The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 and AT4X: Which Should You Choose?

You don’t have to go far from Ingleside, TX, to find great off-roading. The barrier islands off Corpus Christi Bay offer plenty of excellent spots, and you can venture to more far-flung trails—if you have the right truck. Victory GMC is a leading GMC dealer near Ingleside, and we are here to help you find a Sierra 1500 that can tackle everything from sandy beaches to muddy trails.

The 2024 Sierra 1500 AT4 and AT4X are two of the finest off-roading trucks on the market today. Based on the professional-grade GMC Sierra 1500 half-ton pickup, each has received a major overhaul to prime them for wandering through nature. But what are the differences between them besides the letter X and the price tag? We’re going to cover the major differences between the AT4 and AT4X to help you decide which truck should be your next off-roading rig.

Power and Performance

Let’s begin with the heartbeat and other inner workings of these trucks. To start, it’s worth noting the 2024 Sierra 1500 AT4 and AT4X now have the same engine options. The standard powerplant is a 3.0L I-6 Duramax turbo-diesel. With 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque, it’s a beast for towing and crawling. If top speed is more your thing, you can upgrade to a 6.2L V8 gasoline engine with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The engines are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case, so you don’t get bogged down in the muck.

The suspension is where the AT4 and AT4X begin to separate. While both have off-road tuning and a two-inch factory lift for added ground clearance when bounding over rocks and stumps, the AT4 uses Rancho Monotube shocks while the AT4X is equipped with Multimatic DSSV dampers. The Multimatic DSSV dampers are the same shock absorbers seen on other GM off-road trucks like the Chevy Colorado ZR2—and they’ve been used in IndyCar and Formula One, attesting to their amazing ride quality. The Rancho shocks on the AT4 are still excellent, with a smooth ride and outstanding heat dissipation, which is key when using larger tires. However, if you want to feel ready for a race or extreme dune-bashing, the AT4X is the play.

You’ll also have more control in the AT4X thanks to the driver-selectable locking differentials. You can engage the front and rear differentials with the press of a button. Whether you need max grip for exploring your favorite trail or want to sling your truck across the sands of Padre Island, the ATX4 can do either. The AT4 does have a locking rear differential, but it lacks the locking front differential of the AT4X. Both trucks come with Goodyear Wrangler Mud Terrain tires, but the AT4 has 32-inch tires, while the AT4X has 33-inch tires. The AT4X also only comes with 18-inch wheels, while the AT4 can be optioned with more street-oriented 20-inch wheels.

Exterior Design and Features

At first glance, the Sierra 1500 AT4 and AT4X look like the same truck—but a few key distinctions set them apart. To start, while each truck has dual-outlet exhaust tips, the AT4X gets added exhaust protection to prevent debris build-up and water exposure. Also, the MultiPro Tailgate comes with an integrated KICKER audio system so you can crank up the tunes as you’re unloading gear, sitting around a campfire, or relaxing in your driveway in Ingleside. To get this system with the AT4, you must purchase it separately.

The AT4X also has a more aggressive front grille and a steel front bumper that can hold a winch for recovery efforts. In a twist, the Sierra 1500 AT4 has the option for two technologies that the AT4X doesn’t: a lightweight carbon fiber composite bed that resists impacts and special trailering mirrors to help you see the rear better as you’re hauling ATVs and boats. Shared features include LED headlights, fixed cargo tie-downs, and a standard spray-on bed liner if you don’t want the carbon fiber bed.

Interior Options and Technology

Again, there are a lot of cool things the 2024 Sierra 1500 AT4 and AT4X share. They come standard with front bucket seats that are heated and ventilated, driver seat and mirror memory settings, a 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless phone charging, Hill Descent Control, and many other goodies to make every drive cozy.

However, the in-cabin experience is also where the AT4X has its strongest identity. While the AT4 has 10-way front seat adjustments that are nothing to sneeze at, the AT4X has 16-way adjustments for both the driver and passenger seats. There’s also a built-in massage function if you’re feeling a little sore after a long day or need to relax in downtown traffic. A standard power sunroof lets you enjoy the Ingleside sun on beautiful days (it can be added to the AT4 as an extra option).

On the tech front, the AT4X gets a standard 15-inch Head-Up display that shows information on the lower windshield; again, this is something you must pay separately for on the AT4. Each truck has a high-quality Bose sound system, but the AT4X steps things up with 12 speakers instead of seven for more immersive surround sound for audiophiles.

Ways to Enhance Your Truck

Is the “base” model not enough? Each truck has upgrade packages available to squeeze every drop of excellence from your GMC Sierra 1500 off-road machine. The AT4 Preferred Package adds:

• A universal home remote programmable for your garage door opener, home security system, and more.
• A power sliding rear window with a defogger to open for cargo space or to enjoy some fresh air.
• Adaptive Cruise Control for easier driving when you’re in heavy traffic on Route 181.

The AT4 Premium Package includes these features plus special side steps for easier entry and exit without compromising your ground clearance. As for the Sierra 1500 AT4X, the optional AEV Edition customized by American Expedition Vehicles is the ultimate off-roading truck. It has four skid plates to protect the underside, special 12-spoke aluminum wheels, rear bumper recovery points, branded floor liners, and much more to set itself at the top.

You Can’t Go Wrong With GMC

An off-road enthusiast can’t go wrong with the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 or the Sierra 1500 AT4X. Each is an excellent off-road truck that will fuel all sorts of adventures. A quality powertrain, convenient comfort features, and advanced safety tech redefine what is “basic” about off-roading. You still get everything that’s great about a regular Sierra 1500, including a spacious interior, best-in-class bed storage, and reliable towing and hauling.

For many, the Sierra 1500 AT4 will be enough to explore the shores, hills, and forests around Ingleside. If you’re among the most diehard off-roaders, though, the Sierra 1500 AT4X is more of what you already love. Stop by Victory GMC to check out the GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 and AT4X. Or give us a call to speak to a team member and schedule a test drive. We’re here to do more than just sell trucks—we’re here to offer a great experience and build relationships that last for as long as you own your vehicle.

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