Help w/ Decision between All Terrain or Regular 4x4??

440hsp · April 14, 2015

Guys, I have been back and forth on the decision between the standard 4x4 or All Terrain package. We will be moving to Colorado here in the next 6 months to a year. I'm trying to get the jump on trading my 2wd 2014 in on a 2015 4wd because warranty drops on the 2016's. I really like the All Terrain package but it only offers the 3.23 rear end with the 6.2 8spd unless you get the the max tow package. Max tow isn't offered with the All Terrain package ( DANG IT) !!! Also can't get the a/c seats in the All Terrain. Is the a/c seats really needed in Colorado? I Really like the All Terrain looks ( same color bumber and grill) but I know that a black interior is HOT!!!

Just wanted to hear any pros and cons of all terrain vs anybody that uses the max tow 4wd. Trying to make a decision before I bite the bullet and order.

Isriam · April 14, 2015

the AT is gonna ride rougher than the regular. thats about the only difference other than the 3.23 rear. 3.23 8 speed = 3.42 6 speed.

jamin87ss · April 14, 2015

A/T all the way, stand out in the crowd

thefishhawk · April 14, 2015

Guy in Colorado here....a few thoughts.

You didn't say what you were towing but I would only get the max tow if you really need it. For normal campers and trailers you won't have any problem, even over the mountains.

If you aren't living in the mountains Colorado can be pretty hot. I use my a/c seats all the time and I don't have a black interior. (dune) If you like to explore and travel our neighbors are Utah, NM, AZ, WY, more hot desert. It's nice with the leather, but like all the luxury add-ons, needed? idk, but nice. In Denver we'll get a week or more of 100+, lots of 90's during the summer. On the west slope you'd have a couple months of 90+ all the time. So you can get a/c seats with Z71 in Chevy but not with AT on GMC? I guess I thought they were the same thing.

I would be worried about the painted bumper myself, just hearing the paint chip stories on the board. You would have to get it protected. All the snow, gravel, and generally rocky environment make our highways a flying rock obstacle course. Those who use I-70 and ski or camp regularly just plan on getting new windshields every year or two.

you will definitely appreciate the 4wd, especially the Auto feature. great for driving around town in the winter.

oakleyguy · April 14, 2015

Why not just go for the Denali and get it all?

I have the AT version in Texas and it's not that big of a deal. I just use the remote start before i'm leaving and the seats aren't that bad. Plus, I like the interior colors of the AT more than the standard 4x4.

sahls01gmc · April 14, 2015

Tinted windows do a lot for black interiors....

Go with the All Terrain. We will all be waiting for you to thank us!

Clocked92 · April 14, 2015

I got an AT mostly because I like the looks of them. Cooled seats weren't that much of an issue for me as I live in Canada. They would be nice for the 4 months we do get summer but I can live without them. Heated seats on the other hand were a must-have.

I like the Red stitching vs. the White in all the other Sierras. To me the AT stands out compared to all the other Sierra's on the road. I can't count the amount of times someone has mentioned they like my truck and that they don't see many with the All terrain package around. That being said, the AT is basically just an appearance package, the 4x4 Z71 Sierra's will have the same suspension as any AT truck does.

TJay74 · April 14, 2015

Also the AT also gets the factory G80 locker as well along with some other features that you don't get unless you opt for the Z71 package on the SLT Sierra.

I have an AT as well, this is my second one and I love it. the wheels, the paint and the exclusiveness of the package.

440hsp · April 14, 2015

Man, thanks guys for the quick responses. The trip we took to Colorado caused me to have to change my windshield when I got back to Texas. Rock caught the pass. side corner and cracked it half way ( lol).

Sorry about not specifying what's being towed. When we move it will be my wife's Subaru Legacy or my srt4 plus whatever doesn't fit in the moving truck I'll be driving. Was just worried about my wife with a trailer coming through the hills and mountains.

The only other thing really is the a/c seats. I live in Houston and wish I had them. Truck went in for service not too long ago and they gave me a loaner that had them. That was pretty dang nice.

I know the auto locker in the rear sounded very useful in the AT because I know i will use it.

Btw tjay74 , where do you live?

ConnRadd · April 14, 2015

Fellow Houstonian!

A/C in the seats are one of my main requirements in buying a new vehicle. Lol

I agree, the AT does look really nice.

Dropsix · April 14, 2015

Also the AT also gets the factory G80 locker as well along with some other features that you don't get unless you opt for the Z71 package on the SLT Sierra.

I have an AT as well, this is my second one and I love it. the wheels, the paint and the exclusiveness of the package.

I thought the G80 came with the towing package.

ConnRadd · April 15, 2015

I thought the G80 came with the towing package.

Drop six, you are correct! I see it on my order.

440hsp · April 15, 2015

Connrad, which one did you order again??

ConnRadd · April 15, 2015

GMC SLT 6.2 standard box with max trailering

440hsp · April 15, 2015

Nicely done ConnRadd. I sure do like the idea of the 6.2 with the 3.42 rear end and the 8spd. That should be like having the 3.73 rear end they offered on the 2014's.