Ahead of the New York Auto Show, auto manufacturers seem to have a tradition of dropping some of their hottest new models before the show even begins. The highlight of this year’s pre-event shenanigans, at least for truck enthusiasts, was GMC pulling the curtain off their newest addition to their famed Sierra pickup line with a model/trim being called the AT4. This alphanumeric called out tag will be worn on Sierra’s new off-road ready optional package for 2019 truck buyers.
The newly offered off-road package for the GMC Sierra truck will come with features that make it easy to, you guessed it, travel off the beaten path. This will include a 2” suspension lift, a locking differential, skid plates, and the use of Rancho monotube shocks all around. It only makes sense that this AT4 model will come standard in four-wheel-drive, by using a two-speed transfer case, and is powered by a standard 5.3L V8 like the one found in other Sierra models.
It’s not just the accessories and add-ons that make this Sierra off-road ready, it’s also equipped standard with Hill Decent Control, a feature that will make taking on steep declines a whole lot easier. For those who need a tailgate that will double as a load stop and step ladder, the AT4 is equipped with GMC’s nifty trick tailgate that adds a ton of versatility to your tailgate.
For extra storage, it comes with extra boxes, and if it’s extra power you need, you can order the Sierra AT4 with a 6.2L instead of the 5.3L for a lot more punch, or, you can opt for the new 3.0L I6 diesel option to power the pickup. The optional engines each use a 10-speed automatic transmission to move the power through the drivetrain. You’re going to see the use of the carbon fiber truck bed, which is new to the Sierra. It will also come with a multi-color heads-up display, and a slew of optional tech features.
Pricing is still unknown on the AT4 off-road package, but it will certainly jack up the price of the Sierra by at least a couple thousand.
Shawn Henry is a Texas native who has spent the majority of his career building and selling F-Bodies and Corvettes. Now studying journalism, he is taking a new direction with his love of GM Performance vehicles.
