Auto123 evaluation the GMC Sierra AT4 Diesel.
If you begin analyzing the product providing for a given pickup mannequin, it generally feels such as you’re in a restaurant with a menu providing 150 meal selections.
The sheer number of mixtures obtainable to the customer will be dizzying. This a criticism, extra simply an statement. And albeit if corporations are throwing every part however the kitchen sink into their choices, it is as a result of the demand is there.
You need selection? Think about this: counting the 4 forms of bodywork supplied, the 2 drive trains, the six ranges of end within the catalog and the 5 engines supplied, that makes 74 totally different mixtures that may be blended and matched. And that’s earlier than you get to the choices packages.
That’s, let’s say, loads.
After all some are extra well-liked than others, however nonetheless. And, thankfully, some mixtures usually are not supplied or doable. For instance, there aren’t any AT4 variations in two-wheel drive configuration. That is a no brainer in its case, truly, on condition that the mandate of the AT4 is to tear it up off the overwhelmed monitor. Anyhow this brings us to the model we examined lately, one outfitted with the diesel engine. A rarer mixture, this…
First although, a number of phrases about GMC.
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Shifting on up
For a very long time, GMC was recognized for doing little else however providing copies of Chevrolet fashions. That was a bit unfair, but it surely was its picture, one traditionally not unrelated to the model’s sellers and their accessibility in sure elements of the continent. Lengthy story. Nonetheless, over time, many consumers have come determine with one or different of the manufacturers. For instance, in a few of corners of North America, GMC fashions are extra well-liked than Chevrolet fashions.
Issues have advanced lately, and we have seen GMC stand out an increasing number of. Not that the fundamental parts of their autos don’t stay an identical to Chevy’s, however a lot effort has been put into creating distinctive designs and introducing their very own, distinct variants and trims.
The Elevation and AT4 variants are good examples of this. As for the GMC Sierra, its gross sales proceed to develop. Within the United states of america, the mannequin had its finest 12 months ever in 2020, with 253,014 items bought. In a pandemic 12 months. Right here at residence, it additionally noticed its gross sales develop in 2020 in comparison with 2019 (51,512 items versus 48,846).
And the momentum ought to carry by means of 2021, particularly with the Hummer EV about to drop.
The AT4
GMC launched this model in January 2019, and it was a success proper from the beginning, shortly capturing 20 % of Sierra orders. Along with its enhanced off-road capabilities, its distinctive styling cues clearly appealed to many. These embrace a novel grille, two-inch raised body, distinctive tires and entrance tie-down hooks in look-at-me crimson.
As for configurations, the Sierra AT4 will be delivered with two forms of bodywork, the crew cab with the both a brief or an everyday mattress. With the primary case, three engine selections are doable, particularly a 5.3-litre V8, a 6.2-litre V8 and the diesel engine. With the second, solely the final two are relevant.
The diesel
Earlier than the Volkswagen scandal broke in September 2015, diesel engines have been fairly frequent in lots of corners of the business. However since that second, it’s been a freefall. The one exception is the full-size pickup truck section, just because there curiosity remains to be sturdy. Diesel gives added worth for some consumers who, for instance, pile on the kilometers per ton carried. Some identical to to tow with a diesel-powered engine.
And there is the fuel-consumption consideration, in fact. My week-long check drive of the Sierra AT4 Diesel resulted in a score of 10.1L/100 km – fairly darn good for a car of this measurement. After all, consumers will do nicely to additionally contemplate the upper upkeep prices, in addition to the anticipated longer life expectancy of a diesel powertrain when making their calculations and selections.
On that word, I defer to their wants and preferences. An AT4/Diesel mixture could appear to be a nasty alternative for some, whereas it could possibly be the proper match for others.
The drive
Behind the wheel, the presence of the diesel engine would not change the car’s conduct in any method, besides that in more durable accelerations, you possibly can really feel the distinction between the hp of a V8 engine and the torque of a diesel engine. The mannequin’s inline-6 takes benefit of turbocharging to ship 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, and a towing capability of 9,300 lb. A 10-speed computerized transmission connects the engine to the wheels.
For the remainder, the Sierra AT4 delivers an expertise marked by solidity and ruggedness. And naturally, there’s the sense of invincibility because the truck reinforces your already-dominant place on the highway attributable to its elevated stance.
As for the inside atmosphere, it’s, as you’d count on, characterised by tons of house, but additionally by performance. We do proceed to sit up for the day when GMC will severely revamp its inside presentation to reinforce look and high quality. That there’s the Sierra’s important weak point, particularly if you take a look at what Ford and Ram are doing.
The gear contains all of the anticipated and required connectivity options and facilities (heated seats, for instance), however as talked about you throw in numerous packages that enrich the providing. Our tester included the AT4 CarbonPro bundle, a $4,790 deal that brings a carbon-fibre composite answer to the physique, in addition to a sliding rear window, navigation, Bose audio system, wi-fi mobile phone charging, 18-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires and a driver alert bundle.
The $2,520 Know-how bundle additionally got here with our tester. It options an HD peripheral digicam with two angles for the trailer, digital rearview mirror, head-up show and 8-inch driver info display on the instrument cluster.
Plenty of different packages are supplied, every with some distinctive options. Be aware, nonetheless, that some objects could also be present in multiple bundle, some dearer than others. The customer has loads of selecting to do.
The bottom worth of our mannequin was $63,098, however as examined it ran to $75,738 earlier than transport and preparation prices ($1,900). Sure, ouch in each circumstances. By the best way, the selection of diesel engine prices you $3,245 additional.
And talking of math, right here’s a determine for you: GMC estimates complete freeway vary on a full tank at 999.46 km with this mannequin. Somebody must clarify to me how they arrived at such a exact determine. Might they not simply have put 1000 km?
Conclusion
However the value, which seemingly gained’t dissuade consumers of one of these car in any case (they’ll at all times lease, or resell shortly), and except for the diesel engine that does not appear to suit with this variant, the GMC Sierra AT4 is an excellent ready pickup that’s straightforward to fall in love with. You’ve got a superb time behind the wheel and also you’ll recognize its practicality and go-anywhere ruggedness.
One other method to take a look at the value: it is a mannequin you can simply maintain onto for 20 years or extra. One thing to consider…
We like
Good styling
General nice drive
Affordable gasoline consumption
Broad alternative of variations
Multifunction tailgate
We do not like
The worth
Inside presentation wants refreshing
Upkeep routine that enables for no corner-cutting
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