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Trucks are getting more and more sophisticated by the year as every manufacturer is trying to come up with something new and different that will make their model stand out in the crowd. So it is with GM as one can now get the AT4 or Off-Road edition of its truck with a diesel engine that can pull up to 13,200 pounds, an increase of more than 4,000 over last year’s model.

A couple of years ago, we had planned a four-day mini vacay to St. George. It gave us the perfect chance to give the new GMC a real-world challenge, not only out on the open road but also some of the southern Utah desert. Back then, the truck handled beautifully and we were excited to get in the AT4 two years later.

This year, however, our chance with the new Sierra came in December during a week that included receiving 8 inches of snow on the second morning we had the truck. Well, what better way to get out and get through the worst Mother Nature has to offer in the Utah mountains than more snow than we saw during all of last year?

This highly powerful truck had absolutely no problem with any of it, including the ice that came after the snow. Our neighborhood roads were covered with it for a week as the city was caught ill prepared for such a large dumping of the white stuff so early in the season.

Since the launch of the new Sierra a couple of years ago, one great addition that has found its way into the truck is adaptive cruise control. This one feature is truly a necessity we have come to love and enjoy, especially as Craig had to make a trip up to Ogden at the end of the week. The cruise helped him get through all the traffic problems during the afternoon return trip.

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We are so glad to see this feature making its way into trucks, a segment that seems to have taken longer to get to than others.

Our test ride came in a beautiful white color that made keeping it clean for the week easy. With black 18-inch polished wheels and black running boards, it looked ready to conquer just about anything.

The truck featured Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires, and we thought the ride around town may be a little rough; however, this was not the case. It seemed as smooth as being in a sedan and, on top of that, we averaged just over 24 mpg with the new Duramax 3.0-liter I-6 turbodiesel engine for our week.

Coupled with the new 10-speed transmission, this engine was stronger than we would have imagined and did a fine job of handling both the freeway and city roads we encountered during our week with the AT4.

Now able to tow up to 13,200 pounds (which we didn’t get a chance to test), it should prove to be the best in class. After close to 400 miles in the AT4, we were completely taken with the new engine. However, one will have to weigh the abilities with the cost of fuel when deciding whether to diesel or not to diesel.

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Another highlight was the huge multicolor heads-up display in the front window that was customizable but kept our speed and any navigational directions front and center. We never had to look down — a huge help, especially on a long road trip. Four-wheel drive information could also be displayed, so if you were out climbing, everything was right up front on the windshield!

During the past year and a half, we have driven a few different GM vehicles that feature the new LED screen rearview mirror. Using a rear camera, an image is projected on the mirror showing what is behind the vehicle. It is adjustable and can be made to fit the driver’s comfort zone easily.

However, in the past, we’ve found it hard to stop switching back to the normal rearview mirror we are accustomed to and actually use this technology. This time, we took the opportunity to keep the screen on for the entire week.

By the end of the week, we had adapted completely to the new rear vision and loved the way it made the nighttime view seem even brighter than the normal mirror. It will now be hard to use a regular mirror. It is also nice to be able to see what is behind the truck no matter how many items you’ve placed in the back seat.

The AT4 comes standard with all kinds of four-wheel drive options, including hill descent control and a traction control system that allowed us to choose the type of terrain we were in.

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Also, standard is the new Multipro Tailgate system designed by GM and only available so far on GM trucks. It allows the tailgate to literally split in half and make a work bench when folded down. When all the way down, it allows easier access to the truck bed and even an extra step up into the bed. The extra step came in very handy with the additional 2-inch lift on the AT4.

Inside, the truck was clad in beautiful black leather with inlaid brown accents and stitching. The front seats were both heated and cooled along with heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel included — all standard.

The infotainment package proved vital in getting around as we navigated around town and up to Ogden and back. The 8-inch high-definition screen would become your best friend when used during off-roading and when backing out of any tight spots because of the many different cameras located around the truck.

The new AT4 would be a great addition to anyone’s garage, and with the new diesel engine, it would prove to be a great hauler with improved gas mileage. We thoroughly enjoyed our winter week in the truck.

Base price: $56,300

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Destination charge: $1,695

Price as driven: $64,155

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