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2019 Sierra AT4: First Real-World Pictures

Here’s our very first look the all-new 2019 Sierra AT4 in the wild (on a public road), rather than in a studio. The sighting gives us our first opportunity to appreciate the new-for-2019 addition to the Sierra family in the “real world” after its debut in March.

Caught by GM Authority spy photographers while undergoing final validation testing in Metro Detroit, the model seen here is Crew Cab Short Bed box, coated in Red Quartz Tintcoat (paint code GPJ).

The 2019 GMC Sierra AT4 (equipment group code 4SB) slots above the SLT and below the Denali in the 2019 Sierra lineup. All Sierra AT4 units come standard with a two-inch factory suspension lift and off-road-tuned Rancho monotube shocks, a 5.3L V-8 L84 engine mated to GM’s updated 8-speed automatic transmission, 4WD with a two-speed transfer case and a locking rear differential. Additionally, all units of the Sierra AT4 are equipped with Terrain Management features, including Hill Descent Control and Traction Select System.

2019 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 exterior in Red Quartz Tintcoat GPJ - July 2018 002

2019 Sierra AT4 – Front End

The front-end features several notable body-color elements, including grille surround, door handles and bumpers. The grille is finished in black chrome and features what GMC calls a unique “knurled texture”. The black chrome finish is also present on the fog lamp bezels and fender surround.

The 2019 Sierra AT4 features LED lighting from head to toe, including the latest iteration of GMC’s signature C-shaped LED Daytime Running Lights. Primary lighting duty is performed by high-intensity LED reflector lights, while the fog lights are also of the LED variety.

High-gloss black finish is supposed to adorn the mirror caps (which is not the case on this prototype) as well as the front skid plate, with red vertical recovery hooks rounding out the front-end appearance.

2019 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 exterior in Red Quartz Tintcoat GPJ - July 2018 009

2019 Sierra AT4 – Side Profile

From the side, we can clearly see the longer wheelbase of the new Sierra on the T1 platform, which grows up to 3.9 inches over the previous-generation K2 trucks, while keeping roughly the same footprint. Also common to all T1-based Sierras is the integrated “bill-style” spoiler mounted at the rear-most part of the cabin.

The wheel wells of the new Sierra feature a new style, with the rear portion having a (roughly) 90-degree bend while the front part features a shape made up of two distinct curve points (at roughly 150 degrees each).

The 2019 Sierra AT4 comes standard with machined-face, dark-tinted 18-inch wheels (RPO Code RT5) that are unique to the AT4 trim, but this particular tester rides on optional 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with Carbon Grey Metallic accents (NZH) wrapped in all-terrain tires.

What’s more, this 2019 Sierra AT4 is powered by the optional 6.2L V8 L87 engine (which is part of the second-gen EcoTec3 engine family), as evidenced by the 6.2L badge ahead of the front outside mirror The 6.2L engine is available exclusively with the new GM 10-speed transmission.

The new Sierra AT4 replaces the shiny chrome window trim seen on other 2019 Sierra models with high-gloss black window trim. The truck also features AT4 signature emblems on the bottom end of the front doors.

2019 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 exterior in Red Quartz Tintcoat GPJ - July 2018 015

2019 Sierra AT4 – Rear End

At the rear, the 2019 Sierra AT4 features the all-new and industry-first MultiPro Tailgate, which has six functional load/access features. One can tell whether or not the new Sierra is equipped with the innovative tailgate by the tell-tale cutline below the GMC logo that extends horizontally and then shoots upwards.

Like its front counterpart, the rear bumper is body-colored. It features improved CornerStep cutouts. Dual exhaust tips are standard, though the 2019 Sierra doesn’t feature a “true” dual exhaust setup, as is the case mentioned previously regarding the 2019 Silverado.

A large GMC logo is present in the middle of the tailgate, with Sierra badging immediately below. The AT4 badge is placed at the lower corner of the tailgate, on the passenger side.

GMC Sierra Resources & Info

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GM Authority Executive Editor with a passion for business strategy and fast cars.

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Comments

  1. We just ordered ours a couple weeks ago, Crew Cab Summit White 6.2L AT4. We cant wait for it to arrive, hurry up GM:)

    Reply
  2. This is a sharp looking truck. I can see this truck and the chevy version taking over the sales lead over ford.

    Reply
    1. Apparently 3 people forgot that GM sold more fullsize trucks than Ford in 2014 and 2015. With the big weightloss, improved cabin space, improved bed space, and standard 8 & 10 speed transmissions, these new trucks will be VERY competitive.

      Reply
      1. Reply
        1. Have evidence that the F-150 outsold the Silverado/Sierra 1500? Ford only reports “F-series” sold, which combines the sales of the F-150, F-250, F-350, and I believe even the F-450. GM’s sales numbers combine the Silverado/Sierra 1500, 2500, and 3500. And Ford sells a lot more 3/4 and 1 ton trucks than GM. When the total sales numbers are very close between GM and Ford, it’s a safe bet that GM sold more 1/2 tons that year.

          http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2018/02/half-ton-pickup-trucks-are-selling-like-crazy-who-is-winning.html

          Reply
  3. Disgusting high chunky front end , the question is , of course , WHY ?? Ford’s 150 and Ram are not going there so it must be that GM wants to be distinctive . If this is so , why not aim for increased reliability and refinement , instead ? Getting rid of cylinder deactivation would be a good start !

    Reply
  4. That truck looks awesome.

    Didn’t think I would like it as much as I do.

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  5. Appearance is purely subjective, but this GMC is SHARP!!!

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  6. Definitely a good looking truck. Would look awsome in the Colorado Deep Wood Green.

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  7. See, at first I didn’t like the GMC (lower trims and the Denali leave some to be desired for me) but wow! That is HOT!

    Reply
  8. Very good balance of chrome and non-chrome pieces on this truck vs the Denali. Love the blacked chrome pieces around the windows and the front fender badges also look less chromed out. You still get the touches of chrome on the mirrors, grille, and around the fogs. I hope more and more GM products will see the use of black chrome in certain trim levels. Not everyone loves bright old-school chrome on everything on their vehicle.

    Reply
  9. Love this truck. I think it will be a Silverado for me this round though, first time in 20 years I haven’t prefferred the GMC.

    They did a great job on both of them.

    Reply
  10. A few months ago preview pictures were out. Now these pictures really confirmed my view, I swear it’s a Ford. Similar headlight and taillights. Probably why the GMC logo is larger than ever.

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  11. They’ve leveled the front suspension for improved clearance and looks, but the front end and hood are definitely high and shelf-like. There’s very little slope to the hood or taper toward the fenders, which I suspect is going to make it that much harder to maneuver.

    Reply
    1. Of course now that I’ve thought about it, it might actually make some things, like parking, a little easier because you’ll be better able to tell where the edges of the vehicle are. But it will likely “feel” bigger behind the wheel in everyday driving.

      Reply
    2. The alternative would be a front end resembling the 97-04 F-150, but those trucks were butt ugly.

      Reply
  12. The 2019 GMC Sierra AT4 is a good looking truck. The design team has improved the apprearance. I hope they raise the HP in the 5.3 LTR V8 to 370 and the TRQ to 395.

    Reply
    1. Same power as last year but the truck now comes standard with the 8 and 10 speed transmissions and weighs up to 450 pounds less. It’ll feel like it has at least that much power.

      Reply
  13. I owned 3 different GMT400 trucks and now have a 2017 Ram, I’ll have to see this is quite good looking!

    Reply
  14. I hope the next Yukon doesn’t get those wheel openings. I like everything else on it.

    Reply
  15. This is going to be my next truck. But I really hope being a prototype that it doesn’t come with the Sierra across the tailgate like this. Makes it look to busy. The GMC is just fine by itself.

    Reply
    1. It comes with that, but thats not hard to remove.

      Reply

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