GMC->ke4239 has pulled the covers off its latest special edition package for the Sierra 1500 pickup at the 2016 Houston Auto Show in Texas. Called the All Terrain X, the Sierra->ke241 is built to further the capabilities of the current Sierra All Terrain thanks to additional equipment and looks that separate it from its brethren in the showroom.

This is certainly not the first special edition->ke2041 package we’ve seen on a General Motors->ke1024 truck,->ke1311 however, the first package in recent memory that adds horsepower. Yes, GM has listened to the pleas of consumers and journalist by adding a performance exhaust system. It bumps the 5.3-liter V-8’s horsepower from 355 to 365 – a 10 horsepower gain paired with a more aggressive exhaust rumble. It’s a welcomed addition, to say the least.

Horsepower isn’t the only attractive add-on here; a slew of off-road equipment including mud tires on trim-unique wheels, a roll bar with LED light bars, side step bars for easy access to the cab, and most importantly, the Z71 suspension package.

The GMC Sierra All Terrain X will go on sale in the Spring of 2016. GMC has yet to disclose its selling price.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 GMC Sierra All Terrain X.

2016 GMC Sierra 1500 All Terrain X

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 All Terrain X
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 365
  • Torque: 383
  • Transmission: six-speed automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Much of the All Terrain X package’s details is found here, on the outside. It starts with a bespoke grille with body-color surrounds and tinted chrome accents. Body-color bumpers are also present. Blacked-out 18-inch wheels come wrapped in 265/65-seres Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac MT tires. GMC says the Goodyear tires do a good job of balancing off-road performance with on-road comfort, even mixed with some decent winter-weather traction.

Off-road-style side steps, like those found on other GM off-road trucks, help with entry and exit into the cab. Also familiar is the bed-mounted roll bar that GMC calls it a “Sports Bar.” Whatever you like to call it, the bar holds two LED light bars for nighttime trail driving.

The All Terrain X package also includes several standard features that are otherwise optional. These include the spray-in bedliner, high-performance LED headlights, Rear Park Assist, body-color door handles and body-side moldings, black exterior mirror caps, and black B-pillars.

Six color choices can be had on the All Terrain X. They include Onyx Black, Summit White, Stone Blue Metallic, Iridium Metallic, Crimson Red Tintcoat, and Light Steel Gray Metallic.

Interior

The Sierra All Terrain X doesn’t have many differences within its interior. In fact, only three main difference separate the All Terrain X from a regular Sierra SLT. They include an All Terrain-branded gauge cluster, a set of floor liners, and an inclinometer function in the menu section of the driver information screen.

Nevertheless, the Sierra still boasts an inviting cabin with plenty of space, storage spots, room for six, and a slew of technology. The Sierra SLT trim comes standard with a bench seat up front, but bucket seats are an option. The dashboard houses a 4.2-inch TFT driver information display in the gauge cluster, along with the eight-inch infotainment screen with GMC’s IntelliLink software in the center stack. 4G LTE Wi-Fi is included, as is SiriusXM satellite radio, a 110-volt outlet, and several USB ports and 12-volt outlets.

Drivetrain

Powering the Sierra All Terrain X is the familiar 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V-8. The all-aluminum engine uses direct fuel injection, variable valve timing, and Active Fuel Management to give it both power and economy. The result is 355 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 383 pound-feet of torque at 4,100 rpm.

Thankfully, GMC engineers decided to add some spice to the All Terrain X package. A performance exhaust system helps reduce back pressure, resulting in a 10-horsepower gain. GMC hasn’t mentioned any changes to the torque rating, but we suspect a few extra pound-feet of twist are present. The side benefit to the exhaust system is of course, a more aggressive and throaty sound.

The 5.3-liter V-8 comes paired with a six-speed automatic and a two-speed, electronically operated transfer case. Under normal driving conditions, the transfer case is left in 2WD mode, sending power to the rear wheels. When headed off the beaten path, 4WD high- or low-range can be selected, sending power to all four wheels. The All Terrain X package also makes the Eaton G80 automatic locking rear differential standard equipment. The auto locking mechanism kicks in when one wheel spends roughly 100 rpm faster than the opposite wheel on the rear axle, creating a solid connection between both axle shafts and giving the truck more traction is slippery conditions.

Additionally, the All Terrain X comes with the Z71 suspension package. Rancho monotube shock absorbers help smooth out rough surfaces, a high-capacity air cleaner helps the V-8 breath better for longer in dusty conditions, and underbody skid plates protect drivetrain components from off-road debris. Hill Descent Control also comes with the Z71 package.

Prices

GMC has not released pricing at this point, but we suspect the All Terrain X will cost a bit more than the standard All Terrain package that’s currently offered. That package, when added to the Sierra 1500 SLT, costs $2,480. Perhaps the All Terrain X package will be priced between $3,000 and $3,500.

Expect GMC to announce pricing closer to the All Terrain X’s on-sale date in the Spring of 2016.

Competition

2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Realtree Edition

The Silverado and Sierra come from the same family tree, and that’s easy to see with the Realtree Edition found on the 2016 Silverado. The camo-accented truck comes with black wheel, the same side steps, and similar dark accents on the grille as the All Terrain X. So why list these brothers as competitors? Because they are. Those in the market for a go-anywhere truck that will impress their hunting or outdoorsman buddies would likely give both trucks consideration.

The Silverado Realtree is even powered by the same 5.3-liter V-8, though sadly isn’t offered with the performance exhaust. Still, the truck is plenty cool – at least for those who like camouflage.

Read our full review here

Conclusion

GMC seems to have a great package on its hands for the Sierra pickup. The All Terrain X offers increased off-road performance, unique looks, and more horsepower over a standard Sierra. This will undoubtedly attract buyers who consider themselves outdoorsmen or adventure-seekers, or those who want a more customized truck without having to deal with aftermarket equipment. And since the All Terrain X comes from the factory, everything is under warranty from GM.

Beyond all the exterior upgrades, it’s certainly refreshing to see GMC introduce some type of performance enhancer to the powertrain. In this case, the exhaust upgrade not only creates more horsepower, but also creates more sound – something many truck fans are very fond of. Hopefully this exhaust system makes its way onto other GM products in the future.