Truck Yeah - Sierra CarbonPro

"BadMotorScooter" (badmotorscooter) 04/01/2020 at 16:49 • Filed to: None

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I got a 2020 Sierra 1500 AT4 CarbonPro with Duramax 3.0L inline 6 back in Feb. It worked out to be a good deal at the time, although that was before the current state of the economy. Oh how much has changed in a few weeks.

Anyway, I’ve been meaning to write a little review here and answer some questions. What would you like to know about the new GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 CarbonPro Duramax? How can the name be just a little longer? The CarbonPro has the carbon fiber composite bed, which should still be intact long after the truck is dead. The new Duramax 3.0 inline 6 is very good paired with the 10-speed auto. A new engine is a little scary, and the new diesel emissions equipment is also a bit worrisome but it has a 100k mile powertrain warranty.

The best MPG I’ve gotten is 30.7 mpg over 50 miles according to the onboard computer. I have not towed anything with it yet but reports are it does pretty well towing too. The mini-Max 3.0 diesel makes 460 ft-lbs of torque and 1250rpm, the same torque as the 6.2 V8 but at a lower RPM. It feels really strong at low speeds, It does run out of breath at 3500 or so, but the 10-speed trans is a good match and shifts fast to keep the engine in t he power band.

Overall I’m really impressed with the truck. The engine is very smooth and quiet. At idle in the cab it is really hard to tell it’s running. The trans shifts really well and it responsive.

I don’t have any real complaints yet. Maybe the adaptive cruise logic could be better - it seems slow to pickup speed once it has a clear path. I have had a couple times where collision alert flashed on the HUD and there was nothing in front of me. I think it picked up some shadows or glare on the camera. 

Jim Spanfeller > BadMotorScooter 04/01/2020 at 17:13

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How many cats can you fit  in the bed? And how many cans of cat food can you fit in the glove box? Also, how scratch-resistant is the interior? Asking for... um... a friend.

P5guy now GTIguy > BadMotorScooter 04/01/2020 at 17:29

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Did you disable the worst feature in all GM products (the reverse lights  that turn on when you unlock it) yet?

Chariotoflove > BadMotorScooter 04/01/2020 at 17:36

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Maybe the adaptive cruise logic could be better - it seems slow to pickup speed once it has a clear path.

That’s interesting to me only because the one in my Kia tends to gun the engine once it has a clear path.

Urambo Tauro > P5guy now GTIguy 04/01/2020 at 18:11

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Just did this a couple weeks ago to a new Colorado that joined the fleet at work. I don’t know what I hate more- the “exit light” feature itself, or the way GM has t hem enabled by default.

BaconSandwich is tasty. > BadMotorScooter 04/01/2020 at 18:56

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CarbonPro
Diesel

I’m not sure these two words together are good for marketing.  Then again, it’s not like GM has ever been good at marketing.

NYankee1927 > Jim Spanfeller 04/01/2020 at 18:56

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Like tiger sized cats?

sony1492 > Chariotoflove 04/01/2020 at 19:07

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The kia knows what it wants

P5guy now GTIguy > Urambo Tauro 04/01/2020 at 19:09

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I change it on every GM rental I get. 

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > BadMotorScooter 04/01/2020 at 19:17

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This new engine is aimed right at my heart. While my next vehicle will most likely be a sedan, a good deal on this or a diesel Gladiator might make me hesitate. Glad to hear the engine is quiet from inside. While I love my dad’s 2001 Dodge 2500 Cummins it drives and sounds like a semi. Towing would be my first question so you'll have to get back to us one you do that. 

BadMotorScooter > Chariotoflove 04/01/2020 at 19:37

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I figure it is just being extra safe. But it is kind of annoying - car in front pulls over, clear path to regain the 10-15mph to cruise speed, truck sits there for a good 5-10 seconds while it figures out can go. The good part is it has the power to move when it finally does go and I can just hit the pedal to make it go when i want. 

BadMotorScooter > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s 04/01/2020 at 19:42

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I think GM nailed it with this engine. It actually sounds pretty good under load. To me it sounds a lot like a Cummins I6 (I had on 04) but it is quiet at idle and just cruising around. The truck is insulated really well too. DPF regens seem to happen every 300 miles or so, more than I am used to on the big Duramax. There is a lot of computer control and technology in the engine. 36000 psi injectors, dynamic cooling system that controls coolant flow and temp to various parts of the engine, variable length intake runners, etc. Plus the natural smoothness and balance of an I6. 10/10 would buy again.

BadMotorScooter > BaconSandwich is tasty. 04/01/2020 at 19:44

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The irony has crossed my mind. I’m not sure if it would be any better with a CarbonPro 6.2 badge though! Of all the engines available, the diesel does have the smallest carbon footprint but most won’t understand that.

Jim Spanfeller > NYankee1927 04/01/2020 at 20:03

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No. Just regular cats. Maybe hairless ones if you prefer. You can  herd them however you like.

Chariotoflove > sony1492 04/01/2020 at 21:16

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For sure.

Chariotoflove > BadMotorScooter 04/01/2020 at 21:18

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Hey, I don’t know if this will make any difference, but in my car, I can set the distance the radar will maintain to the car in front of me.  That’s not exactly what you’re talking about, but when I sometimes want the car to accelerate and wonder why it’s not, I realize it’s because it’s leaving a longer space in front because my setting was on the default.

shop-teacher > BadMotorScooter 04/01/2020 at 22:25

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How do you like the fawnsay bed?

LNBright > BadMotorScooter 04/02/2020 at 00:04

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I decided on an AT4, but went and drove the 5.3 back to back with the 3.0, and then the bigger 6l engine. The 5.3 can tow more than the 3.0, and while the 3.0 was okay, I didn’t think it was any better; then for the surcharge for the diesel, and the fuel cost differential, it didn’t make sense for me. Same with the bigger engine; it may have more hp, but it’s not rated to tow more.   And while I wouldn’t have been opposed to a carbon bed, but not interested in paying more for such... but I am happy w/ the AT4.

BadMotorScooter > shop-teacher 04/02/2020 at 09:19

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It is pretty fancy! The bed itself is shaped such that it carves out a lot of free space and seems very wide. It is pretty smooth though and stuff slides around, so I got a rubber bed mat just for extra grip. The bed still has two bed lights and several tie down hooks, so don’t really lose any functionality. The only real downside other than cost, is that I don’t think you can cut a hole in it for a gooseneck hitch. Maybe you can and I just don’t know, but it seems like that might not be good for it.

In the Sierra AT4, the carbon bed package comes with a Kicker sound system built into the top section of the multipro tailgate. I wouldn’t have ordered it if it were separate, but admit it is kinda cool. Would make for a good tailgate party or campsite sound system. It streams Bluetooth or USB/aux inputs.

shop-teacher > BadMotorScooter 04/02/2020 at 09:45

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Nice! Are the outside ... Errr... sides of the bed carbon fiber as well? Or just the inside of the bed.

BadMotorScooter > shop-teacher 04/02/2020 at 10:00

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The exterior side panels of the truck are steel. The carbon bed covers up the interior sides to the bottom of the bed rails which are part of the steel exterior panel covered with a plastic protector on top. Because of the way the carbon bed interfaces with the steel bed rail there are no gaps or space to attach a traditional tonneau cover. GM does make a special hard tonneau cover for the carbon bed though and people say it fits well .

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > BadMotorScooter 04/02/2020 at 10:33

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How do you like the multifunction tailgate so far? It’s one of those things that’s a good idea that can be ruined by how well it was implemented .

shop-teacher > BadMotorScooter 04/02/2020 at 10:47

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Gotcha. 

BadMotorScooter > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s 04/02/2020 at 11:37

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Overall a 9/10. I keep finding different ways to use it. For example, I found I can drop the top section only and it’s just the right height for my bulldog to see out the back but tall enough to keep him in the bed.

It is complicated though and has electrical switches to release the sections. I worry about how this will hold up over many years. I’ve seen too many old pickups that need a hammer to release the gate so I can only imagine what kind of headache this electronic gate will be in 20 years. I won’t have the truck that long though! The gate is very heavy too, difficult to lift up with one hand. I like it though and would def buy it again. 

Aremmes > BaconSandwich is tasty. 04/02/2020 at 13:07

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That’s not too bad. If you speak Spanish and have a mild case of dyslexia, it looks like it reads “ Cabrón Pro”.

TylerJ > BadMotorScooter 04/03/2020 at 08:59

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I wonder at what miles per year does it make more sense to get the diesel for the fuel economy vs the big gasser.

EDIT: I hate cylinder deactivation.

BadMotorScooter > TylerJ 04/03/2020 at 12:24

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Well, that depends. The cost of the diesel option is $2500, which is exactly the same as the big 6.2 gas engine . The smaller 5.3 V8 is standard on the upper trims like AT4. The diesel gets 25-50% better fuel economy than the 6.2, depending on how you drive and what you tow. Fuel prices vary too - in my area right now diesel is unusually more expensive than gas, about 90 cents a gallon. But that’s due to the COVID situation that has cratered gasoline demand while diesel has held up for trucking demand. Normally, diesel is pretty close to premium unleaded in my area. The 6.2 wants premium gas while the 5.3 only requires 87 octane.

I see the diesel option as a mix of performance and economy. The torque makes it responsive to drive and it tows well. The economy is better than the small 5.3 V8 so it is sort of best of both worlds. Actual dollar savings might not be realized though, depending on how many miles you drive and cost of the fuels.