Skip to main content

The 2022 GMC Sierra AT4 Pickup Balances Urban Sophistication with Off-Road Prowess

Pickup trucks have come a long way in the last decade. They’re still staples of construction sites, Coors commercials, and country music videos. However, even mid-range models offer all the comfort, styling, and amenities of today’s upmarket SUVs. New for 2019, the GMC Sierra AT4 4WD is a competent, full-size, off-road-ready pickup with all the swagger and sophistication of a premium sport utility vehicle like GMC’s Denali.

Recommended Videos

AT4 is a new-for-2019 trim level for GMC’s Sierra line. At first glance, the Sierra AT4 feels like a next-generation pickup. Its lineage is clear, though distinct visual cues set it apart from its “ordinary” Sierra brethren. The exterior is athletic, rugged, and modern with a broad front fascia, black chrome grille, oversized GMC badging, and C-shaped LED headlamps that all exude confidence without trying too hard. The truck’s tall stance (thanks to an elevated suspension), 18-inch wheels (with optional 20s), mud terrain-rated Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires, oversized fog lamps, and vertical red tow hooks hint at the Sierra AT4’s off-road prowess.

2019 GMC Sierra AT4 review
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Once inside, owners will need to look over the shoulder at the truck bed to remind themselves that this is indeed a pickup and not an SUV. The interior features textured, dark-tinted aluminum detailing on the steering wheel and dash. The seats are accented in a Jet Black/Kalahari colorway with live-stitching and custom AT4 badging on the headrests. It’s a look that feels both luxurious and rugged.

Once inside, owners will need to look over the shoulder at the truck bed to remind themselves that this is indeed a pickup and not an SUV.

The trucks in GMC’s 2019 lineup boast a host of high-tech features, and the Sierra AT4 is no exception. The base level comes well-equipped, but you’ll need to open your wallet a bit more for the best toys. Available upgrades include a multi-color heads-up display which projects fore-and-aft tilt, left-and-right tilt, and front tire angle on the windshield via a 3-by-7-inch display. Cameras around the truck’s exterior work in tandem to provide the driver with Surround Vision, a unique, aerial view that appears on the main touchscreen as though a bird is flying 50 feet overheard peering down at the truck. It’s a great safety feature for maneuvering in tight spaces, especially with a trailer in tow. Likewise, GMC’s ProGrade Trailer System integrates with the company’s smartphone trailering app that includes a suite of features to make towing its potential 9,400-pound capacity easier and safer.

With the debut of the 2019 Sierra AT4, GMC is heavily touting their “industry-first MultiPro Tailgate” which, at first, feels like a cute, showroom-floor novelty. However, after a full week putting the truck through its paces, I wondered how no company had ever redesigned the lowly tailgate since the first pickups with tailgates rolled off the assembly line 100 years ago. The innovative two-piece design features independent outer and inner gates.

GMC’s innovative new tailgate design offers six helpful positions.

With six possible positions, it can be used to making loading and unloading gear easier, as an impromptu work desk, as a step to assist in climbing into the tall bed, and as a load-stop solution for oversized cargo. Later this year, GMC is releasing an available CarbonPro box that replaces the traditional steel panels inside the bed. The lightweight carbon fiber composite material is purpose-designed to resist scratches, dents, and corrosion. A 110v power outlet and optional GearOn rails make the truck a great vehicle for car camping and gear-hauling.

On the road, the GMC Sierra AT4 is stable, quiet, and predictable — all of which is to be expected from a wide, nearly 5,400-pound full-size pickup. The 6.2L V8 in our flagship model Sierra put out 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a slick 10-speed automatic transmission, the truck drives and shifts seamlessly on-road. Beyond the pavement, the Sierra AT4 feels even more stable, thanks to a wealth of off-road features. Four-wheel drive, a two-speed transfer case with low-range gearing, Rancho monotube shocks, a locking rear differential, hill descent control, and skid plates are all standard fare.

2019 GMC Sierra AT4 review
Image used with permission by copyright holder

To bottom line the 2019 GMC Sierra AT4, it’s best for the pickup owner who spends most of their time on the pavement. But, they also appreciate modest off-roading on the weekends. This isn’t a hardcore rock-crawler like Chevy’s ZR2 Bison or even a stock Jeep Wrangler. It is, however, plenty capable of taking you almost anywhere you need it, without forcing you to sacrifice essential high-tech conveniences.

Of course, an upmarket pickup carries an appropriately upmarket price tag. The 2019 GMC Sierra AT4 4WD bases at USD $53,500. With the best — we would argue essential — features, that figure balloons quickly. Well-heeled buyers will likely splurge to upgrade to the 6.2-liter V8 ($2,495), the Performance Exhaust Kit ($1,595), and the $995 sunroof. For $3,280, the AT4 Premium Package secures additional tech features like an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment/nav system, a power rear window, and wireless smartphone charging, plus blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and side steps. With destination and handling, the all-in sticker price inches closer to $70,000. Sure, it might cost a year (or two)’s salary, but at least you’ll be ready to escape the zombie apocalypse in style.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Topics
Aston Martin unveils Palm Beach Edition DB12 Volante
Q by Aston Martin Palm Beach Edition DB12 Volante
aston martin unveils palm beach edition db12 volante  14

Aston Martin Palm Beach has joined forces with Q by Aston Martin to craft an extraordinary vehicle: the Palm Beach Edition DB12 Volante. This stunning car beautifully merges the unparalleled artistry of British craftsmanship with captivating design elements inspired by Palm Beach's vibrant lifestyle. Each aspect of this limited-edition model is meticulously designed to celebrate the charm of its surroundings while amplifying the elegance of Aston Martin’s high-performance 670 horsepower open-top Super Tourer.

The highlight of the Palm Beach Edition DB12 Volante is its striking Frosted Glass Blue exterior paint, a color that pays homage to the rich and varied blues of the Atlantic Ocean. The innovative use of glass flakes within the topcoat creates a dazzling shimmer that evokes the warm rays of the South Florida sun, making it a real head-turner on the road.

Read more
The Ford Ranger Raptor may actually be the perfect “third car”
Don't buy one for the practicality, it's built for fun.
Ford Ranger Raptor 3/4 view in snowy woods

Pickup trucks like the Ford Ranger Raptor are traditionally practical vehicles designed to perform hard work and take a bit of a beating. But in recent years, they’ve gotten larger, more luxurious, and less industrial. This has led to utility vehicles tumbling into entirely new categories, with some being decked out like borderline limousines and others kitted out for street racing.

Over the winter, I took a Ford Ranger Raptor for a spin and made an interesting discovery while doing so. It wasn’t the vehicle’s prowess as a pickup truck that snagged me—in fact, I think there are far better options in that department—but the almost childlike sense of enjoyment I got from ripping around in this ridiculous beast. I decided I would actually have one given the chance, but as more of a toy than anything else. Allow me to explain.
What is a third car anyway?

Read more
F1 fashion: limited edition movie merch and Cadillac F1 team partners with Tommy Hilfiger
F1 teamware lets fans show support for real and fictional teams
F1 Movie merch sampler.

There were two announcements related to F1 teamware this week, both related to F1 teams that aren't in the 2025 season. Teamware is a big deal with Formula 1 racing fans who show their support by wearing team colors at Grand Prix races worldwide, where grandstands are packed with spectators sporting hats, shirts, and all manner of apparel in Ferrari red, Red Bull blue, and McLaren orange. Mixing media and reality, building on the trend, F1 recently started selling limited edition apparel with the APXGP logo of the fictional F1 team in F1 The Movie,  due to launch later this month.

In a related note, fashion brand Tommy Hilfiger announced on X a new apparel partnership with the upcoming 2026 Cadillac F1 team. Hilfiger has a long history of partnering with F1 teams.
Limited edition merch from F1 The Movie

Read more