These days, if it’s an off-road-capable pickup with a GMC badge that you’re after, there’s no shortage of options at your fingertips. However, that wasn’t always the case – in fact, just a few years ago, GMC simply didn’t play in the off-road space. Now, that’s changed, starting with the introduction of the AT4 sub-brand, which has expanded to include all three GMC pickup lines, as well as the AT4X and now AT4X AEV Edition models. With that in mind, GM Authority is taking a closer look at how GMC built up its off-roader chops.
GMC Canyon All Terrain
Kicking off this list is the GMC Canyon All Terrain, which was initially offered as a package upgrade that enhanced the pickup’s off-road capability, and eventually became a full-fledged trim level. Produced between the 2015 and 2020 model years, the GMC Canyon All Terrain was essentially the precursor to the GMC Canyon AT4.
GMC Sierra All Terrain
Over in the GMC Sierra 1500 camp, Big Red’s light-duty pickup offered an All Terrain variant of its own between the 2008 through 2018 model years, as well as an All Terrain X model for the 2017 and 2018 model years. Similar to the GMC Canyon All Terrain, the GMC Sierra All Terrain led to the GMC Sierra AT4 line.
GMC Sierra HD All Terrain
GMC’s light-duty Sierra model line wasn’t the only one to offer an All Terrain variant – the GMC Sierra HD also received the off-roader treatment, in this case in the form of a package. The GMC Sierra HD All Terrain was offered between the 2017 and 2019 model years.
GMC Canyon AT4
First making splashdown for the 2021 model year (and later overhauled for the 2023 model year), the GMC Canyon AT4 replaced the preceding GMC Canyon All Terrain, once again offering extra off-road capability over the standard model. Enhancements include tall, knobby tires, off-road-spec suspension, and underbody protection.
GMC Sierra 1500 AT4
The light-duty GMC Sierra 1500 introduced a new AT4 variant for the 2019 model year, offering up a range of standard off-road goodies, including skid plates, hill descent control, all-terrain tires, off-road suspension with a 2-inch lift and monotube shocks, and a two-speed Autotrac transfer case.
GMC Sierra HD AT4
Following the debut of the new GMC Sierra 1500 AT4, Big Red unveiled an AT4 variant of the GMC Sierra HD for the 2020 model year. As expected, the Sierra HD AT4 includes all the goodies one would associated with the AT4 designation, such as a unique grille and fascia, red recovery hooks, BFGoodrich rubber, and off-road suspension, plus all the usual practicality and capability expected of the heavy-duty Sierra HD.
GMC Sierra EV AT4
General Motors may be transitioning to an all-electric lineup, but that doesn’t mean it’s ditching the off-roader segment in the process. In fact, the recently unveiled GMC Sierra EV will offer an AT4 variant complete with 35-inch all-terrain tires, an additional 2 inches of ground clearance compared to the Sierra EV Elevation, and more. Look for it to arrive with the 2025 model year.
GMC Canyon AT4X
For those enthusiasts looking for even more of an edge in the rough stuff, the GMC AT4X lineup has the goods. That includes the new GMC Canyon AT4X, which made its big reveal for the 2023 model year in conjunction with the debut of the all-new third-generation GMC Canyon. Highlights include 33-inch tires, Multimatic DSSV shocks, and front and rear e-lockers.
GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X
The GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X first hit the scene with the 2022.5 model-year refresh, upping the ante with 18-inch wheels wrapped in DuraTrac Mud-Terrain tires, a steel transfer case shield, DSSV dampers, and greater suspension travel. Other bits and pieces from AEV (American Expedition Vehicles) were added as standard on the 2023.5 Sierra 1500 AT4X.
GMC Sierra HD AT4X
True to form, the heavy-duty GMC Sierra HD follows the light-duty Sierra 1500 in receiving an even-more-capable AT4X model variant, breaking cover in conjunction with the HD pickup’s recent 2024 model-year refresh to offer off-roading goodies like a 1.5-inch suspension lift, a rear e-locking differential, and 35-inch Goodyear rubber.
GMC Canyon AT4X AEV Edition
General Motors has collaborated with American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) on numerous occasions, and now, that collaboration will yield a new special model variant of the GMC Canyon AT4X dubbed the AEV Edition. As GM Authority covered previously, GM recently teased this forthcoming variant, which is expected to debut for the 2024 model year.
GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition
Critically, the GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X is the first to offer a special AEV Edition model, hitting the scene for the 2023 model year and billed as the most off-road-capable factory Sierra 1500 ever built. Highlights include AEV-stamped bumpers, boron steel skid plates, 18-inch Salta wheels, 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires, and more.
GMC Sierra HD AT4X AEV Edition
The GMC Sierra HD’s 2024 model-year refresh also ushered in the new AT4X AEV Edition model, offering a similar recipe as the light-duty Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition thanks to heavy duty steel skid plates, 18-inch Salta wheels, unique badging, and the like.
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Comments
GMC grows more popular and expensive each year become a premium brand with prices as high as the German brands. It has nearly replaced Cadillac as the big profit brand. Slimmed down captive import Buick is a cash cow, too. I bet Buick GMC dealers are thriving
GM got here by popular demand. The west has been discovered. There are nearly 2,000+ motel rooms in Moab, Utah. Moab has become a four wheeling capital.
It’s all about meeting popular demand. About a third of SEMA is now is devoted to off road and remote camping vehicles.
True…
I am an owner of a AWD and use it on my farm, however I am concerned about the encouragement of ‘Off road vehicles’, where are they going to use them off of public roads? Private property? Many times I have experienced spending a lot effort preparing a field and planting it only to have someone drive into it and ruin it. Also a lot of harmful environmental damage on public property occurs.
Steffen Stanley- A large majority of the AWD luxury full size pickup purchasers are urban / Suburban Asphalt rangers who purchase on a trendy bad ass cultural basis for the image. You, including myself would not take a $90K+ rig into the rocks and brush.
There’s a vast amount of public land in the West available to appropriately off-road. Part of the requirement of public lands is that they are multi-use. That is they’re open both for recreational use and for profit. That’s why if you go overlanding in New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, etc. they’ll find ranchers and off-roaders sharing the trails.
The best way to prevent environmental damage is education and culture. This is why groups like “Tread Lightly” are important and the community self-policing so people who go off trail in vehicles are named and shamed.
As for your case… I think I’d make a small investment into some trail cams if my property was regularly being damaged like that and capture some license plates.
Wondering if a fence would help you out. And maybe a sign too for your property.
And let’s not forget having a good shotgun.
Billboard signage on the East and West sides of Interstate 70 near Utah state route 191, going South into Moab indicate be courteous and respect the land. Tourism and off roading have supplanted mining and agriculture in Moab. In fact the Europeans and especially the Germans love the sandstone and canyons in and around Moab. Charlie Steen is spinning in his grave if you know local Moab history. Enjoy the West.