The latest GMC Sierra is one mean-looking truck, and it puts the Ford F-150 to shame in many departments. For starters, it looks really cool thanks to that massive front grille, the tall headlamps, and the no-nonsense bumper. It also comes with a lot of premium features in Denali trim. Last but not least, it's available with a carbon-fiber bed, the first such feature to be offered on a production truck. Say what you will, but it definitely beats the F-150's aluminum construction. But GMC didn't stop there and just took things up a notch with the Sierra AT4. Unveiled ahead of the 2018 New York Auto Show, the AT4 is a slightly more off-road capable, yet fancier version of the regular Sierra 1500.

One quick glance at the truck is enough to notice that the AT4 looks like an SLT model that rides higher from the ground. That's because GMC added a two-inch lift kit, Rancho monotube dampers, and mud-rated Goodyear Wrangler tires. The standard wheels measure 8 inches, but you can opt for 20-inch rims for a higher stance. Visually, the AT4 also received red tow hooks and dark chrome. The latter is what gives the truck a more menacing look, as every shiny detail, including the front grille and window trim, is now finished in gloss black. Yes, it's pretty much a Midnight Edition with a lift kit.

Inside the cabin, new features include darkened aluminum trim, embroidered headrests, and all-weather floor mats. That's not much for a new model but bear in mind that the Sierra 1500 is still brand-new. Tech-wise, it gets the brand's Traction Select System, a terrain mapping software that changes throttle, transmission, and stability control settings to suit the driving surface. You can also add a multicolor head-up display with an off-road inclinometer, a rear camera mirror, a top-down 360-degree camera, and a suite of safety features. The carbon-fiber box, soon to be an option on Denali models, is available as well.

The AT4 is available with all three drivetrains announced for the Sierra 1500. Exact specs aren't yet available, but we do know that V-8 options include both the 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter units. The third option is an all-new, 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel. A 10-speed automatic is offered with the oil burner and the 6.2-liter V-8.

Sadly, the Sierra AT4 isn't the Ford Raptor fighter General Motors needs right now, but it's an interesting option if you're looking to combine luxury with solid off-road performance.

References

Read our full review on the 2019 GMC Sierra.

Read more GMC News.

Read more New York Auto Show news.