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Blog > 2026 GMC AT4 Explained: Off-Road Capability Across the Entire Lineup

2026 GMC AT4 Explained: Off-Road Capability Across the Entire Lineup

GMC SUV navigating rocky terrain under sunlight, showcasing off-road capability and rugged design.

GMC’s AT4 lineup delivers serious off-road capability combined with premium comfort across trucks and SUVs. Whether navigating rugged trails or daily commutes, understanding the AT4 designation helps you choose the right vehicle for your adventures. Here’s everything you need to know about GMC’s off-road-focused models.

What Makes a Vehicle an AT4?

The AT4 badge signifies GMC’s off-road performance trim level, available across the brand’s truck and SUV lineup. Every AT4 model shares core capabilities designed for serious trail performance while maintaining premium comfort.

Standard AT4 Features:

  • Four-wheel drive system
  • Enhanced ground clearance
  • Specialized suspension systems
  • All-terrain or mud-terrain tires
  • Skid plates protecting vital components
  • Red recovery hooks
  • Terrain management systems
  • AT4-exclusive interior styling with unique upholstery
  • Off-road-oriented displays showing vehicle pitch and roll

AT4 vs AT4X: Understanding the Difference

AT4 Models provide enhanced off-road capability with lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and protective hardware. These vehicles handle moderate to challenging terrain while maintaining daily-driver comfort.

AT4X Models take capability further with:

  • Multimatic DSSV dampers for superior suspension control
  • Locking front and rear differentials
  • Increased ground clearance
  • Mud-terrain tires
  • Enhanced skid plate protection
  • Baja drive mode (Canyon AT4X)

GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 and AT4X

The Sierra 1500 AT4 features a two-inch factory lift with off-road suspension. Standard power comes from the 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel inline-six paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. An available 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 offers additional performance.

Key Specifications:

  • 20-inch wheels with 275/60R20 all-terrain tires
  • Two-speed Autotrac transfer case
  • Automatic locking rear differential
  • Ground clearance: 282 mm front and rear
  • Maximum towing: 4,082 kg (9,000 lbs)
  • Payload capacity: 1,121 kg (2,472 lbs) on AT4X

The Sierra 1500 AT4X adds Multimatic DSSV dampers, driver-selectable full locking front and rear differentials, and AEV hot-stamped boron steel skid plates. It rolls on 18-inch wheels with LT275/70R18 Goodyear Wrangler mud-terrain tires. Ground clearance increases to 292 mm.

An available AEV Edition package adds stamped-steel front and rear bumpers with front winch capability, exclusive badging, and premium floor liners.

GMC Sierra Heavy Duty AT4 and AT4X

GMC’s heavy-duty Sierra lineup extends AT4 capability to serious work and towing applications. Available on both 2500 HD and 3500 HD models, the Sierra HD AT4 handles demanding tasks. The AT4X variant is exclusive to the 2500 HD platform.

Engine Options:

  • 6.6L gas V8: 401 hp, 464 lb-ft torque
  • 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8: 470 hp, 975 lb-ft torque
  • Both paired with Allison ten-speed automatic transmission

Capability Highlights:

  • Maximum conventional trailering: 9,072 kg (20,000 lbs) on 2500 HD AT4
  • Gooseneck/fifth-wheel capacity: 9,612 kg (21,190 lbs)
  • Maximum payload: 1,871 kg (4,127 lbs) on certain 3500 HD configurations

The Sierra HD AT4 features off-road suspension with Rancho twin-tube shocks. The AT4X variant adds a 1.5-inch factory lift, Multimatic DSSV dampers, and 35-inch Goodyear Territory mud-terrain tires.

The available AT4X AEV Edition package includes stamped-steel bumpers, AEV Salta wheels, comprehensive skid plate protection, and exclusive AEV embroidery.

GMC Canyon AT4 and AT4X

The Canyon brings AT4 capability to the midsize truck segment in a more maneuverable package. Powered by the TurboMax 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder engine (310 hp, 430 lb-ft), the Canyon AT4 pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Canyon AT4 Features:

  • Two-inch factory lift
  • Ground clearance: 244 mm front and rear
  • 18-inch High Gloss Black wheels with 265/65R18 all-terrain tires
  • Autotrac two-speed transfer case
  • Automatic locking rear differential
  • MultiStow tailgate system

The Canyon AT4X elevates capability with a three-inch factory lift, increasing ground clearance to 272 mm. Multimatic DSSV dampers provide superior suspension control, while full-locking front and rear differentials ensure maximum traction. The AT4X rolls on 17-inch wheels with LT285/70R17C mud-terrain tires.

Additional AT4X features include spray-in bedliner, rocker protectors, acoustic laminated glass, and the exclusive Baja drive mode optimized for high-speed off-road driving.

GMC Yukon AT4 and AT4 Ultimate

GMC’s full-size SUV lineup includes AT4 variants combining three-row versatility with genuine off-road capability. The Yukon AT4 features standard four-wheel drive with Autotrac two-speed transfer case, Magnetic Ride Control suspension, and available electronic limited-slip differential.

Engine Options:

  • 5.3L V8: 355 hp, 383 lb-ft (standard)
  • 6.2L V8: 420 hp, 460 lb-ft (available)
  • 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel: 305 hp, 495 lb-ft (available)

Yukon AT4 Specifications:

  • 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires
  • Ground clearance: 204 mm
  • Maximum towing: 3,493 kg (7,700 lbs)
  • Cargo volume: 3,477 litres behind first row
  • Passenger capacity: Up to eight occupants

The Yukon AT4 Ultimate adds Air Ride Adaptive Suspension that can raise the vehicle up to two inches for improved ground clearance. The 6.2L V8 becomes standard, along with Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance. Interior upgrades include full-grain leather seating, 16-way power-adjustable front seats with massage, and a Bose Performance Series 18-speaker audio system.

GMC Yukon XL AT4 and AT4 Ultimate

The extended-wheelbase Yukon XL provides maximum cargo capacity while maintaining AT4 off-road capability. Sharing powertrains and core features with the standard Yukon AT4, the XL variant offers increased cargo volume of 4,092 litres behind the first row and enhanced third-row legroom of 932 mm.

Key Dimensions:

  • Wheelbase: 3,404 mm (vs 3,073 mm on standard Yukon)
  • Overall length: 5,720 mm
  • Same ground clearance and capability as standard Yukon AT4

The Yukon XL AT4 Ultimate includes all luxury appointments of the standard Yukon AT4 Ultimate, including Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, Super Cruise, and premium audio.

GMC Acadia AT4

The Acadia brings AT4 capability to GMC’s midsize three-row SUV lineup. Powered by a 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine (328 hp, 326 lb-ft) paired with an eight-speed automatic, the Acadia AT4 features Active Torque Control all-wheel drive.

AT4 Features:

  • Lifted ride height with off-road-tuned suspension
  • Front and underbody skid plates
  • 18-inch dark machined wheels with all-terrain tires
  • AT4-exclusive Terrain Mode
  • Maximum towing: 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs)
  • Seven-passenger seating standard

GMC Terrain AT4

GMC’s compact SUV receives the AT4 treatment with unique off-road capability in the segment. The Terrain AT4 features a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine (175 hp) paired with an eight-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive.

Terrain AT4 Highlights:

  • Lifted ride height with metal underbody shields
  • 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires
  • AT4-exclusive Terrain Mode
  • Hill Descent Control
  • Maximum towing: 680 kg (1,500 lbs)
  • Fuel economy: 9.9 L/100 km city, 8.9 L/100 km highway

Choosing Your AT4

Selecting the right AT4 model depends on your specific needs:

Full-Size Truck Capability: Sierra 1500 AT4/AT4X provide strong towing and serious off-road performance.

Work & Heavy Towing: Sierra HD AT4/AT4X handle maximum capability for demanding tasks.

Midsize Versatility: Canyon AT4/AT4X deliver capability in a more maneuverable package.

Three-Row Comfort: Yukon/Yukon XL AT4 combine family space with off-road ability.

Compact Efficiency: Acadia and Terrain AT4 offer AT4 capability in fuel-efficient packages.

All AT4 models feature comprehensive safety systems, modern infotainment technology, and GMC’s build quality.

Experience AT4 Capability at McNaught Buick GMC

The GMC AT4 lineup balances off-road capability, premium comfort, and advanced technology. Whether tackling challenging trails, towing heavy loads, or wanting enhanced capability for varied conditions, there’s an AT4 model designed for your needs. Visit our team at McNaught Buick GMC to explore the complete AT4 lineup and find which model best fits your lifestyle.