What Makes the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 a Better Off-Road Truck
Splashing through creeks, crashing through brush, and exploring unknown wilderness where few people have tread before doesn’t mean you have to leave all of the comforts of civilization behind. Once upon a time, going off-road meant relying on a barebones vehicle designed for capability above all else, including comfort, tech, and ride quality. These days, however, you can conquer just about any trail while also enjoying a vehicle with much to offer beyond performance. You can even choose a full-size truck like the GMC Sierra 1500 that’s perfect for getting tough jobs done, venturing off-road, and everything between.
Whether you’re looking for a GMC Sierra 1500 for sale or you’re simply interested in what all is out there, you should know there are some exciting changes coming for the 2024 model year. If you’re not inclined to leave the pavement, you might find that the current 2023 model has plenty to offer; but for robust off-road performance that also keeps you in the lap of luxury, the 2024 Sierra 1500 is one you’ll want to keep an eye on. Let’s take a closer look…
Bold Addition to the Sierra 1500 AT4X
Of all the updates for the 2024 Sierra 1500, we’re perhaps most excited about one that’s already generated a lot of buzz and has plenty of truck fans talking. For several years now, one of the best off-road trucks on the market has been the Sierra 1500 AT4, which transforms this fantastic pickup into a true off-road beast. Looking at the current 2023 model, the AT4 features 18-inch Mud-Terrain Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires, a two-speed Autotrac transfer case, an off-road suspension with Monotube Rancho shocks, and a two-inch factory lift, plus strong skid plates to protect the underside and much more.
While the AT4 was enough of an off-road truck for most drivers, GMC wanted to push things even further, so they introduced the AT4X trim as a new option for the 2022 Sierra 1500, providing an incredible combination of off-road performance and luxury. Looking at the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X as an example of just what we mean, it comes with a 6.2L V8 engine that offers 460 lb-ft of torque, along with an off-road suspension that includes a two-inch factory lift and incredible Multimatic DSSV dampers. This model also has exclusive options developed in partnership with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV), featuring a stamped-steel high approach front bumper, among much more.
Sophistication doesn’t take a backseat with the AT4X, which is what sets it apart from many other trail-ready vehicles, since it features a gorgeous 13.4-inch infotainment display with Google built-in, a 12-speaker Bose Premium sound system, and a 12.3-inch driver information screen. You’ll also find full-grain leather seating with 16-way power front seats that include power lumbar and massage functionality, plus heated and ventilated front seats. There’s also a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated rear seats, a wireless charging pad for compatible smartphones, a 15.0-inch multi-color head-up display (HUD), and much more. All of this makes the AT4X one of the most remarkable pieces of machinery you can find on the trail, elevating your off-road experience to tremendous new heights.
For the 2024 model year, GMC has recognized the importance of incredible performance in this beast, and the AT4X now comes with a fantastic 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine that delivers an astounding 495 lb-ft of torque. This legendary diesel engine has been around throughout this generation of the Sierra 1500, proving itself time and again. While the 6.2L V8 that was standard on the AT4X last year was certainly a great choice, we love seeing GMC embrace the power of their diesel engine—which they just updated for greater output just last year—making it the new standard for their most luxurious off-road machine.
Other Exciting Changes for 2024
While this new standard engine for the Sierra 1500 AT4X is huge news for off-road fans, it’s not the only thing worth getting excited about regarding this incredible truck. One of our favorite additions is that power-retractable assist steps are now offered on the Denali, Denali Ultimate, AT4X, and SLT models of the Sierra 1500. Since this is a full-size truck, getting in and out of it is not always an easy task, particularly for those of us with shorter legs or mobility restrictions. These assist steps extend automatically when getting into or out of the Sierra 1500 and then retract while you’re driving to ensure they do not strike an object or otherwise obstruct your experience on the road.
An active exhaust system is now available for the Sierra 1500 Denali, AT4, and SLT models, including the Denali Ultimate and AT4X trims. Offered on trucks with the incredible 6.2L V8 engine, this feature opens up the exhaust system when the pickup is in certain drive modes to create a deeper, more powerful exhaust sound from the engine. If you like the standard 2.7L turbocharged engine on the Sierra 1500 (we don’t blame you—with 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque, it’s one of our favorite engines on the market today), then you’ll be happy to know it’s now the introductory offering in GM’s new TurboMax series of engines; this new name gives us hope for more TurboMax engines in the years to come.
Along with these additions, you’ll also find some excellent aesthetic updates for the 2024 model year, giving you more ways to customize your Sierra 1500 and make it your own. Two new premium wheel options are available this year, along with new unique exterior paint colors: Downpour Metallic and Thunderstorm Gray. These new options might not be quite as dramatic as a diesel engine becoming standard on the most sophisticated and capable full-size truck on the trail, but they’re nice additions that give you more ways to express yourself with your pickup. Overall, it simply reaffirms what we already know: the GMC Sierra 1500 has become—and will continue to be—a high watermark for what we expect from a pickup.
The GMC Sierra 1500 Brings It All In
In some years, a company like GMC will revolutionize what we anticipate and deliver something entirely new to surpass our expectations. Other years, they build on what they already offer, improving on it and making it better than before while providing us with the kind of experience we have come to hope for. No matter what, GMC continues to make the finest trucks on the road, delivering remarkable performance, an exhilarating driving experience, and robust off-road capability.
The only thing that can match how well this truck drives is the incredible luxury and comfort that surrounds you when you get into the Sierra 1500. This truck was clearly designed and built by truck-lovers, for truck-lovers, to be something you’ll look forward to driving day after day for many years to come.
No matter what you’re searching for in a full-size truck, know that the GMC Sierra 1500 always delivers and comes through in ways that continue to surprise and reward us. The addition of their incredible Turbo-Diesel as the standard engine for their pinnacle off-road trim is the perfect example of that, illustrating exactly what GMC is all about. With so much to offer, we can’t wait to see what they’ll do next.