Have you ever dreamt of driving a truck that can conquer any terrain, from rocky trails to muddy roads? Do you want a vehicle that combines power, durability, and style in one package? If so, you might like the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 with the x31 package. Is the x31 package worth it? This package is designed to enhance the off-road performance and capabilities of the Sierra 1500, making it a formidable competitor in the truck market. Keep it here as we explore what the x31 package offers, how it compares to other options, and whether it is worth the extra cost. You will better understand whether the x31 package is right for you and your off-road adventures.
Table of Contents
Is The x31 Package Worth it: Features of The X31 Package
These features make the x31 package a great option for off-road enthusiasts who want to enjoy their trucks in various terrains and conditions.
- Off-Road suspension: This feature provides a smoother, more stable ride on rough terrain and increases ground clearance and wheel travel.
- Hill Descent Control: Helps the driver maintain a controlled speed and brake pressure when descending steep slopes, reducing the risk of skidding or losing control.
- Skid plates: These are metal plates that protect the truck’s underbody from rocks, debris, and other obstacles that could damage the engine, transmission, fuel tank, or other components.
- Heavy-duty air filter: Improves engine performance and efficiency by filtering out dust, dirt, and water from the air intake, especially in dusty or humid environments.
- X31 hard badge: This red and silver badge identifies the truck as an x31-equipped model, adding a touch of style and distinction.
- Auto-locking rear differential: This feature automatically locks the rear wheels together when one wheel loses traction, providing more torque and grip to the wheel that has traction. This improves the off-road capability and handling of the truck. (Available on Sierra Pro only)
- 2-speed transfer case: The feature allows the driver to switch between high and low gear ratios for the four-wheel drive system, depending on the terrain and speed. The low range provides more torque and power for climbing or crawling, while the high range provides more speed and efficiency for flat or paved surfaces. (Available on Sierra Pro, SLE, and SLT only)
- Rear wheelhouse liners: These plastic covers protect the rear wheel wells from mud, dirt, and water, reducing corrosion and noise. (Available on SLE, Elevation only)
- 18-inch 6-spoke machine aluminum wheels with Dark Grey Metallic accents: These are stylish and durable wheels that complement the off-road look of the truck. (Available on SLE only)
- 265/65R18SL all-terrain, blackwall tires: These tires provide good traction and performance on various surfaces, such as gravel, sand, snow, or mud. (Available on SLE, SLT only)
- 275/60R20SL all-terrain, blackwall tires: These are similar to the previous tires but with a larger size and width for a more aggressive appearance. (Available on Elevation only)
- 2-speed Auto-Trac transfer case: This feature automatically engages the four-wheel drive system when needed without requiring the driver to shift manually. It also allows the driver to select between two modes: Auto 4WD or 4WD High. Auto 4WD automatically adjusts the torque distribution between the front and rear wheels based on the driving conditions, while 4WD High locks the torque distribution at 50/50 for maximum traction. (Available on SLE, Elevation only)
- Dual exhaust: This feature enhances the sound and performance of the engine by allowing more airflow and reducing back pressure. It also adds a sporty touch to the rear of the truck. (Available on SLE, Elevation, and SLT only)
X31 Package Comparison With Other Packages
Standard Sierra 1500 vs x31 package vs Z71 package
The x31 package, the standard Sierra 1500, and the Z71 package are different options for the GMC Sierra 1500 and its sibling, the Chevy Silverado 1500. Here is a brief comparison of these options:
x31 package
This package is available for the GMC Sierra 1500 Pro, SLE, Elevation, and SLT trims with 4WD and the Double or Crew Cab body style.
- Adds essential off-road features such as suspension, hill descent control, skid plates, a heavy-duty air filter, and an X31 badge.
- Includes an auto-locking rear differential for the Pro trim, a 2-speed transfer case for the Pro, SLE, and SLT trims, and dual exhaust for the SLE, Elevation, and SLT trims.
- Does not include a suspension lift or special tires or wheels. It is a good option for those who want off-road capability without sacrificing comfort or fuel economy.
Standard Sierra 1500:
This is the base model of the GMC Sierra 1500 lineup.
- Has various cab and bed configurations, engine options, and drivetrain choices.
- Features a rugged interior with vinyl floor coverings, a urethane tilt steering wheel, manual air conditioning, power windows, locks, remote keyless entry, and a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
- Comes with LED headlights and taillights, chrome bumpers, a locking manual tailgate, heated outside mirrors (standard on Regular Cab, optional on all others), and 17-inch steel wheels.
- Designed with GMC’s Pro Safety Package that adds standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, following distance indicator, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights.
It is a good option for those who want a basic yet reliable truck that can handle various tasks.
Z71 package
This package includes the Chevy Silverado 1500 LT Trail Boss, RST Trail Boss, LTZ Trail Boss, High Country Trail Boss trims with 4WD, and the Double or Crew Cab body style. It is similar to the x31 package but with some differences.
- Includes off-road suspension with Rancho shocks (instead of twin-tube shocks), hill descent control, skid plates, heavy-duty air filter, Z71 badge (instead of X31 badge), auto-locking rear differential (for all trims), 2-speed transfer case (for all trims), dual exhaust (for all trims), 18-inch black-painted aluminum wheels (instead of machined aluminum wheels), Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires (instead of all-terrain tires), and red recovery hooks (instead of black).
- Has a 2-inch factory-installed suspension lift for all trims (except for High Country Trail Boss). It is a great option for those who want a more aggressive and capable off-road truck with a sporty look.
X31 Package Cost And Availability
The cost and availability of the x31 package depend on the trim level and configuration of the GMC Sierra 1500. Here is some information about these factors:
- Trim levels and configurations
The x31 package is available for the GMC Sierra 1500 Pro, SLE, Elevation, and SLT trims with 4WD and the Double or Crew Cab body style. It is unavailable for the Regular Cab body style or the AT4 or Denali trims. It is also compatible with all four engine options: the turbocharged 2.7L L3B I-4, the naturally aspirated 5.3L L84 V8, the 3.0L LM2 I-6 turbodiesel Duramax, and the naturally aspirated 6.2L L87 V8.
- Price range and options
The x31 package has different prices depending on the trim level. For the Pro trim, it costs $1,595; for the SLE trim, it costs $1,895; for the Elevation trim, it costs $1,995; and for the SLT trim, it costs $2,095. The package includes standard or options for certain trims, such as dual exhaust, rear wheelhouse liners, 18-inch or 20-inch wheels, and all-terrain tires. These options may affect the final price of the package and the truck.
- Trade-offs and alternatives
The x31 package offers some essential off-road features that enhance the performance and capability of the GMC Sierra 1500 on rough terrain. However, it also has some trade-offs and alternatives that should be considered. For example, the package does not include a suspension lift or special shocks that could improve the truck’s ground clearance and ride quality. It also does not include a unique interior or exterior design that could differentiate it from other trims. Moreover, other off-road packages and trims are available for the GMC Sierra 1500 and its sibling, the Chevy Silverado 1500, such as the AT4, AT4X, and Z71 packages. Depending on one’s preferences and needs, these packages may offer more features, style, or value than the x31 package.
FAQS
What is the x31 package?
The x31 package is an optional feature for the GMC Sierra 1500 Pro, SLE, Elevation, and SLT trims, enhancing its off-road performance and capabilities. It is similar to the Z71 package offered by Chevy for the Silverado 1500. It includes features such as off-road suspension, hill descent control, skid plates, heavy-duty air filter, X31 badge, auto-locking rear differential (for Pro trim), 2-speed transfer case (for Pro, SLE, SLT trims), dual exhaust (for SLE, Elevation, SLT trims), and 18-inch or 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires (depending on the trim).
How much does the x31 package cost?
The x31 package has different prices depending on the trim level. For the Pro trim, it costs $1,595; for the SLE trim, it costs $1,895; for the Elevation trim, it costs $1,995; and for the SLT trim, it costs $2,095. The package includes standard or options for certain trims, such as dual exhaust, rear wheelhouse liners, 18-inch or 20-inch wheels, and all-terrain tires. These options may affect the final price of the package and the truck.
How does the x31 package affect the towing capacity of the GMC Sierra 1500?
The x31 package does not significantly affect the towing capacity of the GMC Sierra 1500. The towing capacity mainly depends on the engine, cab size, bed size, drive type, and other packages or options. The x31 package may add some weight to the truck that could slightly reduce its payload and towing capacity. Still, it also adds features that could improve its stability and control when towing, such as hill descent control and auto-locking rear differential. The x31 package is compatible with all four engine options: the turbocharged 2.7L L3B I-4, the naturally aspirated 5.3L L84 V8, the 3.0L LM2 I-6 turbodiesel Duramax, and the naturally aspirated 6.2L L87 V8.
What is the towing ability of the GMC Sierra 1500 with different engines and configurations?
The towing ability of the GMC Sierra 1500 varies widely depending on the engine and configuration. Here are some examples of the towing capacity with different engines and configurations (with a standard ball hitch):
Turbocharged 2.7L L3B I-4: This engine has a towing capacity range of 9,000 lbs to 9,400 lbs depending on the cab size and bed size. For example, a Crew Cab Short Bed with this engine could tow up to 9,000 lbs 1, while a Regular Cab Long Bed can tow up to 9,400 lbs.
Naturally aspirated 5.3L L84 V8: This engine has a towing capacity range of 9,100 lbs to 11,800 lbs depending on the cab size, bed size, drive type, transmission type (6-speed or 10-speed), and other packages or options. For example, a Crew Cab Short Bed with this engine and a 6-speed transmission can tow up to 9,100 lbs 1, while a Double Cab Standard Bed with this engine and a Max Trailering Package can tow up to 11,800 lbs.
Naturally aspirated 6.2L L87 V8: This engine has a towing capacity range of 9,000 lbs to 13,200 lbs depending on the cab size.
Final Thoughts
Is the x31 package worth it? Yes, the x31 package is worth it for those who want off-road capability without sacrificing comfort or fuel economy. It adds some essential off-road features that enhance the performance and capability of the GMC Sierra 1500 on rough terrain. However, it also has some trade-offs and alternatives that should be considered before buying. Ultimately, the decision depends on one’s budget, lifestyle, and expectations from their truck. By comparing the features, prices, and options of the x31 package with other off-road packages and trims available for the GMC Sierra 1500 and its sibling, the Chevy Silverado 1500, you can make informed choices that suit their needs best.
