2015 GMC 2500 All Terrain Unveiled – Not an Off-Road Pickup
Tim Esterdahl | Jun 16, 2014 | Comments 9
GM has unveiled a photos and specs on their new 2500 “all terrain” pickup. Don’t be confused though, this isn’t an off-road pickup. When GM says “all terrain,” they mean pedestrian cruising on the highways with occasional trips to the hardware store.
This “All Terrain” GMC truck is ready to utilize your technology in style. Off-roading? Not really.
Put another way, the new All Terrain GMC is a luxuries off-roading wannabe. With a poor approach angle made worse by the chrome front-lower bumper plate, this is just a profit machine. GM is starting to look like the Toyota bean counters of yesteryear.
What’s Our Beef?
What is our problem with the “all-terrain” offering? Simple. The “all terrain” moniker is suited for vehicles that can handle a large variety of driving terrain and situations. Instead GM says it is a “refined, off-road inspired execution of the brand’s capability that blends exclusive design features with the versatility of 4wd.”
Check out these “exclusive” features and tell us which ones you think will work great off-roading:
- Chrome surround on the grille
- Aluminum underbody shields
- Unique 18-inch six-spoke chrome cast-aluminum wheels
- Body side moldings
- Chrome front-lower bumper plate
Yep, no references to shocks and/or a lift like the Power Wagon. Plus, we are pretty sure the chrome front-lower bumper plate is poor choice for an “all terrain” vehicle. We can only imagine how fast that thing gets torn off. Also, no discussion on the press release about entry/exit angles or how it can handle varying terrains.
These are some really nice chrome wheels. You don’t see these that often on an “All Terrain” vehicle.
GM’s press release does state “also included is the Z71 Off Road package, with Rancho twin-tube shocks, hill descent control and a skid plate.” In the 1000+ word plus release, that is the ONLY mention of its “all terrain” prowess.
All Terrain = All Technology
What is the BIG focus for GM’s press release? Why all the nifty technology of course!
The All Terrain package comes with the “latest connectivity technology, including IntelliLink and new OnStar with 4G LTE and standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot.” And, don’t forget, the “enhanced” features like text messaging alerts for smartphone users. This handy feature reads the texts while you drive. You know, when you are driving on that “All Terrain” and need to focus on the road.
The chrome grill with the lower body panel look great on the sales lot. Take them off road and see how they hold up.
This package has nothing unique to it and is really just an up-scaled and technology-rich Z71 offering. Why not then call it a Premium grade or something? When people see “All Terrain” on it, they perception of what it is doesn’t match what it is.
GM describes it as being premium.
“The new 2015 GMC Sierra HD lineup helps customers tackle tough jobs more comfortably, and with the new All Terrain HD, they can do it with greater style,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC Sales and Marketing. “Equally comfortable whether it’s a night on the town or traversing a remote job site, it has all the capability that customers demand from a GMC heavy-duty truck on the job.”
Ok, sure the picking on the name may seem childish. Yet, this type of marketing is questionable at best. Plus, this truck is really just another luxury offering (see: loaded with profit).
What do you think? Does the chrome front-lower bumper plate make sense on an “all terrain” truck?
Click here to read the press release.
Filed Under: TundraHeadquarters.com
Well it does include the 4G LTE. I assume that means you get an AT&T Sim Card….plug it in and you can “call John Smith” and it only cost $10 or $15 more per month on your plan?
Whether it is GM or Ford, I no longer believe any of the marketing hype, so I will not buy either brand. Their engineers never actually use trucks in the real world, so they have no idea what they are talking about 99% of the time.
If that’s an off road truck, I’ll buy one and eat it.
An off road anything doesn’t weigh 6500 pounds.
How is this any different than the TRD package for the Tundra? Which doesn’t include a locker.
LJC,
A LOT different. The TRD Pro has extended wheel travel, unique springs and the suspension is tuned for off-roading.
And no, it doesn’t have an eLocker. (keep up your crusade!)
-Tim
I was comparing it to the TRD Package, not the TRD Pro.
I do agree, the low hanging front bumper really puts into question the off road capability, more specifically, the dimished approach angle.
LJC,
Sorry, I didn’t realize you were comparing it to the stock TRD package. I guess with the new TRD Pro version, I’ll need to be more specific!!
-Tim
I think the TRD Package is much more robust.
For starters it has an all-terrain tire, as opposed to the street tires the GMC has.
The TRD Tundra comes with Bilstein shocks made for harsher rough conditions, don’t see any aftermarket off-road shock offered on this GMC package.
The tundra also comes with full skidplating.
I dont see a single feature on this GMC that would help it off road.
Does the 2015 GMC 2500HD only come with the mechanical auto locker rear end? (the worst ever) Is an elocker or LSD even available? I really do not know the facts on this, so just guessing from GMC web site; but I think all real truck people know mechanical auto lockers are a mess and not very useful in the real world.
If I am wrong about what is offered on the truck, I apologize ahead of time.
pure profit for GM for sure. They can call it what they want as long as it sells.
I have looked at the 1/2 ton trucks and GM is the most expensive MSRP of all comparable 1/2 ton trucks as of now apples to apples comparison. When the new 2014’s came out, NO rebates = NO sales. Now, GM is forced to offer 3-4K in rebates or more just to move a few off the lot. Still dozens sitting on dealer lots not being sold since even with the rebates, is still higher priced than most other 1/2 ton trucks.