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2022 GMC Sierra AT4X First Drive Review | Luxury off-roader

BORREGO SPRINGS, Calif. – What does the 2022 GMC Sierra AT4X have in common with the Aston Martin Vulcan, Mercedes-AMG GT, Camaro ZL1 and Ford GT? The answer: Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers. These dampers – or shock absorbers as theyÂ’re also called – are a lot like the adaptive dampers found in many sport and luxury vehicles. In a general sense, they allow drivers to select how soft or firm a ride they want, but the Multimatic dampers are quicker to respond and have additional benefits related to off-roading.  Off-roading is the main reason this new AT4X model has been added to the Sierra lineup this year, along with its elevated levels of luxury. ItÂ’s a big step up from the existing less-capable AT4 trim, which misses out on the DSSV dampers, electronically locking front and rear differentials, and 32-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac Mud-Terrain tires. The timing of this debut coincides with a significant overhaul for the entire 2022 Sierra lineup, including revised styling, a more muscular 2.7-liter turbo-four engine, and most notably, an interior overhaul that replaces this generationÂ’s dull and outdated dashboard with a fresh, modern and more competitive interpretation bolstered by a large 13.4-inch touchscreen powered by the Android Automotive OS. Upping the luxury further is a new, fully-loaded Denali Ultimate trim that includes the Super Cruise automated driving system, though our time in the revised 2022 Sierra was almost entirely in the AT4X. In addition to the off-road equipment and interior improvements listed above, the Sierra AT4X features the 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 as standard equipment, improved underbody skid plates, and a new Terrain drive mode. But thatÂ’s not all, because the AT4X is also differentiated by the X-less AT4 with a cabin thatÂ’s almost as extravagant as that luxurious Denali model, minus the availability of Super Cruise. Ventilated seats with massage functions, premium leather upholstery, wood trim and Bose audio are all standard. Altogether, this big truck could be the perfect way to get to your next glamping adventure. We had the opportunity to check out the AT4XÂ’s capabilities within the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, a few hours east of San Diego. There, we encountered long stretches of dried riverbeds, narrow chokepoints as well as steep climbs and descents. After dropping pressures in the Goodyear mud-terrain tires to a flaccid 15 psi, we skimmed through the silted riverbeds with ease.

2025 GMC Terrain is redesigned with bolder style and big tech

The 2025 GMC Terrain is here, and it’s following in the footsteps of its Chevrolet Equinox cousin but bringing the traditional GMC twist to the party. Its fresh design is noticeable straight away with a new front end inspired by the GMC Canyon. The front hood is substantially higher than before giving it a more muscular look, and the same bulking is evident in its emphasized fenders. An optional painted roof gives it some flash – itÂ’s painted gray for black cars (pictured above) and black in every other case. Bigger wheels up to 20 inches in diameter are available on the Denali. And speaking of trims, there are now just three: Elevation, AT4 and Denali. For 2025, the Elevation is the only model that will be on sale. GMC says both the AT4 and Denali models will follow later for model year 2026, and you can see a preview of those in the group photo below. They each have their own grille designs, wheel options and unique styling cues. As youÂ’d expect from the AT4, it also features an off-road-tuned suspension, small lift (by 12 mm) all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, recovery hooks and a special “terrain” drive mode. The Denali has its own pluses like “Smart Frequency Dampers” for a better ride, tons more standard luxury equipment and the 20-inch wheels. What is common across all trims is the powertrain. Every next-gen Terrain will be equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. ThatÂ’s the same powertrain as the new Equinox, and while GM has indicated it will move to more hybrid options, thereÂ’s no word on if the Terrain would be a candidate for that strategy. The 2025 model will be all-wheel drive exclusively, but GMC tells us youÂ’ll be able to select a front-drive version come the 2026 model year. If you want to tow, though, youÂ’ll need the AWD version that maxes out at 1,500 pounds. The 2025 TerrainÂ’s interior gets a massive overhaul thatÂ’ll remind you of other new GMC products with its tall portrait-oriented touchscreen. ThereÂ’s the 15-inch screen in the center thatÂ’s accompanied by an 11-inch digital cluster, of which both are standard equipment. It runs Android Automotive software that nets you Google Maps as the native navigation system and the Google Assistant for voice queries. Both wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto remain onboard, though, as GM promised would be the case for its gas-powered vehicles.

GM exploring ways to raise half-ton Duramax diesel tow rating

Lots of truck owners cheered when GM announced fuel economy numbers for the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado with the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel inline-six. Even after Ram let loose its EPA mileage ratings for the 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, the Chevy oil-burner still took the trophy. The victory was years in the making, GM engineers spending an entire four-year development cycle refining the LM2 Duramax to increase mileage. The tradeoff, as well all know by now, is towing; the Duramax in half-ton duty pulls a maximum 9,300 pounds in the Silverado. Rivals across town can do more, the Ford F-150 PowerStroke rated at 11,500, the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel game to pull 12,560. GM engineer John Barta told Muscle Cars & Trucks that more hauling chops could be on the way, explaining, "We’re actually looking at upgrading some of the materials around (the engine bay) to see if we can maybe raise our tow rating." Engine bay materials are at issue due to thermal complexities underhood. John Barta, GM's assistant chief engineer of diesel engine controls, said the Duramax's inline-six configuration allowed engineers to get emissions hardware like the combined selective catalytic reduction, diesel oxidation catalysts, and diesel particulate filter unit closer to the engine, where it heats up quicker, getting emissions down quicker. But that filter puts another heat source in those confines, enforcing a cap on the tow rating to keep the engine and other systems from overheating. "If you look under the hood," he said, "youÂ’ll see a significant amount of silver ‘moon tapeÂ’ around to make sure things arenÂ’t getting overheatedÂ… if we were to go up in higher towing, which we can, we start impacting the possibility of deteriorating some of the components.” There isn't much space for more grille, so swapping for a better grade of "moon tape" or a different kind of material could reduce engine bay heat, extracting a higher tow rating in the process.  It's important to note a point Barta's been making for months about the Duramax figures, though. "Even though itÂ’s nice to brag about big numbers, in reality, light duty customers are not towing that large with their trucks," and, "We do know that (95 percent) of our light duty customers donÂ’t tow over 9,000 pounds." On our First Drive of the 2020 Silverado diesel we called out the tow rating, but emphasized that the Chevy and GMC have more important challenges to overcome.