2019 GMC Sierra AT4

The world of light-duty pickups has gone through an ever heavier duty evolution lately…and GMC is pushing even further… stepping up its off-road credentials with the 2019 GMC Sierra AT4.

Sharing its chassis with the Chevrolet Silverado, the 4-th generation GMC Sierra is all new for 2019.When this raised outdoorsy version was revealed at last spring’s New York International Auto show…it was clearly intended to provide a premium off-road experience.

Dark finish inside and out signal this Sierra is serious about leaving the asphalt behind. This ruggedrider gets many of the usual tougher tools… like standard 4WD with a two-speed transfer case,locking rear differential and skid plates.

The Sierra already has a solid big truck height and width… but out here ever more ground clearance isa necessity… so the Sierra AT4 ups the ante with a 2-inch factory-installed suspension lift and off-road-tuned Rancho monotube shock absorbers.

“We’ve driven the all-new Sierra recently so we know what’s capable of. The extrahardware on this Sierra AT4 takes it to the next level of ruggedness. It’s certainly solid and up to the challenge of the off-road course the company brought us to in Michigan…. But this is a GMC… so there’s comfort and an upscale atmosphere… even when you’re off road.”

Three engine options move this powerful beast. For our drive, we picked the 420-horsepower strong 6-point-2-liter V-8… matched with the quick and smooth 10-speed automatic and18-inch wheels. Four traction settings are at the ready. Most of our time was in Touring 4-low…which was well suited for the variety of terrain we faced.

So the 2019 GMC Sierra AT4 is one full-size pickup that goes well beyond carrying suburban cargo… to confidently and comfortably kicking up the dirt. On sale now, the price starts at about $51,000.