Are you looking to purchase a new GMC and you are confused by their nameplates like the AT4 and the Denali? So, you are looking to learn what does AT4 stand for? Well, if that is the case, then you are at the right place because there will be a lot to cover on this topic.
Performing proper research before you go out there on the market and purchase a vehicle is key if you don’t want to get the wrong car or truck. And frankly, the choice is really significant when it comes to picking a new vehicle.
So, the different brands and the different trim levels can be very confusing for people who are not into cars and do not follow regularly the market and the novelties in the car world. And this is why we are here to simplify this for you and help you understand which model is the way to go when it comes to the GMC. Especially when it comes to the choice between the AT4 and the Denali.
First, we are going to learn more about GMC and its history. Then we will go through their lineup and after that, we will learn what does AT4 stand for. We will cover all the interesting bits and then we will compare this trim with the Denali trim which is one of the most popular trims when it comes to GMC and see where both stand.
After that, we will learn more about the pricing and see how expensive it is to purchase a truck with this trim. So, if you want to learn more, follow along.
Who Are GMC (And What Does AT4 Stand For)?
Now before we dive into understanding what does AT4 stand for, let’s take a look at GMC first and learn more about its history. Still, you want to purchase a GMC, and knowing a little bit of their background is essential when it comes to determining whether or not the GMC logo will suit you. So, let’s cover some of the most interesting facts about GMC in this chapter.
If you didn’t know, the GMC acronym stands for General Motors Truck Company. And its name tells you everything. This is the General Motors’ truck division. This means that they focus solely on workhorse vehicles.
Basically, anything that is intended for commercial service. Starting from trucks, buses, vans, SUVs, motor homes, and more.
This brand was formed in 1911 and it has a long lineage of more than 110 years. So, since they are so long present on the market we can assume that they make really good vehicles. And that is the case.
In fact, together with Chevrolet, Dodge, and Ford, they are the top choice when it comes to choosing new light-duty pickup trucks. And most of the customers from any of these brands love to stick with their favorite brand. So, GMC has a ton of following and very satisfied customers.
Another thing to add is that they are basically under a single roof with Chevy. This means that they share a ton of parts and their cars are basically made on the same platforms. Even though, GM is trying to make them distinctive by adding different trims. And what does AT4 stand for? Well, we are going to cover this in a bit.
GMC Present Lineup
Now let’s cover the GMC lineup briefly before we learn what does AT4 stand for. We will primarily focus on the model that has the AT4 under their name and not includes models that are not wearing the AT4 badge. So, if you want to learn more about the different GMC models, follow along.
GMC Terrain AT4
Before learning what does AT4 stand for, let’s take a look at the first model that wears this AT4 badge. And that is the GMC Terrain.
The GMC Terrain is a small compact SUV that is offered by GMC since 2010. Now, this model is in its second iteration which was introduced in 2017 for the 2018 year model.
This model is assembled in a GM facility in Mexico and is based on the same platform as the Chevy Equinox and the Buick Envision.
It is equipped with a small 1.5 turbo engine that is producing 170hp and 203lb-ft of torque. In terms of transmission, this model comes equipped with a 9-speed automatic that delivers buttery-smooth shifts.
There are a couple of trim levels that are included. Namely the SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali. But what does AT4 stand for? More on this in a bit after we cover all of the models.
GMC Acadia AT4
Now the second model that we would like to discuss before we learn what does AT4 stand for is the GMC Acadia.
The GMC Acadia is a mid-size SUV. This means that this SUV is a bit bigger than the Terrain but still not big as a full-size SUV. But something in between. This model can seat up to 7 people which is quite nice to have
The Acadia was introduced in 2007 and at the moment is in its second generation. The present generation of the Acadia was introduced in 2017 for the 2018 model year similar to the Terrain.
The Acadia is produced in Spring Hill Tennessee and shares the same platform with other GM products. Namely, the Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5 and XT6, Chevy Blazer, and Chevy Traverse.
This model comes equipped with a 2.0L straight-4 engine that is turbocharged. This engine outputs about 228hp and 258lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic.
The Acadia comes in several trim levels. Namely, the SLT, SLE, AT4, and Denali. But what does AT4 stand for? We will get to that in a bit after we finish with the rest of the lineup.
GMC Yukon AT4
Now before we learn what does AT4 stand for, let’s learn more about the bigger brother of the Acadia and the Terrain, which is the GMC Yukon.
The GMC Yukon is GMC’s take on the full-size SUV. This SUV is a full size which means that it could easily fit even 8 people in it. It has five doors, a big grille, and a huge presence on the road.
The Yukon is assembled in Arlington, Texas and it is basically sharing the same platform with the Chevy Suburban and the Cadillac Escalade.
This model comes with three different engines. Two gasoline V8s and a straight-6 Duramax diesel. The gasoline engines are the good old 5.3 and 6.2 Chevy engines. The 5.3 produces about 355hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, while the 6.2 is making 420hp and 460 lb-ft of torque.
These engines come paired with the 10-speed Hydramatic transmission that will deliver perfectly smooth shifts.
The Yukon comes in four different trims, the SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali. But what does AT4 stand for? More on that we are going to cover in a bit after we discuss all of the GMC models that wear this AT4 badge.
GMC Canyon AT4
The next model that we would like to discuss before we learn what does AT4 stand for is the GMC Canyon. The Canyon is a mid-size pickup truck that is basically on par with the Chevy Colorado and the new Ford Maverick.
The Canyon was introduced in 2003 and at the time we are speaking, this model is in its second generation. This generation was introduced in 2011 and is still produced to this day. It is assembled in Wentzville, Missouri.
This GMC model shares the same platform with its sibling the Chevy Colorado and also the Chevy Trailblazer (fun fact, go check out our explainer on the Trailblazer bolt pattern). The Canyon comes with two types of cab. A short and long crew cab. And an extended cab.
When it comes to engines, the Canyon comes equipped with a 2.5l straight-4 petrol engine that is producing 200hp and 191lb-ft of torque, a 3.6 gasoline V6 that produces 308hp, and 275lb-ft of torque, or a 2.8l turbo diesel engine.
When it comes to the trim levels of the Canyon, we can say that there are three of them. The first is the Elevation Standard, the AT4, and the Denali. But what does AT4 stand for? We will get to that in a bit after we cover the last GMC model that has the AT4 badge.
GMC Sierra AT4
The last model that we will discuss before we cover what does AT4 stand for is the GMC Sierra. The GMC Sierra is GMC’s take on the full-size pickup truck and through the years this truck has built a huge reputation.
The Sierra at the moment of speaking is in its fifth generation. This truck was introduced in 2018 for the 2019 model year. This model shares a lot of its components with the Chevy Silverado. It is assembled in three factories across the US and Canada and it is frankly one of the best-sellers in this market.
The Sierra comes with a choice of a few different engines. But if you really want a proper truck, the 5.3 V8, and the 6.2 V8 should be your options since these are the most potent ones. Also, there is a diesel variant. Namely, the 3.0L Duramax inline-6 engine.
In terms of transmissions, we can say that there are two transmissions available at the moment of speaking. An 8-speed automatic and a 10-speed Hydra-Matic. Which is also an automatic only with a fancy name. But what is worth noting is that this transmission also performs quite well.
When it comes to trim levels there is the LT, SLE, SLT, AT4, and the Denali. But what does AT4 stand for? We will get to that in a second.
GMC Future Lineup
Now before we dive into what AT4 stands for, let’s discuss another topic. And that is the GMC lineup for the foreseeable future.
And when it comes to future models, we can say that there are two interesting models that should be released in the next year or the year after that.
The first model is the Yukon Denali Ultimate. And the second model is the Hummer EV. The first should be available in fall 2022 and the second should be released in 2023.
The Denali Ultimate is a step further than the development of the standard Denali and this model will offer a ton of features that the present Denali is lacking. As GMC would say, the Denali Ultimate will bring ultimate luxury and a ton of new tech like super cruise and driver assistance technologies.
On the other hand, the Hummer EV will be GMs take on the electric market and this truck will basically be one of the most attractive SUVs on the market for the buyers who are into electric cars. But what does AT4 stand for? Well, more on that we are going to cover in the next chapter.
What Does AT4 Stand For
We have covered all the models that bring the AT4 package and we also learned more about the future models that GMC will release in the foreseeable future. And we think that now it is time to focus on the AT4 package and learn what does AT4 stand for. So, let’s start discussing.
The AT4 is a special trim level offered exclusively on GMC SUVs and trucks. The AT4 abbreviation stands for All-Terrain 4WD. The models that have this trim are as we mentioned. Namely, the SUVs, GMC Terrain, GMC Acadia, and GMC Yukon. And also the pickups which are the GMC Canyon and the GMC Sierra.
All these models have the AT4 trim level and if you want it you can purchase it for your new truck. This trim level is a special off-road package. This means that it is focused solely on off-road duties.
This trim is perfect for people who want to try and experience an adventure. So, if you are one of those people with an adventurous spirit this trim is the perfect trim for you and if you have the money, you should definitely go for it.
Personally, since I read what comes with the AT4, I really got pleasantly surprised since at first glance I thought that this is only a badge that people would spend money on it and don’t get anything. But actually, this trim is fairly good. But what does AT4 stand for? Well, we covered that, now let’s learn what you will get with this trim.
What Does The AT4 Package Include (And What Does AT4 Stand For)
So, we learned what does AT4 stand for, now let’s learn more about what you will get with this trim level if you decide to opt for your GMC with the AT4.
This trim level is perfect if you like to drive on off-road trails. The first thing that you will get is a skid plate. The AT4 is all engineered for action (and it helps to have a skid plate to protect catalytic converter).
These skid plates will guarantee that whenever you drive off-road, you will not damage anything underneath the SUV or truck. And these skid plates are really heftily designed to tackle big obstacles.
The second benefit of this off-road package is the lift that you will get. On the Sierra AT4, this lift is about 2 inches which will help you get more than 10 inches of ground clearance.
Another thing that this package includes are the red recovery hooks at the front end. This is how you can differentiate a regular GMC from the ones that have the trail package. These red hooks are characteristic of the AT4.
The next important thing that this trim package will deliver is the active torque control AWD system. This system is an active one, which means that it reacts on demand and will deliver you optimum traction when needed in order to tackle every hill.
Another really important feature of this system is the hill descent control. That will allow you to descend any hill with ease.
In addition to the performance upgrades, you will also get visual upgrades as well. Special AT4 interior with red accents, blacked-out wheels, and more. So, we learned what does AT4 stand for, now let’s take a look and compare this trim with the Denali.
AT4 VS Denali
We have learned what does AT4 stand for, now let’s take a look at the AT4 vs Denali. How do these two trim levels compare with each other?
Well, we can say that both of them are a bit more upscale trims that you can choose from. But they both are targeted at different audiences, Which means that even though there is the same powertrain under the hood, the vehicles perform really differently.
The AT4 is focused solely on off-road performance. This trim level has an active 4WD suspension and a ton of tweaks to run really well in off-road environments. While the Denali is more focused on luxury.
When it comes to the Denali, you basically focus on having the most comfortable pickup truck that you can find with all the bells and whistles available. And when it comes to this, there is hardly any competitor to the Denali.
But on the other hand, the AT4 is more focused on a single area and that is off-road and when it comes to this, it is one of the best trucks. But how does the AT4 compare to the Denali when it comes to luxury?
Well, in this aspect, the AT4 is still good but is lacking a bit to be like the Denali. The Denali is a step ahead in this segment and this is why they are called different trims.
Manufacturers simply cannot create trims that are the same. If that was the case, choosing a trim would have been a pointless thing to do. So, we learned what does AT4 stand for and learned more about the comparison with the Denali, let’s now discuss more on the pricing of the AT4.
GMC AT4 Price
Now as we learned what does AT4 stand for, let’s now focus on the pricing and learn how much money does the AT4 version costs. We will list all of the models that have this trim level accordingly and the starting prices.
The GMC Terrain which is the smallest of the bunch starts at about $34,000, its bigger brother the Acadia starts at $41,000, and the biggest form the SUVs the Yukon AT4 starts at $67,000.
Then there are the pickup trucks. The smallest GMC Canyon begins at $38,400. The Sierra AT4 starts at $62,500, Sierra 1500 Limited AT4 starts at $56,000, and the Sierra HD AT4 starts at $63,000. Overall, these are the prices that you need to know when it comes to what does AT4 stand for.
GMC Sierra AT4 Facts:
- The AT4 in the GMC Sierra AT4 stands for All-Terrain 4WD.
- The trim was introduced in the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 as the model between the SLT and the Denali.
- The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 has a 3.0-liter I6 diesel engine offering a best-in-class 277-hp and 460 lb-ft of torque.
- The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 has a 2-speed automatic transfer case, automatic locking rear differentials, and 18-inch tires with a 2-inch clearance for off-roading.
- The interior of the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 includes heated and ventilated front seats with aluminum detailing and a Bose sound system.
- The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X is a premium version of the off-road truck with suspension upgrades, Terrain Mode, and front and rear e-locking differentials.
- The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X has a 6.2-liter V8 matched to a 10-speed automatic transmission and costs $78,700.
- The GMC Sierra AT4 is designed to be a truck just for off-roading, with everything that an off-road enthusiast could want in their pickup.
- The AT4 package includes LED lights and a special AT4 grille, with the LED lights lighting up in sequence when starting or walking toward or away from the pickup truck.
- The GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X has some features in common with the Denali Ultimate, including its engine and luxury touches.
Conclusion To What Does AT4 Stand For
In this article, we have covered quite a bit when it comes to the question of what does AT4 stand for. First, we learned more about GMC and listed all of their models that offer the AT4 trim.
After that, we learned what this AT4 trim is and what does it represents. We learned what does ATF stand for and listed in detail what this trim offers. After that, we compared the AT4 with the Denali and we listed the starting prices for all of the AT4 models.
F.A.Q To What Does AT4 Stand For
Now let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
What Does GMC Stand For
GMC stands for General Motors Truck Company. As the definition implies, this is the truck division of General Motors. They produce trucks, vans, SUVs, and other heavy equipment designed for commercial activities.
What Does Denali Mean
When it comes to trucks, Denali is a trim level by GMC that they use to market their trucks. And for this name, they were inspired by the mount Denali which is the highest peak in North America.
What Is The AT4 Package
The AT4 package refers to the all-terrain 4WD. This is a special off-road trim made by GMC to offer buyers the ability to experience off-road courses and do some trail driving with their trucks.
What Does AT4 Stand For GMC
AT4 stands for All-Terrain 4WD. This is a special trim by GMC that is offered on most of their lineup and is designed for off-road enthusiasts and people who want to experience things with their trucks like trail driving and hill climbing.
What Does SLT Stand For GMC
The SLT is a special trim by GMC that is designed for luxury. And the letters SLT refer precisely to that. Special Luxury Touring. This trim is designed for the people who drive a lot and want to feel comfortable while doing so and enjoy driving long distances.
What Does SLE Stand For GMC
The SLE stands for Special Luxury Edition. This model is a step above the standard SL model and includes more luxury items such as a better interior, more quality materials, and other improvements that will make you enjoy your truck a lot more.
