What is the Difference Between AT4 and AT4X Trims?
What is the Difference Between AT4 and AT4X Trims?
Discover the ultimate off-road differences at John Holt GMC
As a family-owned and operated dealership with a nearly 27-year history of exceeding customer expectations, John Holt GMC knows how important it is to treat every customer like one of the family. That comes from an unwavering commitment to providing customers throughout Chickasha, Duncan, Lawton, Blanchard, and surrounding southwest Oklahoma communities with the best GMC sales and service experience possible.
One of the more common questions our customers have is understanding the difference between the AT4 and the AT4X trims. One is an off-road-focused trim with upgrades in off-road capabilities, and the other takes that to a whole other level with an off-road-optimized suspension, skid plates, and distinctive styling.
So, what are the differences between the AT4 and AT4X, and how do those differences manifest themselves in the GMC Canyon and GMC Sierra 1500?
What Is the Difference Between GMC AT4 and AT4X?
The AT4 is GMC’s premium off-road-focused trim. It combines exceptional interior comfort and driving control with several off-road upgrades. The AT4X takes the improvements and upgrades of the AT4 and improves upon them.
While the AT4 is an off-road-capable trim, the AT4X ups the ante by adding equipment like Multimatic DSSV dampers, upgraded locking differentials, off-road skid plates and hardware, increased ground clearance, and an off-road-tuned suspension and exterior styling.
GMC Canyon AT4 vs. AT4X
Both the GMC Canyon AT4 and AT4X use the high-powered TurboMax engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain generates an incredible 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. However, while the AT4X tows 6000 pounds, the AT4 has a higher towing capacity at 7,700 pounds.
Built for the rugged trails, the AT4 features a dedicated off-road suspension, an automatic locking rear differential, and a generous 9.6 inches of ground clearance. Inside, it balances capability with comfort, offering a well-equipped cabin draped in refined fabrics.
The AT4X adds a 3-inch factory lift and combines it with MultiMatic DSSV dampers. The AT4X also gets driver-selectable front and rear locking differentials while having a 10.7-inch ground clearance, 1.1 inches higher than the AT4. Finally, the AT4X has more premium fabric and comfort in its interior.
GMC Canyon AT4 Highlights
- AT4 uses an off-road suspension
- AT4 has underbody protection
- Automatic locking rear differential
- Ground clearance of 9.6 inches
GMC Canyon AT4X Highlights
- AT4X adds a 3-inch factory lift
- AT4X provides more extensive skid-plate protection
- AT4X has Multimatic DSSV dampers
- AT4X has driver-selectable front and rear electronic locking differentials
- AT4X increases clearance to 10.7 inches
GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 vs. AT4X
With the GMC Sierra 1500, the AT4 and AT4X both have a 2-inch factory lift. However, the AT4 uses Rancho monotube shocks while the AT4X uses the same MultiMatic DSSV dampers. The AT4 also uses an automatic locking rear differential, while the AT4X provides front and rear locking differentials.
Once again, the AT4 has underbody skid plates whereas the AT4X increases that protection with an AEV stamped-steel front bumper and boron-steel skid plates.
In terms of the interior, the AT4 more than holds its own with heated leather front seating. The ATX upgrades that leather front seating with 16-way heating and ventilation seating with massage features. Finally, the AT4X provides 11.5 inches of ground clearance compared to the 10.9 inches of the AT4, along with a 34-degree front approach angle, ensuring it can tackle the hardest of off-road terrains.
GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 Highlights
- AT4 has a 2-inch factory lift
- AT4 uses an automatic locking rear differential
- AT4 has underbody skid plates
- AT4 has heated and ventilated front leather seating
- AT4 has a 10.9-inch ground clearance
GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X Highlights
- AT4X has a 2-inch factory lift
- AT4X gets Multimatic DSSV dampers
- AT4X provides front AND rear electronic locking differentials
- AT4X upgrades to 16-way heated and ventilated power front seats with massage
- AT4X provides 11.5 inches of ground clearance and up to a 34-degree front approach angle
Which Trim is Best Suited to You?
Deciding between the AT4 and AT4X ultimately comes down to understanding your driving habits. If you love weekend camping trips that require navigating rough terrain, but you aren’t looking to tackle extreme rock-crawling trails, the AT4 is likely your sweet spot. It strikes the perfect middle ground, offering solid off-road capability without going to extremes.
The AT4 is good for trails, driving in bad weather and wet terrain, and for driving on rough worksites. The AT4X is more for the driver who wants to engage in serious off-road adventures. With its DSSV dampers and upgraded locking differential, the AT4X has a substantial mechanical advantage over the AT4.
If you are interested in either the AT4 or AT4X trim for the GMC Canyon, GMC Sierra 1500 or the GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 HD, and want to schedule a test drive, we’d be happy to help you at John Holt GMC
John Holt GMC
Phone: 405-224-0475
Address: 2900 US-81, Chickasha, OK 73018
Dealership Hours
Sales Department: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Service Department: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: Closed