General Motors refreshed the light-duty GMC Sierra 1500 for the 2022 (technically 2022.5, or 2022 interim) model year, debuting a laundry list of updates and changes. Among these was updated styling, with each trim level once again trim-specific styling cues. Now, we’re taking a look at the GMC Sierra AT4 and GMC Sierra Elevation in the following side-by-side photo comparison.
The two models here are presented in Thunderstorm Gray (paint code GNO) and Dynamic Blue Metallic (paint code GLT), with the GMC Sierra AT4 in gray, and the Elevation in blue. Both trucks show a monochromatic exterior with body-color bumpers and black window surrounds, but a variety of subtle styling cues and functional equipment set them apart.
Up front, both pickups share the updated LED headlights with the C-shaped signature, but the fascia do have subtle differences. The AT4 features a black grille header and a grille with grey inserts, while the Elevation uses a body-color grille header and a full-width black grille. The AT4’s red recovery hooks immediately signal its off-road intent, contrasting with the black tow hooks on the Elevation. Beneath the grille, the center insert between the tow hooks is closed off on the AT4 but features a slotted design on the Elevation. Both trucks incorporate black mirror housings, but the AT4 features a set of glossy mirror caps with perimeter lighting embedded.
In terms of stance and profile, the AT4 clearly rides higher, a result of trim-specific upgrades like a factory-installed two-inch lift. Along the front fenders, the gray AT4 also carries badging for the 6.2L V8 engine (the L87). Meanwhile, this particular Elevation is powered by the turbo 2.7L I-4 L3B engine – one of three engines offered on the Elevation. However, given that the Elevation is a pre-2024 model, it lacks the TurboMax badging.
Also, while both trucks utilize black window trim (DLO trim), the AT4 features a gloss finish that contrasts with the Elevation’s flat black treatment. The AT4 also has a body-color roof-mounted fin-style antenna, while the Elevation gets a black fin.
The AT4 is also equipped with optional running boards, specifically the Off-Road High Clearance Steps (RPO code VXW). The Elevation is offered with several running boards from the factory, including these high clearance units.
The wheel designs are identical, but diverge in finish. While the AT4 wears 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with Carbon Grey Metallic accents (RPO code NZH), the Elevation features 20-inch gloss black painted wheels (RPO code RD3).
From the rear, further differences emerge. While both have LED signature tail lamps, the Elevation makes use of incandescent bulbs for the stop lamps, turn signals, and reverse lights, while the AT4 steps up with full LED tail lights.
Additionally, the AT4 features the MultiPro Tailgate, versus the standard tailgate on the Elevation. Note that the MultiPro tailgate is available on the Elevation.
And the AT4 also includes dual “HDMI-style” exhaust outlets, while this particular Elevation uses a single outlet exiting behind the passenger-side rear tire. The Elevation can, however, be had with the dual HDMI exhaust, but only with the 5.3L V8 L84 engine or the 3.0L LZ0 I-6 turbo-diesel Duramax engine.
Finally, the unique badging reinforces each truck’s identity. The AT4 carries red-accented “AT4” emblems on the grille, front doors, and tailgate, versus Elevation badging. An additional side detail includes a “4×4” badge on the rear quarter panel of the Elevation, which is absent from the AT4.
Comments
Who wrote this article? Do they not know anything about trucks? They picked a loaded AT4 and a base Elevation. There are some Elevation Trucks with option packages that are just as loaded as SLT’s.
In the article, it says that the Elevation lacks TurboMax badging, the MultiPro tailgate, dual exhaust, and perimeter lighting on the mirrors.
I have a ’23 Elevation…mine came with the MultiPro Tailgate like on the AT4, Dual Exhaust like on the AT4, and also came with a 5.3L engine (with the V8 badge on the quarterpanel). Also, if you chose an Elevation Plus package, the Elevation would come with perimeter lighting in the mirrors.
Just because the base model doesn’t have some of the options doesn’t mean that all of the models of the same trim are built equally.
Dude are you on the spectrum, or just plain dumb?
Obviously they’re talking about the specific trucks in the photos. Obviously you can equip the trucks differently, especially the Elevation… it’s so obvious that it goes without saying.
Keep your chin up, and don’t miss the forest for the threes bud.
Tim – yes, you can configure the Elevation to your heart’s content and spec it out to have the features your mention.
But that wasn’t the purpose of this story. The purpose here was to show the finish similarities between Elevation and AT4 (monochromatic / no chrome look) and the height ride differences.
Happy truckin!
Shawn, don’t be rude be better.
Wish I could get the AT4 in blue. I would order one today if it was available in blue.
These are mostly all cosmetic features. I wanted to see mechanical or perfomance and even various functional differences. Innovation and efficiency are just not part of the product. I would be so surprised to see steps to make the truck easier to maintain. How about making park sensors easier to replace. That was the last battle I fought on mu 2016 GMC Yukon xl denali that I just sold… Went with a totally different avenue. Guesses?
All over priced and not a fan of lifted mall crawlers. I do like the blue color of the Elevation model though.
I crawl the mall after I crawl the trails in my AT4…
I absolutely love my 2025 AT4. I’ve had it for only 3 months and already put over 10,000 miles on it. I’ve been through mountainous trails and through areas that started off as a trail but had to create my own. I was very impressed with the performance of my truck. Best purchase I have ever made. By the way, I bought the TurboMax Diesel version. Great on gas.
@Jason congrats! Mine is the gray 2025 Sierra 1500 AT4 with the 6.2L in the photos in the article.
I have less miles than you (3.5K thus far) and I also love it, though I will need to address two issues with it (a sticky button in the center console and a strange noise coming from the pedal box area). I found it in Missouri and drove it home to South Florida at the end of 2024. Anyway, it’s a great truck, and congrats on yours!
PS: I assume you mean Duramax diesel, instead of TurboMax?
The AT4 is nice, however I have an Elevation diesel/X31 black on black with the 20 inchers and the M+S tires. The AT4 has the advantage with the factory lift, but the Elevation is perfectly fine without having to spend the extra money for a few aesthetic differences. You can get a front-end lift kit including the wheel alignment for $650 and you have a truck that has the look of the AT4. You have to decide if the AT4 is worth the extra money.
“The wheel designs are identical, but diverge in finish. While the AT4 wears 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with Carbon Grey Metallic accents (RPO code NZH), the Elevation features 20-inch gloss black painted wheels (RPO code RD3).”
I still do not understand why someone would take aluminum wheels and then paint them black. Give them a nice machined finish or polish them so they shine. I love the factory wheels on our 2003 GMC Envoy SLT.