2019 GMC Sierra AT4's Off-Road Performance Package Actually Adds Power

Matthew Guy
by Matthew Guy

If you need to get somewhere off the beaten path just that much more quickly than The Other Guy – or maybe you simply want to one-up your neighbor and their new Sierra AT4 – GMC has an answer for you.

Despite being only about three seconds old, The General is already throwing a new package at the 2019 Sierra. Meant to layer on top of the off-road focused AT4 trim, this new option adds even more horses to the hand-of-god 6.2-liter V8.

And, for once, buyers actually save money by selecting the option package. Speed normally costs money – but not this time.

GMC says the Sierra AT4 Off-Road Performance Package has an MSRP of $4,940. For such a sum, owners will find themselves in possession of 15 extra horsepower and 9 lb-ft of torque, bringing output of the 6.2L to 435 hp and 469 units of twist. Bundled in the package are the 6.2L engine, GM’s cat-back performance exhaust system, and a performance air intake. A set of 275/65/18 Goodyear Wrangler M/T DuraTracs are part of the deal as well.

Breaking things down, those rubber hoops are available as a stand-alone option for just $295, which is a pretty good price all on its own. The performance air intake will set a buyer back $695 if they order it a la carte, while the cat-back performance exhaust system costs $1,595 all by itself.

Basic math teaches us that these items, already available on the GMC menu, tot up to $2,585. This means those who check the new AT4 Off-Road Performance Package option box are shelling out $2,355 for the hi-po “six-two.” If selected as a solo item, the stock 6.2L V8 adds $2,495 to the truck’s bottom line.

Save $90 and get more horsepower? We think that’s a good deal.

Introduced along with the rest of its high-trim models earlier this year, the AT4 is intended to compete with the Ram Rebel and its own half-brother, the Silverado Trail Boss. It has a 2-inch lift and a few skid plates right from the factory, along with off-road-tuned Rancho monotube shocks and a locking rear diff.

Unlike the Ram Rebel, whose styling suggests it constantly THIRSTS FOR BLOOD, the AT4 is content with its black-chrome finishes and color-keyed body accents. Take note: a Chevy Truck rep told me earlier this year that the Trail Boss gear can be dealer-installed on any trim Silverado, so it stands to reason the same applies to the Sierra and its AT4 equipment. If you want a Denali with a factory lift, go for it.

The Sierra AT4 Off-Road Performance Package is available now.

[Image: General Motors]

Matthew Guy
Matthew Guy

Matthew buys, sells, fixes, & races cars. As a human index of auto & auction knowledge, he is fond of making money and offering loud opinions.

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  • Wooootles Wooootles on Dec 19, 2018

    @Jon From GM's business standpoint, why sell base trim+'preferred' goodies when GM can just upsell you for a higher trim? You said it yourself, customers are willing to plunk down the extra cash/longer loan term anyways. So in reality It's less than the 20000 additional trucks you claim in your mafff (in which you applied 1 anecdotal sample to the entire Chevy/GMC dealer network). If it made sense dollar-wise, they would build them.

    • Jon Jon on Dec 19, 2018

      As frustrating as it it, you are correct. GM probably performed a detailed cost analysis and discovered that the profit from selling fewer premium trucks is greater than the profit from selling more lower level trucks. I just dont like electronic gadgets since i drive my vehicles to 250,000+ miles. They tend to be expensive to repair when the break.

  • PrincipalDan PrincipalDan on Dec 19, 2018

    "A set of 275/65/18 Goodyear Wrangler M/T DuraTracs are part of the deal as well." Real actual sidewalls! From the factory! It will just make me shake my head harder when I inevitably start seeing them with wagon wheels on them to make the Bros feel better.

  • Kwik_Shift_Pro4X As much problems as I had with my '96 Chevy Impala SS.....I would love to try one again. I've seen a Dark Cherry Metallic one today and it looked great.
  • Susan O’Neil There is a good reason to keep the Chevrolet Malibu and other 4 door family sedans! You can transport your parents and other somewhat handicapped people comfortably and safety! If someone can stand and pivot you can put them in your car. An armrest in the back seat is appreciated and a handle above the door! Oh…and leather seats so your passenger can slide across the seat! 😊Plus, you can place a full sized wheelchair or walker in the trunk! The car sits a little lower…so it’s doable! I currently have a Ford Fusion and we have a Honda Accord. Our previous cars were Mercury Sables-excellent for transporting handicapped people and equipment! As the population ages-sedans are a very practical choice! POV from a retired handicapped advocate and daughter! 😊
  • Freddie Remember those ads that say "Call your doctor if you still have...after four hours"?You don't need to call your doctor, just get behind the wheel of a CUV. In fact, just look at one.I'm a car guy with finite resources; I can't afford a practical car during the week plus a fun car on the weekend. My solution is my Honda Civic Si 4 door sedan. Maybe yours is a Dodge Charger (a lot of new Chargers are still on dealer lots).
  • Daniel J Interesting in that we have several weeks where the temperature stays below 45 but all weather tires can't be found in a shop anywhere. I guess all seasons are "good enough".
  • Steve Biro For all the talk about sedans vs CUVs and SUVs, I simply can’t bring myself to buy any modern vehicle. And I know it’s only going to get worse.
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