GMC’s 2016 Sierra All Terrain X goes for stealthy and sinister style

By Stephen Edelstein January 26, 2016

GMC is doubling down on special editions of its newly updated 2016 Sierra full-size pickup truck. The glitzy Denali trim level is already a major attractor of style-conscious truck buyers, but there are also All Terrain, Elevation Edition, and new Denali Ultimate options to choose from.

And the product planners aren’t stopping there. Unveiled at the Houston Auto Show in truck-loving Texas, the 2016 GMC Sierra All Terrain X focuses more on off-road toughness than luxury.

With its blacked-out exterior, the All Terrain X also looks like it would be at home patrolling the boundaries of Area 51. The light bar gives this truck a cool look, but it’s not the only new piece of jewelry. The All Terrain X also gets a model-specific grille and 18-inch wheels, as well as blacked-out exterior mirrors, side steps, and trim. GMC will offer it in other colors, but we doubt the All Terrain X will look quite as cool.

There’s some mechanical substance to back up the special-ops style, too. That includes an Eaton locking differential and the Z71 off-road package, which boasts Rancho monotone shocks, Hill Descent Control, and an underbody shield for some of the important mechanical bits. A performance exhaust system boosts output from the 5.3-liter V8 engine to 365 horsepower, and makes it sound meaner, too.

Interior changes are relatively minor. In addition to features offered on the base All Terrain model, the X includes floor liners, an inclinometer for the driver-information display, and a model-specific instrument cluster with the “All Terrain” logo. For 2016, most Sierra models get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as part of GMC’s Intellilink infotainment system.

The All Terrain X package is only available on Sierra 1500 models with four-wheel drive, the four-door crew cab, and short bed, as part of the midlevel SLT grade. It goes on sale this spring, giving GMC buyers yet another option to puzzle over at dealerships.

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Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

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