Which Is Better: The GMC Sierra AT4 or AT4X?

Which is better, the GMC Sierra AT4 or AT4X? Not a bad question, but it’s better to ask which of these two fantastic trucks is better for you. Ultimately, they’re both excellent versions of the full-size GMC Sierra 1500 pickup designed to let you leave polite society behind and head off-road with your truck. However, there are some critical differences between the two, including the kinds of features they each have and some of their available options. So, ultimately, the answer to this question comes down to what you’re looking for in a GMC Sierra 1500 for sale and which of these two models delivers what you need. Fortunately, we can help you with that by looking at each of them to see what they bring to the trail, considering key similarities and differences, and doing our best to help you decide which one is right for you.

The 2024 GMC Sierra AT4 – Ready for the Trail

If you’re interested in a GMC Sierra for heading off-road but are unsure which one is right for you, then the AT4 is the one to start with. This is undeniably a fantastic option for hitting the trail in your truck, and it has been built with that purpose in mind. You have two engines available with the AT4, starting with a 3.0L Duramax Turbo Diesel that offers 305 hp and a remarkable 495 lb-ft of torque. If you prefer a standard gas engine, a 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 delivers 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Either engine comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive (4WD), as you’d expect, so it really comes down to the kind of performance you want and your preference for gas vs. diesel.

The AT4 comes with a heavy-duty air filter designed to handle greater amounts of dust and dirt, keeping them from getting into your engine. You get a standard automatic locking rear differential with the AT4 and a standard two-speed Autotrac transfer case that’s perfect for adjusting to different conditions and terrain you can encounter while going off-road. Perhaps most impressive of all, this model comes with a two-inch factory-installed lift that’s ideal for going off-road, along with Monotube Rancho shocks to improve performance and comfort on the trail, with boosted clearance and angles when you’re off-road.

Skid plates come standard on the AT4 to protect the front underbody, oil pan, differential, and transfer case from objects you might encounter while on the trail. With the AT4, you get 18-inch machined aluminum wheels wrapped in MT Goodyear Wrangler Territory tires, plus body-color front and rear bumpers and a GMC CornerStep rear bumper that makes it easier to reach things in the bed of your truck. A GMC MultiPro Tailgate comes standard on the AT4, giving you six functions to make loading and unloading cargo in the bed more manageable, plus a spray-on bedliner to protect your bed when you pile stuff into it before heading out on an adventure.

Inside, the GMC Sierra AT4 features a gorgeous 13.4-inch Premium Infotainment System with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus Google built-in. This is paired with a 12.3-inch Driver Information Center display, plus you get a wireless charging pad, adaptive cruise control, and a seven-speaker Bose Premium sound system. The AT4 has perforated leather seating with 10-way power-adjustable driver, which is heated so you’re comfortable at any elevation, and a wrapped, heated steering wheel. You get Remote Start functionality, Keyless Open and Start, dual-zone automatic climate control, and much more as standard features, making the AT4 a terrific choice for enjoying the weekend and daily driving.

The 2024 GMC Sierra AT4X – Off-Road Performance Elevated

As remarkable as the AT4 is, the GMC Sierra AT4X essentially takes everything we love about it and raises it to the next level. You can choose the same diesel and gas engines here, so you don’t miss out on any performance or power in your off-road truck. However, the AT4X comes with driver-selectable, full-locking front and rear differentials, giving you greater control over traction and control while going off-road. You also get a special off-road suspension with a two-inch factory lift and Multimatic DSSV dampers to provide you with enhanced control and comfort in even the most extreme conditions.

We find similar 18-inch painted aluminum wheels on the AT4X with MT Goodyear Wrangler Territory tires, so you don’t miss out on anything here, though this model comes with a power sunroof. This one has a stamped-steel high-approach front bumper with heavy-duty cast recovery points and a design that improves your truck’s approach angle. Along with other great exterior features such as a spray-on bedliner and GMC MultiPro Tailgate, the AT4X also includes a MultiPro Audio System by Kicker featuring a weatherproof tailgate sound system, perfect for when you stop for lunch or get to your favorite campsite.

Inside the AT4X, we find GMC luxury taken to another level entirely, beyond even the impressive features of the AT4. This model includes a 12-speaker Bose Premium Series sound system with CenterPoint audio for incredible clarity and quality, plus full-grain leather seating with 10-way power front seats that include massage functionality. You get heated and ventilated front seats, along with heated rear seating, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 15-inch multi-color head-up display. All this comes together to make the AT4X astonishingly luxurious and sophisticated for a pickup built to take you where many other trucks fear to tread.

One of our favorite options for the AT4X is the available AEV Edition package, developed in partnership with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV). This package includes several impressive upgrades, including AEV hot-stamped Boron steel skid plates for the fuel tank and rear differential, as well as AEV-stamped steel front and transfer case skid plates. This ensures powerful shielding for the underside of your truck, protecting vital components from rocks, fallen branches, and other obstacles you might encounter. You even get an AEV stamped-steel rear bumper with heavy-duty cast recovery points to match the front bumper, creating one of the most luxurious and capable off-road trucks available anywhere.

Key Similarities and Differences Between Them

As you can see, these two trucks have a lot in common: both of them have the same two engines available, with 4WD and the same transmission. You get skid plates on them and a two-inch factory lift for the suspension, plus large 18-inch wheels with off-road tires designed to take you anywhere you want to go. Going with the AT4X model gets you driver-controlled locking front and rear differentials, the exclusive Multimatic DSSV dampers on the suspension for added comfort and control in rough conditions, and an impressive front bumper.

Perhaps the most significant differences are found inside, where the AT4X gets enhanced luxury and tech features. Many of these are standard features on the AT4X, which are either unavailable or optionally available for the AT4, creating a sophisticated truck beyond anything else out there—plus, the AEV Edition is only available for the AT4X model.

Which of These Trucks Is Right for You?

That still might not be an easy question to answer, but at this point, you should have a good idea of what each of these trucks has to offer. If you’re looking for a powerful and dependable off-road truck with excellent features inside and out, but you’re not interested in the height of luxury or the AEV Edition, then the AT4 could be the perfect choice. On the other hand, if you want elevated tech and comfort features or are interested in those hot-stamped Boron steel skid plates, you should definitely give the AT4X model a good look. Perhaps the easiest way to decide is to see them both, get a feel for what they each offer, and then choose the perfect one for your next adventure. Remember: no matter which one you’re interested in, here at Kemna Auto of Fort Dodge, we’re ready to help.

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