If you have been driving around Lancaster County lately, you have probably seen more of these aggressive off-road builds hitting the streets. At Mark Martin Motors, we get a lot of questions about whether the top-tier dirt-ready trucks are actually worth the massive price jump over a standard Sierra.
The AT4X is GMC’s answer to the hardcore off-road market, and we recently spent some time with one right here in Ephrata to see how it actually holds up in the real world. This specific truck we are looking at today even has a few extra goodies, like some Method wheels and tires that push it closer to a 35 inch setup compared to the factory 33s.
The Five Things That Make the AT4X Incredible
There is no denying that GMC built a monster with this one. Even though it is designed for the trail, some of the best features are things you will appreciate every time you pull out of your driveway.
That 6.2L V8 Power and Sound
I know the 6.2 has its critics, but I absolutely love this engine. It is a naturally aspirated V8 putting out 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. It just feels fun. One of the best parts is the active exhaust that comes from the factory. When you put it in sport mode, it opens up the baffles and sounds like a sports car. You don't even need to go out and buy an aftermarket Borla system because it already sounds savage. If the cylinder deactivation or start-stop tech bothers you, just grab a range management device and plug it into your OBD port—it is an easy fix for a great motor.
High-End Racing Suspension
The suspension on this truck is a work of art. It uses DSSV Multimatic shocks, which are usually reserved for high-performance sports cars and racing vehicles. These aren't just "soft" shocks for a comfortable ride; they are engineered specifically for off-road feedback. You can toggle through terrain modes like rock or snow, and the truck adjusts the feedback to match the ground under your tires. It is easily one of the best factory suspension setups on the market right now.
An Interior That Feels Like a Cadillac
GMC really nailed the Obsidian Rush interior. It is full-grain black leather with red stitching and white piping. Unlike the Ford Raptor with its loud blue interior or the Tremor with the yellow accents, the AT4X stays classy. It feels like a luxury truck. You get massaging seats with six different settings, a micro-suede headliner, heated and cooled seats, and a heated steering wheel. It has that Denali level of comfort but in a truck that looks ready for the woods.
The Reality Check: Five Things to Dislike
As much as I love this truck, there are some serious trade-offs you need to consider before signing the papers, especially if you plan on using it as a daily driver around Central PA.
The Fuel Bill and Premium Gas
If you are sensitive to gas prices, look away. I usually average between 11 and 13 miles per gallon running around town. On a long highway trip to Florida, I saw maybe 16 or 17 mpg, but that is about as good as it gets. To top it off, you really need to run premium fuel in the 6.2L engine to avoid issues. Between the low mileage and the higher cost of premium, you are going to see dollar signs floating out the window every time you hit the gas.
Lower Capability for Work
Because this is a "true" off-road truck with a lift and specialized shocks, you lose out on work specs. The towing capacity drops to around 8,700 or 8,900 lbs, whereas a standard AT4 can usually handle over 10,500 lbs. Your payload is also limited to about 1,500 lbs. Plus, you are stuck with the short 5.5-foot bed; you can't get the longer bed option on the AT4X.
The Massive Price Tag and Depreciation
Brand new, these trucks are crossing the $90,000 mark. That is Raptor territory and a huge amount of money for a half-ton pickup. The kicker is the depreciation. I have seen these on used lots in the mid-$60k range after just a short time. That is a massive hit for the first owner, though it makes them a fantastic value if you can find one used.
Features Most People Won't Use
You are paying a premium for front and rear lockers and heavy-duty steel skid plates. Most owners—myself included—will probably never actually lock that front axle or put those skid plates to the test on a rock crawl. You are paying for a lot of capability that ends up just being "cool to have" rather than "need to have."
The Missing Super Cruise
This is a big sticking point for me. On a Denali Ultimate, which costs about the same, Super Cruise (the hands-free driving tech) is standard. On the AT4X, you can't even add it as an option. For a top-of-the-line truck aimed at buyers who want the best of everything, leaving out the self-driving tech feels like a major oversight by GM.
Should You Buy the AT4X?
At the end of the day, if you have the money and you love the look, 100% go for it. The ride quality on 35s with that Multimatic suspension is incredible. If you were thinking about buying a regular AT4 and lifting it yourself, just buy the AT4X instead. It is already dialed in from the factory and looks absolutely savage.
If you want to see this truck in action and hear that exhaust for yourself, check out the full video below.