The world of full-size pickup trucks is all about big and tough these days. The bigger and tougher they are, the better we like them. GMC's entry in the big and tough category is the Sierra 1500 AT4 and AT4X. These are trucks designed and optimized for off-road use. They're still good for other truck tasks, but you're paying for all the off-road goodies.
When you get to the AT4 and AT4X, you're at the top of the heap. GMC's best (and most expensive) engines are standard. You can choose the inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel Duramax 3.0-liter engine, or the powerful 6.2-liter V8 at 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines come paired with GMC's best 10-speed automatic transmission and a two-speed AutoTrac transfer case for four-wheel drive.
The difference between the AT4 and AT4X is in the four-wheel drive gear. The AT4X gives you driver-selectable locking differentials in front and rear, along with an off-road optimized suspension with a 2-inch factory installed body lift and Multimatic DSSV shock absorbers. Basically the idea is to deliver the same kind of upgrades from the factory that many serious buyers pay extra to add on after they buy the truck. The best part is, since the factory put it on the truck, it's all covered by warranty.
So, one thing about the top AT4X that we tested is that it's only available as a full four-door crew cab with a short 70-inch bed. If you want the longer 79.44-inch bed, you'll have to be happy with something less than AT4 off-road equipment. One other thing about the AT4 and AT4X is the AEV package. This is an add-on that costs $6,895, and includes special AEV skid plates under all the important mechanical parts of the truck from the rear differential to the engine, and it also includes special AEV bumpers front and rear. You also get some nifty 18-inch off-road wheels, rocker panel protection, and some interior touches like weatherproof floor mats.
Once you get past all the off-road stuff, the AT4X is still a very high trim level truck. Inside you'll get a comfortable set of full-grain leather seats, a 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, head-up display, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Climbing up into the truck can be a challenge, though, because the rocker protection means there's no place to put running boards. If you're not tall, it's a climb.
On the road, the Sierra AT4 and AT4X perform well. There's plenty of engine power and the transmission is smooth and competent. However, there's no getting around all that off-road optimization. The Sierra 1500 AT4X is a big, heavy truck, and you'll notice that as you drive. This truck is happiest off-road, it's comfortable on the highway, but unwieldy in parking lots and tight spaces. Luckily, you also get blind spot monitoring and surround-view cameras to make it all a little bit easier.
The last thing to mention is the price. The Sierra AT4X starts at $83,090 before you add the $1,895 destination fee, or the $6,895 for the AEV special package. Most AT4X trucks are going to sticker out at about $90,000, similar to our test truck. It's a great truck to be sure, but you're going to pay for all those features. Whether that's a good deal or not is a question only you can answer.
2024 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X
Base price: $83,090
Price as tested: $90,480
Type: Full-size Pickup
Engine: 6.2-liter V8 (420 hp, 460 lbs-ft)
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
EPA estimated mileage: 14/17
Overall length: 242.5 inches
Curb weight: 5,720 pounds
Final assembly: Silao, Mexico
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