In terms of pricing and capability, the GMC Sierra AT4X sits between the AT4 and the AT4X AEV edition in the GMC Sierra lineup. It was introduced with the 2022 refresh of the Sierra’s T1 generation that first came out in 2019. The AT4X trim expanded AT4 as GMC’s off-road subbrand, enhancing the rugged aesthetics and capabilities of the truck.
2025 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4
2025 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X
The casual observer may not have noticed, but the GMC Sierra AT4X now has its own grille design, an aesthetic departure from the regular Sierra AT4. When the AT4X first joined the lineup in 2022, it had the same grille design as the AT4 but with a black chrome, somewhat bronze-colored finish. Another aesthetic difference was a unique set of 18-inch gloss black wheels with Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires.
Ever since the mid-year 2023 update that added AEV components as standard equipment to the Sierra AT4X, every AT4X model has had the same grille design as the AT4X AEV Edition, which was new for the 2023 model year. This is a distinctly different grille design than the regular AT4, which has a grille similar to the SLT but with a darker finish.
2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X
2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X
The newer AT4X grille design has a more buck-tooth shape on the bottom to accommodate the high-clearance AEV bumper, and the insert design has more ridges, while the regular AT4 grille has more straight, smooth lines. This is a nice extra visual differentiator between the AT4 and AT4X, which, arguably, used to look a little too similar.
In keeping with a similar theme, the lower end of the lineup’s SLE and Elevation trims have the same grille design but different finishes (the Elevation’s is darker). On the fancier side, the Denali and Denali Ultimate trims have the same grille design but – you guessed it – a darker finish (Vader chrome) on the more expensive one, along with black GMC emblems.
Interestingly, the whole AT4 family (AT4, AT4X, AT4X AEV) for the GMC Sierra HD has the same grille design but slightly different front bumpers. The AT4 incorporates black chrome accents, and AT4X and AT4X AEV Edition variants incorporate Dark Nickel accents.
So, next time you see that face with the rugged AEV bumper hanging underneath, remember that you might not be looking at an AEV Edition. It might be a GMC Sierra AT4X that’s not quite as tough as the full-fledged AEV model, but it looks just as cool.
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