Silky Smooth Diesel Deliverer
With trucks continuously topping sales charts, it doesn’t seem like fuel economy is top of mind for many buyers. But there are those who do prioritize it, and demand function alongside economy. That’s where trucks like the Sierra Duramax come in. Given how immensely popular trucks are, and will continue to be, it’s rarely a bad time to be a truck fan. The arms race of innovation cast over the segment means there will likely always be something new and different to choose from – and the Sierra delivers – right where you put your deliveries.
The Sierra’s party piece is its so-called ‘MultiPro’ tailgate. It’s a multi-folding back end that can be configured in all manner of different ways. And to make things fancier, the cargo box itself is crafted from carbon fiber. But back to the MultiPro. What may seem like a gimmick at first is honestly quite functional – especially with all the locations to tie awkward cargo down. The carbon fiber construction also means it’s damn tough – and lighter than a traditional bed. The CarbonPro box will set you back nearly $4,800, but it’ll also add some convenience like wireless charging. We’re still not sure how the two are related, but that’s okay.
Powering all that capability is the optional 3.0L Duramax diesel. It’s an inline-6 making 277 horsepower. But what really matters is the torque. All 460 lb-ft of it. Mated to a 10-speed automatic, this is astonishingly smooth in doling out power and torque. It’s pretty decent on gas too, for something of this stature. Despite its massive road presence, we still averaged around 13 L/100km during a week of very mixed driving. You could easily push it further if you wanted to. Unfortunately it was the middle of winter and I get cold easily so the heat was constantly on blast. Sorry. Some might find the ride to be a little too soft and bouncy. You do feel everything happening on the road, but at least it's in a gentle manner.
It's pretty hard to deviate from the standard pickup truck formula externally, so let’s look at the interior. For a truck as expensive as this one, the Sierra felt nice, but dated. 5 years ago, it’d be wonderful. But we hope to see something a little more worthy of this nearly $80,000 vehicle. The hard, plastic surfaces, cheap feeling buttons, and a gear lever that was happy to gently bounce with each bump on the road (while holding gear) detracted from the kind of faux-luxe the interior’s design seems to hint at. But it’s really not a bad place to be once you get past that. Visibility is impeccable. Headroom is borderline cavernous for my short self. Adults can easily fit in the back too, without compromise. You’ll also get more than enough power outlets for keeping anything and everything charged – and of course, plenty of cupholders.
Despite being so old school in concept, the modern truck is king of our roads, so they have to be livable too. This one is pretty loaded with all manner of tech, from 15 camera views, USB A and C ports, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, Wireless charging, countless sensors for parking, lane changing, your blind spot and so much more. Granted, many of these are optional. But they make driving such a large vehicle feel safe and comfortable. Plus – most importantly, they keep you and your occupants safe as well.
Is the Sierra AT4 Duramax the truck for you? Chances are, yes. While many still buy trucks to use them as the utility vehicle they were made to be, there are an equal or greater amount who buy them for the image. But the good news is, the Sierra can fit both profiles easily. It’s trick cargo box is both strong and capable, while it drives and rides comfortably, with a multitude of room to spare. Sure its interior might be a little dated, but hey, trucks can be old school to a fault sometimes.
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