2023 GMC SIERRA

GMC SIERRA OFFERS MYRIAD OF CHOICES WHEN IT COMES TO OUTFITTING A PICKUP 

Imports pretty much have taken over the sedan, SUV/crossover, and coupe markets, but there is one automotive segment that U.S. products still dominate. We Americans love our pickup trucks.

Not only do domestic products — i.e., Ford F Series, Ram, and Chevrolet Silverado — dominate their segment, they also were 1-2-3 in U.S. sales of all vehicles through the third quarter of this year.

Just behind them is another home-grown entry. The GMC Sierra, a slightly more upscale version of the Silverado, comes in at No. 4 in the segment, comfortably ahead of other full-size pickups like the Toyota Tundra and Nissan Titan and even compact pickups like the Toyota Tacoma and GMC’s own Canyon.

The 2023 GMC Sierra is all about variety with four engine choices, three cab configurations, and, with the introduction of the new AT4X model, eight different trim levels to choose from. There’s even an all-electric version in the works. GMC says the GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 will be available in early 2024.

This review is based on the 2023 GMC Sierra AT4X trim that carries a starting MSRP of $79,295 including a hefty $1,795 destination and delivery charge. (Note: You might find different numbers when searching the web, but that is what our spec sheet showed.)

Options quickly get that to over $80,000. For example, Rocker Protection adds $1,195. It protects rocker panels and also keeps you from getting stuck on rocks or tree stumps on your more aggressive off-roading ventures. Those bars run under the doors and if not a true running board to aid in getting in or out at least serve as a running “rail” to step up on.

With a starting price approaching the $80,000 mark and near the top of the Sierra portfolio (only the Denali Ultimate at over $82,000 is costlier), you would expect a long list of standard equipment, and you get it.

Though the hands-free driving system dubbed Super Cruise will be available only on Denali models, the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X comes with features that include the 6.2-liter V8 engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, full-grain leather seats with a massage function, a multi-pro tailgate that provides a desk-like surface to work on, a premium sound system, LED headlights and taillights as well as LED fog and daytime running lights, keyless entry and push-button start, heated front and rear and ventilated front seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual zone climate control, and spray-on bedliner.

Safety systems include automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, front pedestrian warning, lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning, blind-spot alert, front and rear parking assist, rear cross-traffic braking, and an HD surround view camera with bed view.

In addition to the off-roading enhancements found on the AT4 like the two-speed transfer case, hill descent control, all-terrain tires, recovery hooks, skid plates, and adjustable traction control, the 2023 GMC Sierra AT4X also gets off-road specific adaptive dampers, and electronic front and rear locking differentials.

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X comes only with the 6.2L V8, the largest among the choices in the Sierra lineup. It is rated at 420 horsepower with 460 pound-feet of available torque which can provide up to 13,000 pounds towing capacity depending on the configuration.

Fuel numbers are 14 miles-per-gallon city, 17 highway, and 15 combined, which the EPA estimates will cost you an extra $10,500 more in fuel costs over the average new vehicle.

What I liked about the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X: The cabin is spacious and comfortable, and the numerous tech features are pretty user-friendly. Probably the best safety feature is the standard surround-view camera, especially when maneuvering in a crowded parking garage. There’s plenty of storage space, including under the back seat.

What I didn’t like about the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X: While the available 13.4-inch, hi-res touchscreen provides a clear picture for you to work with, side streets on the navigation map need more contrast for easier viewing at a glance. I would like a knob to tune the radio dial.instead of holding my finger down on an  arrow on the touchscreen. It’s OK to climb up into the cabin but getting down from it requires extra care so your foot doesn’t slip off the round surface of the rocker protection bars.

Would I buy the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X? I personally do not need a pickup of any size and particularly one of the Sierra’s heft. But the Sierra is all about choices and if your budget can accommodate the higher trims it is worth a look.