails on a chalkboard when you say “car” referring to that truck. When someone reviews a vehicle, they should know the difference between a “car” and a “truck”. Haha.

[@9663mu]

GM is the only truck manufacturer with a 24 gallon tank and no option to go bigger. Very dumb if you ask me. My 6.2 gets around 16 mpg ( hard driving ) so that 570 number is not even close on mine.

[@kylestewart9951]

Ford also produces a small diesel in their F150, not sure why you didnt mention that.

[@DailyMotor]

That's no longer offered, unfortunately.

[@jcautosalesrangervillerd2584]

In resume one tank in freeway give like 600 miles

[@watchmanexpert]

The only thing scare me is the emission diesel equipment…. I heard some bad new truck History 😢 I want buy the diesel for the fuel economy but no sure….. my Nissan Titan MPG is killing me and is time for new truck to replace my old Titan

[@edwardpate6128]

73 degrees! Man you like it HOT in the vehicle. 65 to 67 for me. You need to work on the way you are measuring MPG, check out the TFL guys on that one.

[@georgebullard9637]

I just bought almost exact same truck, satin steel vs red, i did the similar test, 300 miles, two lane road, 62 mph, I’d slow through three small towns, 24.4 mpg , compared favorably to previous Sierra, SLT, with 6.2 motor, it was about 14 around town, but would get near 17 over the road, my cost per mile with the 3.0 is $.03/$.04 better with the 3.0 !!!!!!

[@rayemanuel7460]

I don't think that these will be selling all that well for the rest of this year. Just a hunch.

[@ddw3968]

They surely won’t sell as many as the gassers but I see a bunch of posts of people ordering the 3.0, that’s what I ordered.

[@saisr1]

@@ddw3968 ordered one too. Gas and diesel is expensive where I live and has been forever. I'm paying over $6/gallon now so the increases have just been more of the same.

[@justinbrooks8179]

I’ve got mine on order as well. It’s the best half ton truck on the market

[@justinmartin8887]

Uh. Or ever. Putting a diesel in a half ton truck line up is just to meet the “truck company” status quo. Ford did it and quit again purely to say they did it. I feel gm will be the same way.

[@Fj4LiFe23]

@@justinmartin8887 they're powerful and efficient and people want them... why wouldn't they

[@ericdiekmann2308]

24mpg I thought they got better than that

[@ajmedeiros77]

You said gm and ram make a 1500 diesel, did you purposely leave ford out?

[@Masonplays963]

Ford dropped the diesel for the F150.

[@upmetalhead]

ford don't make one anymore....

[@purplepants491]

They dropped the 3.0 powerstroke

[@andrejones8292]

I got 40mpg today in my Chevy Silverado1500 3.0 duramax

[@twinzoski]

What kinda speed were you doing?

[@twinzoski]

Picking up my denali tuesday!

[@andrejones8292]

@@twinzoski 55mph I hit 40.1 for a couple mins but it stayed above 35mpg for that whole trip

[@twinzoski]

@@andrejones8292 NICE!!!

[@upmetalhead]

i get best mileage at 62 mph

[@tommybarnhart6023]

That’s great, thanks for the review … but … diesel makes no sense in PA. It’s about $.20 - $.50 higher than premium. 4-5 mpg gains are annihilated with the cost/tax on fuel. Ridiculous.

[@daveivins5968]

That's not completely true..my 5.7 hemi costs $160 (cad) to fill from empty 100L (26gal) and average 450km (280 mile). My 3L AT4 cost $160 (cad) to fill 80L (22gal) and average 900km (560 mile), so on a smaller tank I'm getting twice the millage at the same price

[@tommybarnhart6023]

@@daveivins5968 You’re only getting 10.7 mpg on the 5.7? Please tell me that’s towing. Here’s just a sample of prices in my area of Pennsylvania: 87/4.22. 89/4.62. 91/4.92 D/5.11 (lowest difference I found as most are even greater/higher) …. In combo driving I’m using 87, and certainly getting better than 10.7 mpg. So for minimum $.90 difference, then add in Def, more oil, extra purchase cost …. Diesel is simply a non-starter. (Unless you’re hauling heavy full time-which means you probably have a business and can expense it - and you factor that in to your costs.) But for the consumer 3L limits…. I do love the idea, but don’t think the numbers work. Too each his own.

[@PK-vd3vo]

@@tommybarnhart6023 I wouldn't agree in that the differential between median and mean mpgs is a far greater percentage than stated. Plus, gas tends to have a higher standard deviation (more variable) based on load, incline, speed, etc. The reality is that even though there is an up front CAPEX cost for diesel, the OPEX is much better. And for me, I like the psychological aspect of that much better (not taking it in the shorts for the frequency of fillups)

[@tommybarnhart6023]

@@PK-vd3vo Haha. As I said, to each their own. So many SDs as you say ... even location, altitude, temperature, daily driver, etc. and the percentages of use at said variables. Real world for me is probably different from real world for you. CAPEX and OPEX -- ?could be a flip of the coin. Maybe? Again, love the idea of diesel just not sure it's best for my real world. And your trauma of frequent fill-ups is my sticker shock at the pump. Comes down to needs and wants even if "wants" trumps needs. Maybe I'll just go buy the TRX and H1 EV ;)

[@RB-xv4si]

It’s like that everywhere right now

[@jayray4165]

The proper way would be round it to 25 mpg. Why rate it lower? If it's above .5 then you round up to the next digit. Basic math right....

[@danthompson1467]

👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@jayray4165]

2" lift, not 1".

[@onlinealias622]

This isn’t the new redesign right

[@chandlerhorning4025]

No it's the limited

[@murdered1415]

That's actually a 2021

[@DailyMotor]

It's a 2022 Limited AT4.

[@murdered1415]

@@DailyMotor must not be the new redesign or are those 23

[@DailyMotor]

@@murdered1415 They're coming later in the 2022 model year. The "Limited" means pre-redesign. I know, I was confused too.

[@TheSolidarityx]

not a 22…..no new interior

[@user-iy3ct1ci3o]

Dear followers!! Don't let the beautiful pictures confuse you . Anyone who buys a new car from GENERAL Motors the chance you threw your money into the trash is very large. In this company there is no customer service, the company's management does not care at all, if you have a problem or a malfunction, you can only pray to God there is a chance that the help will come faster. GM is a very dangerous company, be careful and keep your money safe.!!!Share so more people don't get screwed.GM is a big bluf

[@dustinn7014]

It’s a 2” factory life you dummy. Not 1”

[@williamlong2682]

Didn’t even roll coal smh

[@DailyMotor]

😄😄

[@chop2093]

Too bad diesel fuel is so much more expensive than gas that it will more than negate any gains in MPGs you’ll get over a gas engine.

[@InuranusBrokoff]

Not if you use it as a truck. The difference in towing is ridiculous.

[@robertannable9584]

Let's review the diesel truck, whilst wearing diesel flavored jeans, BRO!!! haha... That interior is just whack as whack can be. Shame on GM for putting that junk in $60 & 70,000 trucks.

[@halohalo2498]

Yea and u drive a Ford bye bye now

[@joshualorenz4665]

The camera in your head is making me dizzy

[@rogerstroup7240]

You smiled fuel and you ack like your so smart, I got better fuel mi in my3/4 ton dodge.