AT4 line added to the 2019 Sierra.
such as a two-inch lift and all-terrain tires.
An all-new GMC Sierra 1500 pickup truck is on its way, with this model making its debut at a special media event earlier in the month. Just ahead of the start of the New York International Auto Show this week, GMC introduced a new off-road AT4 line for the 2019 Sierra. The new sub-brand targets off-road enthusiasts much in the same way the Sierra’s Denali line serves premium customers.
2019 Sierra AT4 as Equipped
The 2019 Sierra AT4 includes multiple off-road features such as four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, a two-inch suspension lift, skid plates and a locking rear differential.
“The 2019 Sierra AT4 is designed for the customer who wants an elevated presence on the road and the capability to venture off life’s beaten path,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global GMC. “It’s also the beginning for the AT4 brand, which will be seen on every vehicle in our lineup in the next two years.”
Keep this statement in mind as updates to the Canyon, Yukon, Yukon XL, Acadia and Terrain roll out. The AT4 line will tie in with the brand’s SLT trim, which is one notch below Denali.
GMC AT4 Line
All 2019 GMC Sierra AT4 models will offer a standard 5.3-liter V8 engine. It will come with hill descent control, a traction select system or ride on 18- or 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. Design elements exclusive to this model include a machined-face, dark-tinted appearance to the wheels.
GMC says that the AT4 will also have the brand’s all-new MultiPro tailgate. Unique to GMC, the tailgate adds to the usual up-and-down opening/closing by adding five additional functions. Flaps and cutouts allow the tailgate to act as a stopper for larger items (think plywood), for ease of lifting cargo, and as a step for access to the bed among other capabilities.
Other features included with the AT4 bring in Rancho monotube shock absorbers, off-road tuned; red vertical recovery hooks, and special black chrome touches and body-color grille surround.
2019 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 Upgrades
The Sierra AT4 will also offer several upgrades, including GM’s 6.2-liter V8 engine or to its new 3.0-liter inline-six turbo-diesel. A 10-speed automatic transmission works alongside both engines.
Additional upgrades include GMC’s available carbon fiber pickup box. Like the MultiPro tailgate, it is also a brand exclusive. Buyers can also choose a multi-color head-up display or a rear camera mirror. On the safety front you’ll find such driver-assist features as lane change alert with side blind zone alert, front pedestrian braking and low speed forward automatic braking, and surround vision — what supplies a bird’s eye view of the truck.
The all-new 2019 Sierra 1500 goes on sale this fall. Heavy-duty Sierra 2500 and 3500 models will follow separately.
Fade to Black
The AT4 line should bring more buyers and higher profits to GMC and also builds on a pair of new special edition models for two crossover SUVs. Specifically, those models are the compact GMC Terrain and the midsize GMC Acadia.
Beginning this summer, the two crossovers will offer a pair of black editions, adding such features as gloss black wheels; black or darkened grille inserts; black headlamp, taillamp and mirror cap details; and five special exterior colors.
Pricing details for the 2019 GMC product line will be announced at a later date. Meanwhile, Auto Trends Magazine will supply additional New York International Auto Show updates on this page as well as through our connected social media sites.
See Also — All Terrain and the 2018 GMC Acadia
Photos copyright GMC. All rights reserved.
This V8 is the middle of three engines Chevrolet offers across much of the Silverado 1500 line. The base engine is a 4.3-liter V6 with 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque. On the other end of the spectrum is a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. The middle engine hits the sweet spot for most Silverado owners and still manages to pull 11,700 pounds when properly equipped.
Off-roading in my area is possible, provided I head about 20 minutes south where open land is abundant. The local terrain is clay with fire clay rocks scattered nearly everywhere. After it rains, you’ll find numerous puddles, especially on trail grooves and ruts.
The Silverado is a ready off-road warrior and includes an “auto” setting on the drive dial to automatically engage the front wheels as needed. Some claim the setting reduces fuel economy slightly as it passively engages the front differential. In any case, switch to 4-Hi the moment your front wheels touch a trailhead and you’ll forget everything else. Until you are stuck in said quagmire.
My only off-road challenge with the Silverado had everything to do with the approach, break-over and departure angles. Try as I might, I could not find the “degrees” by which to gauge them. I searched through Chevrolet’s specifications and catalog to no avail. Then again, I did what any thoughtful off-roader does — I sized up every obstacle first before attempting my climb. It also helped I had about a foot of ground clearance at the ready thanks in part to the 22-inch tires.
