2022 GMC Sierra AT4X Review: GM's Luxury Off-Road Revolution
content: The Luxury Off-Road Truck Game-Changer
Sitting inside the 2022 GMC Sierra AT4X, I immediately understood why seasoned truck reviewers call this GM's most significant interior revolution in three decades. After analyzing countless pickup cabins, the Sierra AT4X's transformation from plastic-heavy disappointment to premium craftsmanship represents a fundamental shift in GM's design philosophy. This isn't just a refresh—it's a complete reinvention that finally competes with luxury brands while delivering serious off-road credentials.
Unprecedented Interior Quality
GMC demolished its reputation for subpar materials with the Sierra AT4X's cabin. The moment you touch the double-stitched leather seats with contrast piping, you feel the $80,000 justification. These 16-way adjustable thrones include five-mode massage functions and adjustable bolsters—critical for off-road body control. Unlike previous generations, soft-touch surfaces now dominate 90% of the dash and doors, with only minimal hard plastic remaining on lower sections.
The microsuede headliner and textured metal accents demonstrate GM's new attention to tactile details. Even climate dials and the starter button feel weighted like premium watches. Having tested interiors from Ram's Longhorn to Ford's King Ranch, I confirm the AT4X matches them in material quality while offering superior seat adjustability for larger frames.
Google-Powered Technology Integration
The 13.4-inch infotainment system runs Android Automotive OS—not just Android Auto phone projection. This Google-native architecture enables voice commands like "Play SiriusXM U" without touching screens. During testing, the slide-to-type keyboard function proved invaluable for truckers with work gloves.
Three features redefine convenience:
- Trailer View Pro integrates accessory cameras for seamless rear visibility
- Multi-angle camera system shows tire positioning and hitch alignment
- Over-the-air updates ensure your system improves continuously
The digital rearview mirror remains frustratingly small—a baffling oversight in such a large vehicle. Super Cruise hands-free driving is also unavailable on the AT4X, reserved for Denali trims.
Off-Road Engineering Breakthrough
Multimatic spool valve dampers provide game-changing suspension travel. Exclusive to the AT4X, these shocks deliver 2 extra inches of front travel and 1 additional inch in the rear versus the standard AT4. When traversing rocky trails, this translates to:
- 11.1 inches of ground clearance
- 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac grip
- Reduced wheel lift during articulation
The factory-installed 2-inch lift and red recovery hooks create a perfect balance between aggressive stance and functional geometry. During testing, the suspension maintained composure during high-speed desert runs while absorbing sudden impacts that would jolt competitors.
On-Road Performance Insights
Power comes from a 6.2L V8 (420hp/460lb-ft) with new paddle shifters—a welcome alternative to the column shifter's tiny buttons. Though lacking a sport mode, the transmission responds crisply in manual control. Three engine alternatives exist:
- 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel (best for 30mpg highway)
- 5.3L V8 (adequate but underwhelming)
- 2.7L turbo-four (surprisingly capable base option)
The steering lacks precision compared to Ram's revolutionary system, requiring constant correction at highway speeds. Road noise from aggressive tires is noticeable but expected in this class. What impressed me most was the body control during emergency maneuvers—minimal dive during hard braking and confident grip during cornering despite the lift kit.
Competitive Positioning and Value
With a starting MSRP of $78,840, the AT4X competes directly with:
| Feature | Sierra AT4X | Ford F-150 Raptor | Ram 1500 TRX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Price | $78,840 | $76,775 | $88,335 |
| Suspension Tech | Multimatic DSSV | FOX Live Valve | Bilstein Blackhawk |
| Infotainment | Android Automotive | SYNC 4 | Uconnect 5 |
| Max Tow Rating | 8,900 lbs | 8,200 lbs | 8,100 lbs |
GMC's greatest achievement is resolving its historical interior deficit. While the Ram TRX offers more horsepower, the Sierra provides superior daily livability with its premium cabin and Google ecosystem.
Pro Buyer Checklist
Before purchasing:
- Test the standard cab vs. crew cab configurations
- Verify payload requirements (AT4X maxes at 1,420 lbs)
- Compare diesel fuel savings against V8 power needs
- Inspect the Multimatic shocks for off-road damage during used purchases
- Explore GMC's 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty
Final Verdict
The Sierra AT4X represents GM's long-overdue reckoning with premium truck expectations. By combining legitimate off-road hardware with a finally competitive luxury interior and future-proof tech, it delivers on its "professional grade" promise. While steering refinement and rear visibility need improvement, this truck closes 90% of the gap with class leaders.
Which feature matters most in your truck-buying decision—luxury interior, off-road capability, or technology? Share your priorities below!
Recommended Resources:
- GM Upfitter Integration Guide for accessory compatibility
- Multimatic's DSSV Shock Maintenance Handbook
- Off-Road Trail Mapping: OnX Offroad App
