Forbes Finds the Sierra 2500 AT4X Can Do Almost Anything

GMC only recently added an AT4X model to the 2500 version of the GMC Sierra HD line. It is a unique combination of off-road and heavy-duty capability and still manages to provide a comfortable cabin for drivers and passengers. For someone who likes or needs to traverse off-road but also has large towing requirements, the Sierra 2500 AT4X covers all the bases. Forbes magazine took a close look at this Swiss army knife of a truck, and the Dieffenbach GM Superstore takes you along for the ride.

Forbes is quick to point out the Sierra 2500 AT4X’s weakest area, which is that it is not inexpensive to buy or operate. The model line has a starting MSRP of $81,900, and the model they tested was optioned at $103,075. “And well it should” is Forbes’ response to the cost as the model took on everything they could throw at it with ease. 

When It’s All About Power

The version they tested was fitted with the 6.6-liter Duramax V-8 turbo diesel, which cranks out 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque and is paired with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. As for the cost to operate, with the combination of the big engine albeit a diesel, 35-inch tires, 8,605-pound curb weight, and punching a huge hole in the air, the mileage comes to 14 in the city and 17 on the highway. That isn’t unreasonable for something that can take you and four passengers almost anywhere and also tow up to 18,000 pounds.

Luxury Cabin

Making a big impression on Forbes was how nice the Sierra 2500 cabin was, which they referred to as “where might meets posh.”  While leather seating and authentic wood trim would be expected, the massaging front seats and 12-speaker Bose Premium Series audio system with Centerpoint surround technology contrast the brutish exterior.  The model is also very tech-savvy with a 13.4-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital driver information center, and even a 15-inch color, configurable head-up display. The best part of which is that they are all easy to use.

Smooth Yet Capable

Forbes found the surround camera system very welcome when parking a vehicle of this size. They also discovered the extraordinary ability of the MultiMatic Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve (DSSV) dampers, which provide a surprisingly smooth highway ride even as they help lift the truck by an inch and a half and provide long wheel travel. When the going gets really rough, the Off-Road ability enables you to crawl over the surface with EV-like one-pedal driving, while skid plates for the engine, steering rack, transfer case, and vulnerable parts of the exhaust system are on hand to protect the truck in all conditions.

Keeping You Out of Trouble

It is easy to feel safe in a vehicle of this size, at least from collisions. But to help avoid collisions in the first place, standard technologies on the truck include: 

• Forward-collision warning
• Automated emergency braking
• Lane-departure warning
• Lane-keeping assist 
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert

Forbes concluded that if you are financially able to purchase and keep the tank filled, it will very likely do everything you ask of it and even keep you comfortable in the process. If this no-compromise capability appeals to you, test drive a Sierra 2500 AT4X yourself at the Dieffenbach GM Superstore in Rockingham.