The GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X is GM’s answer to the premium off-road truck segment, competing directly with giants like the Ford F-150 Raptor and the Ram TRX. It promises a blend of extreme capability and high-end luxury. But does it deliver on all fronts?
After spending significant time with the AT4X, it’s clear that while GM got a lot right, there are some frustrating design choices that leave you scratching your head. If you are considering dropping serious coin on this premium rig, you need to know the whole story.
Here is a breakdown of the five things I absolutely love about the Sierra 1500 AT4X, and five things I hate about it.
5 Things I Love About the Sierra 1500 AT4X
The AT4X gets a lot of things right, making it one of the most versatile trucks on the road today.
1. The Multimatic DSSV Suspension
If you’ve followed my reviews, you know I can't say enough good things about this suspension. The Multimatic DSSV (Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve) dampers are game-changers.
This isn't just a standard off-road shock; it’s high-end racing technology found on vehicles like Ferraris, the Camaro ZL1, and Corvette Z06. While they are tuned for off-road performance, what makes them incredible is how they handle on-road driving. They provide one of the nicest rides of any truck on the market, soaking up bumps without feeling floaty.
2. The Engine Options (V8 or Diesel)
Unlike its main competitors, the AT4X gives you a choice under the hood. The Ford Raptor and Ram TRX are notoriously thirsty trucks.
With the AT4X, you can opt for the roaring 6.2L V8 for pure performance. However, if you plan on commuting or taking long road trips, you can choose the 3.0L Duramax Diesel. The ability to get near 25 MPG in a hardcore off-road truck is a massive advantage that absolutely no other premium off-roader offers.
3. The Standard Truck Size
This might sound counterintuitive for an off-roader, but I love that the AT4X is a standard-sized pickup. It has a factory 2-inch lift, but it isn't extra wide like a Raptor or TRX.
Those wide-body trucks are geared for high-speed desert running—something very few owners actually do. The AT4X fits in parking spots, fits in garages, and is easier to maneuver daily. You get all the luxury amenities and off-road capability without driving a tank that doesn't fit in a drive-thru.
4. Massaging Seats
The interior of the AT4X is stunning, featuring full-grain leather. But the real winner here is the inclusion of massaging seats. Some people dismiss this as a gimmick, but once you have them on a long drive after a hard day of work, you will never want a truck without them. It’s a true luxury feature.
5. Factory Active Exhaust (on the 6.2L V8)
On 2024 and newer models equipped with the 6.2L V8, GM included a fantastic active exhaust system. When you toggle the truck into "Sport Mode," it opens up the baffles in the exhaust, similar to a Corvette. It gives the truck a much louder, throatier note straight from the factory, saving you the hassle and expense of installing an aftermarket system.
5 Things I Hate About the Sierra 1500 AT4X
Despite the incredible ride and luxury features, there are five areas where GMC missed the mark on this premium truck.
1. The Clunky Massage Seat Controls
While I love having massage seats, I hate how you have to operate them. To adjust the settings or lumbar support, you have to use a physical, twist-and-click knob on the side of the seat base.
It is incredibly clunky to navigate through the menus using this blind knob mechanism. Why isn't this integrated into the massive center touchscreen? You change your radio and settings on the screen; seat adjustments should be there too.
2. No Super Cruise Available
Super Cruise is GM’s industry-leading hands-free driver assistance technology. It is available on the Sierra Denali and Denali Ultimate. Surprisingly, you cannot get it on the AT4X pickup.
To make matters more confusing, the upcoming 2025 Yukon AT4 Ultimate will have Super Cruise. It makes no sense for a top-tier, expensive truck like the Sierra AT4X to lack this flagship technology.
3. The Front Grille Material Quality
There is a known issue with the material used on the specific dark grille of the AT4X. It does not hold up well to road debris. One stone chip gets in there, and the finish starts to peel away rapidly. I have seen many of these grilles having to be repainted under warranty because the factory finish is just too cheap and fragile for a truck meant to see dirt.
4. The Kicker Tailgate Audio System
Standard on the AT4X is a Kicker sound system built into the MultiPro tailgate. Unfortunately, this is a standalone Bluetooth system. It does not integrate with the truck’s interior Bose audio.
It is clunky to pair, often has connectivity issues, and frankly, feels like an unnecessary add-on. I’ve seen brand new trucks where dealers couldn't even get it working during delivery. I'd rather they leave it out entirely.
5. Rear Leaf Spring Suspension
While the Multimatic shocks are amazing, the rear suspension architecture is outdated. The AT4X still uses a traditional leaf spring setup in the rear.
The Ford Raptor uses a far superior multi-link rear coil suspension, which offers better articulation off-road and generally better ride dynamics. The leaf springs on the AT4X don't offer any real towing or payload advantage over a multi-link setup, especially since the AT4X's towing capacity is already reduced due to its off-road suspension. In a premium off-roader, a multi-link rear should be standard.
Final Thoughts
The GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X is a phenomenal driving truck that offers a unique blend of daily usability and off-road chops that its wider competitors can't match. However, for the price point, annoyances like the lack of Super Cruise and clunky interface controls are hard to ignore.
For a full visual walkthrough of these pros and cons, check out the video below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qU7CNw_ZYO4