Trucks and Texas go together like BBQ and beer. In fact, I bet there’s no one in the state who doesn’t know someone with a truck – or own one themselves. The new luxury cargo haulers have grown in popularity every year– and for many practical and thoughtful reasons. 

Our latest Drive Time feature showcases the excellent 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X (All-Terrain). So much power, amenities, cool tech and some amazing cargo options to ease loading. My truck-loving friends were immediately impressed, as was this self-professed car-lover. Thank you to Ewing GMC in Plano for the tester. 

What I appreciate is a vehicle that has limitless utility while surrounding the inhabitants in utter splendor. Last year we featured the opulent Sierra Denali top-of-the-line truck in the GMC famil,  and its rugged Sierra 1500 AT4X sibling is easy to like as well. It’s powerful, practical, full of thoughtful goodies and drives admirabl, either on or off-road. New engine and transmission choices ramp up the allure. After a week, I can easily see why Texans indeed love their trucks. 

Skin 

Our tester is the expansive Crew Cab Short Box 4WD. It looks mighty handsome in Summit White paint with bold chrome and black trim. The impressive front is nearly as formidable as a semi but nicely fits the overall scheme. 

Exceptionally bright LED headlights, C-shaped running lights, chrome exhaust tips and robust 35” Goodyear Territory MT tires with a factory-installed suspension lift finish off the look. Several step-up rails ($1,000 stationary, $2,500 for the power rails that open and close) are installed after the sale. Trust me, you’ll want them as it’s a large reach to enter and exit the cab. 

Performance

Texans love their truck’s power and utility. This AT4X offers the robust 6.2-liter Ecotec3 V8 delivering 401 hp/464 lb.ft torque. The 10-speed transmission deftly runs through the gears, sometimes skipping a couple to maximize gas mileage—along with the unobtrusive Auto/stop. Gas mileage is typical for a large V8 at 14/16 mpg. I’d recommend checking the Duramax 3.0-liter Turbo Diesel (305hp/495 lb.ft. that increases gas mileage to 19/25. That’s a 45% increase over the petrol version. Oh, there’s no gas cap to fiddle with. Genius!

The capable switch-on-the-fly 4×4 switchable, protective skid plates and a higher 2’ lift clearance allows the AT4 to deftly handle off-road situations. Braking and handling are excellent for a big rig, and even the turning radius is good. However, even with the helpful 360-degree camera, you are limited to generous parking spaces (forget navigating in parking structures), so plan accordingly. In addition, highway driving is surprisingly smooth and quiet, even with the big knobby rubber tires 

The suspension allows for limo-divine driving. My passengers approved of the comfortable ride. 

Cabin

The dual cab is like the ultimate mobile man cave. I mean it’s immense without swallowing you up. The full grain leather with contrast saddle stitched Obsidian Rush leather seats looks and feel luxurious. Plus, they heat, cool and massage in the front. Fit and finish are outstanding. A large power sunroof illuminates the cabin. Leg and headroom are generous (the back seat room is cavernous) and visibility is maybe the best I’ve seen in any vehicle tested as you ride high in the saddle, while the handy Rear Mirror Camera gives the driver an unobstructed three-lane wide view from the back.

The heated leather-wrapped steering wheel (awesome in frigid weather) is responsive, light and feels just right in your mitts. Several scrollable info menus in the large LCD instrumentation dash deliver just about any piece of intel you wis, and the Head Up display is incredibly handy to show speed limits, navigation instructions and if you’re in 2 or all-wheel drive. 

Those rear seats fold up against the cab’s back to allow additional floor storage (a great place to put the pooches). There’s plenty of knickknack stowage, and you can even install a safe in the cavernous middle console. Copious cupholders and two glove boxes allow for all the road trip companions desired. I could seriously live in this mobile suite if it had a shower and fridge.

Of course, there’s ample cargo room even in the short bed model. The included CarbonPro box is lighter and stronger than your typical steel (the package interestingly includes wireless charging and power sliding rear window). In fact, due to the increased rigidity and less weight, the bed is enlarged for even more cargo – payload is 1,890 lbs. and the truck can haul up to 8,000 lbs. You’ll enjoy the 120v bed power outlet to juice up electrical devices. 

Yet the big hero is the incredible GMC MultiPro six function tailgate that incorporates various hinges to assist ease of loading, prevents cargo from falling out and easy access to the bed. Even the foot sills on the sides of the rear bumper and included grab bar make perfect sense. You can option some great Bluetooth Kicker speakers in the tailgate for, you know, tailgating. It’s a wow moment whenever I demonstrated the capabilities. 

In addition, the HD camera offers up to 15 different views around the truck and in the bed (in case your dog is getting rambunctious back there). 

Tech check

This certainly isn’t the barebones truck of yesteryear, as there’s plenty of technology to woo you. Safety features are abundant and top notch. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard. The 12-speaker Bose surround system is powerful and clear. 

In addition, safety ratings are excellent and there are enough nanny features to keep you out of harms way. 

The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X certainly ramps up nearly every aspect its discerning (and plentiful) buying audiences want and expect. The quintessential American cargo hauler sails in some very competitive waters while continuing to give its competition fits. My truck luvin’ friends gushed over it, and based on sales, many already agree.  

SCORECARD

Golf Bags: A truck load

Curb Appeal: Stylish, bold and incredibly practical American ride

0-60: 6.2 seconds

Gas Mileage: 14/16 gas. 20/25 diesel. 

Must-Haves: MultiPro tailgate, CarbonPro bed, 360-degree camera 

Warranty & Free Maintenance: 3yr/36.000 miles, 5yr/60,000 powertrain

Base Price: $79,200

Price as Tested: $83,090

Who Buys It? Anyone desiring excellent on/off-road driving, towing and luxury appointments

Finish Line: An All-American package of brawn and luxury

To test-drive the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X, contact Matthew Pilkington at 214-547-2961 at Ewing GMC in Plano.