GMC Sierra Off-Roading Capabilities

The GMC Sierra is a capable pickup truck both on and off the road. The entire lineup can handle some off-road terrain, but the Sierra also comes in several trim levels that offer extra features and equipment that help it tackle almost anything you want to try. For the 2022 model year, the Sierra received a significant makeover. In addition to some new exterior design updates, it has two new trim levels, including one that makes it more off-road capable than ever. Take a look at the GMC Sierra’s off-roading capabilities.

The AT4

When you need more off-road capabilities than the basic Sierra, the AT4 trim will help you get there. This trim is available in both the 1500 model and two heavy-duty models. It comes with a 2-inch factory-installed suspension lift to give it up to 11.18 inches of ground clearance, and this lift provides a maximum approach angle of 27 degrees making it capable of going over large boulders.

The Sierra AT4 has advanced engines designed to perform under any conditions. The standard powertrain in the 2021 AT4 is a 6.6-liter V-8 gas engine that puts out 401 horsepower and generates 464 pound-feet of torque. An optional Duramax 6.6-liter turbodiesel V-8 that makes 445 horsepower and gets 910 pound-feet of torque. The Duramax comes with a large cooling fan and a dual-path air induction system. It also has a factory-installed diesel after-run system that helps it maintain an ideal temperature for maximum performance and an intelligent diesel exhaust braking system. 

The 2022 Sierra AT4 has an updated engine lineup. It comes standard with a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel six-cylinder engine that puts out 277 horsepower and gets 460 pound-feet of torque.

You’ll also get a two-speed AutoTrax transfer case with the 2021 and 2022 AT4 and an active four-wheel drive setting that provides a seamless transition between two and four-wheel drive. The skids plates protect the underbody of the Sierra, and the off-road suspension with Rancho shocks helps it make its way over rough terrain. 

The 2022 AT4 has some added updates. A new grille design and new LED lighting with animated sequences give it a bold and unique look, and you can add to your 2022 AT4 with the AT4 Premium Plus Package. This optional upgrade comes with a Bose stereo system, HD surround vision with two trailer view cameras, and adds the option for black power-retractable side assist steps with LED perimeter lighting. It also adds the AT4 high clearance step and a multicolor 15-inch head-up display along with 20-inch alloy wheels with gloss black accents. 

The AT4X

For 2022, GMC added the even more capable AT4X trim to the Sierra lineup. It’s available in the 1500 model and sets itself apart from the regular AT4 trim with AT4X badging, 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels, and Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac mud-terrain tires. Other exterior features for the AT4X include redesigned LED headlights, LED daytime running lights with animated lighting sequences, and a redesigned front fascia. The updated grille has a dark nickel finish and unique AT4X badging. 

Exterior Features

This Sierra is ready for adventure with vertical red recovery hooks, an off-road chassis with off-road tuning, a steel transfer case skid plate, and it offers the option for rock sliders that help protect the Sierra’s sills and frame rails. Additional features for the AT4X include heavy-duty springs tuned to maximize the amount of travel you can get from the front and rear suspensions to help smooth out the ride over rough terrain.

Performance Features

The front and rear e-locking differentials for the AT4X are unlike anything you’ll find in other off-road pickup trucks. This system makes sure the wheels spin together even when there is a lot of resistance, so you can keep traction when driving over uneven surfaces. The locking differentials also help keep traction. They have the ability to send power where it’s needed most, whether driving through sand, mud, or over loose gravel. 

Power

Power for the AT4X comes from a 6.2-liter V-8 gas engine with 420 horsepower. It generates 460 pound-feet of torque and comes with a two-speed transfer case with selectable modes to help you get the most out of the Sierra no matter where you take it.

When you need to tackle the roughest terrain, the AT4X has a unique Terrain mode. This is helpful when moving at low speeds over off-road terrain. It provides the driver with more control and allows for one-pedal rock crawling with just the accelerator. 

The Look

This new Sierra has a distinct look. The polished dual rear exhaust tips seamlessly fit into the rear of the AT4X, and it also has black fog light surrounds, body-colored door handles, and dark exterior trim elements. All these exterior features make this truck stand out from others in the Sierra lineup. 

X31 Off-Road Package

You don’t have to have the AT4 or the AT4X models to take your Sierra over rough terrain. The X31 Off-Road Package for the Pro, SLE, Elevation, and SLT, turns your upscale luxury pickup into an off-road capable truck. This optional package comes with an off-road suspension with Rancho shocks, an integrated dual exhaust, and hill descent control. It also adds skid plates and a heavy-duty air filter. 

The X31 Off-Road Package also adds unique badging. 

Driving the Sierra AT4 and AT4X

GMC keeps drivers in mind with both the AT4 and the AT4X. These Sierras deliver the off-road capabilities you need when you want them, but it doesn’t sacrifice the on-road ride to do it. When you are not out tackling rough terrain, this pickup can still tow up to 13,200 pounds and carry a 2,240-pound payload. 

Inside, the truck has all the tech and comfort features any driver wants, whether on or off the road. The SLE and up have a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, and the higher trims offer a power-adjustable steering column, a head-up display, and premium leather upholstery. 

Find your next Sierra at Koons Chevrolet Buick GMC. With so many capable trims to choose from, including the new AT4X, you can take your truck over almost any terrain and turn your weekends into an adventure.

Image via Flickr by AlexD818

Tags: GMC Sierra, off-roading
Posted in New Inventory | No Comments »