The AT4 trim is found on all four GMC truck models. It stands for “All-Terrain 4-Wheel Drive,” signaling to drivers that this truck can handle serious off-roading. So, if you are looking for GMC trucks for sale and are considering an off-road-focused model, then the AT4 is the trim for you. Finding the right truck is always challenging, as components like cab style, size, and engine type all have to be considered. When you decide to also use your truck for hitting the trail for adventures, this makes the matter even more difficult.
While most trucks are great for towing and hauling, few automakers provide a model that is dedicated to off-roading right off the dealer’s lot; this is why GMC came up with the AT4 trim for its lineup of pickup trucks. GMC’s goal is to take its know-how about building rugged, aggressive trucks with exceptional capability and apply that to developing ones that can help you conquer the toughest off-road trails. This is why the AT4 is the trim to choose if you want a GMC truck and are serious about trail running.
Key Components of the AT4 Trim
The key to the AT4 trim is its combination of standard features for off-roading. Most of these items are class-exclusive, making the AT4 the model of choice for GMC truck buyers. This starts with a 2-inch factory lift that will give you better ground clearance and improved angles over other models in the GMC truck lineup that you are looking at. This will make your GMC AT4 truck more capable of handling the rocks, obstacles, and dunes you are planning to attack when out on your next adventure.
All AT4 models feature a standard 4X4 drivetrain, including a 2-speed AutoTrac transfer case. This will deliver the right amount of horsepower to each of your wheels, giving you exceptional traction. GMC also adds an automatic-locking rear differential; if the system detects wheel slippage, it can lock the rear axle, allowing you to power out of the mud. GMC has also given the AT4 a specialized off-road suspension. This will allow your truck to handle all the ruts and bumps you encounter off-roading while giving your passengers a smooth ride. The AT4 suspension includes a set of Rancho Monotube shocks, some of the best on the market. A set of underbody skid plates completes the package. These are made of steel and designed to shield things like your oil pan and transfer case.
It Began With the GMC Sierra 1500
The first truck to get the AT4 trim was the GMC Sierra 1500 in 2019. GMC decided that its flagship full-size truck was the perfect model to get this specially designed trim level. The GMC Sierra is the most versatile truck in the GMC lineup and also the most popular. This is why making this the first GMC truck with the AT4 model made sense.
The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 comes with your choice of two exceptional engines. The 3.0-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel I-6 has a 10-speed automatic transmission to give you complete control. It can deliver up to 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque, making the Sierra 1500 capable of towing up to 13,000 lbs and carrying up to a 1,890-lb payload. In addition, it gets exceptional fuel economy, with up to 24 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. You can also opt for the available 6.2-liter V8 gas engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This monster has an output of 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, giving the Sierra 1500 AT4 serious acceleration. In addition, this engine can help this truck tow up to 13,000 lbs and carry 1,820 lbs of cargo.
GMC has given the 2023 Sierra 1500 AT4 a standard crew cab, giving you seating for up to five passengers, with plenty of legroom in the back for whoever isn’t getting to ride shotgun with you. All your friends will surely appreciate the jet black interior with Kalahari accents and perforated leather seats. If they are lucky enough to ride up front with you, these seats will be heated and ventilated for increased comfort. In addition, the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 features a huge 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, making accessing your apps, following an onscreen map, or using the rearview camera easier and clearer than ever.
The GMC Canyon AT4 Is a Midsize Truck That Roars
The second GMC truck to get the AT4 treatment was the Canyon, replacing the All Terrain trim with the AT4 in 2021. Based on the same features as the AT4 trim on the GMC Sierra 1500, the Canyon AT4 gives drivers an exceptional midsize truck that can ride the high country. The 2023 GMC Canyon is the latest generation in this popular model, featuring a standard Crew Cab and 2.7-liter Turbo I-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, delivering an incredible 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. This makes the Canyon AT4 capable of towing up to 7,700 lbs and hauling a 1,640-lb payload, a figure that rivals many full-size trucks. In addition, this engine is surprisingly fuel efficient, giving the 2023 Canyon AT4 up to 17 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway.
GMC has also given the 2023 Canyon AT4 a Drive Mode Selector, helping the engine, transmission, and drivetrain better handle different types of conditions, including off-road and terrain. It also features Advanced Hill Descent Control to help you down steep inclines better. Finally, the infotainment system on the 2023 Canyon AT4 features the aforementioned 11.3-inch diagonal center touchscreen. All you need to do is connect your smartphone using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and you can pick out your soundtrack for your next off-road adventure.
The Sierra HD AT4 Is Your Heavy-Duty Off-Roading Adventurer
GMC became one of the first to offer an off-road model of its heavy-duty truck lineup when it added the AT4 to the Sierra 2500 HD and Sierra 3500 HD in 2020. While other brands offer special off-road packages or dealer-installed equipment, GMC gives you a specialized model purpose-built for off-roading in the 2023 Sierra HD AT4 models. The GMC Sierra HD AT4 models come with a standard Crew Cab and your choice of two exceptionally powerful engines.
The 6.6-liter V8 gas engine is matched to a 6-speed automatic transmission, giving you an output of 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque. When the Sierra 2500 HD AT4 is equipped with this engine, it can tow up to 14,500 lbs and haul up to 3,760 lbs. Put the same engine on a Sierra 3500 HD AT4, and those figures go up to 16,200 lbs of towing and 4,365 lbs of hauling.
There is also an available 6.6-liter Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine delivers up to 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque. While choosing this engine will increase the cost of your GMC Sierra HD AT4, it is worth it if you also plan to use your truck for utility purposes. The Sierra 2500 HD AT4 with this engine can tow up to 18,500 lbs and haul up to 3,563 lbs, while the Sierra 3500 HD AT4 with the turbo-diesel gets 20,000 lbs of maximum trailering and 4,185 lbs of payload capability.
A MultiPro Tailgate comes standard on the 2023 GMC Sierra HD AT4, making loading and unloading your payload bed easier. Also, the interior of this heavy-duty truck features jet black perforated leather seats with Kalahari interiors. The AT4 logo is embroidered on the headrests, and GMC completes the 2023 Sierra HD AT4 package with a set of red recovery hooks that look sharp and can come in handy if you get into a jam out on the trail.
The AT4X Models Take Off-Roading to the Next Level
GMC recently introduced the newest version of the AT4 called the AT4X. This adds a number of cool features to the GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500. If you opt for the 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X, in addition to the standard features on the AT4, you will also get a set of Multimatic DSSV dampers on the suspension system, giving you an even better ride. There are also Front and Rear E-Locking Differentials, helping you reduce wheel slippage in the front and the back of your Canyon AT4X. GMC has also given this model ten available camera views, including front and rear underbody cameras, a first for a midsize pickup truck. Finally, the Canyon AT4X has a special Baja Drive Mode designed to improve traction in desert conditions.
The all-new 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X also has some amazing features. It also has Multimatic DSSV spool-valve dampers and front and rear e-Clockers. In addition, GMC has teamed up with AEV to provide a stamped-steel front bumper with front winch capability and a hot-stamped boron steel front skid plate on the 2023 Sierra 1500 AT4X. It also has full-grain leather seats with authentic Vanta Ash Wood accents in the interior and a 12-speaker Bose Premium Series audio system, making your off-roading experience more entertaining than ever.
The AT4 Is Your Ticket to Adventures on the Path Less Traveled
If you encounter the AT4 trim on your search for a great off-road truck, then you know this is the one GMC truck to consider if you want to get the most out of venturing off the pavement. Each model has standard equipment and features designed especially for the trail. If adventure is what you’re after when choosing your next truck, you owe it to yourself to experience these exceptional vehicles up close and personal at your local GMC dealer.
