GMC Adopts New Y-Trim Level Strategy: Exclusive
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Back in 2018, GM revamped the Cadillac trim level cadence with a new Y-trim level strategy, which plants the base model at the bottom of the “Y” while branching its sporty models in one direction, and its luxury-focused models in the other. Now, GM is applying a similar strategy to the GMC brand. Here’s how the new GMC Y trim level cadence shakes out.
Similar to the Cadillac Y-trim level strategy (as well as the new Buick Y trim level strategy, as GM Authority covered last week), the GMC trim starts out at a base (Elevation) and then splits into two distinct branches. However, while Cadillac splits its models into sporty- or luxury-focused branch, GMC splits its models into an off-roading-focused branch or a luxury-focused branch.
As we can see, the off-roading branch of the GMC Y-trim level cadence includes AT4 and AT4X trims, with AT4X models offered as the most-capable off-roaders in the lineup. Meanwhile, the luxury branch includes Denali and Denali Ultimate trims, with Denali Ultimate models obviously offered as the most luxurious trims of the lineup.
This new Y-trim level strategy replaces the more ambiguous hierarchy which GMC used previously. For those readers who may not remember, the hierarchy used previously included a mix of trims such as Base, Pro, SL, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, Denali, AT4X, and Denali Ultimate trims, depending on the vehicle in question.
Currently, this new GMC Y-trim level strategy is in place with two all-new products – the 2023 GMC Canyon pickup and the 2024 GMC Acadia crossover. As such, the trim walk for both models should be considerably more obvious and simplified for customers to choose which path they would like to take, and how far they want to go with it. Bringing the Y-trim level strategy to GMC should also simplify things for dealers as well (look for more on that in a separate article).
That all said, this new Y-trim level structure does not include a spot below Elevation, which could be an issue for fleet and commercial customers interested in a more barebones offering, such as a Pro trim level for the GMC Sierra. Theoretically, such a trim could slot in below Elevation in the stem of the Y.
All told, it’ll be interesting to see how GMC applies this new strategy to the popular GMC Sierra pickup, which we expect to continue offering a barebones Pro trim level below Elevation. Look for the strategy to crystallize further with the next-generation GMC Terrain and Sierra.
Until then, make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more GMC news, more GM business news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
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I’m very glad to hear this. Our 2022 Acadia AT4 lacks some features that are only available on Denali.
GMC has done a great job at developing “AT4” into a marketable sub-brand. They did it a long time ago with “Denali” and again now with “AT4”
GM’s is kicking it under Mary’s and Mark’s leadership. (just have to look at data)
I’m not an EV fan, nor excited about the whole wokeness thing, but when you’re running a corporation this large, you have to balance all of the current social responsibilities. “Leading every segment we compete in” is a mantra they’re actually achieving.
Interesting. But I like the idea. Now curious if the Acadia and Terrain will off AT4x variations. That’ll be interesting what they add to those models and how effective it will be.
I’m also curious if these will see AT4x, especially the Acadia.
So, is GMC just going to get rid of the Pro, SLE, and SLT trims and go straight from Elevation as a base to either the AT4 or the Denali? On the Canyon, the Elevation trim seems to be the base. On the Sierra, the Elevation sits between the SLE and the SLT. It would make sense if they are wanting to simplify their trim offerings.
I don’t think off-road and luxury are accurate descriptions. I say this because everything above elevation is a luxury trim. An AT4X is basically an off-road version of the Denali Ultimate. Since both are luxury perhaps just call it off-road and urban. Hopefully this chart isn’t followed exactly for the full-size trucks. Many truck buyers won’t be happy if they eliminate many of the mid an lower trim levels.
Less trim levels is a good thing since they have said people tend to buy the higher trims in the first place. They will only have to package premium/luxury models, which allows them to slide into the space for ICE replacement for Cadillac SUVs once they are all electric. Hopefully, they also introduce another midsize model to put in the space that is now vacant with the re-upsizing of the Acadia.
People stop buying higher trims levels at 7%+ interest rates.
Except per a recent article on this site, GMCs sales percentage for AT4 and Denali continue to increase despite the interest rates and lack of incentives.
Does that bother you?
It is time, with it’s own charm, for GMC to take on Jeep. Hummer makes this easier. Buick as a GMC sub brand makes sense.
Cadillac is doomed. GMC is GM’s premium brand
Steve, this is 100% not true. There is a considerable difference in ride quality and refinement in the Cadillacs. While there might be some similarities on paper, it’s night and day difference between GMC Denali Ultimate and Cadillac Premium Luxury Platinum.
Probably safe to say this is one comparison the majority of vehicle owners will never know. I rode in my boss’ small Cadillac SUV several years ago and while it had more features/options than my wife’s 2016 Equinox at the time, I saw NO appreciable difference in the ride quality. In terms of refinement, the Cadillac was NOT impressive. Similarly, when comparing the ride quality/cabin noise of his Toyota Avalon (a Lexus wannabe), my daughter’s 2016 Cruze LT won that challenge hands down.
I could see them dropping the pro/w/t with next redesign of the 1500, let that business go to chevy. The sle and slt could be replaced with packages on the elevation for simplification.
Bring the Canyon SLT back!