There are plenty of great reasons to buy a heavy-duty truck. First off, they give you the power to tow big trailers and carry heavy loads that other trucks can’t handle. They also are built tougher to stand up to the rigors of hard-driving. But not many of them can go off-road. Sure they may be tough, but they just aren’t built to handle trail conditions. These other heavy-duty trucks don’t feature the equipment you need when you go off-road. So if you want a heavy-duty truck that has all the capabilities of this model, but can also take you places that you thought you could only dream of, then you have to get behind the wheel of a 2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD AT4.
The AT4 trim has all the abilities of a GMC Sierra 2500HD with off-road capabilities that set it apart from other trucks in its class. That’s because GMC has equipped the Sierra 2500HD AT4 with off-road equipment that gives you the peace of mind that this truck can handle whatever obstacles are thrown in its way. So, you can take care of all your work during the day and spend the evenings and weekends exploring the trails.
Off-Road Capabilities That Exceed the Trail
The 2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD AT4 has some incredible off-road features that make it stand out in the crowd. It starts with a 4X4 drivetrain designed to give the AT4 the added traction you need when facing off-road obstacles. Let’s face it; standard RWD just won’t cut it when you’re out on the trail. To help in this regard, the Sierra 2500HD AT4 has a standard automatic locking rear differential. This Eaton Locker will automatically engage to lock and turn both rear wheels in unison under certain conditions, giving you added traction to get out of most obstacles.
The AT4 also features a special off-road suspension that helps it stand up to the rigors of off-roading, unlike any other heavy-duty truck. This is not some standard suspension system but one that has been designed specifically for this truck. This truck also has an Autotrac 2-speed transfer case with push-button controls. This will make shifting between 4WD and 2WD easy, so you can get better fuel efficiency in your Sierra 2500HD AT4 when you are driving in regular highway conditions.
The Autotrac provides four different driving modes: 2WD, 4WD, 4WD LO, and Auto. 2WD is for regular highway conditions, 4WD for snow and wet roads, while 4WD LO is designed for the deep sand and mud you will encounter on the trail, giving you maximum torque to each of the Sierra 2500HD’s four wheels. Auto mode keeps the truck in 2WD until the system senses slippage, in which case it automatically engages the 4WD to provide added traction. This switch may occur when you are driving, and it starts to rain or snow.
The Hill Descent Control on the AT4 is one feature you are sure to appreciate when you are out on a hilly trail. This feature uses the truck’s antilock braking system to provide a smoother descent in hilly conditions. It also helps you maintain control in this type of driving without reliance on the brake pedal, which could cause skidding. It is easy to use: just push the button, and the Hill Descent system will automatically engage.
The Sierra 2500HD AT4 may look the part with its gorgeous black beltline moldings and rugged exterior. But this truck does more than just look the part. It rides on 18-inch machined aluminum wheels with available 18-inch Mud Terrain tires that are ideal for trail conditions. GMC also offers an off-road high clearance step accessory that can help you and your passengers get into and out of your Sierra 2500HD AT4. There are two red vertical recovery hooks in the front of the truck to assist in getting out of tight spots. The Sierra 2500HD AT4 also has multiple skid plates protecting the front underbelly, oil pan, differential case, and transfer case to help make sure you do not damage these vital areas of your truck when you are out off-roading.
Two Great Engines to Get You Through the Trails
The 2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD AT4 comes equipped with a 6.6-liter V-8 gas engine paired with a Hydra-Matic 6L90 6-speed automatic transmission. This engine features a double overhead cam design with direct injection and variable valve timing to improve overall efficiency, producing 401 horsepower and generating 464 lb-ft of torque. GMC has designed this engine so that you can use E85 FlexFuel if you so desire. When equipped with this gas engine, the Sierra 2500HD AT4 has a maximum conventional towing capacity of 14,500 pounds and carries 3,862 pounds of cargo in its payload bed.
GMC offers an optional 6.6-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel V-8 engine. This comes equipped with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission that is electronically controlled with overdrive for smooth-shifting performance. It also features Auto Grade Braking that automatically downshifts the engine to reduce the need for braking, particularly when traveling downhill. This Turbo-Diesel engine comes with an engine block heater that will help the engine turnover on cold days, an exhaust brake, and an engine after run feature for cooling performance. The Turbo-Diesel can produce up to 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. The 2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD AT4 can carry up to 3,597 pounds of cargo in its payload and tow up to 18,500 pounds when properly equipped.
As you can see, if you choose a GMC Sierra 2500HD AT4, you won’t have to compromise on performance in order to get all those off-road features. Too many other truck makers make the mistake of having their buyers have to choose between the off-road capabilities of a truck and its ability to serve the other functions we need when we buy a heavy-duty pickup truck. The folks at GMC understand this, which is why you can get the best of both worlds with your Sierra 2500HD AT4.
Great Features Inside as Well
GMC offers the 2021 Sierra 2500HD AT4 with a standard crew cab as well as your choice of a standard 6’9” box or an 8’ long box. The crew cab gives you two full rows of seats with two full-size doors, so your back row passengers will have plenty of legroom to stretch out. There is a full 139 cubic feet of passenger space for up to 5 passengers.
The AT4 has a surprisingly refined interior for a truck that is designed for off-roading. The front seats are heated and ventilated perforated leather-appointed bucket seats with a front center console that includes cup holders, a cell phone storage space, and power cord management areas. The rear outboard seats are heated and leather as well. Premium floor mats with removable carpet inserts come standard on the AT4 to better protect the truck’s interior after a hard day out on the trail. To keep your passengers entertained, GMC has outfitted the AT4 with a Premium GMC Infotainment System on an 8-inch touchscreen. This system includes Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a 6-speaker audio system, and SiriusXM satellite radio.
To better access your cargo, the 2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD AT4 features a GMC Multi-Pro Tailgate. This has six separate functions to make it easier to load and unload things from your truck’s cargo box. It also features hitch area lighting and a power lock and release function. GMC has also made its Hitch Guidance system standard on the Sierra 2500HD AT4. This includes Hitch View and GMC ProGrade Trailering System, making it safer and easier to hitch a trailer to your truck.
Let the Sierra 2500HD AT4 Take You There
If you are looking to go off-roading and also want a heavy-duty truck, the 2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD AT4 may not only be your best choice but also your only choice. With a choice of two great engines, standard crucial off-road equipment, and an interior that will make you forget you’re in a truck, the Sierra 2500HD AT4 is built to take on the trail and to do it in style. This truck is the perfection of heavy-duty power and off-road excitement that will let you work hard and play harder.
