Is the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 a Good Off-Road Pickup Truck?
A pleasant surprise came with the unveiling of the new 2022 GMC Sierra 1500. Like many other pickup truck brands recently, GMC announced a brand new trim level. The entire lineup of Sierra 1500s isn’t built for off-roading, but the newest member of the Sierra 1500 family is off-road focused. If you’re in the market for an off-road pickup truck, the new 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X might be the one for you.
All-new 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X
The AT4X joins the Sierra 1500 lineup as the most off-road capable model. It comes standard with plenty of features to ensure owners are ready for any terrain. Along with the Denali Ultimate, it’s the newest and one of the most expensive trims available for the GMC Sierra 1500.
This Sierra 1500 model slots in just under the Denali for its starting price point. What it lacks compared to other Sierra 1500 models, it makes up for with high-performance technology. For example, the Sierra Limited AT4X can only tow up to 9,100 pounds, compared to the Sierra Limited SLT, which can tow up to 13,000.
What off-road features does the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X have?
Ensuring it’s one of the best off-road trucks on the market, GMC has loaded up its truck with great capability features. Advanced Multimatic spool-valve dampers, electronic locking front and rear differentials, and extra underbody protection assist with off-roading. Included is a Terrain mode that allows one-pedal driving in low-speed situations. This is important for driving in places where wheel-placement is paramount.
The truck also comes on 18-inch wheels and Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac Mud-Terrain tires. It has a factory-installed 2-inch suspension lift for extra ground clearance. Off-road tuned Rancho shock absorbers help smooth the ride while driving on rough terrain. CarAndDriver noted a set of rocker guards is available to protect door sills from dents. The AT4X also comes with a bit of a different look than the other Sierra models.
Sierra 1500 AT4X style and design
The AT4X comes with bright, polished dual exhaust outlets integrated into the AT4X’s rear bumper design. The exhaust tips fit so seamlessly into the rear of the truck it adds a nice look to the overall design of the vehicle. Around the rest of the truck, there’s a black chrome finished grille insert, fog lamp surrounds, and body-color door handles and bumpers. All of these extra touches accentuate the rugged, dark design to help the AT4X stand out from the competition.
On the interior, you’ll find Jet Black with Kalahari exclusively and embroidered AT4X accents. Premium front and rear floor liners with removable carpet inserts are important for dragging mud and moisture inside the vehicle. AT4X badging cascades across the front head restraints. On the doors and side panels, dark-finish technical aluminum detail can be seen throughout.
What’s the AT4 CarbonPro Edition?
The CarbonPro Edition costs $1,085 and is an optional package that can be added to the Sierra 1500. It includes the AT4 Preferred package and Driver Alert I package, as well as a CarbonPro fender applique and CarbonPro bed. “CarbonPro” simply means made of carbon fiber composite material. The MultiPro audio system by Kicker is included to make sure you can jam to your favorite tunes while cruising off-road.
The Driver Alert I package is highlighted by safety features like park assist and blind-spot alert. It includes a few other important pieces of safety technology and is $890 on its own. The AT4 Preferred package costs $1,420 on its own, making the CarbonPro Edition a bargain. It includes wireless charging, a universal home remote, 8″ diagonal infotainment with navigation, Bose premium sound system, and a rear sliding power window.
For the 2022 model year, GMC has brought its best with the Sierra 1500. The Denali Ultimate competes with the best luxury trucks on the market. The off-road capable AT4X gives GMC a chance against the likes of other big-name pickup truck brands. Since GMC’s sister brand recently got the off-road-capable Chevy Silverado ZR2, this upgrade to the 2022 Sierra 1500 lineup was expected.
