2022 GMC Sierra AT4X and Denali Ultimate Review

Four hours north of Toronto, the Bruce Peninsula is the quintessential Canadian landscape – a Group of Seven work, writ large.

While the highways offer a more direct route for the impatient, it’s the winding side roads that make the journey worthwhile. The less predictable route features pavement just as varied, so a vehicle that’s comfortable on both is a bonus. The new 2022 GMC Sierra AT4X we’re piloting filled that bill admirably.

GM’s truck interiors have had their fair share of criticism in the past – their dour materials, hard plastics and rather rudimentary connectivity systems couldn’t compete with the luxurious offerings of their competitors. For 2022, all Sierra models received a makeover with interiors that finally put them on level footing against all rivals. All but the base Pro trim now feature a 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster, and a Google-driven 13.4 inch touchscreen with Voice Assistant. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard, and bucket seat-equipped vehicles now get a centre console mounted electronic shifter (more on that later), except Pro trim, which comes retain’s last year’s interior and the column-mounted gear selector.

The new Ultimate trim cranks the Denali swank factor up to 11 with leather wrapped wheel and door panels; open-pore wood trim; 16-way power adjustable front seats with massage; 15” head-up display, lightweight carbon fibre pickup bed, available hands-free Super Cruise, and available advanced towing tech. Even the more rugged, outdoor-focused AT4X boasted a well-appointed cabin with the aforementioned massaging seats; the same trick camera-view rear mirror that debuted with Cadillac; tons of interior cubby space, wireless phone charger; wifi hotspot; and 13.4’ landscape touchscreen with Google assistant. The google interface is really slick, with an attractive, uncluttered “desktop” and simple “pinch and drag” functions familiar to any tablet or smartphone user.

I particularly liked having the option to drag icons for frequently used apps like the phone or camera, and placing them in the side toolbar. The Google voice recognition is first rate too: instead getting increasingly frustrated at having “Peterborough” interpreted as “Pittsburg” it’s refreshing to have a system that works so well, and so easily. A simple “Hey Google” enables the driver to ask for directions, select a radio station, or find the nearest gas station – without taking a hand off the wheel or eyes off the road.

The T-shaped electronic shifter poses a bit of learning curve and more than once I found myself revving hard and going nowhere after mistakenly putting it into park instead of drive.
Now available on the Denali Ultimate is the hands-free Super Cruise system introduced by Cadillac. It’s an impressive piece of tech that when conditions are right, and if the vehicle is on one of the system’s 320,000 kms of pre-mapped roads; will notify you that you’re safe to remove your hands from the wheel and let the truck do the driving. It can accurately navigate curves, keep a safe distance from traffic, and change lanes to pass (when not towing) – all without any driver input. But it’s not full-on autonomous driving yet. It only works under optimum conditions and still requires the driver’s attention.

As far as towing tech wizardry goes, in my opinion, GM’s is hands-down the winner in its segment. A suite of 8 cameras provide up to 15 views, including the brilliant “transparent trailer” which uses various cameras to simulate looking through the trailer, giving you an unobstructed and stress-free view of what’s beside and behind. We tried this system when it debuted, towing big loads through the Oregon mountains and were pretty impressed with the confidence inspired by having unimpeded vision around the rig. You can store profiles for up to five different trailers in this app. Having the camera views displayed on that giant new touchscreen is a game-changer.

Both vehicles came with the standard 6.2L V8 engine with 420hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Featuring dynamic fuel management with cylinder deactivation, this engine is rated at 14 L/100 km combined (16 city, 12 highway), which lines up with our observed 14.1L/100 km combined. The Denali Ultimate also offers a 3.0L inline six cylinder diesel producing 277 hp and 460 lb-ft. Denali vehicles equipped with 6.2L powertrain and tow package have a max tow rating of 13,000 lbs. That number drops to 8,900 for the AT4X.

Sierra introduced the off-road equipped AT4 trim in 2019, and adding the X-factor gives this truck decent trail-busting chops.

The AT4X isn’t a rock-bashing, desert runner like the Ford Raptor or Ram TRX, but straddles the line between full-on purpose built trail machine and regular hauler quite nicely. It’s the swankier alternative to the Silverado ZR2: an off-roader that can massage your back and chill your buns while you’re out in the bush. It features the same two-inch lift as the AT4, but the springs have been re-engineered to provide an extra two inches of wheel travel up front, and an extra inch in the rear. Approach angle is 25.5 degrees, and departure angle is 22.7.

Of course the big news is its addition of Canadian-engineered Multimatic DSSV shocks. Using precisely-tuned, variable-diameter spool valves, the shocks emulate automatic dampers by absorbing extreme amounts of compression on the trail, yet delivering a comfortable, pliant ride on the pavement.

The AT4X also gets two new electronic locking differentials one for each axle instead of GM’s previous auto locking mechanical units. Instead of waiting for wheel slip to engage the system, the driver can select which axle to lock from the bank of toggle switches on the centre console to engage it immediately. Since the competition (Ford Raptor and Tremor) uses limited slip units up front, that makes the AT4X and sibling ZR2 the only light duty trucks to have true locking front diffs.

Conveniently, we’re provided an enormous gravel pit to switch to Off Road mode and experience the AT4X’s capabilities in deep sand, steep uphill gravels, rock trails and some dramatically off-camber moguls. Using 4LO and employing the locking differentials dramatically improved our ability to climb out of some sticky spots. My only complaint was with the location of the transfer case dial – instead of being conveniently located on the centre console (as with the just revealed Canyon AT4X) it’s tucked away to the left of the steering wheel and easily confused with the light switch.
Terrain mode is for slow trails requiring a bit of finesse to avoid obstacles. In low-range 4LO, this mode lets you use one-pedal driving similar to that found in EVs: just lift off the gas and the brakes will engage. The camera app found on the touchscreen is a bonus and acts as another set of eyes outside the truck.

FAQs

Is the 2022 GMC Sierra changing for 2022?

Yes, there are mild updates on the exterior and more substantial changes to the interior. Two new trims are also available for 2022. 

How much will the 2022 GMC Sierra cost?

The 2002 GMC Sierra AT4X starts at a price of $77,395 while the Denali Ultimate begins at $81,900. 

What colors does the 2022 GMC Sierra come in?

The 2022 GMC Sierra AT4X is available in seven colors while the Denali Ultimate can be had in 5 colors.