AT4 Off-Road Package Is Coming To The Entire GMC Family

No sooner had GMC announced the debut of the sharply dressed Canyon Denali’s downright rugged AT4 alternative, and another news blast came down the pipeline from Vail, Colorado. Apparently the truck and SUV exclusive arm of GM has decided to go full AT4 on the whole damn lineup, thus making it “the only premium truck and SUV lineup that’s made to be used both on and off-road.”

2021 GMC AT4 Family

This high-end, AT4 off-road lineup now extends past the Canyon to include the Yukon, as well as the freshly revealed 2021 Terrain, making for a total of three reveals for GMC this week. According to the brand’s press release, this expansion will help complete its “pioneering move into the premium off-road space,” thus doubling the number off-road AT4 options.

First brought to market on the 2019 Sierra, the AT4 subcategory was concocted in order to provide what GM likes to refer to as “a unique persona that offers credible capability while still providing premium everyday comforts.” Off-road prowess isn’t everything though. Blending bold styling with GM’s latest technologies, and instilling Cadillac-grade refinement into the truck and SUV segment has caused the GM offshoot to see unprecedented success in recent years. Being that Sierra sales alone were up 14% year-over-year in 2019 and that the AT4 line played a major role in this growth, it is no surprise that GMC is eager to slap the AT4 badge on the rest of its offerings.

Going off buyer data, GMC has also determined that AT4 shoppers are “adventurous, affluent, highly active and younger than the average light-duty full-size pickup truck buyer.” GMC’s report shows that the AT4’s premium features, athletic design, and ability to easily conquer the run-of-the-mill off-road adventure tend to capture the eye of this demographic more than anything else.

2021 GMC Yukon AT4

For most buyers, the next-generation of the Yukon will be particularly appealing, with its nearly 5-inch-longer wheelbase, and optional, all-new 6.2-liter V8 packing 420-horsepower and a standard 10-speed transmission. There’s also been a 6.1-inch increase in the SUV’s overall length, creating 41% more third-row legroom and 66% greater cargo volume behind the 3rd row, both of which the outgoing generation desperately needed.

Phil Brook, vice president of GMC Marketing, recognizes the fact that these amendments needed to be made, explaining that, “For each of the AT4 variants, we listened to our customers and made sure the vehicles met their active lifestyle needs.”

So people dig the AT4’s off-road-ready exterior, black chrome grille, red recovery hooks, unique fog light surrounds, and AT4 badging, along with all of those aluminum interior accents and exclusive fabric colors. But what performance perks does the AT4 line offer the average off-road enthusiast?

In order to shine a little light on what each AT4 equipped vehicle receives, GMC has given us a written breakdown, with the Terrain AT4 being the only truck still somewhat shrouded in secrecy. And while pricing has yet to be announced, we get the feeling that off-road enthusiasts will be willing to pay the premium in order to get their hands on these hot new GMC AT4 offerings.

 

AT4 Lineup And Features:

  • Sierra AT4 offers a 2-inch factory lift, skid plates, Rancho monotube shocks, a standard MultiPro Tailgate, available Carbon Fiber Bed, and available Mud-Terrain tires.
  • Sierra HD AT4 features an off-road suspension, skid plates, Rancho shocks, a standard MultiPro Tailgate, and up to 15 innovative camera views that help benefit not just trailering, but visibility over rough terrain and in tight corners.
  • Acadia AT4 features an Advanced Twin-Clutch AWD System for increased capability on mixed surfaces, All-Terrain tires, and Traction Select with Off-Road Mode.
  • Canyon AT4 comes standard with off-road-tuned suspension, an automatic locking rear differential, and 31-inch Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires. (available Spring 2020)
  • Yukon AT4 offers air suspension with 4-inches of adjustability, an electronic limited-slip differential, and a 15-inch head-up display. (available Summer 2020)
  • Terrain AT4 will feature a rugged exterior, confident capability, and advanced technology. (available Fall 2020)

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Micah Wright

Raised on LEGOs by grandfathers who insisted on fixing everything themselves, Micah has been a petrolhead in training since age four. His favorite past times include craft beer, strong cigars, fast cars, and culinary creativity in all of its forms.
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