If you’re tired of watching gas prices jump around every week and wondering whether an electric truck actually makes financial sense, the 2026 GMC Sierra EV AT4 might be worth a closer look.
After spending a week driving the Sierra EV AT4 around western Nebraska, including a three-hour drive home from Denver, I came away thinking this truck answers a question truck buyers are increasingly asking with rising gas prices: Is an EV truck finally practical enough to replace a traditional gas-powered pickup?
The answer depends on how you use your truck.
What Is the GMC Sierra EV AT4?
First, before we get into IF it can replace your gas or diesel truck, let’s first discuss what IT is.
The GMC Sierra EV AT4 is the off-road-focused version of GMC’s all-electric full-size pickup truck. Built on General Motors’ Ultium battery platform, it combines traditional truck capability with an electric powertrain designed to deliver impressive range, instant torque, and advanced technology.
Unlike a conventional Sierra 1500, the Sierra EV uses a skateboard-style battery layout with the battery pack mounted beneath the floor. That design lowers the center of gravity, improves handling, and helps maximize interior space.
The AT4 trim adds off-road-oriented features including 35″ all-terrain tires, 2″ lift unique styling, red recovery hooks, and an air suspension system designed to improve both ride quality and capability. It also includes GMC’s MultiPro tailgate, the innovative MidGate cargo extension system, rear-wheel steering, and available Super Cruise hands-free driving technology.
Power comes from dual electric motors that provide all-wheel drive and immediate acceleration. Depending on configuration, the Sierra EV offers up to 476 miles of driving range, making it one of the longest-range electric trucks currently available.
In many ways, the Sierra EV AT4 isn’t trying to replace a heavy-duty work truck. Instead, it targets buyers looking for a premium daily driver that can still handle truck duties such as hauling gear, towing recreational trailers (check out our towing review), and tackling weekend adventures.
The Range Changes the Conversation
One of the biggest hurdles for electric trucks has always been range anxiety.
The Sierra EV AT4 largely eliminates that concern.
During my drive home from Denver International Airport, the truck used roughly less than half of its battery charge over a journey of around 200 miles driving at highway speeds. While winter temperatures will reduce range, the overall experience was impressive for a full-size off-road truck riding on large all-terrain tires.
Frankly, when GMC first announced range numbers approaching 500 miles, I was skeptical. Large tires, an off-road suspension package and the added weight of a truck typically work against efficiency.
Yet somehow GMC’s engineers made it happen.
Charging Isn’t the Problem Many People Think It Is
One of the most common arguments against EV ownership is charging.
After years of testing electric vehicles, I continue to believe charging is one of the most misunderstood aspects of ownership.
For owners with access to a Level 2 home charger, the experience is remarkably simple. Plug in at night, wake up with a full battery and rarely think about fueling again.
Public fast charging can be more expensive than home charging, but it is also becoming more available, even in rural parts of the country. Fast chargers are now available in places like Cheyenne, Wyoming, making regional travel significantly easier than it was just a few years ago.
Is charging as convenient as filling a gas tank in five minutes?
No.
But it’s also not the major obstacle many critics claim it is.
The Sierra EV Drives Better Than Its Size Suggests
One surprise with the Sierra EV AT4 is just how easy it is to drive.
Despite its full-size dimensions, rear-wheel steering dramatically improves maneuverability. Parking lots, tight turns and urban driving situations feel much less intimidating than they do in many traditional half-ton pickups.
My wife spent time driving the truck and immediately noticed the difference. Compared with our Ford F-150 equipped with a six-foot bed, the Sierra EV felt significantly smaller and easier to place on the road.
The electric powertrain also delivers instant acceleration.
Put your foot down and the truck moves immediately. There’s no waiting for turbochargers to spool up or transmissions to downshift. Power is available the moment you ask for it.
For daily commuting, errands and family driving duties, it’s difficult not to appreciate how smooth and effortless the experience feels.
Features That Make Everyday Ownership Easier
The Sierra EV offers several practical features beyond the powertrain.
The MultiPro tailgate remains one of the most versatile tailgate designs on the market. Combined with GMC’s MidGate system, owners can haul longer cargo while still maintaining a secure load area.
During my week with the truck, I transported long sheets of material that would have otherwise required leaving the tailgate down or dealing with tie-down straps. Instead, the MidGate created additional cargo length inside the truck.
Inside, the cabin is quiet, comfortable and loaded with technology.
The large infotainment screen may not appeal to everyone, but the camera system is among the best available in the segment. Multiple viewing angles, trailer camera compatibility and excellent visibility make towing and parking much easier.
The seats also deserve special mention.
While I’ve criticized the comfort of some recent GM gas and diesel truck seats, the seats in the Sierra EV are excellent. They’re supportive, comfortable and significantly improved compared to some of GM’s traditional truck offerings.
Super Cruise Remains a Road Trip Superstar
One feature that continues to impress is GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system.
During my drive home from Denver, Super Cruise helped reduce fatigue and made the trip noticeably more relaxing.
The system still requires driver attention, but allowing the truck to handle steering, lane centering and speed management on approved highways reduces stress during long drives.
For buyers who frequently travel long distances, Super Cruise remains one of the strongest technology features available in any pickup truck today.
The Biggest Problem Is the Price
Everything about the Sierra EV AT4 is impressive until you look at the window sticker.
My test truck carried a price tag of roughly $94,700.
That’s a tough number to justify.
The truck is fast, comfortable, practical and packed with technology, but nearly $95,000 puts it out of reach for many buyers.
There’s also the question of resale value.
Electric vehicles continue to experience significant depreciation compared to many traditional trucks. For shoppers interested in ownership, that may actually create an opportunity.
As more Sierra EVs enter the used market and lease returns begin appearing at dealerships, buyers could potentially find substantial discounts compared to original sticker prices.
Is an EV Truck Right for You?
The answer depends entirely on how you use your truck.
If you regularly tow long distances, prefer diesel power or enjoy modifying your pickup with lifts and aftermarket accessories, a traditional gas or diesel truck probably remains the better choice.
However, if your truck primarily serves as a daily driver, family vehicle, weekend adventure rig and occasional tow vehicle, the Sierra EV AT4 makes a compelling argument.
It offers nearly 500 miles of range, outstanding ride quality, impressive technology and operating costs that can be dramatically lower than a comparable gas-powered truck.
The biggest hurdle isn’t the technology.
It’s the price.
And if that price eventually comes down through incentives, lease deals, or used inventory, the GMC Sierra EV AT4 may become one of the most compelling full-size EV trucks on the market.
